Equestrian Test Writing
Competition
Equestrian Sport (IPEC) is growing rapidly and standards are rising considerably. The
dressage tests (programs) that have been used over the last four years need to be improved
and new tests written. Would you like to try your hand at composing a test? Perhaps YOUR
test will be used at the next Paralympic Summer Games in Athens. The prize for having your
test accepted will only be fame but no fortune!
Criteria for the tests
- The tests should reasonably follow the layouts of able-bodied tests.
- They should last 4-5 minutes from the first halt and salute to the last halt and salute.
- They must be safe (not too much galloping on the diagonal!).
- They need to be fairly symmetrical, so one side is not favored more than another, as we
are a multi-disability sport.
Grade I. Walk only or walk and trot. Arena 20m x 40m.
The walk alternatives for the riders who cannot trot can be fairly difficult (e.g. rein
back, shoulder in, small circles), and are instead of the trot movements.
Grade II. Walk and trot. Arena 20m x 40m.
Quite difficult patterns in trot are acceptable, including medium trot
strides, 10m circles etc. but no lateral work. The trot should not go on for too long
without a break to walk, as long stretches of trot can be very tiring.
Grade III. Walk, trot and canter. Arena 20m x 40m.
These tests are of Novice standard for able-bodied riders. No lateral work
and difficult lines as movements have to go to specific letters to cater for the totally
blind and mentally impaired riders in this grade.
Grade IV. Walk, trot and canter. Arena 20m x 40m or 20m x
60m.
These tests are of Medium standard for able-bodied riders. All lateral work can be
included as well as medium and collected paces. Do remember that most riders ride on
borrowed horses!
Photo: Lieven Coudenys |
Should you want any more detail please contact Inger Bryant
(Deenscote, Sand Lane, Northill, Bedfordshire SG18 9AE, UK, Tel/ Fax: +44 1767 627372,
E-mail: i.bryant@talk21.com). All entries should be received before 15 December 2000. The
IPEC dressage sub-committee will decide the winners in each category. Inger Bryant
Chairperson, IPEC Dressage Sub-Committee |
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