Equestrian Opportunities for Athletes With Intellectual Impairment
UPCOMING VIRTUS EVENTS:
- 2023 7th Virtus Video Competition Spring (ROUND 1)
Video entries due before March 27th - 2023 Virtus Global Games France Equestrian In-Person Competition has been added to the Games for 2023! Riders must have already completed a previous Virtus Video competition and achieved a qualifying score – congrats to those US Riders who have qualified!
- 2023 7th Virtus Video Competition Fall (ROUND 2)
Fall Video deadline TBA
PAST VIRTUS EVENTS:
- 6th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition Round 2 Fall (2022)
- 6th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition Round 1 Spring (2022)
- 5th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition (2021)
- 4th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition (2020)
- 3rd Virtus (Inas) Equestrian Video Competition (2019)
- 2nd Virtus (Inas) Equestrian Video Competition (2018)
- 1st Virtus (Inas) Equestrian Video Competition (2017)
ABOUT VIRTUS & ATHLETES WITHOUT LIMITS
We are eager to hear from athletes, family members, coaches, trainers, show managers, therapeutic riding instructors, horse owners, health professionals, or any other community members interested in supporting Athletes Without Limits’ mission to expand the training and competitive opportunities for equestrians with intellectual impairments.
Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport (formerly called Inas) has opportunities for accomplished equestrians to compete on an International-level dressage video competition which allows participants to compete against riders from all over the world without sacrificing the security of their own horse and coaching team.
Our goal is to support US equestrian athletes who want to compete locally, nationally, or internationally as a Para-equestrian athletes by offering coaching and competitive opportunities for riders to hone their skills under the guidance of FEI coaches and judges.
Read about and watch videos of US riders competing in previous events.
Which Dressage Tests are Offered?
Virtus currently offers events in dressage for international equestrian competitors, and qualified riders are expected to perform a tests in accordance with FEI standards. For Virtus Para Equestrian Video competitions, visit the event links above to see the Grade Level and tests required enter — recent competitions have included tests at the FEI Grade IV as well as developmental level FEI Grade II tests.
Equestrians interested in competing internationally who are riding independently at the walk, trot and canter and have reached proficiency in dressage OR an equestrian sport other than dressage may contact us to develop a plan for transitioning into Virtus dressage competition. At the local, regional, and national levels, it is our goal to develop competitive opportunities for equestrians with ID that include a variety of disciplines and skill levels.
Who’s Eligible?
US Athletes (regardless of sport) who wish to compete at the international level through Virtus or join the official US team for Para-equestrians must meet Virtus eligibility requirements by completing the Athletes Without Limits Eligibility Application. Athletes who do not wish to compete at the international level only need to meet the eligibility requirements of the local events in which they compete.
We Need You!
If you know of a talented rider who is interested or currently competing in equestrian events, please contact us to find out more about Virtus eligibility requirements and what training and competitive opportunities are available for your rider. Also, please don’t hesitate to let us know what kind of opportunities you would like to see available in the future.
