Since 1996, Para-Equestrian Dressage has been a regular fixture in Paralympic Games. In 2001, the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee signed an agreement that obliged the bidding cities to bid for both the Olympics and Paralympics, which are to be held in the same venues. The Equestrian Events of the 13th Paralympic Games will be held in September 2008 in Hong Kong, following the Olympic Equestrian Events.

Para-Equestrian Dressage (or Para-Dressage) is currently the only Equestrian discipline included within the Paralympic Games. As with able-bodied Olympic Dressage, it is the ultimate test of training and harmony between horse and rider. This event will produce Paralympic gold medalists in the 2 Individual competitions in each of the five Grades as well as a Paralympic Championship Team. The winning horses will be awarded a rosette (ribbon) and a stable plaque, while the riders will be awarded medals or diplomas.

In the Paralympic Games, Equestrian is open to riders of 16 years old and above, and is one of few sports where men and women compete on equal terms.

It is a condition of participation that the rider has a measurable physical or visual impairment. Depending on their classification or disability profile, they are given a Grade. Athletes in Para-Dressage are classified into five grades (Grades Ia, Ib, II, III and IV). Grade Ia athletes have the most serious impairment while Grade IV athletes are the least impaired. The athlete’s condition can be caused by illness or accident, and common conditions include multiple schlerosis, cerebral palsy, amputation, paralysis and blindness.

Riders with similar levels of impairment can compete together. The competition within each Grade is then judged on the skill of that rider on the horse regardless of the rider's impairment. Due to the lack of change in most disabilities, riders tend to stay in the same grade throughout their riding career, although on occasion athlete’s conditions can improve or deteriorate, thus their grade changes.

Riders who are physically impaired can carry or wear formally documented and approved compensating aids to compete, while riders who are visually impaired or blind can make use of authorized audio aids around the arena to compete.

In the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, 73 athletes from 28 nations will compete in the Equestrian Events. Among them, 12 nations will compete in team competitions.