Para selection information
If you're a para rider with international ambition, the detail below will guide you through what's required to compete in your first international up to representing Britain at Championship level.
Starting out
International para competitions run under the FEI rules are referred to as CPEDIs and they're given a star rating of one, two or three. One star offers a great level to start, but equally, if you're ready you can enter at any star rating. In simple terms:
1* - ride the Novice Test A for your grade on the first day, Novice Test B on the second day and finish with the Novice Test Freestyle on the third day.
2* - ride the Intermediate Test A for your grade on the first day, Intermediate Test B on the second day and finish with the Intermediate Test Freestyle on the third day.
3* - ride the Grand Prix Test A for your grade on the first day, Grand Prix Test B on the second day and finish with the Grand Prix Freestyle Test on the third day.
When starting out on the international competition scene, it's a good idea to start at a British based CPEDI to get a feel for what's involved without extra work involved with extensive travel. You'll need to be getting good scores and meet the criteria outlined in the Selection Policy below.
If you’re interested in competing in any international competitions, please contact Tasha Pearce who'll be happy to help you.
Please see below the full selection policies for competing on Para Teams, details on eligibility and the selection process. Please note the option to register your intent to compete for Great Britain at the 2024 Paralympic Games, Paris has now closed.
FEI Classification, riders' licences, horse passports and WADA
All riders competing in international para-equestrian dressage competitions need an FEI International Para-Equestrian Classification Card (IPEC ID Card). It involves seeing a specially-trained physio or doctor, who will ensure you are in a grade which provides fair competition. If you need to be internationally classified, please email Felicity Towers at the BEF or call 02476 698872.
All international para dressage competitions are run under FEI rules. All riders and horses competing at an international show need to be registered with the FEI, which costs £30 per horse/rider annually. Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure you and your horses are currently registered with the FEI - registration is available on Horse Monkey, please contact Tash for the links.
If your horse is competing in a CDI you are required to have an FEI recognition card (FEI passport). If your horse has a national passport, we will give it an FEI cover, which costs £220. FEI recognition is valid for four years. Please let the office know at least two months before you are due to go abroad to allow enough time for the paperwork to be processed, the link to apply on Horse Monkey is available from Tash.
Please be aware that those with FEI riders licences will need to have therapeutic use exemption forms and / or declaration of use forms before they compete whilst taking a prohibited substance. In order for riders to check the status of a substance, the Global Drug Reference Online website should be referred to. We advise athletes to print a record of their searches. In addition, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has published its list of prohibited substances.
Horses are now required by DEFRA to have ‘Section IX’ in the passport, if the horse’s passport doesn’t include Section IX, it will need to be updated. Section IX includes a declaration stating whether or not the horse is intended for human consumption. This will be checked when your passport is issued and updated if required.
Changes to imports of horses to the UK
Defra has issued some updates recently (November 2023) of changes around the import notification (IMP) to a new Common Health Entry Document (CHED) to help with the movement of live animals from EU/EFTA countries into GB. Check out the British Equestrian website for further details.
