The Château de Versailles site will once again host equestrian events with the para dressage of the Paralympic Games.
Para equestrian is one of the events not to be missed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Like the Olympic Games competitions, it will take place within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. However, only one discipline is present on the Paralympic programme: dressage.
Individually or as a team, para-equestrian is a fully mixed discipline and open to motor and visual disabilities. Competitors can also use equipment adapted to each individual during the event.
There are three dressage events at the Paris 2024 Games: the Individual Grand Prix, with a compulsory program, the Team Grand Prix to music and the Individual Freestyle Grand Prix. Only the eight best riders from the Individual Grand Prix can take part in this freestyle event where the rider chooses the music and the program. The French delegation for these Paralympic Games includes three female riders and one male rider: Lisa Cez, Alexia Pittier, Chiara Zenatti and Vladimir Vinchon.
Classifications for para-equestrian
There are five grades of rider disability classification for the para-equestrian event.
- Grade 1 : riders with significant disabilities in all limbs and the trunk.
- Grade 2 : riders with a disability affecting the trunk but with normal upper limb function or minimal lower limb function.
- Grade 3: riders with severe impairment of both legs with minimal or no impairment of the trunk, or riders with moderate impairment of the arms, legs and trunk.
- Grade 4: riders with upper limb disabilities or moderate disabilities in all four limbs or small stature.
- Grade 5: riders with a visual impairment, up to and including complete blindness. Grade 5 also includes riders with a slightly impaired range of motion or muscle strength, a disability in one limb or a slight disability in two limbs.
The para-equestrian calendar
The para-equestrian events will take place from September 3 to 7 at the Château de Versailles.
- Individual Grand Prize: September 3rd and 4th
- Team Grand Prize:September 6th
- Individual free grand prize:September 7th