All eyes are on France ! The big European para-dressage meeting is being held this year for the very first time on French territory and will be organized by Handi Equi’ Compet under the aegis of the FEI. The “Pôle International du Cheval” at Deauville will be welcoming the athletes for three days of unforgettable competition between the 18th and 20th of September. This spectacular occasion shouldn’t be missed under any pretext, entry is completely free of charge !
The rules of the game
The championships are held over three days, each day seeing a specific test :
The Team Test (a preliminary class) starts the competition, it’s a crucial stage as the scores count towards the team medals. For those riders competing as individuals it serves as a warm-up and to prepare for the tests that follow.
The Individual Championship test takes place on the second day of the competition and has two purposes, determine the final placings of the team title, and select those couples able to start the Freestyle. The Freestyle to music test brings the event to a close and requires the athletes to ride different figures in an original floor plan to music of their choosing.
In each of these tests the riders are divided into five Grades depending on their level of impairment from Grade I (the greatest degree of impairment) to Grade IV (a lesser degree).
Significant competition!
Numerous couples are coming to represent their team colours and try to glean one of the eleven titles up for grabs in these championships. Three nations are considered particular favourites: Great Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, they will be very well represented and in a good position to take the team title.
The British under a lucky star ?
The English rider Lee Pearson will notably be present, individual and team gold medallist at the 2014 World Equestrian Games at Caen and at Lexington in 2010, team gold at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and double gold medallist at the 2008 Pekin Paralympic Games, this Grade 1b rider will try to add yet another medal to his trophy haul. He will be accompanied by Anne Dunham (Ia), Natasha Baker (II), Sophie Christiansen (Ia) and Sophie Wells (IV), a leading group in perspective !
Challengers in the starting blocks !
Germany is sure to put up a fight, their athletes have some serious team results under their belt including a bronze medal at the Caen World Equestrian Games and also two silver medalsx: at the London Paralympic Games and at the 2013 European Championships at Herning. As for the Dutch, they could create the surprise this year by imposing themselves thanks to their leading couples Rixt Van den Horst/Uniek in Grade II, Sanne Voets/ Vedet PB N.O.P. in Grade III and also Frank Hosmar/ Alphaville N.O.P. in Grade IV. The Danes have also confirmed their presence showing strength since their bronze medal at the last European Championships at Herning in 2013, they are ready to rise to the challenge made by Great Britain.
The Austrian Pepo Puch, far from being an outsider as he is a regular winner in Grade Ib and double European Champion at Herning in 2013, will try to defeat his main rival : Lee Pearson !
So stiff competition is expected at Deauville this year, but who will be sufficiently audacious to climb on to the top step of the podium ? The answer on the 18th,19th and 20th of September !
Focus on Rio
These European Championships are a major event in the para-dressage schedule as they are a selective step for the Rio Paralympic Games. It’s a good test for the riders coveting a medal in Latin America next year, they can gain confidence here by riding against a quality competition.
Free entry and something for everyone!
The public is warmly invited to come and encourage the athletes all along the week-end ! In between proceedings, spectators will be able to make the most of the different stands in the village especially set up for the occasion, and the younger generation will be able to enjoy the free pony rides.