Para-Equestrian joined the ranks of the other 7 disciplines regulated by the FEI to become the 8th FEI discipline on 1 January 2006. Within New Zealand, Para-Equestrian became fully operational in September 2009 as Equestrian Sports New Zealand’s fifth discipline.

Para-Equestrian sport is based on the principle that a disability should not impede one from competing and strives to provide and develop opportunities whereby athletes and disabilities can pursue their goals and achieve personal bests.

It is divided by degree of physical disability into five grades; 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 4, with grade 4 being the least disabled such as a missing limb whilst grade 1 is the most severe, with disabilities such as tetraplegics. Each grade is specifically profiled and riders are graded through International Classifiers which ensure that they are graded correctly according to the FEI standards.

This will be the second year that Para-Equestrian dressage will be taking place at the Horse of the Year show. Each grade will be competing in three tests over the duration of the show, two FEI Para-Equestrian Technical Tests and a Freestyle to Music Test.