British Para Show Jumping Association a newly formed organization for Physically Disabled riders and Visually Impaired Riders

What is Classification?

Classification provides a structure for Para Equestrian competition be it jumping, dressage or driving  and a framework for fair competition. It is an integral aspect of sport in the Paralympic Movement. The Classification system for Para Equestrian forms part of the sport rules.

UK International to be held on 15th, 16th & 17th August

The UK's only International for physically disabled and Visually Impaired  people to be held at Woodredon Equestrian Centre a riding centre just off J26 of M25 in the middle of Epping Forrest. (Click here for all the latest Information and entry form)

Our venue has had to be changed, It is sad that we will not be Jumping at David Broomes Ground but in other ways it will be better for most riders. We will now be jumping on a all weather surface, if it rains we have an indoor arena, those hiring horses  will have a large variety of horses to choose from and will be assessed by the yard manager to fit horse to rider.

A Large number of entries are Entries are already in for what is going to be a great Para Show jumping Event of 2008. Held over three days 15th -17th August. It promises to be the most exciting Para show on the UK calendar. Already with four nations booked! Riders from France, Canada, Ireland and the UK. Click the link above for more details and schedule.

Woodredon EC Invites BPSJA to perform demonstration at National Riding Festival

The Petplan Equine National Riding Festival 2008 plans to encourage more people horse riding; whether they are new to the sport or simply have not ridden for a while. Members of BPSJA have been Invited to perform a Jumping Demonstration at Woodredon EC on 20th July and are looking for a maximum of six riders to take part. Contact andy@bpsja.co.uk

Woodredon EC is located just off J26 of the M25 and has been chosen as a training camp for 2012 London Olympics Tel: Paula 019927143112

BSJA - Area 42 Incorporates Para Show Jumping Classes

Saturday June 28th, BSJA Area 42 Show is incorporating Para Show Jumping for the first time, the show will be held at Wiltshire College - Lackham, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire. Link to website http://www.bsja-area42.co.uk .

There will be Para sections in classes 1, 2 and 5. Rosettes sponsored by Annie Bevins Vet and prizes in kind sponsored by White Hall Garden Centre, Henry Cole Ltd Feed Merchants and Pointings Saddlery.

British Para Show Jumpers Excel at Chateau Bleu May 2008

2 British Para Show Jumpers, Ben Carr and Justine Bowers have the ride of there lives at Chateau Bleu, France (click to see riders)

Ben and Justine Ride high at Chateau Bleu, Ben came first and Justine third on both days, Excellent results for Brits; at the end of the two day competition both riders had excellent placings, Benn Car riding a French hired horse Goldo came first, and Justine on Hyper came 3rd, Andy Lawes (team Manager) said  "what makes these results even more remarkable is Ben and Justine are both on there debut outing riding as Individuals for GBR."

British Para Show Jumpers ride at Bordeaux 2008

4 British Para Show Jumpers, Louise Hacker, Emily Lawes, Toby Bevins and Alison Betteley ride in Bordeaux France on 1^st & 2^nd February 2008 (click to see riders)

Excellent results for Brits; at the end of the two day competition three of our four riders had excellent placings, Emily Lawes riding a French hired horse Hyper came second, Louise on her own horse Enricho III came 3rd, and Alison on her debut appearance came 5th. Unfortunately Toby was poorly.

BPSJA Promotional Video

FEI Para Equestrian

JUMPING FOR RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES.

The Para Equestrian Committee of the FEI are working to introduce PE Jumping and a meeting has been held recently to discuss the rules, classification and other issues. The classification system is now being drawn up, and we have the support of the BSJA who are working on the Rules. It is hoped that initially in the UK Para Equestrian riders will be able to compete in BSJA classes as well as their own.

Before riders can compete they have to be classified. This is a functional classification carried out by PE accredited classifiers. Having been classified, the riders are given a functional profile number and a Grade. Skill is not part of the classification system; it is calculated solely on functional ability/disability.

Looking at other countries we found that this sport is practiced in several nations led by France, who hold regular competitions with up to 20 riders taking part. Their International Championship for riders with disabilities is held during the FEI World Cup Series in Bordeaux. In 2005 it was won by a British Rider, Yvonne Holloway. Three British Riders will be going to the Competition in Bordeaux this year.

The aim of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee is that sometime in the future Para Equestrian Jumping will become a Paralympic Sport. For this to be considered by the International Paralympic Committee, at least 24 nations from 3 continents have to ‘widely practice’ the sport.

We are now looking for Shows and Centres to hold competitions for these riders, and we are working with the BSJA to arrange that Para Equestrian riders can compete in BSJA classes.

The BPSJA would like to hear from  British riders who want to be considered for this sport, and from people who could offer  help or expertise in helping this organisation flourish. Please contact Andy Lawes chairman@bpsja.co.uk

Tony Bott is the FEI Para Equestrian Committee's Para Equestrian Jumping Liaison Officer, and is responsible for liaising with Organisers of Overseas International Competitions with regards to dates and rules. He will welcome hearing from organisers, and his Email is tonybott42 @ hotmail.com.