Riders with intellectual impairment
British Dressage is proud to be involved with Virtus and SportExcel UK, signposting a classification eligibility and competition pathway for riders with intellectual impairment.
Virtus is the global organisation that governs, advocates, organises and promotes many elite sports for athletes with an intellectual impairment. SportExcel UK is the official Great Britain member of Virtus and the national charity that promotes, facilitates and supports talented athletes with intellectual impairment in the UK to train, compete and excel in national and international sport. It leads and manages eligibility and classification of British athletes for inclusion within Virtus by evaluating whether they meet the Virtus criteria. SportExcel UK is recognised by UK Sport, and is a member of the British Paralympic Association.
Equestrian sport is one of the newest additions to Virtus, with Dressage making its debut in 2016. The competition environment is mixed with opportunities for virtual and in-person competing both nationally and internationally. Levels can range from Europeans to Worlds culminating in the prestigious Virtus Global Games. Athletes ride a mix of FEI Para Grade III & IV Novice and Intermediate tests with the minimum age for competing at live Virtus competitions being 14 years old. Eligible athletes of any age can compete in the virtual competitions which are hosted three times per year. Selection and invitation of British athletes to the competition is managed by SportExcel UK.
Classification
To compete with Virtus you will need to be classified. This is different to the classification that you would have with British Equestrian who would grade you according to your physical disability and/or visual impairment. There are different types of competitions available depending on the level that you compete at:
1. UK Level Classification
This is for athletes starting out in the sport or those who have not yet reached national or international standards. Applications at National level are approved by SportExcel UK and then referred to Virtus for ratification. UK level classification exists to support athletes as they progress towards international levels. Athletes will be eligible for II1 and/or II2, or II3 (see below for more information on eligibility groups) and from this may choose which class to enter.
British riders who wish to be considered for Virtus competitions need to apply for and be granted an international eligibility/classification status and appear on the Virtus Master List
2. Applying for Virtus International Classification
This is for athletes who are progressing on the performance pathway or have reached national or international standards. Applications are evaluated by SportExcel UK before submitting to Virtus. Riders are advised to start the process as early as possible as an application can take up to 20 weeks.
All classification applications must go via SportExcel UK and each application is evaluated separately.
Eligibility groups
- II 1: Athletes with an intellectual disability; eligibility requires evidence of IQ - full scale IQ of 75 or under, evidence of limitations in adaptive behaviour, a measure of how learning disability affects daily life and the ability respond to life changes and environmental demands. Evidence of age of onset must be before 22 years of age.
- II 2: Athletes with an intellectual disability and significant additional impairment – some athletes who have an intellectual disability may also have additional impairments, for example Down Syndrome. This category was created to allow fairer competition for those with additional physical or sensory impairments. Athletes will need a formal diagnosis of Trisomy 21 or Translocation Down syndrome. Athletes with mosaic Down syndrome will need to meet eligibility criteria in class II1 and meet the minimum criteria for additional impairment according to the Virtus FAST assessment. In the UK, the focus for this class is Down syndrome.
- II 3: Athletes with Autism. A formal diagnosis of Autism or ASD carried out by qualified practitioners, using accepted diagnostic techniques. Both the ICD and DSM 5 definition of Autism are accepted. II3 athletes cannot also have an intellectual disability. If they do have an intellectual disability, they should apply under class II1.
Evidence for each element of each class needs to accompany classification applications for both UK and international levels. The criteria is the same for both levels, but different evidence can be accepted. You can find a flow chart linked to classification eligibility in the Virtus Rulebook below.
Eligibility
The SportExcel UK have an Eligibility Application form and accompanying guidance notes that explain the eligibility.
The form will have a checklist clarifying the evidence that you require for that level of classification, which may be something that you already have, if you have had an official diagnosis previously. If you do not have any of the evidence that is required and are eligible to apply, then SportExcel UK can help you find a suitable health professional to get the evidence that you require. Please note all costs involved are the responsibility of the athlete as well as timelines for application and competing. By applying there is no guarantee that eligibility will be approved.
Competition opportunities
Once you have your eligibility confirmed, you will be ready to compete! You will need to decide which level to compete at dependant on your riding ability - there are two levels of competition at Virtus:
- Performance – the performance level tests are taken from the FEI Grade lV for II1 and II3 riders. For II2 riders, the Novice and Intermediate tests are used from FEI Grade lll. They include walk, trot, canter and lateral movements. They are open to eligible athletes who can walk, trot and canter. The performance tests are used for national and international competitions. Qualification to ride at international live competitions is gained from achieving scores from the video competitions and are ridden in a 20x40 arena.
- Development - The development level tests are taken from the FEI Grade ll Novice and Intermediate tests and are ridden in a 20x40 arena. These tests are developmental and more encouraging than the ones used for performance level. They include walk, trot and some lengthened strides.
Virtual competition
Virtus run an online competition series throughout the year consisting of three opportunities to film your test and have it scored by an FEI judge. The first and third tests in the series feed through to the Virtus four-year cycle of competitions. The second test, whilst not a qualifier, is a good opportunity to practise for the next test in the series and will be scored by an FEI judge. See here for top tips on filming your virtual entry.
| Competition | Dates | Level | FEI Tests | Qualifying score | Qualification |
| Virtual 1 | 1 January - 31 January. Results: 28 February | Performance | II 1 & 3: FEI Grade lV Novice B & Intermediate A. II 2: FEI Grade lll Novice B & Intermediate A | 58% | |
| Development | II 1, 2 & 3: Grade ll Novice A & Intermediate A | ||||
| Virtual 2 | 1 April - 30 April. Results: 31 May | Performance | II 1 & 3: FEI Grade lV Novice B & Intermediate A. II 2: FEI Grade lll Novice B & Intermediate A | 58% | Regional Games |
| Development | II 1, 2 & 3: Grade ll Novice A & Intermediate A | ||||
| Virtual 3 | 1 October - 31 October. Results: 30 November | Performance | II 1 & 3: FEI Grade lV Novice B & Intermediate A. II 2: FEI Grade lll Novice B & Intermediate A | 58% | |
| Development | II 1, 2 & 3: Grade ll Novice A & Intermediate A |
Regionals
The Regional Games are held in-person and are once every two years. They are designed to identify talented athletes from across the world and prepare them for World and Global Games. The calendar for competitions will rotate on a 4-year cycle as below.
- Year 1: Open European Championships 2024, 15-19 July 2024 at Sparsholt College
- Year 2: World Games 2025, venue TBC
- Year 3: Regional Games 2026, venue TBC
- Year 4: Global Games 2027, venue TBC
Global Games
The Virtus Global Games are the world’s biggest sports event for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment. The 6th edition that took place in 2023 in Vichy, France and were the first ever to include live Dressage competition. After five years of virtual competition, dressage achieved its spot at the highest level at the Virtus Global Games. Two British Dressage riders, Christopher Bradley and Georgina Maton, represented the UK. Whilst you are allowed to compete on your own horse, some athletes rode borrowed horses which makes competing internationally more affordable. If you get to this stage, these options will be discussed with you by your Team Manager.
Read more about the games from Oliver Peace and Christopher Bradley who are experienced Virtus competitors!
Selection for international competitions
For more information on the selection process see the Sport Excel UK Selection Policy below:
Have more questions about the games? Take a look in our frequently asked questions document or email Amanda Rodgers, who is part of the the Virtus Equestrian Committee, at virtusdressage@gmail.com. You can also contact SportExcel UK on 0203 633 6460 or classification@sportexceluk.org
