Introduction to Para- Equestrian Driving for Coaches & Athletes
Support for this course and outreach initiative is made possible by Funding provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant to Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International. Disclaimer: This program is funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Disclaimer The information in this presentation may not perfectly reflect the most updated FEI Para- Equestrian rules. It is the responsibility of the athlete to check the USEF/ADS/FEI Para-Equestrian Driving Rules updated annually.
Course Objectives 1. To develop a foundational understanding of National and International competition in Para-Equestrian Sports, specifically Para-Dressage & Para-Driving. 2. To raise awareness among riding schools, therapeutic riding centers, veteran service organizations and adaptive sport clubs about these exciting Paralympic and International equestrian sports as a competitive pursuit beyond equine-assisted therapy or recreation. 3. Connect emerging coaches and athletes to the USEF/USPEA International Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence which provide training clinics, educational symposia, and access to international para-dressage coaching experts. 4. Encourage para-eligible veterans to participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Assistance Program for Paralympic Athletes with trained, knowledgeable coaching support.
Presenter Scott Monroe Scott Monroe is an International Para- Driving Coach, Licensed Combined Driving Judge and Combined Driving Technical Delegate, Level 2 PATH Driving Instructor & USEF National Combined Driving Single Horse Champion. Scott brings 20 years of driving experience and training of athletes. As a U.S. Marine, he has a keen interest in helping disabled veterans.
What is Para-Equestrian Driving? Para-Equestrian driving has been an International sport since 1989 where the first test event was held in Great Britain. In 2006 the FEI took over the governance of Para Driving. Para Driving consists of the same three phases as their able-bodied counterparts with dressage, cones and marathon phases all contested during a two or three day competition. On the international circuit, para-drivers compete at FEI World Para-Driving Championships and a few select FEI competitions for Singles. Drivers are placed into two different grades based on their functional ability. Nationally para-drivers compete against their able-bodied counterparts in open competition. Driven dressage is marked on the regularity of paces, ease of movement and correctness of bending of the horse on the move as well as style and accuracy, within a 100 x 40m arena. The cones phase consists of numbered pairs of cones with a ball on top, if a ball falls you incur penalties. Speed and cone width are adjusted depending on the level of competition. The marathon tests the fitness and stamina of the horses and the skill and judgement required to handle the horses through a challenging course with a number of obstacles. Penalties are incurred for, amongst other things, an error on course, dismounting, damage to the carriage or a deviation from the course.
3 Phases of the Sport DRESSAGE CONES MARATHON
History of the Sport International Para Driving Events 1989 Lilford Park Great Britain 1990 Assen The Netherlands 1994 Hartpury Great Britain 1996 Westerborg The Netherlands World Championships started in 1998 1998 Wolfsburg Germany 2000 Stadl Paura Austria 2002 Greven Germany 2004 Edinburgh Scotland 2006 Hellendoorn The Netherlands 2008 Greven Germany 2010 Breda The Netherlands 2012 Breda The Netherlands 2014 Sandringham Great Britain 2016 Breda The Netherlands
USA Medal Results 1994 First unofficial Demonstration Championship of Drivers with Disabilities in Hartpury, England Team USA Silver: Mary Gray, Cindy Goff, Tom Turner, Rebecca Merritt; Individual Gold: Mary Gray 1998 First official IPEC (International Para-Equestrian Committee) World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities in Wolfsburg, Germany. Team USA Bronze: Kate Rivers, Mary Grey, Michael Muir; Individual Bronze: Kate Rivers 2000 IPEC World Championship, Stadl Paura, Austria. Individual Gold: Kate Rivers 2002 IPEC World Championship, Greven, Germany. Team USA Bronze: Diane Kastama, Meghan Benge, Peggy Benge; Individual Silver: Diane Kastama 2004 IPEC World Championship, Hopetoun, Scotland. Individual Bronze - Pairs Class: Michael Muir 2006 First FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities, Hellendoorn, Netherlands. Individual Gold: Diane Kastama 2008 FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities, Greven, Germany. Team USA Silver: Meghan Benge, Diane Kastama, Mary Gray Individual Gold: Meghan Benge; Individual Bronze: Diane Kastama 2014 FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities, Sandringham, England. Team USA Bronze: Virginia (Boo) Fitch, Bob Giles, Diane Kastama; Individual Silver: Bob Giles
Para-Driving Competition Governance Grassroots driving and lower levels of competition are governed by the American Driving Society where there is no distinction made between the able bodied and disabled divisions. It is all about getting started. Lists of carriage clubs and local events are found here. www.americandrivingsociety.org Driving Tests Found Here The upper levels of competition are governed by the National Governing Body The United States Equestrian Federation. www.usef.org The international level of competition (World Championships) are governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale. www.fei.org Driving Tests Found Here
United States Equestrian Federation Contact US Equestrian to ask about para-driving classification and applying for a dispensation certificate that shows an athlete s allowable aides. US Equestrian s webpage shows forms on Para-Driving Dispensations, Classifications, Clinics & VA Allowances: Para-Equestrian Driving Forms FMI: Contact USEF Para-Equestrian Director, Laureen Johnson (lkjohnson@usef.org); www.usef.org
Supporting Para-Driving Associations The United States Para-Equestrian Association is a recognized National Affiliate association of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and assists athletes with eligible physical impairments in expanding their knowledge and experience in the disciplines of Para-Equestrian sports. FMI Contact: Hope Hand, President (hope@uspea.org) www.uspea.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. promotes the sport of Carriage Driving for individuals with a disability, providing a resource on equipment modifications, training and fundraising. FMI Contact: Diane Kastama, President (usdfdinformation@gmail.com) www.usdfd.org
What is a Center of Excellence? The USEF/USPEA COEs are being developed nationwide and are the focus for Para- Equestrian Dressage trainer/coach identification and development programs to expand the availability of quality Para-Equestrian sport programs and services. The COEs are the primary hubs for delivering the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Emerging through High Performance Programs, and offer training in FEI/USEF Classification, Human Sports Science & Medicine (Human SSM) and Equine SSM. While not required, there are some COEs that also focus on Para-Equestrian Driving as a sport discipline and would be an excellent resource for an athlete or coach looking for education and training. FMI: COE
Para-Driving Classification Drivers are placed into two different grades based on their functional ability. Classification procedure is the same as Para-Dressage, but takes into account different physical requirements of driving. Classification uses the same Profiles as Para-Dressage, but not all profiles are eligible for paradriving.
Driving Classification Grades Grade I: Moderate to severe impairment in all 4 limbs and trunk who may not be able to walk; moderate to severe impairment in 3 limbs and trunk; severe impairment in two unilateral limbs and trunk; severe impairment in upper limbs and trunk; severe impairment in upper limbs with mild impairment in lower limbs; severe impairment in upper limbs. Most athlete will use a wheelchair in daily life for some or all mobility. Grade II: Includes a range of impairments, such as: mild impairment of all 4 limbs and trunk; severe to moderate impairment in 1 or 2 lower limbs; 2 limbs on the same side; moderate to mild impairment of 1 or 2 upper limbs. Less impairment compared to Grade I. Not Eligible: Profiles 20, 23, 29, 30, 36, 37a, 37b, 38, 39, 41, 48
The Classification Process Determine Eligibility to be Classified Apply to the National Federation Permanent, measurable movement or vision impairment verified by medical documentation Determine eligibility for competition Athlete meets Minimal Impairment Criteria Designate Grade Status N, R, C Allocate Profile and Grade
Equipment Useful equipment that does not require dispensation Looped reins Rein stops Handholds on reins Strap to hold legs together Supportive seat on carriage
Common Dispensations for equipment and from rules Quick release seat belt 2 nd set of reins (National only and only Training level) No gloves Drive 2 hands only (Some dressage tests require onehanded movements) Salute with head only Use motor vehicle to walk course Groom uses whip Groom uses brake Hand brake on carriage Strap for feet
Documentation Below is the documentation that is accepted at different levels of competition for compensating aids and dispensation certificates. Every competitor should clearly state parking and stabling requests with the show entry. Talk with the show organizer to clarify the show grounds terrain. American Driving Society USEF International (FEI) Doctors note specifying dispensations requested Dispensation Certificate National Classification Dispensation Certificate National Classification International Classification International Classification International Classification
National Competition ADS/USEF Para Drivers compete in open classes. There are 4 levels of competition. Training, Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced. A beginner would start at Training level. As his/her skill progresses, the athlete would move up through the levels. Arena Driving Trials and Horse Driving Trials are a good place to learn the sport. These are usually one or two day events held by local driving clubs.
International Para-Equestrian Driving World Championships held every two years. Netherlands, Germany, England all have some Para-Driving FEI classes. The level of competition is similar to the ADS Intermediate level One FEI dressage test for both Grades 6 Marathon Obstacles gates A-F Cones measured at 20 cm clearance
Carriages Dressage/ cones carriage 138 cm wide expandable axle on marathon carriage is sufficient. (FEI/ USEF Advanced ) Marathon carriage 125 cm wide must be 4 wheel at FEI and Advanced. ADS (Training, Preliminary, Intermediate) can use marathon carriage for all phases. Suspension is important look at air suspension vehicles (especially if using seatbelt)
Carriage Requirements Training, Preliminary, Intermediate (ADS) USEF Dressage/Cones Any Width 138 cm min width (expandable axle on marathon ok) Marathon 125 cm min width any weight 125 cm min width Horse min weight 340 lbs., pony 220 lbs. FEI 138 cm min Width (expandable axle on marathon ok) 125 cm min width Horse min weight 340 lbs., pony 220 lbs.
Carriage Modifications Supportive seats, most any can be bolted on to an existing carriage (car racing seats, sit ski seats are places to look) If paralyzed, driver will need upper body side support Reverse wedge seat keeps from sliding forward Quick release seat belt (5 point, car racing, dune buggy) Foot well for feet Hand brake Brake extensions Lifts on carriage Ramp or lift off carriage
Carriage Resources USDFD provides information on carriages and equipment made by various manufacturers. It is the athlete s responsibility to check on a manufacturer's expertise in safely modifying equipment for specific needs.
Equine Selection and Training Best horse for a para-driver is a horse that already has basics of traveling in an Advanced level frame. Look for overreach in the Walk, Extended Trot, and tracking up at trot easily.
Equine Selection and Training Marathon needs forward ground covering trot/canter. Able to do all on fixed rein length or minimal signal. Breeds to look at: Welsh ponies/cobs, German riding ponies, Dutch Harness Horse (careful of temperament) Warmbloods but with energy, Irish Sport horses. Horses must be strong enough to pull weight of carriage with extra grooms or modifications as needed.
United States Driving for the Disabled,Inc. VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2
Para-Equestrian Sport Initiative for Veterans
Veteran Opportunities in Equestrian Sports Challenging Equestrian Sport Beyond Equine-Assisted Therapies & Activities Skill Progression & Meaningful Participation Health & Wellness Through Sports Representing the USA
Goals of Veterans Initiative In partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and PATH, International, the goals of this initiative are to increase para-eligible veteran participation in Paralympic Equestrian Sports (specifically Para-Dressage) and Para-Driving. Clinics, outreach, and ongoing education create access to international goldmedal coaching experts and sport-specific classification. Para-eligible veterans are encouraged to participate with the VA s Veteran Monthly Assistance Program. National Para-Equestrian Coach Development Program is designed to create exponential impact on coaching support to para-eligible Veterans. Coordinated Veterans-oriented competitions/games would promote inclusion of Para-Equestrian sports.
Veteran Assistance Program Link to Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Monthly Assistance Allowance Program FMI Contact: Coordinator of Veterans Paralympic Equestrian Sport Initiative: Sarah Armentrout, Head of School, Carlisle Academy (sarmentrout@carlisleacademymaine.com)
Resources & Links US Equestrian; www.usef.org United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. www.usdfd.org United States Para-Equestrian Association; www.uspea.org American Driving Society; www.americandrivingsociety.org
These presentations are part of a library of Para-Equestrian educational courses which include: 1. Introduction to Para-Equestrian Dressage 2. Introduction to Para-Equestrian Driving 3. Understanding Para-Equestrian Classification
Attributions: Course material was produced and narrated by Sarah Armentrout Head of School, Carlisle Academy, October 2017 ----------------- with contributions from Diane Kastama, President, Driving for the Disabled Association, Para-Driving World Medalist Scott Monroe, CDJ & CDTD Combined Driving Judge and Technical Delegate International Para-Driving Coach & Level 2 PATH International Driving Instructor Copyright owned by United States Equestrian Federation 2017. Duplication or disbursement of this material is by permission only.