To enable you to access all of the support and competitions that we offer, the first place to start is to become a Para Equestrian Ireland member.
To compete in national competitions the rider must have an Eligible Impairment which must be permanent, verifiable and measurable. All para equestrian riders are required to go through the PE Classification application two-step process; submit the relevant forms and medical information and if you are eligible you will have to be physically classified an Athlete Evaluation (physical assessment). Conducted through Paralympic Ireland, the classification is completed by a qualified Classifier who assesses power, coordination and range of movement of the athlete.
As result of the assessment, the rider will be awarded with a profile that will place them into one of the five Grades (I, II, III, IV or V), as follows:
| Grade I | Athletes in Grade I have severe impairments affecting all limbs and trunk. The Athlete usually requires the use of a wheelchair. They may be able to walk with an unsteady gait. Trunk and balance are severely impaired. |
| Grade II | Athletes in Grade II have either a severe impairment of the trunk and minimal impairment of the upper limbs or moderate impairment of the trunk, upper and lower limbs. Most Athletes in this Grade use a wheelchair in daily life. |
| Grade III | Athletes in Grade III have severe impairments in both lower limbs with minimal or no impairment of the trunk or moderate impairment of the upper and lower limbs and trunk. Some Athletes in this Grade may use a wheelchair in daily life. |
| Grade IV | Athletes in Grade IV have a severe impairment or deficiency of both upper limbs or a moderate impairment of all four limbs or short stature. Athletes in Grade IV are able to walk and generally do not require a wheelchair in daily life. Grade IV also includes Athletes having a visual impairment equivalent to B1 with very low visual acuity and/or no light perception. |
| Grade V | Athletes in Grade V have a mild impairment of movement or muscle strength or a deficiency of one limb or mild deficiency of two limbs. Grade V also includes Athletes with visual impairment equivalent to B2 with a higher visual acuity than visually impaired Athletes competing in Grade IV and/or a visual field of less than 5 degrees radius. |
Para Dressage is the sport of Dressage, the highest expression of horse training, for Athletes with an impairment.
Para-Equestrian – Horse Sport Ireland
Para-equestrian is a discipline available to people with disabilities who compete in classes according to the level of their physical disability, in both Dressage and Driving.
