Sport and Recreation for people with physical disabilities

Phone (03) 385 4449        Fax (03) 385 4425       Email info@parafedcanterbury.co.nz

Para-Equestrian is a multi-disability sport, open to athletes with a physical disability or visual impairment.  Events are mixed and grouped according to their functional profiles. Riders compete in two dressage events: a Championship Test of set movements and a Freestyle Test to music.

Competitors are judged on their display of horsemanship skills as they ride their horse using a series of commands for walk, trot and canter. Both men and women compete in competition together. Athletes compete individually or in a team.

Athletes with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments and ‘little people’ can compete in Para-Equestrian.

Classification Information

There are 4 classes for dressage

Para Equestrian has just been ratified as the fifth discipline of Equestrian Sport New Zealand.

For more information on competitive riding go to the New Zealand Equestrian Federation Website