By admin 
The Paralympics Equestrian 2024 event, set to take place in Paris, stands as a symbol of precision, partnership, and unparalleled resilience. As one of the most graceful and technically demanding sports in the Paralympic Games, para‑equestrian competition brings together elite athletes with physical impairments and their highly trained horses in a display of harmony, strength, and mutual trust.
This year, Para Dressage, the sole equestrian discipline featured in the Paralympics, will captivate global audiences as athletes perform choreographed tests judged on rhythm, balance, and communication. More than just a competition, the 2024 edition underscores the power of adaptive sport to challenge stereotypes, celebrate ability, and inspire across all boundaries. From returning champions to emerging talent, Paralympics Equestrian 2024 promises a unique blend of emotion, excellence, and inclusivity on the world stage.
What Is Equestrian Paralympics?
Para‑equestrian sport is the only equestrian discipline on the Paralympic programme, and it focuses exclusively on Para Dressage. In this judged event, riders with physical impairments perform a series of choreographed movements (tests) that showcase rhythm, balance, suppleness and, above all, the harmony between athlete and horse. Each competitor is classified into one of five grades (Grade I for the most impaired through Grade V for the least) so that results hinge on skill and training rather than degree of disability. Horses are not graded—any breed may compete—making partnership, communication and meticulous preparation the true keys to success.
Although the routines look similar to Olympic dressage, Para Dressage differs in three crucial ways. First, riders may use adaptive tack or assistive devices—for example, looped reins, elastic bands, voice commands or signalled cues—to compensate for reduced strength, limb function or balance. Second, tests are shorter and adapted to each grade’s capabilities, ensuring fairness across a spectrum of impairments. Finally, while Olympic dressage emphasises movements such as extended trot or passage, Para Dressage rewards accuracy and fluency within the rider’s functional range, making the subtle partnership between athlete and horse even more central to the judging.
Historically, equestrian sport entered the Paralympic stage relatively late. Demonstrations of Para Dressage began in the early 1990s, but it was the 1996 Atlanta Games that officially welcomed the discipline to the Paralympic family. Since then, the sport has evolved rapidly: the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) fully integrated para‑equestrian governance in 2006, prize money became aligned with able‑bodied dressage, and technical standards have risen each cycle. Heading into Paris 2024, Para Dressage will celebrate nearly three decades of Paralympic history—proof that precision, artistry and mutual trust between horse and rider transcend physical limitation.
Equestrian at the 2024 Paralympics: Key Details
The Paralympic Games Paris 2024 will host the para‑equestrian events at the stunning Château de Versailles, a historic landmark transformed into a world‑class competition venue. This iconic setting blends French elegance with modern infrastructure, offering both athletes and spectators a truly majestic backdrop for elite sport. Equestrian events at the Paralympics will run from September 3 to September 7, 2024, following the conclusion of the Olympic Games.
A total of 78 athletes from around 30 countries are expected to compete in Para Dressage at Paris 2024. Each rider will be paired with their equine partner to perform in both individual and team tests, culminating in freestyle routines that reflect each athlete’s personal connection with their horse. Nations will be represented by teams of up to four riders, and every performance will be evaluated by a panel of international judges based on accuracy, harmony, and technical execution.
To ensure fair competition across a wide range of physical impairments, riders are grouped into five classification grades (Grade I to Grade V). These grades are determined by medical assessments that measure functional ability in areas such as coordination, trunk stability, and limb control. Grade I athletes have the most significant physical limitations and perform simpler movements in walk‑only tests, while Grade V athletes may have mild impairments and are judged on more complex sequences involving walk, trot, and canter. This classification system allows riders to compete on a level playing field, showcasing their abilities rather than their limitations.
Notable Athletes to Watch in 2024
As the para‑dressage field converges on Versailles, a blend of seasoned gold‑medallists and ambitious newcomers promises one of the deepest talent pools the sport has ever seen. Great Britain’s Sir Lee Pearson, already the most decorated rider in Paralympic history with 14 gold medals, returns in Grade II, eager to add to a legacy that began in Sydney 2000. His long‑time teammate Sophie Wells (Grade V) likewise remains a formidable force; she has not missed a podium since London 2012 and recently posted world‑leading scores above 78 percent on her new mount, LJT Euphoria.
Chasing the British duo is Sanne Voets of the Netherlands (Grade IV), reigning Paralympic and World Champion whose freestyle set to Dutch techno music became an instant classic in Tokyo. Voets’ consistent mid‑80s marks make her the rider most likely to upset British dominance. In Grade III, all eyes are on Tobias Thorning Jørgensen of Denmark, still only twenty‑four yet already a double Tokyo gold‑medallist. His light, elastic riding style—and the fact that he balances elite sport with studies in physiotherapy—has inspired a new generation of para‑equestrians.
The United States fields one of its strongest squads to date, led by Roxanne Trunnell (Grade I), whose gentle partnership with the diminutive stallion Dolton earned record‑breaking scores in Tokyo after she overcame a childhood viral infection that left her with limited motor control. Fellow American Kate Shoemaker (Grade IV) is also in ascendance, having recently out‑scored European rivals at the 2023 Le Mans CPEDI with a career‑best 77 percent.
Among the debutantes, keep an eye on Estelle Brandt of South Africa (Grade III), the first rider from her nation to qualify since Beijing 2008, and Héloïse Le Guen (Grade II), who will carry French hopes on home soil after winning her classification at the 2024 European Para Championships. Both riders embody the expanding geographic reach of para‑dressage and underscore how investment in adaptive programmes is bearing fruit worldwide.
Together, these athletes illustrate every dimension of the sport: experience and youth, dominance and breakthrough, personal resilience and national pride. Their stories—of long‑term partnerships with horses, of careers rebuilt after injury or illness, and of barriers broken in arenas far from home—set the stage for an unforgettable contest at Paris 2024.
Rules, Scoring & Judging Criteria
Every Para Dressage round in Paris will follow FEI Para Dressage rules, adapted only slightly for the Paralympic stage. Riders perform a set sequence of movements—tests written specifically for Grades I through V—while five FEI‑accredited judges sit at predefined positions around the arena (letters C, E, H, M and B). Each judge awards 0–10 marks for every movement: 0 means “not executed,” 10 is “excellent.” Those individual marks are converted into a percentage score; the five judges’ percentages are then averaged for the final result.
While the technical sheet differs by grade, three pillars guide every mark:
- Harmony – Judges look for a quiet connection between rider and horse: soft hands, invisible aids, and a willing response from the horse. Any signs of tension—tail swishing, mouth opening, uneven rhythm—deduct from the rider’s score.
- Precision – Accuracy of figures (circles, transitions, halts) is critical because tests are shorter than Olympic dressage; there is little room to recover from an error. Riders must hit each letter and perform transitions exactly where the test diagram specifies.
- Control & Quality of Gaits – Even within each athlete’s functional range, the horse must show clear, regular walk, trot, or canter steps appropriate to that grade. Judges reward steady tempo, correct bending, and straightness in movements such as serpentines or half‑pirouettes.
After all required movements, judges also give collective marks—broader scores that evaluate rhythm, impulsion, submission, and the rider’s effectiveness. In freestyle competitions, a second artistic panel adds marks for choreography, degree of difficulty, and musical interpretation, typically weighted 50 % technical and 50 % artistic.
Crucially, the horse is half the partnership. Although riders may use adaptive reins, looped handles, or voice cues, the horse must still be trained to respond with lightness and confidence. Successful para‑dressage horses are selected for their calm temperament, smooth gaits, and ability to perform precise movements from subtle aids. Months before the Games, teams undergo rigorous international classification and fitness checks to ensure horses are sound and prepared. In the arena, any sign of resistance can lower the harmony score—proving that, in Para Dressage as in able‑bodied dressage, true victory lies in the effortless conversation between horse and rider.
Team and Individual Events
Para Dressage at Paris 2024 awards medals in two distinct formats—individual and team—yet every ride contributes to a nation’s overall standing.
Individual contests come first. Each rider performs a Championship Test (technical) and, if qualified, a Freestyle Test set to music. Because there are five functional grades (I to V), there are ten individual medal events in total—one Championship gold and one Freestyle gold per grade. Riders compete only against others in the same grade, ensuring absolute parity regardless of impairment level.
The team competition is mixed‑grade. Nations may nominate three or four riders drawn from at least two different grades, and at least one athlete must be from Grades I–III. Each team member rides the Championship Test and a separate Team Test; the three best scores from those two tests (per rider) are then averaged to create the nation’s final percentage. Unlike in the Olympics, there is no separate grand‑prix special—the combined technical marks alone decide the podium. With just one set of medals for teams, every percentage point gained by a Grade I rider is worth exactly the same as one earned by Grade V, underscoring the collective spirit of Para Dressage.
The result is eleven medal events overall—ten individual and one team—where precision, harmony, and strategic team selection intertwine. A nation’s success depends not only on star performers but on balanced depth across grades, reflecting the inclusive ethos at the heart of the Paralympic movement.
Equestrian Equipment & Adaptive Techniques
Success in para‑dressage hinges on tailoring equipment so riders can give precise, subtle aids despite physical limitations. Adapted saddles often feature deeper seats, higher cantles, or custom thigh blocks to enhance trunk stability. Some riders add Velcro thigh straps or magnetic stirrup soles that release in a fall but provide security during movement. Reins may be looped, laddered, or elasticized, allowing athletes with limited grip to maintain contact through wrist or arm movement rather than fingers alone. Where hand function is minimal, riders can use “double‑loop” systems: one loop fixed to the hand, a second to the forearm, ensuring the horse still receives distinct signals.
Assistive devices approved by the FEI include voice commands, tactile whips (short, lightweight), and subtly modified bridles that transmit clearer cues from small hand or arm motions. Riders in the higher‑impairment grades (I and II) sometimes employ seat savers with gel padding or wedge cushions, aligning the pelvis so balance and straightness are easier to maintain.
Training the horse is just as adaptive. Para‑dressage horses learn to respond to micro‑aids—tiny weight shifts, breath cues, or vocal clicks—and they practise desensitisation to wheelchairs, walkers, and on‑ramp mounting platforms. Many teams incorporate physiotherapists and equine behaviourists to finesse communication pathways unique to each partnership, ensuring the horse interprets unconventional aids accurately without losing expression in its gaits.
Innovation continues to push the sport forward. 3‑D‑printed rein connectors can be custom‑shaped to a rider’s hand, while lightweight carbon‑fibre stirrup adaptations provide support without bulk. Some nations are trialling pressure‑sensor reins that log rider‑horse contact data, helping coaches refine technique within an athlete’s functional range. Together, these advances highlight the core philosophy of para‑equestrian sport: adapt the equipment—not the ambition—so that every athlete can showcase the artistry and precision that define dressage at the highest level.
Impact on Disability Sports & Inclusion
Para‑dressage is far more than a medal contest; it is a stage on which athletes with disabilities redefine what partnership, precision, and athleticism look like. For many riders, the sport offers empowerment through agency: the horse becomes an extension of the athlete’s body, enabling movement—lateral steps, extended trots, fluid transitions—that physical impairments might otherwise limit. This shared motion fosters a profound sense of freedom and control, reinforcing self‑confidence long after riders dismount.
The emotional and social benefits run deep. Training routines immerse athletes in daily goals, structured schedules, and close‑knit support teams of coaches, grooms, and therapists. Horses, intuitive by nature, respond to energy and intention rather than conventional strength, creating a reciprocal bond that studies show can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Within the para‑equestrian community, riders often find a unique camaraderie: they share not just competition, but lived experience, exchanging strategies for adaptation and celebrating milestones that outsiders might overlook.
On a broader scale, para‑dressage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions of ability. Audiences seeing riders guide 600‑kilogram horses with the lightest cue realise that athletic excellence is not defined by conventional limbs or muscle power but by skill, discipline, and communication. Each flawless halt or expressive shoulder‑in challenges stereotypes, reinforcing the idea that disability and elite performance are not mutually exclusive. Media coverage of Paris 2024 will amplify this message, reaching millions and inspiring future athletes—whether they dream of the saddle or another arena entirely.
In essence, the sport does more than award medals: it dismantles barriers, expands our definition of athletic potential, and reminds the world that true performance is measured not by limitation, but by limitless determination.
How to Watch Equestrian at the 2024 Paralympics
Watching the Para Dressage events at the 2024 Paris Paralympics is easier than ever, thanks to expanded global coverage and digital access. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has partnered with national broadcasters and digital platforms to ensure broad, inclusive reach. In many regions, Channel 4 (UK), NBC (USA), France Télévisions (France), and ABC (Australia) will provide dedicated Paralympics programming, including live equestrian sessions and feature stories on athletes. For global audiences, the Paralympics YouTube channel and Paralympics.org will offer free streams, replays, and highlight packages with commentary and accessibility features like captions and sign language.
To catch the most exciting performances live, check the official Paris 2024 schedule, which lists detailed event timings by grade and day. Equestrian events typically occur mid‑morning and early afternoon in local time, so plan your viewing based on your time zone. If you’re unable to watch live, highlight reels and freestyle tests will be shared across major streaming services and the IPC’s platforms within hours. The Freestyle events—where riders perform custom routines to music—are particularly popular and often trend across social media.
For real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes content, and rider spotlights, follow verified accounts such as @Paralympics, @FEI_Global, and @Paris2024 on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. Many top athletes also share personal updates via their own channels, offering an intimate view of life in the Paralympic Village, training routines, and their unique partnerships with their horses. Following along online not only enhances the viewing experience but also supports greater visibility and engagement for para‑equestrian sport worldwide.
Conclusion
Para Dressage at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is more than an elite sporting contest—it is a living testament to determination, partnership, and unity. Each ride embodies the relentless work of athletes who transform physical challenges into precise, expressive performance; the quiet brilliance of horses whose trust carries those ambitions forward; and the collective effort of coaches, grooms, classifiers, and fans who believe that sport should be a place for everyone. Together, they remind us that excellence is measured not only in medals but in the courage to pursue mastery without limits.
As the world turns its eyes to the Château de Versailles arena, we are invited to do more than watch. We can share highlights, amplify athletes’ stories, and model inclusive language that celebrates ability rather than focusing on impairment. We can support national federations investing in adaptive programmes, volunteer at local para‑sport centres, or simply tune in and cheer—because every click, comment, and conversation expands the reach of a movement built on equity and respect.
So when the centre‑line salutes begin in September, let’s celebrate each halt and half‑pass for what they truly represent: proof that human‑equine partnership can transcend physical barriers and inspire global audiences to imagine a more inclusive world. In 2024, may every para‑athlete feel our admiration as powerfully as we feel their inspiration.
FAQs Section
Q1: How are para‑equestrians classified?
Para‑equestrian athletes are classified based on their functional ability, not their specific medical condition. A panel of trained classifiers assesses how an impairment affects the athlete’s movement, coordination, and balance while riding. Athletes are then placed into one of five grades (Grade I to Grade V):
- Grade I includes riders with the most severe impairments, typically requiring assistance for balance and mobility.
- Grade V includes athletes with mild impairments, such as limitations in one arm or minor coordination challenges.
This system ensures that athletes compete against others with similar physical capabilities, creating a level playing field and fair competition.
Q2: Can anyone participate in para‑equestrian events?
To compete at the Paralympic level, riders must have a recognized physical disability that meets the minimum eligibility criteria established by the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale). They must also go through formal classification and meet performance standards at international qualifying events. However, outside the Paralympic Games, para‑dressage is open at many levels—including local, national, and recreational competitions—which allows many riders to participate regardless of age, background, or prior competitive experience.
Q3: Do para‑equestrian athletes train like Olympic riders?
Yes—para‑dressage athletes follow intense training routines that include physical conditioning, dressage practice, horse care, and mental preparation. While their training may involve adaptive techniques or assistive equipment, the expectations for harmony, precision, and athletic commitment are identical to those of Olympic riders.
Q4: What kind of horses are used in para‑dressage?
Para‑dressage horses are highly trained, calm, and responsive. They must have excellent temperament, smooth gaits, and a willingness to adapt to subtle cues, including voice or body shifts. Many are former able‑bodied dressage horses who transition into para‑equestrian sport with specific retraining.
Q5: How can I support or get involved in para‑equestrian sport?
You can support para‑equestrian sport by watching and sharing events, following athletes on social media, donating to adaptive riding programs, or volunteering at local riding centers that offer therapeutic and competitive riding. If you’re a rider with a disability, you can contact your national equestrian federation to learn more about how to get involved in para‑dressage at any level.