What: NDSA Equestrian provides national and international competition opportunities and training for riders with physical disabilities who wish to be competitive, regardless of their functional level or physical disability. Riders are classified by an international system that evaluates functional ability of the rider and allows them to be competitive against those with similar disabilities. There are four classes or “grades” of riders, ranging from those with disabilities that allow them to compete at the walk only, to those who ride tests similar to USA Equestrian's third or fourth level tests.

The primary goal of NDSA Equestrian is to ensure the competitive success of riders with disabilities on a national and international level by providing training, competition and advocacy.

Riders of all levels participate in NDSA sponsored training clinics and symposiums, and are provided with competitive opportunities both in this country and abroad. Training and certification is provided for coaches, judges and other officials. NDSA also works closely with

USA Equestrian, the United States Equestrian Team and the United States Dressage Federation to provide opportunities for riders with disabilities within the “able-bodied” community.

NDSA: The National Disability Sports Alliance is the national governing body for equestrian sport for riders with disabilities. In this role, NDSA is responsible for the selection, training and administration of teams for World Championships and Paralympic Games.

The National Disability Sports Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers sports and education to athletes with physical disabilities in a variety of sports. A dedicated group of volunteers donate their time and expertise at every level from the Board of Directors to the local programming. NDSA is a community based organization member of the United States Olympic Committee.

Dressage is a rapidly growing national and international sport for riders with disabilities. Many positive steps are happening, including a cooperative agreement between International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (the international governing body of equestrian sport for riders with disabilities) and International Equestrian Federation., and development of a Dispensation Certificate program within USA Equestrian that allows riders with disabilities to compete against their able-bodied peers on a level playing field.

Contact: Denise Avolio, NDSA Equestrian Sports Manager, (914) 949-8166 or via email at equestrian@ndsaonline.org or diavolio@ndsaonline.org.

More information, as well as the current calendar of events and latest news, may be found on the NDSA Equestrian website at www.ndsaequestrian.org.