Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and British Dressage have launched a National Classification Policy for Para-equestrian which is designed to give clearer guidance and offer a more structured system in line with that used by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). Coming into effect from January 1st 2015, a National Classification Panel has been created which will review all initial applications and offers them classification in regional days, where two classifiers will carry out assessments, or give details of a National classifier local to them to arrange and assessment.
The change has come about in response to growing demand for classifications, and to ensure a more comprehensive process for assessing riders whose disability might be more complex or progressive. The ‘two classifier’ system again brings the UK in line with the FEI, which has always required more than one classifier for its assessments. The policy gives a more constructed process although many aspects of the classification remain the same, with no changes being made to the profile or grading of riders.
David Hamer, British Dressage Para Director, said: “The popularity of Paralympic sport post-London 2012 has been a great boost and it is essential that those coming into the sport have a system that can support the growth in demand for classification. The National Policy gives more clarity and guidance to what was already a very comprehensive process “
To view the National Classification Policy, click here.