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Eligible impairment types:

• Impaired muscle power
• Impaired passive range of movement
• Limb deficiency
• Leg length difference
• Athetosis
• Hypertonia
• Ataxia
• Short stature
• Visual impairment

Sport classes

In equestrian dressage riding there are five sport classes called grades for athletes with physical and visual impairments. Lower grades indicate more severe activity limitations and higher grades include athletes with less severe activity limitations.

Physical impairments

Grade Ia

Athletes in grade 1a have severe impairments affecting all limbs and the trunk. The athlete usually requires the use of a wheelchair in daily life.

Grade Ib

Athletes in grade Ib have either a severe impairment of the trunk and minimal impairment of the upper limbs or moderate impairment of the trunk, upper and lower limbs. Most athletes in this class use a wheelchair in daily life.

Grade II

Athletes in grade II have severe impairments in both lower limbs with minimal or no impairment of the trunk or moderate impairment of the upper and lower limbs and trunk. Some athletes in this class may use a wheelchair in daily life.

Physical or visual impairment

Grade III

Athletes in grade III have a severe impairment or deficiency of both upper limbs or a moderate impairment of all four limbs or short stature. Athletes in grade III are able to walk and generally do not require a wheelchair in daily life. Grade III also includes athletes with visual impairment as described in the B1 sport class here.

Grade IV

Athletes in Grade IV have a mild impairment of range of movement or muscle strength or a deficiency of one limb or mild deficiency of two limbs. Grade IV also includes athletes with visual impairment as described in the B2 sport class here.