Equestrian Paralympics 2024 2024: Full Event Guide

Quick answer

The Equestrian Paralympics 2024 will take place from 3–7 September at the Château de Versailles. Riders compete in dressage-only events across five impairment grades. Great Britain, a dominant force since 1996, fields a strong all-female team. With 11 golds up for grabs, fierce competition from nations like the Netherlands and Germany is expected.

Equestrian Paralympics 2024: The Complete Guide

The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris will showcase some of the world’s finest para-athletes, and equestrian dressage remains one of its most elegant and emotional highlights. Held at the historic Château de Versailles, this event merges sport, discipline, and the unique bond between human and horse.

With 11 gold medals available and elite athletes from across the globe, this year’s competition promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to para-equestrian sport, this guide provides everything you need to know.

From dates and schedules to top contenders and format breakdowns—let’s ride into the details.

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Key Facts – Equestrian Paralympics 2024

What Is Para-Equestrian Dressage?

Para-equestrian at the Paralympics is exclusive to dressage and is designed for athletes with physical impairments. Riders compete across five grades, from Grade I (most impaired) to Grade V (least impaired).

How Grading Works:

• Grade I: Walk-only tests.
• Grade II & III: Walk and trot.
• Grade IV & V: Walk, trot, canter, and lateral work.

Arena Sizes:

• Grades I–III: Smaller arena.
• Grades IV–V: Full-size dressage arena.

Rules at a Glance:

• Men and women compete equally.
• Riders use their own horses.
• Assistive devices and “callers” (for visually impaired riders) are allowed.
• No carry-over of scores across events.

Event Format & Medals Explained

There are three competition types per grade:

1. Individual Championship Test

Each rider performs a standardised test judged on accuracy, rhythm, and harmony.

2. Team Test (Set to Music)

• Three-rider teams (with at least one from Grade I–III).
• Riders execute a set routine.
• Combined scores determine team medals.

3. Individual Freestyle Test

• Riders perform a self-choreographed routine with music.
• Open to the top 8 athletes per grade based on prior performance.

Total Medal Count:

• 11 events: 5 Individual Tests, 5 Freestyle, 1 Team event.

Who’s Representing Great Britain?

Great Britain has dominated the sport since its Paralympic debut and will aim to defend its unbroken record of team golds.

Team GB 2024 Line-up:

• Natasha Baker (Grade III) – Multi-gold medallist, back after maternity break.
• Sophie Wells (Grade V) – Competing in her third Games, proven performer.
• Georgia Wilson (Grade II) – Surprise bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020.
• Mari Durward-Akhurst (Grade I) – World No. 1 in June, Paralympic debut.

Baker and Wells bring veteran experience, while Wilson and Durward-Akhurst bring rising momentum and strong form.

Top Medal Contenders Beyond GB

Although Britain remains a favourite, several other nations have raised the bar.

Leading Challengers:

• Netherlands: Narrowly missed gold in Tokyo (by just 0.656 marks).
• Germany: Historically strong in all equestrian disciplines.
• Denmark: Consistently places in top five.
• USA: Growing talent pool across grades.

These nations have invested heavily in training and para-dressage infrastructure, making this one of the tightest fields in years.

Daily Competition Schedule (3–7 September)

How Are Riders Scored?

Each performance is scored by a panel of judges using standard dressage criteria:

• Accuracy
• Rhythm and tempo
• Horse-rider harmony
• Difficulty of movements (for Freestyle)

Judges assign scores per movement (0–10), which are averaged and converted into a percentage.

Interesting Trivia and History

• First Paralympic Appearance: 1996, Atlanta.
• First GB Team: Included Sophie Christiansen’s mount Athene Lindebjerg, now ridden by Durward-Akhurst.
• Borrowed Horses: In 1996, all horses were loaned to athletes!

The sport has grown tremendously, now featuring world-class riders partnered with their own trained horses, often with years of teamwork behind them.

Conclusion

Whether you’re watching for national pride or the love of the sport, the Equestrian Paralympics 2024 is a must-see. With breathtaking performances, emotional stories, and intense competition, this event offers much more than medals—it celebrates resilience, precision, and beauty in motion.

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