How is para dressage scored?
B · Beginner · Competition · 4 of 4Judges mark each movement out of 10, and the total becomes a percentage of the maximum, published to three decimals. An error of course costs 0.5 percentage points a judge, a second 1 point; a third eliminates. Technical faults cost 0.5%. Elimination also follows a fall, lameness, fresh blood on the horse, resistance over 60 seconds or outside help.
How it works
- Marks: 0 to 10, halves allowed.
- Result: percentage, to three decimals.
- First error: 0.5 points a judge.
- Second error: 1 point.
- Third error: elimination.
- Technical faults: 0.5% each.
- Elimination: fall, lameness, blood, outside help.
- Ties for a medal: highest total median score.
The glossary has the percentage score (para dressage), the technical faults and errors (para dressage), the elimination (para dressage), the ties (para dressage), the penalty for incorrect aids and the Ground Jury (para dressage).
Tricky cases
The rider loses a stirrup and a helper fixes it. Eliminated?
No. That movement scores zero.
The horse leaves the arena with all four feet. Result?
Elimination, if wilful.
Two riders tie for fourth. How is it settled?
They share the place.
Entering with leg bandages on the horse?
A 0.5% technical fault.
Why the rule exists
Percentages let tests with different maximums be compared. Elimination for blood or lameness protects the horse.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Errors | 0.5, 1, then out | 8421.3 |
| Technical faults | 0.5% | 8421.3.2 |
| Ties | Median, top three only | 8422.2 |
From the rule book
FEI, Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition (1 January 2026), articles 8421, 8422 and 8438. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FEI Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition.