The equestrian competition of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games started this morning at Shatin Equestrian arena with a record number of participating riders.


A total of 73 riders from 28 delegations will vie in 11 dressage events. The competition is classified into Grades Ia and Ib and Grades II, III, and IV, according to the degree of the athletes’ disability.


Gold medals are awarded to each grade winner in the individual championship test and to each grade winner in the individual freestyle test. There is also a gold medal for the overall winner in the team contest.


Thirteen Grade Ia riders will compete in walk-only tests, while 15 Grade Ib athletes also need to show their abilities at the walk and trot. Eighteen Grade II athletes will compete in more difficult walk and trot tests

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