New EA Para-Dressage Tests Now Available
Equestrian Australia is pleased to announce the publication of a new set of EA National Para-Dressage Tests, ranging from grassroots to advanced level.
Each of the five Para-equestrian categories has four progressive levels, similar to open dressage competitions, that increase in difficulty as the rider moves towards FEI level.
This development pathway will allow athletes to continue to strengthen their capabilities as they proceed towards FEI competition. The EA High Performance Program has developed the new suite of tests with a view to nurture and grow the pool of Australian Para-equestrian talent available for World Championship and Paralympic Games selection in the future.
The tests have been designed in collaboration with judges, coaches, and riders to ensure that they are well-balanced and provide a clear pathway for combinations as they advance through the levels.
Additional tests are expected to be created in the future to provide greater diversity and encourage each combination as they grow throughout the sport.
Riders who are new to Para-dressage can begin at any level within their grade that they believe is acceptable for their skill level and proceed through the tests as their abilities improve.
Sharon Jarvis, EA High Performance Para-Equestrian Pathways Co-ordinator, described the new tests as a positive step forwards in the sport's growth within Australia.
“The development of the new EA Para-dressage tests is very exciting for the grassroots development of the sport in Australia. The tests allow the athletes to acquire skills in a systematic way prior to taking part in the sport at FEI level. These tests will allow more athletes to take part in the sport as they cater for all levels of grassroots riders, in a similar way to able-body competition from Preparatory through to Advanced before FEI levels.
"The development of these tests will also allow our more experienced riders to bring young or green horses through into FEI level of Para-dressage without over-facing the horses too soon with the FEI work or environment of the big shows. I look forward athletes and club organisers embracing these tests as the sport grows to a bright future. I am excited by this initiative.”
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