CPEDI, or Concours de Para-Equestrian Dressage International, are dressage competitions for riders with disabilities. The CPEDI competition at Hartpury is also held under the rules of the FEI and is held at the three-star (***) level.
There are five grades of para-dressage competition ranging from Grade I - V. Additionally, there are five rider groups determining their eligibility for a particular section (Groups A - E).
Classification
As with other para-sports, riders are classified according to their disability in an attempt to make the sport fairer and create a level playing field.
For national competitions, riders are classified by British Dressage and RDA (Riding for the Disabled). For international competitions like the one held at Hartpury, the FEI is responsible for classification. This process takes place at two Home International shows - Bishop Burton, and here at Hartpury.
Depending on the classification, riders are allowed additional arrangements, aids or tack adjustments to help them compete. For example, a partially sighted rider may require additional callers.