Compensating Aids and Special Equipment in Para-Dressage
Compensating aids are used by Para-Equestrians to compensate for the physical or sensory limitation resulting from their impairment, thereby enabling them to ride a horse.
Para-Equestrians are permitted to use special equipment when this has been formally documented and approved. The use of compensating aids will be discussed with individual riders during the classification process and will be documented on the Para Equestrian Classification card.
According to FEI compensating aids are Modifications and/or adaptations to equipment and Use of Aids.
Modifications and/or adaptations to:
-Saddlery (Saddles, Bridles/Reins, Stirrups)
-Riding attire (Riding footwear, Gloves)
-Other riding equipment (Whips, Spurs)
-Postural supports and orthoses (Straps to control body parts, Prostheses, Braces)
Use of Aids:
- Aids to compensate for sensory loss (Commander, Caller)
-Miscellaneous
Examples of Compensating Aids
Salute with head only
Voice (only Grades I, II and III)
1 or 2 whips
Rising Trot
Hand Hold (Usually Grade I or II)
Velcro Strap over thigh going under the saddle
Orthosis and Braces
Commander
Caller
Riding without Gloves/Spurs
Riding with one hand
Compensating Aids regarding Stirrups:
-Elastic bands to hold the Stirrup in the right position
-Enclosed Stirrups/Stirrup Cages
-Elastic band/Velcro Strap from Girth to Stirrup
-Magnetic Stirrups
-Riding without Stirrups or with one Stirrup
Compensating Aids regarding Reins:
-Laddered Reins
-Rein Loops
-Split rein on double bridle
- Elastic Inserts on reins
Compensating Aids regarding Saddle:
-Deep Saddle, raised pommel, raised cantle
-Seat saver
-Knee/Thigh rolls/blocks
Laddered Reins, Riding without Gloves and with Whip
Loop Reins, Braces on neck and body and a Whip
Split Reins
Split Rein and Loop Rein combined
Elastic band to hold the Stirrup in the right position
Compensating Aids explained on New Zealand Para-Equestrian site
FEI's Compensating Aids pdf-file (11 pages) from 2014
