[dudleyc]

After listening to last weeks dressage radio episode http://dressageradio.horseradionetwo...-sophie-wells/

I got to thinking about the compesition of the olympic team and I couldn't find any information on line. I have a vague idea about the classification system, but how is the team picked do they have requirements to have a 1,2,3 and 4?

TIA

[mjhco]

http://www.fei.org/disciplines/dress...trian-dressage


This gives the guidelines. Classification manual. etc.

[dudleyc]

I checked that site earlier but could not find the composition of the teams - did you?

[mjhco]

http://www.usef.org/documents/highPe...1april2011.pdf


For the 2012 Olympics

Only National teams count for the Rankings. No country may enter more than one team in any event. The teams must consist of a maximum of four and a minimum of three competitors of the same nationality. A Grade Ia, Grade Ib or Grade II athlete must be included in each team, riding the relevant test. Teams shall not include more than 3 athletes from any one grade. The three highest placed athletes, determined by their percentage scores in the Individual Test and the Team Test combined, shall be totaled to determine the final team placings.

[dudleyc]

Thanks!!

[SnicklefritzG]

What level of dressage tests are the para riders usually doing?

[catosis]

It can range anywhere from Intro (I think) to GP. I know that Robin Brueckmann has had a pretty successful small tour career on her horse, Radetsky. He may even be schooling GP now.

[dudleyc]

I think it is different from intro. I heard Ia is a walk test and Ib is walk with a little trot. When I have more time I'll try to find the tests - unless someone beats me to it

[*Teddy*]

They go walk test to psg. The tests have certain omissions depending on the riders grade, for example those with canter flying changes are omitted

[RC&W]

Check out www.uspea.org this is the official website of US para riders. There is lots of info there.

I am pretty involved with Para Equestrian, (PE) as an owner who has loaned my horse to 2 different PE riders from 2 other countries, one for WEG, and one for a 3* Paralympic qualifier this past fall. These experiences have been incredible on many levels.

Our US team is trying really hard to make the top 11 FEI ranking to sport a team for the Paralympics. They just returned from Australia where they earned Gold at a qualifier. They also earned Gold in Mexico last month at another qualifier. All on borrowed horses they rode only a few times!! Talk about catch riding! Unbelievable! They still don't have the ranking yet though. There are 2 more qualifiers in Wellington in Jan., they will need to do well there.

I could go on and on, I love PE! Check out their site and learn more, and what they might need help with, usually $$ and really good horses to borrow.

PE is competitive and serious business, especially with the Paralympics next year in London. Check it out!