Riders with intellectual impairment
British Dressage are 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 lead and manage the eligibility of British athletes for inclusion within Virtus in the UK and are recognised by UK Sport. They evaluate whether an athlete is eligible for registration and therefore able to compete with Virtus. Both Virtus and SportExcel UK are members of the British Paralympic Association.
Equestrian sport is one of the newest additions to Virtus, with Dressage making its debut in 2016 and Great Britain sending athletes to the Global Games in Vichy in 2023 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 Global Games. Athletes, depending on eligibility, will ride either the FEI Para Grade IIl or lV Novice and Intermediate tests. The minimum age for competing at live Virtus competitions is 14 years old. Athletes of any age can compete in the virtual competitions which are hosted three times per year.
First Steps to Competition
Classification
To compete with Virtus you will need to have your eligibility confirmed. This is different to the classification process that you would have with British Equestrian who grade you according to your physical disability.
SportExcel UK implement, manage and lead the eligibility and classification system across the UK. They have three classification eligibility groups depending on your type of intellectual impairment. The groups are as follows:
- II 1: Athletes with an intellectual disability; eligibility requires evidence of IQ - full scale low 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 or syndromes, for example Downs 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 or a diagnosis of LL1 and meet the minimum criteria for additional impairment according to the Virtus FAST assessment. This is only a national eligibility.
- 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.
There is a flow chart in the Virtus rulebook which can help when selecting the most suitable group for your impairment. Once you have decided which eligibility group is applicable to you, you will then need to decide whether to apply for either National (UK level) or Virtus International classification.
1. National UK Level Classification
National level allows you to compete in the development classes but doesn't offer any form of qualification and exists to support athletes as they progress towards international levels. Applications at National level are approved by SportExcel and then referred to Virtus for ratification. All athletes with national eligibility will ride the FEI Grade ll Novice & Intermediate tests and will not receive qualification for live competitions.
2. Virtus International Classification
International level allows you to do the performance classes which can qualify you for international in person championships. This is for athletes who are progressing on the performance pathway or have reached national or international standards.
Once you have decided on the correct competition pathway and classification eligibility group, you will need to fill in the corresponding application form. Please note there is a form for national and international classification. An athletes Coach will be asked to complete an online TSAL questionnaire for international classification applications. You can find all forms on the SportExcel UK website plus accompanying guidance notes.
Within each form you will be asked for information about your impairment. At this point you will require medical evidence of your impairment to include with your application. You will find more information about what is required on the application form. If you need help obtaining medical evidence, then please speak to SportExcel UK who can help with recommendations and advice. Please observe timeframes for applications particularly if there are competition entry deadlines. Please also note that applications do not guarantee classification will be granted, you may also be asked to produce further medical evidence or information. The list of fee’s are also available on the SportExcel classification page.
Once your classification has been accepted you will be issued with a Virtus Membership number, and your name will appear on the Virtus Master List. Familiarise yourself with the Virtus website and social media so you can keep up to date with news and opportunities.
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 and development. Virtus use FEI Para Dressage tests and whilst they have their own Virtus rulebook, they do follow FEI guidance and equine welfare policies. Familiarise yourself with the Dressage tests that you will need to ride. If you have national classification, then you may only compete in development level classes. If you have international classification, then you can compete in performance level classes and can qualify for Championships.
- 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.
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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 and are ridden in a 20x40 arena.
Please note for all tests the initial halt is removed.
Virtus offers the chance to compete on an international stage against individuals and teams from all over the world, both virtually and in person. The virtual competitions can qualify you for the in-person championships dependant on your score. They run in a cycle throughout the year as follows:
|
Competition |
2025 | Performance/Development | FEI Tests | Qualifying Score | Qualifies for | Type of Classification needed |
| Competition 1 Virtual |
Opens 1 Feb Closes 28 Feb |
Performance |
II 1 & 3 FEI Grade lV Novice A & Intermediate A Il 2 FEI Grade lll Novice A & Intermediate B |
58% |
Regional Games July 2024 Sparsholt College |
International |
|
Competition 2 Virtual |
Opens 1 April Closes 30 April |
Performance |
II 1 & 3 FEI Grade lV Novice A & Intermediate A II 2 FEI Grade lll Novice A & Intermediate B |
58% |
International |
|
|
Competition 3 Virtual |
Opens 1 October Closes 31 October |
Performance |
ll 1 & 3 FEI Grade lV Novice A & Intermediate A ll 2 FEI Grade lll Novice A & Intermediate B |
58% | International | |
| Competition 1 Virtual |
Opens 1 Feb Closes 28 Feb |
Development |
ll 1, 2 & 3 Grade ll Novice A & Intermediate A |
N/A | N/A | National or International |
|
Competition 2 Virtual |
Opens 1 April Closes 30 April |
Development |
ll 1, 2 & 3 Grade ll Novice A & Intermediate A |
N/A | N/A | National or International |
|
Competition 3 Virtual |
Opens 1 October Closes 31 October |
Development |
ll 1, 2 & 3 Grade ll Novice A & Intermediate A |
N/A | N/A | National or International |
Riders need to be invited to compete in all competitions by SportExcel who follow a GB selection policy . You can complete an Expression of Interest form to let them know that you are interested in competing, you will find this on the SportExcel website. Once invited, entries can be made via Horse Monkey. Before you record an entry for the virtual competitions make sure you read the rules and guidance for how to record your test. This will then need to be uploaded to YouTube. We have also created a handy guide for hints and tips when filming.
If you have qualified for the Regional or Global Games, you will be notified by SportExcel.
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, Sparsholt College 21- 25 July 2025
- Year 3: Regional Games 2026, Germany TBC
- Year 4: Global Games 2027, Egypt
READ ABOUT THE 2024 REGIONAL GAMES
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 Danielle Curzon and Christopher Bradley who are experienced Virtus competitors.
Have any more questions about competing with Virtus? Take a look in our frequently asked questions or email Amanda Rodgers, who represents Great Britain on the Virtus Equestrian Committee, at virtusdressage@gmail.com
