Para Dressage World Challenge

Chair of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee Amanda Bond introduced the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge, an initiative designed to grow Para Dressage worldwide. The aim of the FEI World Challenge series is to offer athletes who, under normal circumstances, cannot take part in international competitions due to various factors (travel cost and distances for example), the opportunity to compete internationally without having to leave their own country. These "hybrid" competitions are meant as a bridge between the National and first International level of competition and are meant to help NFs develop the various disciplines in their country.

Launched in 2024 under the FEI Solidarity programme, the Challenge is aimed at new and developing national federations, offering them an accessible and structured way to introduce and expand the sport in their regions.

Bond explained that the World Challenge allows athletes to compete in an FEI recognised competition in their own country, with results forming part of an international league table.

This format is particularly beneficial for regions where moving horses internationally is difficult, as it enables nations to compete against one another without the logistical and financial burden of travel.

The concept has already been successfully implemented in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving, and Vaulting, and in 2024, Para Dressage was introduced for the first time, with Uruguay as the inaugural participant.

Bond outlined the competition structure, which consists of three levels — beginner, foundation, and novice — allowing organisers to offer one or all three levels. The Challenge is open to athletes aged 14 and above, with no upper age limit, though athletes who have previously competed at CPEDI3* or higher are not eligible. The competition is also open to horses and ponies aged six years and older, with flexibility allowing athletes to compete on two horses, and each horse to perform up to two tests per day.

She described how the Challenge takes place in two phases:

• In Phase 1, a Judge and classifier visit the country to provide training and feedback, assess athletes, and conduct national classification for those who are not yet classified. The classifier also provides guidance on compensating aids, while the Judge may help train local officials.
• At least one month later, in Phase 2, the judge returns to officiate the official FEI competition, where athletes compete under FEI World Challenge rules, and their results contribute to the international league.

Bond highlighted that, as part of the FEI Solidarity programme, the FEI provides financial support to assist with organising the event. The FEI covers the cost of one FEI Judge and one FEI Classifier, making participation more accessible for National Federations.

The competition also requires a second judge, a second classifier, and an FEI Chief Steward, supported by national stewards. If a country does not have an FEI Chief Steward, they may apply to the FEI for approval of suitably experienced national stewards.

Bond emphasised that the World Challenge is a vital tool for growing Para Dressage, particularly in regions where access to international competition is limited. It provides an opportunity to develop new athletes, coaches, judges, and classifiers, ensuring a pathway for grassroots athletes to progress to FEI-level competition. She encouraged National Federations to integrate the Para Dressage World Challenge with the existing Dressage World Challenge, as this allows para athletes to compete alongside the non-disabled counterparts, even if only one or two para athletes participate.

She also explained that the programme offers flexibility by allowing neighbouring countries to collaborate, enabling athletes to travel across borders where possible. Borrowed horses can also be used to further support participation.

In closing, Amanda urged National Federations, Judges, Classifiers, and Organisers to spread the word and support the Para Dressage World Challenge. She reinforced that the FEI is committed to growing the Para Dressage community, and this initiative provides an accessible, structured, and fully supported way to introduce the sport in new regions.

Presenter
♦ Amanda Bond, FEI Para Equestrian Technical Committee Chair