2024_paris_014

Paris 2024: Para Equestrian.

Para dressage, known at the Paralympic Games as para equestrian, sees athletes classified into five grades, depending on their levels of mobility, strength and coordination. Grade 1 tests are ridden in walk, grade 2 and 3 include walk and trot, and grade 4 and 5 are comprised of walk, trot and canter.

To assist them during their tests, riders may use additional aids such as looped reins or callers, and nations can enlist 'friend' horses to stand just outside the arena to help the competing horse stay relaxed. There are five judges marking each test, spread at different points around the arena.

In Paris, the para equestrian competition will run through the second week of the Games period. A total of 78 athlete/horse combinations will take part, with 60 combinations from 15 nations contesting the team competition. There are 33 medals awarded for the team, individual and freestyle competitions across five grades.