Kingston, RI—March 1, 2002—The National Disability Sports Alliance (NDSA) Equestrian Committee has announced the Selection Criteria for a rider with a disability to be considered for the 2003 NDSA Advanced or Developing Rider Lists, from which the U.S. Team for the 2003 World Dressage Championships will be selected.

The selection criteria was developed and approved by the NDSA Equestrian Executive Committee as of February 1, 2002 and will be administered by NDSA. Selection to the NDSA Advanced or Developing Riders Lists for 2003 will be based on satisfactory completion of the selection criteria. The scores from two “warm-up” tests, two “championship” tests and one freestyle test from the required International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (I.P.E.C.) tests will be averaged and this average will be used to rank the riders within their Grade and overall. Only scores above 55% will be accepted. In order for a rider to be included on the NDSA Advanced List, the qualifying score must be at or above the lowest bronze medal score from the championship tests at the last World Championships or Paralympic Games. The current score used is 63.00%.

All scores must be submitted from tests ridden between January 1, 2002 and November 30, 2002. All requirements must be fulfilled and documentation submitted to the NDSA by December 6, 2002. There are varying test requirements for the different Grades. In addition, riders must be 16 years or older as of December 1, 2002 and must be current members in good standing with the NDSA at the time the scores are achieved. Riders must also be medically eligible to compete as a disabled rider and ride independently (without aids).

A complete copy of the 2002 Selection Criteria can be found on the NDSA Equestrian website at www.ndsaequestrian.org. NDSA is the National Governing Body for equestrian competition for riders with disabilities. NDSA works closely with both USA Equestrian and the USET to provide opportunities for riders with disabilities within the “able-bodied” community.

NDSA is responsible for conduct and administration of approved sports in the United States. NDSA formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts national championships in twelve sports, disseminates safety and sports medicine information and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition. NDSA is a CBO (Community Based Organization) member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information on NDSA please contact Denise Avolio at (914) 949-8166, or email diavolio@ndsaonline.org , or visit www.ndsaequestrian.org.