WEG Explained: A Spectator’s guide to Para Dressage | ||
Australian Para Dressage rider, Emma Booth © Liz Gregg
Para Dressage is conducted under the same basic rules as conventional Dressage, but with riders divided into different competition Grades based on functional abilities. It is incredible how these athletes do not let any impairments stop them from doing what they love. Before we dive into what Para Dressage entails, lets read a few fast facts here and then find out more details below:
Already know you want to come watch Para Dressage in September? Click here for tickets! Grade II: Athletes in this Grade have either a severe impairment of the trunk and minimal impairment of the upper limbs or moderate impairment of the trunk, upper and lower limbs. Most athletes in this grade also use a wheelchair in daily life. These athletes complete their tests through the walk and the trot and they may not show a canter, piaffe or passage. Grade III: These athletes have severe impairments in both lower limbs with minimal or no impairment of the trunk. Or they have moderate impairment of the upper and lower limbs and trunk. Athletes in this Grade may use a wheelchair in daily life. These athletes also compete at a walk and a trot and may not show a piaffe or passage. They can only show canter work that does not include lateral work, flying changes, half or full pirouettes.
© Liz Gregg Grade IV: Athletes in Grade IV have severe impairment or deficiency of both upper limbs or a moderate impairment of all four limbs or short stature. These athletes are usually able to walk and generally do not require a wheelchair in daily life. Athletes with visual impairments such as very low visual acuity and/or no light perception also fall into this Grade. Athletes in this Grade compete at the walk, trot, with lateral work, and the canter. Grade V: The final Grade of Para Dressage includes athletes who have very mild impairment of movement or muscle strength or a deficiency of one limb or a mild deficiency of two limbs. These athletes may also have visual impairments that are less severe than those competing in Grade IV and/or a visual field of less than 5 degrees radius. Athletes in this Grade compete at a walk, trot and canter with lateral work but they may not show a piaffe, passage, one or two times sequence changes, or full pirouettes. *An Athlete that intentionally shows disallowed paces or movements during the execution of the test will have eight marks deducted by each Judge each time a not allowed movement is shown, and a choreography mark of five or below, but no elimination.
Para dressage © Liz Gregg
September 20: Team Day 1 The starting order for Freestyle to Music Competitions will be drawn in groups of four, using the qualifying results. The first four to compete in the Freestyle will be the four lowest scoring combinations. The last four to compete in the Freestyle will be the four highest scoring combinations. Similar to individual championships and team championships, there are sets of medals for each of the five Grades for the Freestyle to Music Championship.
award ceremony © Kim Beaudoin
Now that you know more about the Para Dressage competition, it’s time to purchase your tickets and come cheer on your teams or individual riders this September! Para Dressage tickets are available now by clicking here. Para Dressage Schedule:? September 18: Individuals Day 1 and Medal Ceremony ?September 19: Individuals Day 2 and Medal Ceremony?September 20: Team Day 1? September 21: Team Day 2 and Medal Ceremony? September 22: Individual Freestyle and Medal Ceremony? Source: FEI World Equestrian Games website
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© copyright. Equestrian Life. Saturday, 4 May 2024 https://www.equestrianlife.com.au/articles/WEG-Explained-A-Spectators-guide-to-Para-Dressage |
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