November 13, 2023 -USPEA Fall Educational Series for Para Dressage Equestrian AthletesArticle 3
USPEA Fall Educational Series for Para Dressage Equestrian AthletesArticle 3
Wellington, Florida – November 13, 2023 – The United States Para Equestrian Association’s (USPEA) goal is to assist new and emerging para dressage athletes and coaches as they 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. The final article of the USPEA Fall Educational Series #3, is geared toward athletes ready to begin international competition (CPEDI’s). Article three will review what’s required for horse and athlete, grants to assist each rider as they plan for the future and rules competitors need to know before heading down centerline.
What is required for horse and athlete heading to international competition?Once a rider has been showing at national USEF/USDF shows and they are ready to move to international CPEDI’s there are a few items to check before sending in entries. I. International Classification: International classification is offered throughout the calendar year at international para dressage shows (CPEDI’s). The classification is scheduled and exercised by two FEI certified classification personnel. Athletes must submit all required FEI classification forms to USEF Para Equestrian Director Laureen Johnson at lkjohnson@usef.org six weeks prior to classification event. FEI Classification documents may be found at: https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/para-dressage/classification/documentation FEI will only permit an athlete to compete at an international event that has been allocated a Grade and designated with a Grade Status accordance with the FEI Para Equestrian classification rules. The goal of international classification is to define who is eligible to compete, minimize impact of impairment for sporting excellence, and finally to define who has the opportunity to become a Paralympic athlete. Classification rules can be read at the FEI website: https://inside.fei.org/sites/default/files/FEI_PE_Classification_Rules_2023_clean.pdfII. FEI Passport: Athletes will want to begin applying for their horse’s passports prior to competition. It can take 6 weeks from start to finish to receive the passport. 1.Riders must be active competing USEF members in good standing to apply.2. Riders will also want to check their FEI eligibility. 3. Check memberships with each organization.4. Check vaccination records.5. The passport application will include a veterinary examination and vaccine statement so be prepared to schedule this.6.Verify horse owners and their memberships.7. Complete the required temperature checks prior to and during the competition, more information can be found here: https://inside.fei.org/fei/horse-health/requirements/athletes-groomsFor more information, please visit the USEF Passport Guide: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/OKWDPsIBYo4/passport-guide-how-to-apply-for-ahttps://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/SsHqDWsp_3M/passport-service-applicationIII. Check all Tack and Equipment: Athletes wanting to head to international competition will want to verify that their tack and equipment is correct prior to showing. FEI has created a guide with current permitted tack and equipment based on each dispensation (classification grade & profile). Riders will want to have everything checked over before entering a CPEDI.Website for Tack and Equipment: https://inside.fei.org/sites/default/files/2023%20Guidelines%20Tack%20Equipment%20Dress_mark%20up_18.04.2023.pdf or the FEI tack app: https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/it-services/mobile-apps/fei-tack-apphttps://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/it-services/mobile-apps/fei-tack-appIV. Review the USEF Rules for criteria to compete:https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/cXFDz-c4vaQ/criteria-to-compete-in-para-dressageV. Review the FEI Para Dressage Tests: Knowing where to start with the para dressage tests is the first step on a rider’s journey into the ring. There are five classification grades, and each athlete will be classified into their respective grade. Within each grade are tests for Novice ridden in CPEDI1*, Intermediate ridden in CPEDI2*, and Grand Prix ridden in CPEDI3* At CPEDI 1* and 2*, all Athletes may compete in the Freestyle, when scheduled.Per FEI Overall Para Dressage Qualification criteria for 2023 “To enter in a CPEDI3*, Athletes are required to have achieved a minimum score of 60% in a CPEDI2* or a CDI1* (or above) in any one test once. Scores obtained in CPEDI 3* and above prior to 2023 will count as well. Such qualification only needs to be obtained once. Scores achieved in a CDI must have been obtained in the 12 months prior to the Athletes first appearance in a CPEDI3*.” The FEI Para Dressage Tests for each grade are located at: https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/organisers/p-e-dressage/testsVI. Grants: Special grants were created to help athletes offset the costs of travel and1. Hope Hand Memorial Hope Hand Memorial (HHM) Domestic CPEDI1* Equine Travel GrantHHM #1 Equine Travel Grant is being offered to athletes to who must transport their horses at least 250 miles, one way, to a U.S. CPEDI1* Event. To apply for a HHM#1 Domestic CPEDI1* grant, the Athlete must participate in three (3) shows; one of which may be virtual. Acceptable “in-person” shows must be 2 different Licensed USDF/USEF Competitions, under two (2) different judges, held on two (2) different weekends. Acceptable virtual show is the USPEA Virtual Judging Program. Complete the Para-Dressage Tests Novice A and Novice B in their classified grade. Submit three (3) tests, each with a score of at least 64%. Athletes that have competed in a CPEDI2* or CPEDI3* do not qualify for the CPEDI1* grant. 2. Meg Mullin Memorial (MMM) Grant for Initial FEI Equine Passport: The Meg Mullin Memorial (MMM) Grant was established in memory of the excellent work and care given by Dr Meg “Muggy” Mullin (1960 – 2023) to all the Para Dressage horses and athletes she treated, encouraged, and shared her passion for life to all. Meg’s smile greeted each person she met and her knowledge was evident as she cared for all the horses whether they were part of the Paralympic Team or participating in their first CPEDI. The MMM#1 Initial FEI Equine Passport Grants are being offered to offset expenses of athlete’s initial CPEDI competition. Athlete must be eligible for FEI classification according to the FEI Classification rules. Athlete and Equine obtaining passport must be eligible to participate in a CPEDI according to the FEI rules. Reimbursement is $250 toward an initial FEI Equine Passport. The maximum reimbursement for an initial FEI Equine passport is $250.00. MMM Grant application is located at :https://uspea.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USPEA-Grant-Application-MMM-3-22-23.docxVII. Know the FEI Rules: International CPEDI competition follows specific guidelines outlined in the FEI Rules. Athletes will want to familiarize themselves with these rules before showing. The FEI Rules are located at: https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/para-dressage/rules also understand anti doping rules for FEI competitions for horses and humans, which is much stricter than USEF rules: https://inside.fei.org/content/anti-doping-rules If you are on a restricted medication need a therapeutic use exemption please try to file your paperwork at least 6 weeks in advance of the show, TUE application is available here: https://www.usef.org/team-usa/sport-excellence-education/clean-sport Any horse or human athlete can be selected for drug testing at an FEI competition. VIII. PARA 101To understand the additional rules participants may view the Para 101 document at https://uspea.org/para-dressage-101/.VIIII.USDF RulesUnited States Dressage Federation Rules may be found at https://www.usdf.org/faqs/paraequestrians.asp X. USEF RulesUnited States Equestrian Federation Rules may be found at https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/para-equestrian/para-equestrian-dressage-programs-formsAbout the USPEA Fall Educational Series: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
