Getting Classified for RDA / Para with eyesight issues - anyone?

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ponypets

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Has anyone been through the classification system when they have had visual issues?
If so how did you find it all?
I am trying to go down this route but struggling for information, some people with the organisations have tried to help but cant really tell if i would be classified or not :/
I have rare eye conditions plus some other issues (hearing etc) but i was told through Blind Sport would be my best option but i cant get any answers if i would be eligible or not?
I am feeling pretty alone in all of this so would love to hear from anyone else who may have tried etc?
Thanks.
 
My landlady is a para rep (well, just resigned yesterday but she is very helpful) and she gives advice on what to do all the time as she has also trained para's for russia and bermuda who competed in UK. I will pm you her email address.
From what i have heard her tell others, it is more about what grade you would be classified at rather than that you wouldn't get any classification. You go along to someone to be assessed (and i think you have to have two assessments for international teams). She will give your more info, but I know that for Grade 3 if you are partially sighted then you have to wear a blindfold (to make an even playing field) but not at Grade 4. HOwever if your horse isn't up to doing the appropriate stuff there are novice classes to start with.
Please do go ahead with it, as I have met a lot of our local para team members and they are very welcoming to new riders and have a lot of fun at shows.
If it is any use to you, this link takes you to the Southern district facebook page, but there must be other sites out there.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1587303684863883/?fref=nf
 
thanks
it seems i would could go for 2 assessments - one with the usual ones who do the assessments for mobility etc and then another for the eyesight from blind sports, but then the 2 cant go together :/ i was advised to go with the one which will get me into the best classification but no-one seems able to actually tell me if i would get classified :/ i have rare conditions which dont fit into any particular box as such, all put together i am a wreck at times who needs a body transplant but if you took all individually then chances are people would say 'so what - get on with it' :/
 
One of my RDA riders is blind and is wheelchair bound and has been through the classifications and grading, for both the blind classes and the graded classes.

I'll try and get you the information as I know the two systems are done differently (different bodies for fairly obvious reasons). When she competes in the non-blind rider classes (TVI and PVI), she rides under her grade and wears a white armband alongside, so those around know she has more than one disability if that makes sense.

I'm surprised Blind sport didn't help you to be honest. Are you part of an a RDA group? If not, get involved as the regional system will know exactly what to do if you want to be out competing. RDA may give you other options that potentially could lead to para-level. BD and Team GBR are working VERY closely with RDA these days to get the next generation of the para team up and running.
 
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Thanks, I am not part of a RDA as i dont know if i am eligible etc without some sort of classification? i have my own horse so wouldnt be wanting to go to one weekly for lessons etc.

Blind sport said they would try and get an idea if i could be classified or not, but i haven't heard back from them since the start of last week when i sent them the visual numbers etc from the opticians but they couldn't do the field view as their machine wasn't working :( i sent them details so my rare eye condition so i wouldn't be surprised if they were not having to actually do quite a bit of research before letting me know if it is worth sending in all the info as i suspect if i have to i will 1st of all need to go back down to Moorfields eye hospital in London for an uptodate letter etc re my conditions.

All i need from someone is a 'yeah, you MAY be eligible for classification send us the paperwork and we'll see' but at the moment it is just 'errrrrr...' as i dont think i fit into the simple box with my condition :/
 
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