Equestrian Canada – Ottawa, ON, Feb. 1, 2018 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce two upcoming para-equestrian educational opportunities at the EC offices in Ottawa, ON:

• Para-Equestrian Classification Information Session: March 16, 2018
• Para-Equestrian Classifiers Seminar: March 17-18, 2018

Para-Equestrian Classification Information Session: March 16, 2018 
The Para-Equestrian Classification Information Session is open to the general public.

What Will the Information Session Cover? 
Key components of the information session will include:

• An overview of the classification process and classification profiles.
• Information on neuromuscular disorders and classification of the visually impaired.
• Details on the rules and use of adaptive aids.

How to Register 
Registration Form: Para-Equestrian Classification Information Session Registration Form 
Cost: Free 
Registration Deadline: March 9, 2018 
Submit To: jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca

Para-Equestrian Classifiers Seminar: March 17-18, 2018 
The Para-Equestrian Classifiers Seminar is open to physiotherapists and medical physicians interested in becoming EC Classifiers.

What Will the Seminar Cover? 
Key components of the seminar will include:

• An overview of the classification process and classification profiles.
• Information on neuromuscular disorders and classification of the visually impaired.
• Details on the rules and use of adaptive aids.
• Opportunities to practice classification and gain hands-on experience.

How to Register 
Registration Form: Para-Equestrian Classifiers Seminar Registration Form 
Cost: Admission is free. $40 charge per participant, which covers lunch on both days. 
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2018 
Submit To: jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca

About EC National Classifiers 
An EC National Classifier is a person authorized by EC to conduct evaluations for athletes who are ready to compete at EC Silver and Gold competitions. A classifier assesses athletes in accordance with the methods and standards of the Fédération Équestre International (FEI), as outlined in the FEI Classification Manual.

Becoming a classifier is an opportunity to give back to the community, enhance the life of a person with a physical or visual impairment, and grow both professionally and personally. EC National Classifiers play an integral role in an athlete’s journey from grassroots to representing Canada at the international level. By providing assessment, classifiers are essential in supporting athletes and their coaches by helping them to identify and use the compensating (adaptive) aids that are best suited to their needs. EC National Classifiers have the opportunity to become International Classifiers, who are invited to competitions all around the world, including the Paralympic Games and FEI World Equestrian Games.

Who Should Attend the Para-Equestrian Classifiers Seminar? 
Physiotherapists and medical physicians who wish to become EC Classifiers with the ability to assign competitive grades to para-equestrian athletes should attend the Para-Equestrian Classifiers Seminar. In order to become an EC Classifier, candidates must have experience working with people with physical impairments, a clear understanding of the para-equestrian system of classification, and the ability to communicate clearly in English verbally and in writing. Knowledge of horse sports is also desirable.

About Para-Equestrian Sport 
Para-equestrian sport provides the opportunity for athletes with a physical and visual impairment to compete against other athletes with similar abilities. Athletes are classified by grades based on their functional ability, and are judged on their riding skill against other athletes of the same grade. There are five grades of competition in para-dressage, with Grade I representing the most severely impaired athletes, and Grade V representing the least severely impaired athletes.

Questions, Comments? 
For further information, please contact:

Jamie-Ann Goodfellow 
Para-Dressage Coordinator 
Equestrian Canada 
jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca 
1-866-282-8395 x 146