National Para-Equestrian Classifier Course
Course Overview
This two-day course will provide you with the skills to become a National Level Para-Equestrian Classifier, subject to completing post course requirements. It is designed to use your knowledge and experience as a qualified physiotherapist or medical practitioner as a base on which to develop skills to become an accredited National Classifier.
This is a theory-based and practical course which will allow you to put your learning into action through working with other qualified professionals as well as volunteer athletes.
Find out more here.
If you’d like to find out more about Para Classification or the role of a National Classifier, read more here.
Course Trainers
Fredy Versluys is a physiotherapist from the Netherlands and has worked for 40 years in a general practice and at a children’s rehabilitation centre. Alongside this, Fredy has 50 years’ experience teaching riding lessons at an RDA riding school in Amsterdam. She been a National Classifier since 2006 and an international classifier since 2008 and currently holds a Level 4 FEI Classifier qualification, she is also a member of the FEI Classification Working Group and FEI Para Driving Working Group. Fredy has a special interest in para driving and the use of compensating aids.
Jenny Byng (HCPC, MCSP, MMACP) is Chair of the National Classification Panel, a National Classifier and FEI Level 2 International Classifier. Jenny has come from a musculoskeletal background but currently has a special interest in Hippotherapy. A horse rider all her life, she has been involved in para equestrian for over 10 years as an RDA volunteer and coach.
Ami Tilston (MSc, BSc Hons, MCSP, HCPC, ACPAT Cat A) is a National Classifier and a member of the National Classification Panel. Ami comes from a paediatric physiotherapy background with a qualification in Hippotherapy prior to gaining her Veterinary Physiotherapy masters to hold ACPAT category A status. Ami has volunteered and coached within RDA since 2004, owning horses her whole life and competing at national level including HOYS.
Core activities include:
Introduction to para sport and para-equestrian competition:
Including regulating bodies, rules and regulations.
Understanding the existence of Grades and Profiles relevant to Para Dressage and Driving.
An overview of the Athletes’ journey to be classified:
Eligibility
Application requirements Internal processing procedures
An in depth look at the physical assessment:
Athlete interview
Physical assessment and use of appropriate assessment scales for the impairment described
Scoring the assessment and allocating the profile and grade
Considering the other elements that come under the banner of classification:
How the classification team works together, the processes in place to support this way of working and the support you will receive
Observation Assessments (theory)
Compensating aids – what are they and how do the Athletes qualify for them.
How do I complete the BEF National Classifier qualification?
The delegates will need to:
Participate in and meet all requirements to complete the Para-Equestrian Classifier Course, including:
Active participation
Submit four to six completed para-equestrian classification case studies within two months of the course to incorporate coordination, power and ROM classifications.
To attend the Classifiers CPD training and hub weekend at Hartpury College in July 2025 where you will be mentored by a senior member of the National Team to complete the qualification. Upon completion of these requirements and where the delegate demonstrates they have a strong understanding of the technical elements of classification, they would become a qualified National Classifier.
Who is eligible to attend the course?
Essential requirements
Qualified as a physiotherapist or medical practitioner with current authority to practice in their home country.
An understanding of equestrian dressage and driving, including an understanding of the technical rules of the sport.
Speak and write English sufficiently to communicate with other classifiers and athletes.
Experience assessing patients/athletes with physical impairments resulting in activity restrictions.
Experience working as part of a team.
Commitment to further learning and professional development.
Desirable requirements
Knowledge of the physical requirements of riding a horse.
Experience as a rider.
Course includes:
Two-day course.
Course materials.
Lunch and refreshments.
How to book
Complete the booking form and return it to Felicity Towers, Para Classification Coordinator - felicity.towers@bef.co.uk
How to pay
£250 per delegate (including VAT).
To pay via BACs transfer to British Equestrian; The office will contact you with the details.
Terms and Conditions
Your place is not confirmed until the British Equestrian (BEF) has received your booking form, full payment and you have received confirmation of your place.
Places on this course are non-refundable.
If you are unavailable, a suitable, alternative delegate may attend on your behalf subject to BEF agreement.
In the unlikely event that BEF has to cancel the course you shall receive a full refund.
The booking deadline for this course is 04 October 2024.
Contact: Felicity Towers, Para Classification Coordinator – felicity.towers@bef.co.uk
Several ACPEA members are National Classifiers and will gladly answer any questions you may have or share their experiences if you’d like to know more.