Horse and rider. One entity. But what if the rider cannot control their legs? Or has no hands? Or is visually impaired? For this, there is para-equestrianism — a horse sport for people with disabilities. This is not just rehabilitation, it is a real big sport with the Olympic Games, world championships, and crazy jumps. We tell you how people in wheelchairs conquer horses and heights. What is para-equestrianism Para-equestrianism is a competition in show jumping for athletes with physical or mental disabilities. Show jumping is jumping over obstacles. The height of the barriers is up to 1.20 m (in normal show jumping up to 1.60 m), but this is a challenge for para-athletes. Athletes are divided into classes (depending on the type of disability). Grading by the "Grade" system: I (the most severe impairments: tetraplegia, absence of limbs) to V (mild impairments: amputation of one hand, deafness). Each class has its own rules: adaptive equipment is allowed — a special saddle, reins, even a ladder for mounting the horse. Para-equestrianism has been part of the Paralympic Games program since 1996 (Atlanta). Initially, there was only dressage (para-dressage), but show jumping was added in 2020 (Tokyo) as a demonstration event, and from 2024 (Paris) — as a full-fledged discipline. In 2026, para-equestrian competitions will be held as part of the world championship in Hertogenbosch (Netherlands). France is one of the leaders. How the competition is conducted A course of 10-12 obstacles. The task is to pass it cleanly (without knocking over the bar), quickly, but taking into account the athlete's peculiarities. The error counting system is used: knocking over the bar — 4 penalty points, falling off the horse or rider — disqualification. Special reins are allowed for athletes with hand impairments, attached to the saddle. Special stirrups are allowed for athletes with leg impairments, securing the foot. For the visually impaired — sound beacons on obstacles ... Read more