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Para Equestrian

Para-Equestrian riders compete for Title Honours and International Level Scores at NRM HOY 2014.
Para-Dressage competition will be run over three days featuring the 2013 FEI Team, Individual Championship and Freestyle Tests. This is a New Zealand based opportunity for Para-Equestrians to achieve High Performance selection criteria scores from international FEI judges.

Strong competition is expected in Para-Dressage Classes
With sights now focused towards the World Equestrian Games to be held in Normandy, France in 2014 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, the Paralympians of London 2012, Rachel Stock and Anthea Gunner can expect challenges for their National Squad places as athletes in each grade determinedly reach towards their performance goals.

Para-Dressage – A Guide for Spectators
Para-Dressage is graded in relation to the differing physical capabilities of athletes, including vision loss.
Approved supporting aids are permitted according to individual rider classification. Riders continue to compete within the same grade with a focus on improving their performance and increasing their scores.

Grade 1a. Tests riden in the 20 x 40 metre arena feature Walk only. Medium Walk and Free Walk are included in the Team Test and the Individual Championship Test.

Grade 1b. Tests ridden in the 20 x 40 metre arena include both Trot and Walk.

Grade 11. Tests ridden in the 20 x 40 metre arena feature Trot and Walk with more advanced movements. In the Freestyle to Music Test, Canter can be included.

Grade III. Tests are ridden in a 20 x 60 metre arena. Lateral (sideways angled) movements are choreographed into Trot and Canter. Single flying changes are also allowed in the Freestyle to Music.

Grade IV. Tests are ridden in a 20 x 60 arena. This grade features more advanced movements with some similarity to Medium/Advanced level dressage. Three and four time flying changes, as used in Advanced Dressage can be included in their Freestyle to Music.


We wish to thank the following photographers for their images used on this website (all images are subject to copywright rules and regulations):

  • Barbara Thomson
  • Diana Black Design
  • Kampic Photography
  • Take the Moment

© 2013 Horse of the Year (Hawkes Bay) and NRM Horse of the Year Show

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