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2022 Spring & Fall Virtus International Para-Equestrian Video Competition
March 28, 2022 - June 13, 2022
Read about and watch videos of US riders competing in previous events.
About the Event
The 2022 6th Annual Virtus Para-Equestrian Video Competition for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have two entry windows Spring (By June 13th) and then Fall (October).
To compete in this event, athletes should be able to complete one or more of the accepted Para Dressage tests listed below at their home facility and have a parent/trainer/other record a video by following the guidelines provided. (Videos of tests judged in another competition may not be entered.)
VIRTUS ELIGIBILITY GROUPS
• II-1 Intellectual Disability (IQ 75 or lower) inlcudes Autism with ID
• II-2 Intellectual Disability w/significant Additional Impairment (includes Tri21 Down Syndrome)
• II-3 ‘High Functioning’ Autism (IQ 76 or higher and/or does not meet II1 Criteria)
REQUIRED DRESSAGE TESTS (Two Levels)
Riders must be able to complete one or both of the FEI Dressage Tests in a 20x40m arena at their home facility. Within each level both tests can be submitted to be judged separately. There is no age limit.
Option A: Advanced Level Tests
FEI Grade 4 Introductory Test B (Halt in the first movement is skipped)
FEI Grade 4 Novice A (Halt in the first movement is skipped)
Option B: Developmental Level Tests
FEI Grade 2 Introductory A (Halt in the first movement is skipped)
FEI Grade 2 Novice A (Halt in the first movement is skipped)
STEPS TO ENTER (For USA Athletes)
- Step 1: Complete Intent to Enter Form
USA Intent to Enter Form - Step 2: Upload Videos by June 10th (AWL will submit US Entries to Virtus by June 13th)
Record your test(s) at your home facility following the competition rules below. Athletes Without Limits will email you detailed instructions on how U.S. athletes can upload your videos. Multiple videos can be submitted for review by our Athletes Without Limits USA Equestrian Director to help determine the best entries to submit. - Step 3: Pay Entry fees by Email Invoice: Athletes Without Limits will send you a personalized email invoice. There is a $75 event entry fee (can submit multiple videos) for each event (Spring and Fall). Note: A yearly $36 Virtus License Fee/Renewal may apply and will be good for all 2022 Virtus events entered.
RESULTS:
Virtus International will publish Spring results in July 2022. Winners in each Video round (June & October) can vie for Overall winner of both competitions. Note: There may also be an opportunity to qualify to compete in a ‘live’ event in Brisbane, Australia in November 2022 (score 58% or higher in video competition) details will be shared with interested athletes as they become available.
2022 COMPETITION GUIDELINES:
Arena:
20 x 40 m, outdoor arena preferred. If an indoor arena is used, it must provide enough space for proper video recording.
Rules:
Horses and ponies can be ridden by more than one rider, but not more than two riders in a team.
This event is organized in accordance with the Virtus 7.12 Para Dressage Rules (March 2021) and in accordance with the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse.
Videos of tests may not be entered if they have already been judged at a competition. If a video is suspected to have been taken at a competition, the rider will be disqualified. Therefore, while riders are encouraged to wear regular competition outfit, the horse must wear bandages.
A commander is allowed. Please also refer to the Rule Book (above). The decisions of the judges are final.
Filming:
The person filming must stand behind C as far as possible, but will have to zoom in when the rider is at A.
The video must be taken in landscape format in one shot, no cuts allowed.
The whole horse has to be seen all times.
Sound must be recorded to make sure no coaching is taking place during the test.
Please try to ensure the video is clear and in focus. In particular:
• Use a tripod or stand where possible to reduce motion
• Minimize background noise and interruption
• Be aware of sunlight or spotlights to avoid glare
Videos should be saved in MPEG or MOV format. Poor quality videos may lead to disqualification.
Acceptance:
Making an entry constitutes acceptance of the VIRTUS Para Dressage Rules.
Entrants also agree to Virtus using pictures and videos in marketing and promotion such as press release, social media and website.
Entry fees will not be refunded once an entry has been accepted except where an entry is rejected by VIRTUS (where we will state the reason for the rejection).
Judges:
Entries will be judged by 2 or 3 FEI Para Dressage judges.
Riders placed in rank 1 to 6 will be provided with rosettes and a certification showing their rank and score. There will be no prize money given out.
Dress and Tack:
Competition gear should be worn as stated in the FEI Para Dressage Rules, but the riders may wear Jodhpur boots and black or brown half chaps.
Gloves have to be worn.
Bridles & Tack:
While double bridles are allowed, snaffle bridles should be preferred.
No auxiliary reins are allowed. Use of auxiliary reins leads to disqualification.
The horses must wear bandages.
For the use of spurs, whips and compensating aids please refer to the VIRTUS Para Dressage Rules.
Errors:
Errors will be handled as stated on the test sheet.
