How big is a para dressage arena?
I · Intermediate · Competition · 2 of 3Grades I to III ride in a 20 m by 40 m arena and Grades IV and V in 20 m by 60 m, at least 10 m from the public. Tests are official FEI tests, never modified. A CPEDI1* runs Para Novice tests, a 2* Para Intermediate and a 3* Para Grand Prix with teams. Starting order is drawn per Grade.
How it works
- Grades I to III: 20 m by 40 m.
- Grades IV and V: 20 m by 60 m.
- Fence: low and white, about 30 cm.
- Public: at least 10 m away outdoors.
- Tests: official, never modified.
- CPEDI levels: Novice, Intermediate, Grand Prix.
- Ten minutes arena: last practice, one rider at a time.
- Draw: per Grade, three-entry nations first.
The glossary has the arena (para dressage), the para dressage tests, the para dressage competitions by level, the ten minutes arena, the starting order draw (para dressage) and the CPEDI.
Tricky cases
Must riders use the ten minutes arena?
No.
Can an organiser change a test?
No. Only official FEI tests are used.
Two riders from one nation in the same Grade. Can they ride back to back?
They are kept at least two apart where possible.
Are practice arenas full size?
20 m by 60 m, markable down to 20 m by 40 m.
Why the rule exists
A smaller arena suits walk and trot tests. Official tests mean every rider in a Grade is judged on the same work.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Grades I to III | 20 by 40 m | 8407 |
| Grades IV and V | 20 by 60 m | 8407 |
| CPEDI3* | Team event | 8402 |
From the rule book
FEI, Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition (1 January 2026), articles 8402, 8403, 8407, 8414 and 8415. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FEI Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition.