Equestrian Opportunities for Athletes With Intellectual Impairment

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.

About Athletes Without Limits & Virtus International

Virtus, the International governing body for athletes with intellectual impairments (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.

As the USA Member of Virtus, Athletes Without Limits 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.

Watch videos of US riders competing in the 2020 event.

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. Virtus Para Equestrian Video 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.  Virtus Competitions are open to athletes with International level eligibility in all three Virtus Competition Groups (II1, II2 & II3). Athletes not ready to compete at the international level only can complete National level Virtus eligibility and 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.

UPCOMING VIRTUS EVENTS:

PAST VIRTUS EVENTS:

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US Member of Virtus

As the US Member of Virtus Athletes Without Limits oversees eligibility for US athletes with intellectual impairments competing in: Virtus and Paralympic Competition.

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