FAQ's

frequently asked questions

Knowledge is power!

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General questions

FAQ 1

Question 1. What are the Paralympics?

The Paralympics are the second largest sporting event in the world - only second to the Olympics itself! At the Paralympics top elite athletes with classifiable physical disabilities from around the world travel to compete at the highest level of competition in the world! The Paralympics occur 2 weeks after the completion of the summer and winter Olympics.

FAQ 2

Question 2. What is the difference between the Paralympics and The Special Olympics?

The Paralympics and Special Olympics are two different organizations. The Special Olympics unites people with intellectual disabilities for the world’s largest sporting event for people with special needs. “The Special Olympics are only for athletes with intellectual impairments, according to Special Olympics International . But athletes who compete in the Paralympics can be a part of any one or combination of six main disabilities categories. Those categories are spinal injuries, amputee, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, intellectual impairment or the "Les Autres" category for any other condition, according to the IPC . Secondly, athletes who compete in the Paralympics are elite athletes who have to qualify for the games and meet certain standards of performance, according to the IPC. For the Special Olympics, anyone over the age of eight with any ability level can train and compete in the games, according to Special Olympics International. Athletes in the Special Olympics are randomly selected to participate. The other significant difference between the two is the timing and the scale of the games. The Special Olympics happen in seven regions around the world in 170 countries, year round, and involve 32 sports. The Paralympic Games, in contrast, coincide with the Olympics, meaning the Winter Games happen every four years, as do the Summer Games, on a staggered schedule.”

Source: Newsweek "PARALYMPICS VS. SPECIAL OLYMPICS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GAMES?"

FAQ 3

Question 3. What does the “Para” in Paralympic stand for?

Good question! While some people think it means “paralyzed” it actually stands for “parallel” -Parallel to able bodied sport of every variation!

FAQ 4

Question 4. What sports are included in the Paralympics?

As of 2020 there are 23 sports included in the Paralympics! These sports include:

Archery
Athletics
Badminton
Boccia
Canoe-Sprint
Road Cycling
Track Cycling
Equestrian.... My sport!
Judo
5-a-side Football
Goalball
Powerlifting
Rowing
Shooting
Sitting Volleyball
Swimming
Table Tennis
Taekwondo
Triathlon
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Fencing
Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Tennis

FAQ 5

Question 5. How do I get involved in Para sport?

I know it feels overwhelming at first with so many ways to get information nowadays! I urge you to visit the International Paralympic Committee website to learn more about the Para sport you are interested in!

After you learn more about Para sports internationally, I would suggest you look up your National Governing Body’s website for resources about to get involved with the specific sport you are interested in participating in! In the United States the information about Para Dressage can be found at USEF – The United States Equestrian Federation. Informations specific to the US can be found at the USPEA or the United States Para Equestrian Association

FAQ 6

Question 6. What exactly is Dressage?

Dressage is a highly skilled form of riding horses that focuses on bend, obedience and flexibility and skill. These areas are evaluated through a series of tests. Many people describe it as dancing on horses! While historically, its roots are in equestrian military, today its training is used to develop a harmonious relationship between horse and rider.

FAQ 7

Question 7. How exactly is Paradressage different?

Paradressage is Dressage for people with classifiable physical disabilities.Since it is parallel to able bodied dressage, we use compensating aids to assist our riding abilities to achieve a level parallel to that of our able-bodied counterparts. The compensating aids must be approved by the Federation Equestrian International or FEI.

FAQ 8

Question 8. What are compensatory aids?

Compensatory aids are aids that Para equestrians demonstrate a need for due to their physical disability They must be evaluated for safety and necessity through their FEI and can then be used to ride and to adapt their riding to their personal disabilities. For example the rider may need a special hand hold, magnetic sturips, ladder reins, or a special saddle. You can find a good collection of these aids by Compensating Aids with Photos.There are times when the rider and trainer have to come up with a new aid to meet a special need of a rider. You can submit the aid for approvial.

FAQ 9

Question 9. How does the classification system work?

Each Paralympic sport has a different classification system that involves meetings with specially trained classifiers-typically these occur at International shows called CPEDI3* for equestrians. This system helps to put you into a class with other people that are similarly abled to you. For the sport of Paradressage we have 5 grades for our riders, the most able-bodied riders falling into the grade 5 category while the most physically impaired riders fall into the grade 1 category.

For Paradressage our classifications take place unmounted and are a series of muscle tests performed by physical therapists who are certified as classifiers. These tests are designed to place you into your athletic profile which in turn places you into a grade with people with similar physical disabilities to your own, so the playing field is level for everyone. Here is link to the Paradressage Classification System.

*The classification system varies from sport to sport.*

FAQ 10

Question 10. Where can I get classified for Paradressage?

Classifications for Paradressage take place at our CPEDI’s and sometimes clinics throughout the year. Refer to the USPEA Calendar to find the show schedule yearly to find a classification opportunity that works for you!

FAQ 11

Question 11. Do I have to own my own horse in order to compete in Paradressage?

You do not have to own your own horse specifically but in order to be considered for a team you do need to be a horse rider combination. This means you must compete consistently on one horse for a period of time in order to be considered for a team. The horse can be owned by you or a different horse owner that is letting you lease/ride their horse in order to compete.