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2022 Fall Virtus International Para-Equestrian Video Competition

October 3, 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 3rd).

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.)

As the USA Member of Virtus, Athletes Without Limits manages the entry process for US riders. Multiple videos may be submitted for review by our Athletes Without Limits US National Equestrian Director to help determine the best entries to submit to Virtus. With the COVID pandemic still affecting areas of the World differently please prioritize the safety of riders by following your local area and facility guidelines at all times.

VIRTUS ELIGIBILITY GROUPS

Competition will be held for all three Virtus eligibility groups below:
• 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)

New US Athletes should complete Virtus National Eligibility Application to confirm eligibility.


REQUIRED DRESSAGE TESTS (Two Levels offered)

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: Download Event PDF provided by Organizers
    Download Event PDF
  • Step 2: Complete Intent to Enter Form
    USA Intent to Enter Form
  • Step 3: Upload Videos by October 1st for Fall Competition  (AWL will submit US Entries to Virtus)
    Record your test(s) at your home facility following the competition rules below. Upon completion of the Intent to Enter form you’ll receive a Dropbox Link you can use to 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 4: 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 event results in July 2022 and Fall Results on October 30, 2022. Winners in each Video round (June & October) can vie for Overall winner of both competitions.


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.


ABOUT ATHLETES WITHOUT LIMITS EQUESTRIAN

As the US Member of Virtus, we launched the Athletes Without Limits Equestrian Program in 2017 to organize and assist US Equestrians interested in participating in Virtus Dressage competitions for athletes with intellectual impairment. At the local, regional, and national levels our goal is to develop competitive opportunities for US equestrians that include a variety of disciplines and skill levels. We encourage new athletes interested in competing who are riding independently at the walk, trot and canter and have reached proficiency in dressage OR an equestrian sport other than dressage to contact us to develop a plan for transitioning into Virtus dressage competition.

Details

Date:
October 3, 2022
Event Category:

Organizer

Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport (formerly Inas)