Para-equestrian classification is a system for para-equestrian sport is a graded system based on the degree of physical or visual disability and handled at the international level by the FEI. The sport has eligible classifications for people with physical and vision disabilities. Groups of eligible riders include The sport is open to competitors with impaired muscle power, athetosis, impaired passive range of movement, hypertonia, limb deficiency, ataxia, leg length difference, short stature, and vision impairment. They are grouped into five different classes to allow fair competition. These classes are Grade I, Grade II, Grade III, Grade IV, and Grade V(Grade Names Changed as of Jan 2017) . The para-equestrian classification does not consider the gender of the rider, as equestrines compete in mixed gender competitions.

History of classification

In 1983, classification for cerebral palsy competitors in this sport was done by the

Cerebral Palsy-International Sports and Recreation Association The Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA) is an international sports and recreation association for cerebral palsy and related neurological conditions. CPISRA organise recreational opportunities, develop adaptive ...

(CP-ISRA). They defined cerebral palsy as a non-progressive brain legion that results in impairment. People with cerebral palsy or non-progressive brain damage were eligible for classification by them. The organisation also dealt with classification for people with similar impairments. For their classification system, people with

spina bifida Spina bifida (Latin for 'split spine'; SB) is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the spine and the membranes around the spinal cord during early development in pregnancy. There are three main types: spina bifida occulta, me ...

were not eligible unless they had medical evidence of loco-motor dysfunction. People with cerebral palsy and

epilepsy Epilepsy is a group of non-communicable neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking due to abnormal electrical ...

were eligible provided the condition did not interfere with their ability to compete. People who had strokes were eligible for classification following medical clearance. Competitors with

multiple sclerosis Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...

muscular dystrophy Muscular dystrophies (MD) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of rare neuromuscular diseases that cause progressive weakness and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time. The disorders differ as to which muscles are primarily affe ...

and

arthrogryposis Arthrogryposis (AMC) describes congenital joint contracture in two or more areas of the body. It derives its name from Greek, literally meaning "curving of joints" (', "joint"; ', late Latin form of late Greek ', "hooking"). Children born with one ...

were not eligible for classification by CP-ISRA, but were eligible for classification by

International Sports Organisation for the Disabled The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) is an international sports organisation that governs sports for athletes with physical impairments. IWAS is a registered charity with its headquarters located at Aylesbury Colle ...

for the Games of Les Autres. The CP-ISRA used the classification system designed for field athletics events. In 1983, there were five cerebral palsy classifications. Class 1 competitors could compete in the Division 1, Class 1 and Class 2 events, while riding with a leader and 2 siderwalkers and/or a backwalker. In 1990, the

Equestrian Australia Equestrian Australia (EA) is the national governing body for equestrian sports in Australia. These sports include the FEI-recognized disciplines of dressage, eventing, show jumping, equestrian vaulting, endurance riding, reining, para-equestria ...

did not have specific classifications for competitors with disabilities. Acknowledging membership needs though, some rules had organically developed that looked like classifications based on rule modification for different disability types. These included acknowledging one-armed riders were not required to hold the reins in both arms, riders with hearing loss were given visual signals instead of audio signals at the start of and during an event, and blind riders, when they reached a marker, were given an auditory signal. When the sport was undergoing growth in 1995, a classification system was established in order to provide a level playing field for competitors. The system developed at the time was called "Functional Profile System for Grading" and was largely created by Christine Meaden, who had IPEC classifier status. By 1999, there were four classifications for competitors and 120 accredited equestrian classifiers around the world. At the New York hosted Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged, para-equestrian competition was broken into hearing and vision impaired classifications, amputee classifications, Les Autres, cerebral palsy and spinal cord disabilities. At the 1996 Summer Paralympics, classification was done at the venue because classification assessment required watching a competitor play the sport. At the 2000 Summer Paralympics, 6 assessments were conducted at the Games. This resulted in 1 class change. Because of issues in objectively identifying functionality that plagued the post Barcelona Games, the IPC unveiled plans to develop a new classification system in 2003. This classification system went into effect in 2007, and defined ten different disability types that were eligible to participate on the Paralympic level. It required that classification be sport specific, and served two roles. The first was that it determined eligibility to participate in the sport and that it created specific groups of sportspeople who were eligible to participate and in which class. The IPC left it up to International Federations, in this case FEI, to develop their own classification systems within this framework, with the specification that their classification systems use an evidence based approach developed through research. The fourth edition of FEI's classification system guide was published in January 2015. Going forward, disability sport's major classification body, the

International Paralympic Committee The International Paralympic Committee (IPC; german: Internationales Paralympisches Komitee) is an international non-profit organisation and the global governing body for the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Paralympic Games and fun ...

, is working on improving classification to be more of an evidence-based system as opposed to a performance-based system so as not to punish elite athletes whose performance makes them appear in a higher class alongside competitors who train less.

Classification process

The purpose of classification to identify the level of functional disability of a rider, completely independent of their skill level. This is because demonstration of skill is the purpose of competition. Steps are taken before and during the classification process to avoid this. Part of the process involves observing the competitor riding and doing a bench press. For this reason, classifiers do not observe a rider on their horse prior to the bench press to avoid assessing skill at functionality. During classification, classifiers look at several things including a rider's mobility, strength and coordination. This is done during a bench press, during training and in competition. After riders are classified, they are giving both a classification and a profile. This profile a number 1 to 39 for para-dressage and 1 to 32 for para-driving. This profile impacts what adaptive equipment riders can use. Each rider's classification has a status. The available statuses for classification include New, Review, Reviewed Fixe Date - Paralympic Games, and Confirmed. The status of a rider's classification affects their ability to protest their classification.

Classification governance

Internationally, classification is handled by FEI. Classification at the national level is handled by different organizations. For example, Australian para-equestrian sport and classification is managed by the national sport federation with support from the

Australian Paralympic Committee Paralympics Australia (PA) previously called the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) (1998–2019) is the National Paralympic Committee in Australia for the Paralympic Games movement. It oversees the preparation and management of Australian tea ...

. There are three types of classification available for Australian competitors: Provisional, national and international. The first is for club level competitions, the second for state and national competitions, and the third for international competitions.

Criticism

The classification system in para-equestrian has been criticized by some riders as not fully taking into account disabilities that have fluctuations in a person's regular functional abilities. This criticism specifically related to multiple sclerosis.

Diagrams

The images below are examples derived from FEI's guide. File:B1 class.png, Visualisation of functional vision for a B1 classified competitor File:B2 class.png, Visualisation of functional vision for a B2 classified competitor File:B3 class.png, Visualisation of functional vision for a B3 classified competitor File:Disability guide colours.png, Colour guide for understanding full body diagrams File:Profile 14.png, Disability type for some Grade 1b dressage competitors File:Profile 15.png, Disability type for some Grade 1b dressage competitors File:Profile 14.png, Disability type for some Grade 2 dressage competitors File:Profile 15.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 dressage competitors File:Profile 21.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 dressage competitors File:Profile 25.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 dressage competitors File:Profile 28.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 dressage competitors File:Profile 30.png, Disability type ineligible for FEI governed classification-using competitions File:Profile 42.png, Disability type ineligible for FEI governed classification-using competitions

Para-dressage classification

The Grade 1 (Grade I) para-equestrian classification is defined by ''

BBC Sport BBC Sport is the sports division of the BBC, providing national sports coverage for BBC television, radio and online. The BBC holds the television and radio UK broadcasting rights to several sports, broadcasting the sport live or alongside flag ...

'' as follows: "Grade 1 incorporates severely disabled riders with Cerebral Palsy, Les Autres and Spinal Cord Injury." In 2008, ''

'' defined this classification was "Grade 1: Severely disabled riders with cerebral palsy, les autres and spinal cord injury" In 2011, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) defined this classification as: "Riders compete in four mixed disability groups or ‘grades’, with Grade 1 split into two sub-categories (1a and 1b)." In 2008, the ''

Australian Broadcasting Corporation The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is the national broadcaster of Australia. It is principally funded by direct grants from the Australian Government and is administered by a government-appointed board. The ABC is a publicly-own ...

'' defined this classification was "GRADE I: These riders are mainly wheelchair users who have poor trunk balance and/or impaired function in all four limbs or good upper limb control but no trunk balance." The FEI defines this classification as "Grade I — This is split again into two sections: Grade Ib — At this level the rider will ride walk with some trot work excluding medium trot. Grade Ia — At this level the rider will ride a walk only test." The

defined this classification as: "Grade I: Athletes with a physical disability. Riders with poor trunk balance and/or impairment of function in all four limbs or no trunk balance and good upper limb function. Riders generally use a wheelchair in everyday life. Grade 1 is split into 1a and 1b." Equipment usage for this class differs based on rider profile. In general, competitors in this grade use a

snaffle bit A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used while riding horses. It consists of a bit mouthpiece with a ring on either side and acts with direct pressure. A bridle utilizing only a snaffle bit is often called a "snaffle bridle", particu ...

Grade 1

As of July 2016, the

defines Grade 1a on their website as "Athletes in grade 1a have severe impairments affecting all limbs and the trunk. The athlete usually requires the use of a wheelchair in daily life." Grade 1a para-dressage riders with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12a, and 13 are allowed to have a hard hand hold. Grade 1a para-dressage riders with Profiles 7, 12a, and 13 are allowed to use a connecting rein bar. For Australian who tried to qualify for the 2012 Summer Paralympics, they needed to have a percentage of a target score "based on the average overall scores that achieved medals in each grade at the 2010 World Equestrian Games". For Grade 1a classification, the percentage was 71.78%. Competitors in Grade 1a include Australia's Rob Oakley.

Grade 2

As of Jan 2017 the

defines Grade 2 on their website as "Athletes in grade 2 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 class use a wheelchair in daily life." Grade 2 para-dressage riders with Profiles 4, 6, 9, 10a/b, 11a/b, 12b, and 31a/b are allowed to have a hard hand hold. Grade 2 para-dressage riders with Profile 12b are allowed to use a connecting rein bar. Competitors in Grade 2 include Australia's Grace Bowman and

Joann Formosa Joann Formosa, (born 19 February 1961) is an Australian Para-equestrian, who won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, 2012 London Paralympics. Personal Joann Helen Formosa was born on 19 February 1961, and is from Broadford, Victoria ...

. For Australian who tried to qualify for the 2012 Summer Paralympics, they needed to have a percentage of a target score "based on the average overall scores that achieved medals in each grade at the 2010 World Equestrian Games". For Grade 1b classification, the percentage was 71.95% for Grade 1B.

Grade 3

The Grade 3 (Grade III) para-equestrian classification is defined by ''

'' as follows: "Grade 3 incorporates Cerebral Palsy, Les Autres, Spinal Cord injury and Amputee riders with reasonable balance and abdominal control. " In 2008, ''

'' defined this classification was "Grade 3: Athletes with reasonable balance and abdominal control including amputees" In 2008, the ''

'' defined this classification was "GRADE III: These riders are mainly wheelchair users or people who have severe movement impairment involving the lower half and with mild to good upper limb function, or severe impairment on one side of the body. "

Federation Equestre International The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (, FEI) is the international governing body of equestrian sports. The FEI headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland. An FEI code of conduct protects the welfare of the horses from physical abu ...

defines this classification as "At this level the rider will ride a novice level test excluding canter." The

defined this classification as: "Grade III: Athletes with a physical disability. Riders with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with mild to good upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment. Riders generally use a wheelchair in everyday life." As of July 2016, the

defines Grade 3 on their website as "Athletes in grade II 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 class may use a wheelchair in daily life." Equipment usage for this class differs based on rider profile. In general, competitors in this grade use a

. Riders may use their voice to guide the horse during competition provided they do so in moderation. Riders from this classification may compete at a higher functionality class, but they must declare their intention to do so by end of the year for competitions in the following year. Grade 3 para-dressage riders with Profiles 8, 10a/b, 11a/b, 14, 17a, 18a, 27, 31a/b, and 32 are allowed to have a hard hand hold. Grade 2 para-dressage riders with Profile 14, and 27 are allowed to use a connecting rein bar. For Australian who tried to qualify for the 2012 Summer Paralympics, they needed to have a percentage of a target score "based on the average overall scores that achieved medals in each grade at the 2010 World Equestrian Games". For Grade 2 classification, the percentage was 69.7%. File:Disability guide colours.png, Colour guide for understanding fully body diagrams File:Profile 14.png, Disability type for some Grade 2 competitors

Grade 4

The Grade 4 (Grade IV) Para-equestrian classification is defined by ''

'' as follows: "Grade 4 incorporates Cerebral Palsy, Les Autres, Amputee, Spinal Cord Injury and totally blind athletes with good balance, leg movement and co-ordination." In 2008, ''

'' defined this classification was "Grade 4: Athletes with good balance, leg movement and coordination including blind athletes" In 2011, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games defined this classification as: "The visually-impaired compete alongside those with a physical disability in Grades 4 and 5 only." In 2008, the ''

'' defined this classification was "GRADE IV: Riders in this section are mainly able to walk without support, with moderate impairment on one side of the body, moderate impairment in all four limbs or severe arm impairment. They may require a wheelchair to cover longer distances. They must have a total loss of vision in both eyes."

defines this classification as "At this level the rider will ride a novice level test." The

defined this classification as: "Grade IV: Athletes with a physical disability or vision impairment. Riders with moderate unilateral impairment, moderate impairment in four limbs or severe arm impairment. In day to day life, riders are usually ambulant but some may use a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Riders with a vision impairment who compete in this class have total loss of sight in both eyes (B1)." As of July 2016, the

defines Grade 3 on their website as "Athletes in grade III have a severe impairment or deficiency of both upper limbs or a moderate impairment of all four limbs or short stature. Athletes in grade III are able to walk and generally do not require a wheelchair in daily life. Grade III also includes athletes having a visual impairment equivalent to B1 with very low visual acuity and/ or no light perception." Equipment usage for this class differs based on rider profile. In general, competitors in this grade use a

double bridle A double bridle, also called a full bridle or Weymouth bridle,Gurney, Hilda. "Double Bridle Pros and Cons." ''Practical Horseman'' Sept. 2007. is a bridle that has two bits and four reins (sometimes called "double reins"). One bit is the '' brado ...

. Riders may not use their voice to guide the horse during competition unless their classifier has specifically allowed for this. Grade 4 para-dressage riders with Profile 15 are allowed to use a connecting rein bar. Riders from this classification may compete at a higher functionality class, but they must declare their intention to do so by end of the year for competitions in the following year. Competitors in this classification include Australia's Sharon Jarvis. For Australian who tried to qualify for the 2012 Summer Paralympics, they needed to have a percentage of a target score "based on the average overall scores that achieved medals in each grade at the 2010 World Equestrian Games". For Grade 4 classification, the percentage was 70.88%. File:Disability guide colours.png, Colour guide for understanding diagrams File:Profile 15.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 competitors File:Profile 21.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 competitors File:Profile 25.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 competitors File:Profile 28.png, Disability type for some Grade 3 competitors

Grade 5

Grade 5 (Grade V) Para-equestrian classification is defined by ''

'' as follows: "Grade 5 incorporates Cerebral Palsy, Les Autres, Amputee, Spinal Cord injury and Visually Impaired. This last group comprises ambulant athletes with either impaired vision or impaired arm/leg function. " In 2008, ''

'' defined this classification was "Grade 5: Ambulant athletes (those able to walk independently) with either impaired vision or impaired arm or leg function" In 2011, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games defined this classification as: "The visually-impaired compete alongside those with a physical disability in Grades 4 and 5 only." In 2008, the ''

'' defined this classification was "GRADE V: These riders have impairment in one or two limbs or some degree of visual impairment."

defines this classification as "At this level the rider will ride an elementary/medium level test" The

defined this classification as: "Grade V: Athletes with a physical disability or vision impairment. Riders have a physical impairment in one or two limbs (for example limb loss or limb deficiency), or some degree of visual impairment (B2)." As of July 2016, the

defines Grade 5 on their website as "Athletes in Grade V have a mild impairment of range 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 the Grade IV sport class and/ or a visual field of less than 5 degrees radius." Equipment usage for this class differs based on rider profile. In general, competitors in this grade use a

or a

. Riders may not use their voice to guide the horse during competition unless their classifier has specifically allowed for this. Grade 5 para-dressage riders with Profiles 16, and 24 are allowed to use a connecting rein bar. For Australian who tried to qualify for the 2012 Summer Paralympics, they needed to have a percentage of a target score "based on the average overall scores that achieved medals in each grade at the 2010 World Equestrian Games". For Grade 5 classification, the percentage was 69.88%. Competitors in this classification include Australia's

Hannah Dodd Hannah Dodd (born 27 April 1992) is an Australian Grade IV equestrian and 1.0 point wheelchair basketball player who represented Australia in equestrian at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, coming 11th and 12th in her events. Switching ...

Para-driving classification

Para-driving utilizes a different classification system than para-dressage events.

Grade I Para Driving

This class is for people who use a wheelchair on a daily basis, and have limited trunk functionality and impairments in their upper limbs. It also includes people who have the ability to walk but have impairments in all of their limbs. The third class of riders it includes is people with severe arm impairments This class is allowed to use compensating aids. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10a, and 12a/b are allowed to use a safety harness held by a groom. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12a/b, 13, 14, 21, 26a, 31a/b and 32 are allowed to use looped or knotted reins. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12a/b, 13, 14, 21, 26a, 31a/b and 32 are allowed to use a strap on whip. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12a/b, 13, 14, 21, 26a, 31a/b and 32 are allowed to not use gloves. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12a/b, 13, 14, 21, 26a, 31a/b and 32 are allowed to have a whip which is held or used by a groom. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10a, 12a/b, 13, 14, 26a, 31a/b and 32 are allowed to have a brake operated by a groom. Grade 1 drivers with Profiles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10a, 12a/b, 13, 14, 26a, 31a/b and 32 are allowed to have a strap on feet or foot trough.

Grade II Para Driving

Grade II is for riders who are higher functioning than Grade I riders but who would otherwise be at disadvantage when competing against able-bodied competitors. This class is allowed to use compensating aids. Grade 2 drivers with Profile 8 are allowed to use a safety harness held by a groom. Grade 2 drivers with Profiles 8, 15, 16, 22, 24, 25, 26b, and 27 are allowed to use looped or knotted reins. Grade 2 drivers with Profiles 8, 15, 16, 22, 24, 25, 26b, and 27 are allowed to use a strap on whip. Grade 2 drivers with Profiles 8, 15, 16, 22, 24, 25, 26b, and 27 are allowed to not use gloves. Grade 2 drivers with Profiles 15, 16, 22, 24, 25, 26b, and 27 are allowed to have a whip which is held or used by a groom. Grade 2 drivers with Profiles 8, 10b, 11a/b, 15, 17a/b, 18a/b, 19a/b, 25, 26b, 27, and 28 are allowed to have a brake operated by a groom. Grade 2 drivers with Profiles 8, 10b, 11a/b, 15, 17a/b, 18a/b, 19a/b, 26b, and 27 are allowed to have a strap on feet or foot trough.

References

{{Disability sports classification Parasports classifications Equestrian sports Para Dressage