Para Driving

FEI Director of Para Driving Manuel Bandeira de Mello outlined the key aspects of Para Driving, covering its principles, current framework, and future direction.

He began by explaining that Para Driving consists solely of a Single Horse class, where Dressage tests must be driven from memory. The marathon phase includes a controlled warm-up (Section A) and obstacles (Section B), while the cones course is specifically designed to test the skills of both horse and driver.

He highlighted that Para Driving follows the FEI Driving Rules, operating under the same regulatory framework as other FEI disciplines, including the FEI General Regulations and Statutes. The sport is divided into two classification grades, Grade I and Grade II, with all compensating aids recorded on a Master List to ensure fairness and consistency.

To support the development of the sport, the Para Driving Working Group was established in 2018 by the FEI Driving Technical Committee. Chaired by Bandeira de Mello, the group includes a level 4 judge, a classifier, and two athlete representatives were to be appointed in the near future. Their responsibilities include reviewing non-standard compensating aids, updating the 2026 rules and annex, and maintaining communication through meetings, conference calls, and emails.

Bandeira de Mello also shared key figures on the growth of Para Driving. Governed by the FEI since 2006, the sport has seen five Championships and four Events held across ten venues between 2014 and 2024. Athletes often compete in both Driving and Para Driving shows, and the number of classified Para Driving athletes is expected to rise in 2025.

He emphasised that Para Driving events could be fully integrated with Driving competitions, ensuring that the same officials oversee both disciplines. At least one member of the Ground Jury must hold Para Driving judging qualifications, and the Technical Delegate must have specific experience in Para Driving to assess equipment, compensating aids, and safety.

Looking ahead, Bandeira de Mello stressed that the FEI Driving Technical Committee, the FEI Driving Department, and the Para Driving Working Group share a common goal: to further develop Para Driving in the coming years. This includes improving communication within the Para Driving community, increasing the number of athletes competing at the FEI level, and encouraging more organisers to host Para Driving events.

Finally, he also brought attention to the Hand-in-Hand Trophy, introduced in 2010 by HRH Princess Haya to promote the integration of Para and non-disabled athletes. In this initiative, teams combine their scores from Dressage, marathon, and cones, with the lowest total penalties determining the winners.

Presenter
♦ Manuel Bandeira de Mello - FEI Director, Driving and Para Driving