Para Equestrian

Equestrian became a part of the Paralympic Games for the first time in 1996 in Atlanta. It is open to athletes with any type of physical or vision impairment. Events are mixed and grouped according to their functional profiles. 

Athletes can compete in dressage events, a championship test of set movements and a freestyle test to music. There is also a team test that involves three to four members.

Riders are judged on their display of horsemanship skills and are permitted to use devices such as dressage crops, connecting rein bars, rubber bands and other aids.

Eleven gold medals were up for grabs at Rio 2016 – an overall team medal and 10 from individual competitions in both the individual and freestyle tests across the five sport classes.

International Federation for Equestrian Sports is the global governing body of para equestrian.

Source of information credit: International Paralympic Committee
Source of photo credit: Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled