Disabled rider: disabled sport and para-dressage

Anyone can practice horse riding. This is evidenced by the recent integration of paradressage into the Paralympic activities and games for the world championships. There are therefore no limits or constraints linked to physical conditions in the equestrian sector, and disabled sport is proof of this through paradressage.

Para-addressing: what is it?

Para-dressage is a sporting practice in the field of equestrianism that allows all riders with physical disabilities to participate in competitions as much as people without disabilities. The main objective is to give everyone the opportunity to live their passion and show their know-how despite physical differences. In this state of mind, para-dressage becomes a cult of equality between the different riders and their mounts.

Here, equestrian practice can be done on a personal basis, for personal well-being outside of any field of competition. In this case, the rider makes sure to have the right mount and to give himself over to the practice of horse riding in a reserved space. Competitions are open on the contrary to evaluate the abilities of the rider and his horse according to strict standards.

At this level, it is the skills developed by the rider in communion with his horse that are evaluated. There must be balance in particular at the level of the two companions. The rider must especially show his muscle tone. At the same time, he presents his subtleties, his equestrian skills. If he shows sufficient autonomy, this will earn him additional points.

Those concerned

Para-dressage is an activity reserved for people who have disabilities in general. However, to participate in a competition, it is required to be grouped by disability. This implies that a person with a disability in both arms cannot compete in the same group as a person with a disability in the trunk. This has prompted the creation or imposition of different grades for the various competitions.

Grades 1 and 2 concern those with trunk disabilities who have some limitations in their arms and legs. Grade 3 includes unilateral disabilities and those who have a balance problem in their trunk, specifically in mobility. Grades 4 and 5 respectively include severe arm disabilities, blind people, hemiplegics and those with visual impairments or impairments in one or both limbs.

Preparations for Paraddressing

To do paradressage, the first step is to find your mount. These are horses with specific abilities that have been trained for such work that are required. Apart from the horse's skills, the rider must teach him to adapt to his person, to his gestures. This is where the culture of complicity comes in. To do this, you have to spend as much time as possible in the saddle to get to know each other better. Above all, it is wise to have a professional with you, an instructor who can detect small problems and provide solutions if necessary.