[7] There are two separate para-equestrian events sanctioned by FEI, the sport's governing body: they are para-dressage and para-driving.

The dressage events open to Grade 3 classification included "Walk and Trot but Canter allowed in Freestyle".

The dressage events open to Grade 4 classification included "Walk, Trot and Canter and may show lateral work in Freestyle".

[15] Much of the equipment uses Velcro and rubber bands so that things can easily breakaway and protect the rider during a fall.

[15] There is also a constant balance in developing equipment for para-equestrian to assure that the rider remains in control, and that they are not dragged along by the horse.

[17] Media coverage suggests that these riders excel at their sport despite the fact that they have a disability.

[17] Liz Hartel was 1952 Summer Olympics competitor who was post polio and had a disability.

For their classification system, people with spina bifida were not eligible unless they had medical evidence of loco-motor dysfunction.

People with cerebral palsy and epilepsy were eligible provided the condition did not interfere with their ability to compete.

[22] The system used for equestrian by the CP-ISRA was originally created for field athletics events.

[23] Because of issues in objectively identifying functionality that plagued the post Barcelona Games, the IPC unveiled plans to develop a new classification system in 2003.

This classification system went into effect in 2007, and defined ten different disability types that were eligible to participate on the Paralympic level.

[25] During classification, classifiers look at several things including a rider's mobility, strength and coordination.

"[26] The Australian Paralympic Committee defined this classification as: "Grade 4: Athletes with a physical disability or vision impairment.

Riders with a vision impairment who compete in this class have total loss of sight in both eyes (B1).

"[27] Federation Equestre International defines Grade 5 as "At this level the rider will ride an elementary/medium level test"[26] The Australian Paralympic Committee defined this classification as: "Grade V:, Athletes with a physical disability or vision impairment.

[8] Grade 1 is for people who use a wheelchair on a daily basis, and have limited trunk functionality and impairments in their upper limbs.