Like any international para-equestrian dressage competition, the CPEDI*** of Deauville is held over 3 days , it is comprised of a Nations Cup (Team competition) and also individual classes.

The day before the start of the event is dedicated to the vet’s visits. This is compulsory for all competitors and ascertains as whether or not the horses are fit to compete.

At the end of the vet visit, the team leaders of each participating nation get together and name the three or four riders who, besides their individual participation, will constitute the team for the Nations Cup. Every team has to enter at least one Grade I or Grade II rider.

Day one of the competition is consecrated to the "Team Test", it counts towards the Nations Cup. For the riders competing as individuals only, this test is a "warm-up" (training class with no final placing).

On the second day, riders compete in the "Individual Championship Test". The results of this class are of double importance. Not only do team members’ performances count towards the result of the Nations Cup but it is equally an individual competition.

By adding together the marks of the best 3 riders in each team in both the Team test and the Individual Championship test, the result of the Nations Cup is known by the end of the day.

The third and last day is devoted to the "Freestyle dressage to music test", an exciting combination of the technical and artistic aspects of classical dressage. Freestyle dressage to music is an original dressage test created by the rider and set to music. It is judged according to the level of technical difficulty, the quality of its execution and very importantly artistic impression. This class is much appreciated by spectators, who return in large numbers year after year.