PARA dressage made its debut at the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996, but it took a further eight years, at Athens in 2004, for the riders to be allowed to compete on their own horses. Since then, the sport has grown in profile and truly runs in parallel to dressage, and that means the horses and riders are equal stars of the show.
But what are riders looking for when they search for the perfect para horse, and what are the unique challenges they face? We asked some of Britain’s top para riders, including the current FEI world number one, as well as coaches, judges and owners, to unlock the enigma.
“Firstly, and most importantly, the horse must be ‘safe’ and have a good attitude to be ridden at the level required and accept the rider’s disabilities,” says Maryanne Horn, a British Dressage (BD) judge and coach. “Then, it’s about rideability for their partner – there is little point putting a rider who has difficulty with their balance on a big-moving horse. Striking the perfect balance between quality paces with potential to earn higher marks, and suiting the rider, is key”.
Grade III rider and double European medallist Erin Orford shares the sentiment about how temperament is crucial.
“I try to avoid horses that bolt, buck and rear or are particularly spooky – don’t we all – and the ideal horse has an engine, a great temperament and can cope with big arenas,” she says. “They are few and far between and often come with a big price tag.”
THE judges are looking for relaxation from the horses, a soft and open frame, and a consistent contact, and will examine expression and the quality of the paces.
“A horse at grade I level must have a regular four-beat walk, and the quality of the walk will depend on the suppleness and swing, which must be managed by the rider,” says Maryanne. “Often a horse with a bigger walk may not be so easy in the contact.”
Denne historien er fra August 29, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 29, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change