All Equestrian events at competition level are mixed and include two dressage tests: a championship test, made up of set movements, and a freestyle test, where riders choose their own movements and music.
Classification
The athletes are classified across five grades (I up to V) which determine the complexity of the movements that the riders and horse perform. These also ensure that tests can be judged on the skill of the rider, regardless of disability. Riders may use assistive devices such as dressage crops, connecting rein bars etc; visually impaired riders are permitted to use ‘callers’ to help them navigate around the arena.
Irish Interest
Helen Kearney (Grade Ia) (bronze in the 2011 European ParaEquestrian Championships) and James Dwyer (Grade IV) (fifth in 2010′s World Equestrian Games in Kentucky) will be targeting success when they compete at London 2012’s Greenwich Park arena. Former Paralympians Breda Bernie (Grade 1b) and Eilish Byrne (Grade II) will also aim to line up against the world’s best.
In addition to individual competition, Ireland is well placed to qualify for London 2012 and a first-ever team appearance in the Paralympic Games.
