Have you ever wondered how para-equestrian events are judged at the Paralympic Games?
These inspiring competitions combine dexterity, control, and harmony between horse and rider — a breathtaking partnership built on trust.

What makes them even more extraordinary is that athletes with physical or visual disabilities perform with grace, balance, and precision — showing that true strength lies in teamwork and perseverance.

This guide will walk you through the judging process, the classification system, official rules, and introduce you to some famous Paralympic equestrian riders who have made history.

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What Is Para Equestrian?

Para equestrian is a modified form of equestrian dressage, often called “horse ballet.”

In this sport, riders with disabilities perform a sequence of movements, known as tests, to demonstrate balance, rhythm, and precision.

Judges score each test on accuracy, fluidity, and harmony between horse and rider. The goal is to show how well a rider can communicate with subtle cues and body control.

A remarkable aspect of this sport is that men and women compete equally — with the same scoring system, routines, and medals.

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Para Equestrian Classification

Before competing, every athlete undergoes Para Equestrian Classification to ensure fairness.
Riders are grouped into five grades based on mobility, coordination, and strength:

• Grade I: Riders with severe impairments — walk-only tests.

• Grade II: Wheelchair users with limited movement — walk and trot.

• Grade III: Moderate impairment — walk and trot.

• Grade IV: Mild impairment — walk, trot, and canter.

• Grade V: Least impaired — perform advanced movements.

Athletes may use “compensating aids” such as looped reins or adaptive saddles.
All equipment is strictly approved by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to ensure fair play and horse welfare.

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How Para-Equestrian Events Are Judged

Let’s break down how para-equestrian events are judged step by step:

1. Judging Panel

Each performance is reviewed by five judges positioned around the arena for full visibility.
They follow FEI Para Dressage Rules to maintain global consistency.

2. Scoring System

Every movement — walk, trot, canter, and transitions — is scored on a 0–10 scale:

• 0 = Not executed

• 5 = Satisfactory

• 10 = Excellent

These are averaged into a percentage score, where the higher the score, the better the performance.
Judges also add marks for:

• Harmony between horse and rider

• Accuracy of movements

• Artistic presentation

Together, these scores reflect the athlete’s mastery, coordination, and emotional connection with their horse.

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Main Para Equestrian Tests

At the Paralympic Equestrian Games, there are three main tests, each with its own judging method.

1. Individual Test

Athletes perform a set routine specific to their grade. Judges score based on precision, smooth transitions, and rider-horse communication.
The top eight riders in each grade qualify for the freestyle test.

2. Team Test

Teams of three riders compete for national medals.
Each team must include at least one athlete from Grades I–III, and their combined scores determine the winners.
The nation with the highest percentage total takes team gold.

3. Freestyle Test

Known as “dancing with horses,” this artistic test allows riders to choreograph their own performance to music.
Judges score:

• Technical skill

• Artistic expression

• Music interpretation

• Creativity and choreography

This event celebrates pure harmony and emotion between horse and rider.

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Equestrian Paralympics Rules

The Equestrian Paralympics rules guarantee fairness and safety for all participants.

Key principles include:

• Adaptive equipment must be approved before use.

• Visually impaired riders may use callers or visual aids.

• Horses are judged equally regardless of breed or color.

• Judges remain anonymous to riders for unbiased scoring.

These ensure respect, transparency, and animal welfare in every event.

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Paralympics Equestrian Paris 2024 Schedule

The Paralympics Equestrian 2024 will take place in Versailles, France, from September 3–7, 2024.

Events include:

• Team competition

• Individual tests

• Freestyle finals

Expect elegance, strength, and artistry as Paralympic equestrian riders showcase the magic of human-animal connection.

Want to learn more about other Paralympic sports? Read our guide on the Biathlon in the Paralympics.

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Famous Paralympic Equestrian Riders

Here are some famous Paralympic equestrian riders who’ve made history:

• Sir Lee Pearson (Great Britain): 14-time gold medalist known for artistic flair.

• Sophie Christiansen (UK): 8-time Paralympic champion, started riding at age 6.

• Lauren Barwick (Canada): Turned tragedy into triumph after a spinal injury.

• Pepper Harth (Australia): Known for grace and control in Grade III events.

Their stories embody the spirit of perseverance and passion that defines the Paralympics.

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How Para Equestrian Events Are Judged PDF

Want to save this guide?
Download the How Para Equestrian Events Are Judged PDF for offline reading — ideal for teachers, fans, and aspiring riders!

It includes:

• Grade breakdowns

• Key judging rules

• Scoring tables

• Quick reference charts

📖 You might also enjoy our Guide to Para Snowboard Competition to explore another thrilling Paralympic sport.

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Why Judging Matters

Judging isn’t just about numbers — it’s about honoring courage, connection, and mastery.

At the London 2012 Paralympics, a Grade II rider who couldn’t fully use her arms guided her horse using only posture and breath — and won gold. Judges called it “a masterpiece of harmony.”

Such moments remind us that para-equestrian is not just a sport — it’s art, resilience, and heart.

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 Final Thoughts

Now that you understand how para-equestrian events are judged, you can truly appreciate the effort, elegance, and emotion behind every performance.

From Para Equestrian Classification to Equestrian Paralympics rules, every detail ensures fairness and celebrates the bond between horse and human.

As the Paralympics Equestrian 2024 approaches, remember:
Behind every polished performance is a story of trust, endurance, and love.

FAQs

. How is para-equestrian graded?

In para-equestrian, riders are placed into five grades based on their mobility, coordination, and strength.
These grades ensure fair competition between athletes with different types of disabilities:

• Grade I: Severe impairment – walk-only tests.

• Grade II: Wheelchair users – walk and trot tests.

• Grade III: Moderate impairment – walk and trot.

• Grade IV: Mild impairment – walk, trot, and canter.

• Grade V: Least impairment – advanced dressage movements.
  Each grade has its own test pattern designed by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation).

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2. How are equestrian events scored?

In para-equestrian events, every movement — such as walk, trot, or canter — is scored on a scale from 0 to 10 by a panel of five judges:

• 0 = Not executed

• 5 = Satisfactory

• 10 = Excellent
  The average score is then converted into a percentage.
  Judges also award bonus points for harmony, precision, and overall presentation between the horse and rider.

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3. How are the Paralympics judged?

At the Paralympic Games, judging depends on the sport’s official rules.
In para-equestrian, five trained judges score riders based on technical accuracy, artistic expression, and communication with the horse.
Other Paralympic sports use specialized systems — for example, time, distance, or performance-based scoring — but all follow strict international standards to ensure fairness and equality.

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4. How do you judge an equestrian?

Judging an equestrian performance means observing the connection between the horse and rider.
Judges look for:

• Smooth transitions between movements

• The rider’s posture and balance

• Subtle cues that show control and trust

• The horse’s rhythm, relaxation, and responsiveness
  A perfect performance looks effortless — as if the horse and rider are moving as one.

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5. What are the 5 criteria of judging?

In para-equestrian dressage, the five main judging criteria include:

1. Accuracy – How correctly each movement is performed.

2. Harmony – The unity between horse and rider.

3. Rhythm – The smooth flow and timing of gaits.

4. Suppleness – The flexibility and softness of the horse’s body.

5. Impulsion – The energy and power shown during movement.
   Together, these create the overall artistic and technical impression that defines a winning performance.

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6. What is the 1-2-3 rule in horses?

The 1-2-3 rule refers to the rhythm pattern in a horse’s gaits:

• 1-beat: The gallop’s moment of suspension (when all legs are off the ground).

• 2-beat: The trot, where diagonal pairs of legs move together.

• 3-beat: The canter, with a clear three-step rhythm.
  Understanding this helps riders keep proper timing and coordination — key aspects judges look for during para-equestrian scoring.