Classification

What is Classification?

In the Para-Equestrian discipline, each rider is classified according to his or her functional ability. Riders are given a grade based on their functional ability, and are judged on their riding skill against other athletes of the same grade. Classification is an on-going process and takes place at all major competitions.

There are five grades of competition in Para-Dressage, which is the only Para-Equestrian high-performance sport. Grade Ia and Ib represent the most impaired riders, while Grade IV represents the least impaired.

 

Grade	I		Mostly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance or very little use of limbs, or no trunk balance and good arm function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all limbs.
			Ia: The rider will perform a walk only test.
			Ib: The rider will perform a test with walk, and some trot work excluding medium trot.
Grade	II		Majority are wheelchair users, or have little locomotive ability with some limb function. Others have severe unilateral impairment. The athlete will perform a walk and trot level test excluding canter.
Grade	III		Often athletes who are able to walk without support. They may have minimal use of their limbs, loss of sight or intellectual impairment. The athlete will perform a test at approximately Training or First Level.
Grade	IV		Athletes usually are impaired in one or two limbs, or have a visual impairment. The athlete will perform a test that is approximately Third Level without a flying change.

 

Who can classify riders?

In order to be classified, riders are assessed by physiotherapists and doctors who possess knowledge of the grading system. They evaluate factors such as muscle strength, coordination and mobility. This forms the basis of a rider’s functional profile, determining which grade a rider can compete within.

How do I get classified nationally?

Riders who are interested in becoming classified can attend one of Para-Equestrian Canada’s classification clinics. Also, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) will classify athletes competing up to a national level. They jointly issue classification cards with Equine Canada, which declare a rider’s classification, grade and any approved special equipment. The cards are for the purpose of competition and should be presented to appropriate officials.

To view possible upcoming classification clinics, please click here.

How do I get classified internationally?

Riders competing at an international level must have their classification level confirmed by a qualified classifier from another country. Classification cards are issued to riders that compete at an international level by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).