Dressage for disabled

[FudgieFoo]

I remember reading about dressage for diasabled a while back and that there were different grades of diability. I had a look on a website about it but can anyone else explain it? I'm just curious :D

[Jane.A]

There are grades 1 to 5, with 1 been the most severe impairments. Grade 5 tends to be learning difficulties, grade 4 one limb has impaired function usually. If you visit the IPEC website it has info on the grades and profiling which is done by a specially qualified physio and costs about £30. Hope that helps.

[horse_converted]

Hi in australia there is four grades and grade 4 is the most abled grade for like sight inpairment and that

[Siogfinsceal]

Hi, in ireland its similar there are grades and you have to get evaluated by the riding for disabled to see what grade you will be. grades can also change over time of you have a condition that will deteriorate

[alwaysfallingof]

Ditto Jane.A - in the UK there are 5 grades.

In order to find out which grade you are, as she says, you need to be profiled. There are (I think) 25ish different profiles and they cover degrees of learning difficulties, degree of partial sightedness and the different physical disabilities that people can have.

The profiles are then grouped into grades. So there are people with mental and physical disabilities in each of the five grades.

The profiling must be done by a classifying physiotherapist (usually a senior member of the ACPTR).

For example, grade 1 riders may be severely physically disabled, severely mentally disabled or both.

Riders that are either slightly partially sighted, have mild physical disabilities (eg mild cp) or mild learning difficulties could all be grade 5.

When the profiling takes place it doesn't actually involve riding. It is an examination with a view to seeing how well you should theoretically be able to ride, taking into account your disability. (Core strength and pelvic tilt seem to be the most critical deciding factors of someone with a physical disability).

[D&D]

and once you have had your profile done, what happens then??? what is it done for??? what can you do after

(someone has mentioned it to me but i dont know nothing about it) x

[Kizza07]

Im interested in that too. Im in Australia, my spine is fuzed together at some spots and wondered whether i would be classified as disabled? It doesnt really affect my riding, it only affects my balance, position and comfort...

[stranding]

I also wanted to find out about the profiling, as I will have one coming up soon. Thanks to JaneA and Alwaysfallingoff for your information.

This page of the IPEC site (I understand now called PARA-EQUESTRIAN) gives some basic info:
http://www.ipec-athletes.de/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=12I

Though the IPEC site has some good information, it's not very easy to navigate. Here is a link to their profiling & classification page:
http://www.ipec-athletes.de/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=25

Here are two sets of "Top Tips" from IPEC for coaching para-dressage:

http://www.ipec-athletes.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=45
http://www.ipec-athletes.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=45

There are also some 2007 World Championship Dressage videos to watch, including riders who have major disabilities eg having one arm etc. Wow, dead impressive!

Ann

[allcluedup]

where i live they do alot for the rda and as for the dressage valeview ec do talant spotting for dressage. i also know a grade 5 dressage rider who is on our olympic team Michelle Crunkhorn she is riding at grand prix against able bodied riders, i remember her as a 6yr old on her pony fly flapping her legs as she canters along, she has come a long way from those days with the help and dedcation of her parents:D

[ruthncallie]

where i live they do alot for the rda and as for the dressage valeview ec do talant spotting for dressage. i also know a grade 5 dressage rider who is on our olympic team Michelle Crunkhorn she is riding at grand prix against able bodied riders, i remember her as a 6yr old on her pony fly flapping her legs as she canters along, she has come a long way from those days with the help and dedcation of her parents:D

Michelle Crunkhorn is actually Grade 4. You cannot compete internationally under FEI rules if you are a Grade 5. :) xx

[allcluedup]

Michelle Crunkhorn is actually Grade 4. You cannot compete internationally under FEI rules if you are a Grade 5. :) xx

thanks for that for some reason i thought she was a grade 5:)