Safe, with spark, and something special

What do para dressage riders look for in their ideal equine partner? Victoria Malcolm consults coaches, riders and judges to find out how to source and train a Paralympic horse

- Victoria Malcolm

PARA dressage made its debut at the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996, but it took a further eight years, at Athens in 2004, for the riders to be allowed to compete on their own horses. Since then, the sport has grown in profile and truly runs in parallel to dressage, and that means the horses and riders are equal stars of the show.

But what are riders looking for when they search for the perfect para horse, and what are the unique challenges they face? We asked some of Britain’s top para riders, including the current FEI world number one, as well as coaches, judges and owners, to unlock the enigma.

“Firstly, and most importantly, the horse must be ‘safe’ and have a good attitude to be ridden at the level required and accept the rider’s disabilities,” says Maryanne Horn, a British Dressage (BD) judge and coach. “Then, it’s about rideability for their partner – there is little point putting a rider who has difficulty with their balance on a big-moving horse. Striking the perfect balance between quality paces with potential to earn higher marks, and suiting the rider, is key”.

Grade III rider and double European medallist Erin Orford shares the sentiment about how temperament is crucial.

“I try to avoid horses that bolt, buck and rear or are particularly spooky – don’t we all – and the ideal horse has an engine, a great temperament and can cope with big arenas,” she says. “They are few and far between and often come with a big price tag.”

THE judges are looking for relaxation from the horses, a soft and open frame, and a consistent contact, and will examine expression and the quality of the paces.

“A horse at grade I level must have a regular four-beat walk, and the quality of the walk will depend on the suppleness and swing, which must be managed by the rider,” says Maryanne. “Often a horse with a bigger walk may not be so easy in the contact.”