October 2, 2023- USPEA Fall Educational Series for Para Dressage Equestrian Athletes
USPEA Fall Educational Series for Para Dressage Equestrian Athletes
Wellington, Florida – October 2, 2023 – The United States Para Equestrian Association’s (USPEA) goal is to assist new and emerging para dressage athletes and coaches navigate their way to the competition arena. Toward this goal USPEA will be releasing a series of articles to provide educational resources and USPEA grants to help reach national and international para dressage goals.
USPEA Fall Series #1 The first steps in pursuing participation in Para Dressage: Start learning the basics of dressage and apply for classification.Step One: Learn everything you need to know about Para Dressage.USPEA Para Dressage 101The Para Dressage 101 Link is located at https://uspea.org/para-dressage-101/. Para Dressage 101 goes over how to get started in the sport, rules and information on training, getting to horse shows, and the type of horse a rider would want to start with. It also talks about Classification and the USPEA Virtual Dressage Judging Program. Once a rider has started to learn the basics of dressage, the next step is to start learning the FEI Para Dressage tests for their classified Grade beginning with the Para Dressage Novice and advancing to Para Dressage Intermediate then when ready, advancing to the Para Dressage Grand Prix tests. Tests are available here https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/organisers/p-e-dressage/tests.Step Two: Get ClassifiedClassification is required to compete in Para Dressage at both National and International competitions. Classification places the athlete in their competition grade based on degree of measurable, permanent, physical disability or visual impairment. Classification does not assess nor is based on the rider’s skill level. National classification is required to compete in FEI Para Dressage classes at national USEF/USDF licensed competitions and international FEI classification is required for FEI para dressage competition (CPEDI’s). National (USEF) and International (FEI) Classification must be requested through the National Governing Body which is the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). USEF membership is required for classification.Application requesting national classification must include the following USEF for national or FEI for international forms: 1) Classification Request Form; Completed and signed 2) Consent for Classification; and 3) Medical Diagnostic Form and any additional supporting medical documentation; a VI Medical Diagnostic Form is required for visually impaired athletes. Once all paperwork has been submitted, the USEF Chief Classifier determines if criteria has been met and an in-person evaluation day & time is scheduled. When completed, a National or International Grade and profile is assigned, and a dispensation / classification certificate is issued by USEF. Classifiers work with the International Blind Sports Association’s (IBSA) Classifiers for athletes with a visual impairment. All required forms and medical documentation must be sent at least six weeks before desired classification date and/or review/update of your compensating aids. Please note that international classifications are only offered at CPEDI competitions and both USEF and FEI membership is required. To view the forms or for more information please visit https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/para-equestrian/para-equestrian-dressage-programs-forms/classification.Jonathan Wentz Memorial (JWM) Initial Classification Travel Grant is being offered to offset travel and lodging expenses incurred by athletes who are traveling more than 250 miles, one way, to attend their initial (first) classification event. USPEA membership is required for grant application. This grant may be used for USEF National or FEI International Classification. Athlete must be eligible for classification according to the FEI Classification rules and more explanation of this grant can be found at https://uspea.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USPEA-Grant-Application-JWM-3-22-23.docx.Step Three: Ride in front of a virtual para dressage judge.USPEA Virtual Para Dressage Judging ProgramThe Virtual Para Dressage Judging Program offers invaluable feedback from a FEI Para Dressage 3* International judge as riders train for Para Dressage competition. It offers new riders the opportunity to ride at their skill level while working up to the required tests for their Grade level in preparation for national and/or international competition. Toward this goal the program does not require classification to ride the FEI Para Dressage tests, however being classified as soon as possible is highly recommended to know which Grade level tests will be required for competition. The Virtual Para Dressage Judging Program’s goal is to assist the rider prepare for competition and work towards moving up the test levels of Novice, Intermediate and finally Grand Prix. An FEI Para Dressage 3* International judge views the videos and provides feedback and scoring using official score sheets for each test entered. Information on our Virtual Judging program is located at https://uspea.org/virtual-judging-program/. The link explains cost, how to record the video, and what to expect once it is submitted. USPEA’s goal is to offer educational materials and assistance with logistics and cost of national and international shows, as well as initial classification through the USPEA grant programs. USPEA grants being offered may be found HERE USPEA membership information and additional resources for athletes may be found at www.USPEA.org and will be covered in our upcoming articles.
