Our new logo represents riding: Dressage as the core and Western and English disciplines.
It is more simplistic and easier to recognize.
Our old logo will remain on a lot of our products and slowly phase out over time. Many of the awards will continue to have the old logo until further notice.
It is more simplistic and easier to recognize.
Our old logo will remain on a lot of our products and slowly phase out over time. Many of the awards will continue to have the old logo until further notice.
newsletter
Keep up to date with the current happenings from the International Riding Academy by becoming a member.
Take part in riding challenges or in the bi-annual boot camp.
Don't miss out on the fun.
Take part in riding challenges or in the bi-annual boot camp.
Don't miss out on the fun.
Note: The riding arena is set up for the Young Rider program as it is easier for the children to follow. It is also used in some of the dressage performance tests, however classical dressage will be set the same as the Spanish Riding School arena. It makes no difference in the evaluation, just the terms and lingo used.
About evaluations
|
setting up the arena
|
Para-Rider
The International Riding Academy incorporates riders with disabilities into rider’s disciplines of choice. There are no special tests, except Grade 1A may use the Young Rider A and B test for whichever discipline. Every rider is allowed to partake in whichever test he or she feels comfortable and safe in. Because there is such a wide range of disciplines, progressing in difficulty, it should be easy to pick which test a para-rider belongs in. Awards are the same. When you send in your membership, just send in the dispensation note saying which para-grade level you are in signed by a physician or physical therapist (sent it once only- unless it is updated). Self-evaluation is only allowed for Grade 1A and for those choosing to ride in Level 0 in the English and Western disciplines, only excluding Dressage. Use the FEI profile system to determine which grade level. As for tack and attire, everything is the same as per discipline, however the para-rider may use safety harness, safety reins and or whips that do not exceed 4 feet in length. The salute may be done by a nod of the head when letting go of the rein is unsafe. Any well fitted saddle can be used in any discipline. Devonshire, Western, or Oxbow stirrups may be used. Stirrups may be tethered to the girth. Safety stirrups are required if the feet are secured in stirrups. Boots with a heel must be worn. Any additional article as listed on the dispensation note is allowed. Riders in Test A, may be led using a halter and lead, but the rider must use reins as well.
DISPENSATION NOTES: Riders with other challenges, either temporary or long-term that do not qualify for para-equestrian grading, can message the office when sending in tests as to what additional equipment was used, such as braces, splints, casts and so on. You will need a physician’s note. This is needed once only, unless there are changes and updates. The only time it is necessary is when the article may impede flexibility, control or cannot wear an article, such as stirrups or gloves, and likewise that may affect your riding to a slight degree.
Dispensation Notes will include the rider’s name, date of birth, current address, email, grade profile, Briefly explain how your disability affects you in everyday living skills i.e., strength, mobility, etc. (also include medical diagnosis), List the compensating aids and adaptive equipment you are requesting, List the exceptions to dress requested, List any other allowances requested.
IA = Mainly wheelchair users with impairment of all 4 limbs, may be able to walk with an unsteady gait, however trunk and balance are severely impaired.
IB = Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and or impairment of function in all four limbs, or no trunk balance and good upper limb function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all 4 limbs.
II = Mainly wheelchair users, or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with good to mild upper limb function, those with severe arm impairment and slight leg impairment or severe unilateral impairment.
III = Usually able to walk without support. Moderate unilateral impairment, or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes, wearing blacked out glassed or blindfold. Grade III may be intellectually impaired.
IV = Impairment in one or two limbs or some visual impairment.
DISPENSATION NOTES: Riders with other challenges, either temporary or long-term that do not qualify for para-equestrian grading, can message the office when sending in tests as to what additional equipment was used, such as braces, splints, casts and so on. You will need a physician’s note. This is needed once only, unless there are changes and updates. The only time it is necessary is when the article may impede flexibility, control or cannot wear an article, such as stirrups or gloves, and likewise that may affect your riding to a slight degree.
Dispensation Notes will include the rider’s name, date of birth, current address, email, grade profile, Briefly explain how your disability affects you in everyday living skills i.e., strength, mobility, etc. (also include medical diagnosis), List the compensating aids and adaptive equipment you are requesting, List the exceptions to dress requested, List any other allowances requested.
IA = Mainly wheelchair users with impairment of all 4 limbs, may be able to walk with an unsteady gait, however trunk and balance are severely impaired.
IB = Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and or impairment of function in all four limbs, or no trunk balance and good upper limb function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all 4 limbs.
II = Mainly wheelchair users, or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with good to mild upper limb function, those with severe arm impairment and slight leg impairment or severe unilateral impairment.
III = Usually able to walk without support. Moderate unilateral impairment, or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes, wearing blacked out glassed or blindfold. Grade III may be intellectually impaired.
IV = Impairment in one or two limbs or some visual impairment.
CHALLENGE EXAMS CHART
PLEASE, NOTE THAT FOR ALL OTHER ACADEMIC TESTS, YOU WILL NEED TO EMAIL US A LINK OF THE CLASSES YOU HAVE CREDIT FOR WITH ANOTHER ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION. EACH APPLICANT WILL BE INDIVIDUALLY ASSESSED AS PER COURSES AND CREDENTIALS.
the different dressage arenas
|
The standard arena is used for Modern, Gaited, and Natural Dressage. The Small arena is another option.
For more information on the dressage arena components and figures, see the Dressage Secrets series of Workbooks written by Melanie Patton. 
|
|
The Classical Dressage arena is based on the markers used at the Spanish Riding School. The arena is measured the same as the Competition arena but can be modified to be whatever size a person has with the ration still being 1:3 for width and length, or 1:2 for those with smaller arenas. Even the Spanish Riding School is not the perfect 20 by 60 meters.
There are lines, dots, cross-points and a line on each side of the midline. The tests read a different but are easier to understand and letters are non-existent. 
|
The Cowboy Dressage Arena
is the Small Arena (20x40m) with letters placed 5 meters apart. The dots are pylons. The ones near the middle are place 5 meters from the end wall and 1.82m (6 feet apart). The corner pylons are placed 1.21m (4 feet) apart. The lines are ground poles placed on the quarter-lines, 0.9m (3 feet) apart. The octagon in the middle is made with 8 ground poles placed 3.65 meters (12 feet) around. 
|