The first major international dressage competition for disabled riders came in 1984 at the World Games in New York. Equestrian made its debut appearance at the Paralympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta. Riders from 16 countries participated in the 1996 Games and, by 2004, that number had nearly doubled (29).

Dressage was the only Equestrian discipline included in the competition schedule of the 2004 Paralympic Games. Riders compete in two dressage events; a championship test of set movements and a freestyle test to music. There is also a team test for three or four riders. Competitors are judged on their display of horsemanship skills demonstrated through their use of commands for walk, trot and canter.

Paralympic equestrian competition is open to male and female athletes who are classified in the categories for amputees, blind/visually impaired, spinal cord injured/wheelchair and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke. For additional information on eligibility, click on the Classification link on the left side of this page.