Munster Express Online

Mooncoin man James Dwyer has been selected to represent Ireland at the forth coming World Equestrian Games (WEG). The Games will be held in Kentucky during late September and October. They are sponsored by Irish man Pierce Lyons of Alltech.

This is the first time that Para Equestrian riders will compete in WEG. Along with James Ireland will be represented by Eilish Byrne

James has be riding and training in America with Jessica Ransehousen for the past year or so and is a real medal contender. Earlier this year he won three classes at the CPEDI 3*** in Chicago.

Para-equestrian is a discipline available to people with disabilities that compete in classes according to the level of their physical disability, in both Dressage and Driving. Para-equestrian disciplines follow the same rules as the other equestrian disciplines. On top of these, the Generic Rules for Para-equestrian events lay out the specifications revolving around the organization of Para-equestrian events.

People with pofiles of similar functional ability level are grouped into four competition Grades. The competition test for each Grade is compatible with the functional ability of people with the same potential.

There are five Grades for dressage and two for carriage driving. They range from Grade 1a for the most severely impaired dressage riders, to Grade IV for the least impaired.

The competition within each Grade can then be judged on the skill of that competitor on that horse regardless of the competitor’s disability

As a boy James rode ponies in the area. Following his illness in the 1980’s and leg amputation he competes very successfully as a Para rider. As well as trying to win at WEG his aim is to win a medal in London 2012

As the cost of sending riders to WEG is high if anyone wishes to support James please contact Norman Storey, Piltown, Co Kilkenny.