Para-Equestrian Rules
Para-Equestrian Rules
ADS rules for Para-Equestrians:
Please see the ADS Policy and Procedures for Para Drivers for infomation on dispensations.
https://www.americandrivingsociety.org/docs.ashx?id=655160
Article 1 – Item 8 Disabilities
Prior to the arrival at the showgrounds, competitors are encouraged to advise management of anyspecific accommodations which may not be accounted for in theserules. Management is encouraged to accommodate these requestswherever possible and to advise the competitor accordingly. Thesecompetitors are expected to provide their own equipment and personalsupport staff necessary to participate and compete.
Article 126 Item 14 : Motorized vehicles
… “Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices for individuals with disabilities are exempt.”
This article does not refer to and course inspection, but is a general reference covering the use of assistive devices around the event grounds.
Article 917 – Participation
Item 2.3
At ADS recognized events a Driver withDisabilities may be attached for support but must have a method ofquick release.
Item 2.6
At ADS recognized eventspassengers—human or animal (service dogs exempted) may not ride onthe vehicle during Competitions A, B, or C
Article 943 – Item 3.5
The obstacles may only be inspected on foot. No motor vehicles or bicycles may be taken inside any part of an obstacle. Failure to comply will be penalized by the issuance of a warning for the first infringement and a Yellow Warning Card for the second. Drivers with disabilities must obtain a dispensation from the Organizer to be exempt from this Article and their vehicles clearly identified. In ADS-recognized events, Drivers with limited mobility due to physical disabilities will be permitted to drive themselves through marathon obstacles at a walking pace in golf carts or similar vehicles.
This article refers solely to the use of assistive devices to aid drivers with mobility issues during the obstacle course inspection.
Article 952
7. Inspection of the Course
7.1 The course must be open for inspection at least one hour before the start of the competition. Only Competitors, Chefs d’Equipe and trainers are allowed to inspect the course on foot and they must be smartly dressed. Competitors, Chefs d’Equipe and Trainers are not permitted to use measuring wheels when inspecting the course. At an Event, a warning will be issued for the first offense and a Yellow Warning Card from the President of Jury for subsequent offenses. At ADS-recognized events, Drivers with limited mobility due to physical disabilities will be permitted to drive themselves through the Obstacle-Cones course at a walking pace in golf carts or similar vehicles.
This article refers solely to the use of assistive devices to aid drivers with mobility issues during the cones course inspection.
General Rules
USEF (Complete rule book here: https://www.usef.org/
General Rules found here: https://www.usef.org/
Para-Equestrian is defined as:
GR143 Para-Equestrian Para-Equestrian (PE) is a competition, division or section that provides equestrian competition opportunities for eligible individuals with a diagnosed permanent, physical disability as determined by the USEF/FEI Classification, which is based on the FEI Profile System for Para-Equestrian. (See GR1311.)
Also refer to Para-Equestrian Driving Annex 8 in the DC rule book
DC943 Participation
2.6 No person may be tied to the Carriage in any way during the Competitions. An Athlete may be secured by rope, webbing or belt provided one end is held by a Groom and not wrapped or fastened to the Carriage in any way. Failure to comply will result in Elimination.
2.6.1 For Para-Equestrian drivers, in addition refer to Annex 8.
2.6.2 At USEF-licensed National Events (CAN), an Athlete with disabilities may be attached for support, but must have a method for quick release.
DC962 Inspection of Course
Item 3.5 The Obstacles may only be inspected on foot. No motor vehicles or bicycles may be taken inside any part of an Obstacle. Failure to comply will be penalized by the issue of a Warning for the first infringement and a Yellow Warning Card for the second. Athletes with Disabilities must obtain a dispensation from the Organizer to be exempt from this Article and their vehicles clearly identified.
3.5.1 At USEF licensed National Competitions/Events, a Disabled Athlete maybe permitted to drive himself through the Obstacles at a walking pacein a golf cart or similar vehicle.
DC973 Obstacles
7. Inspectionof the course
7.1.1 At USEF licensed National Competitions/Events, a Disabled Athlete maybe permitted to drive himself through the Obstacle-Cones at a walkingpace in a golf cart or similar vehicle.
USEF Dispensation Program:
If you need dispensation of other rules then you can get a USEF dispensation certificate that the ADS will recognize. A Dispensation Certificate is a form Para-Drivers can submit to the USEF Adaptive Sports Committee if they need any compensatory aids. So, if for example, you need your able-bodied driver to use the whip and brake for you or say you can not use gloves, then you would include those compensatory aids in your dispensation application. This certificate is only for people who have permanent, measurable disabilities. However, in most cases all a Para-Driver needs to do is inform the organizer when they send in the event application of their exclusion and then inform the events Technical Delegate upon arrival as well. If a Para-Driver is planning to compete out of their home region and/or at larger events, it is recommended that they apply for the Dispensation Certificate. Once you have obtained your certificate you will need to be sure to send in four copies with your entry form.
For more information about the USEF Dispensation Program visit
https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/para-equestrian/para-dressage-programs-forms/classification
To apply for your Dispensation Certificate visit
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/g-jyRnfCr8I/dispensation-certificate-application
International FEI Level
For a copy of the FEI Para-Equestrian Supplemental Rules for Driving please visit
https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/para-equestrian/usef-para-driving-programs-publications-forms/classification-2
Article 943 Participation
2.6.1. For Para-Equestrian Drivers, in addition ref. to Annex 8.
4. Para-Equestrian Athletes are allowed to compete in FEI Driving Competitions using compensating aids in accordance with their respective degree of disability as defined on the FEI Classification Master list of active Para-Equestrian Driving Athletes.
Article 962 Inspection of Course
3.5. The Obstacles may only be inspected on foot. No motor vehicles or bicycles may be taken inside any part of an obstacle. Failure to comply will be penalised by the issue of a Warning for the first infringement and a Yellow Warning Card for the second. Athletes with disabilities must obtain dispensation from the Organiser to be exempt from this Article and their vehicles clearly identified.
Annex 8 is the Addendum for Para-Equestrian driving.
