As an individual I had a great year and the Irish para equestrian team have too. As of 1st November 2011 Ireland are lying 6th in the world team rankings, with the top 11 teams going on to compete at the Paralympics. As an individual I am lying 6th too. The Qualification for the Para Equestrian can be a bit confusing so I thought I would put down the basics.
So the top three teams at the world equestrian games (WEG) last year got 5 slots. That means the Great Britain, Germany and Denmark each have 5 places. The qualification period for all other place is between Jan 2011 to Jan 2012. There are team and individual places up for grabs.
The top ranked team excluded the 3 teams teams from WEG will get 5 places. The next 7 teams will get 4 places. Using approx 20 competitions, the team rankings are compiled. Your best team score is used for each nations ranking. There are additional team slots available to all world regions except Europe. The 4 regions will get one 1 team spot.
There are just 10 individual places available and each continent will be allocated 2 places. Any continent that has received a team place will not be eligible for an individual place. Individual ranking are calculating on a points basis. The amount of points you earn is based on your percentage scores at all of the qualifying competitions. For each competition you attend you will gain points.