Equestrian Opportunities
About Athletes Without Limits & Virtus International
As the USA Member of Virtus, Athletes Without Limits goal is to help US equestrian riders access International Dressage Competition opportunities offered by Virtus, Virtus, the International governing body for athletes with intellectual impairments and a member of the International Paralympic Committee.
Virtus Annual Video Dressage Competitions
Since 2017 Virtus, the International governing body for athletes with intellectual impairments has opportunities for accomplished equestrians to compete annually in International-level dressage video competitions, which allow participants to compete against riders from all over the world without sacrificing the security of their own horse and coaching team. There are three entry windows for the 2026 Virtus Para-Dressage Video Series and riders can enter any or all of them!
Occasional Virtus In-Person Dressage Competition
Beginning with the 2023 Virtus Global Games in France (where two US riders competed in live dressage), some in-person events may also be possible with rented horses at Virtus Global Games held every four years. Save the Date for the next 2027 Virtus Global Games Cairo, Egypt!
Watch videos of US riders competing in the 2020 Video Competition!
Which Dressage Tests are Offered?
Qualified riders are expected to perform a tests in accordance with FEI standards (specific tests are posted in each event entry pack) including Grade II, III and IV depending on rider level and Virtus eligibility group.
Virtus Eligibility Groups
Competition includes Virtus eligibility groups for athletes with Intellectual Disability, Down Syndrome and Autism. Please see our eligibility page for detailed criteria and to apply: Eligibility Information & Application.
Paralympics: While Virtus also represents athletes with Intellectual Impairments and their eligibility in the Paralympic Movement, Equestrian is not currently a Paralympic sport with pathways for athletes with Intellectual Impairment. Within Paralympics athletes with Intellectual Disability (VIrtus II1/II2) can pursue: Swimming, Table Tennis and Track & Field.
Contact Us
If you know of a talented rider please either submit their application (which will initiate an informed conversation about eligibility).
Or contact us to discuss their level of riding, eligibility and possible opportunities.
EVENTS:
CURRENT YEAR EVENTS: (posted to the AWL Calendar)
NEW! Athletes Without Limits Spring Forward Video Competition
March 11-April 11, 2026Â (OPEN event with more introductory tests – formal eligibility not required)
2026 10th Virtus Video Competition
Virtus International Eligibility & Specific FEI Tests Required
3 Rounds Entry deadlines
Round 1: February 2026
Round 2: April 2026
Round 3: October 2026Â
PAST VIRTUS EQUESTRIAN EVENTS:
- 2025 9th Virtus Video Competition (3 Rounds)
- 2024 8th Virtus Video Competition Fall (3 Rounds)
- 2023 1st In-Person Virtus Dressage at Global Games France
- 2023 7th Virtus Video Competition (2 Rounds)
- 2022 6th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition (2 Rounds)
- 2021 5th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition (1 Round)
- 2020 4th Virtus Equestrian Video Competition (1 Round)
- 2019 3rd Virtus (Inas) Equestrian Video Competition (1 Round)
- 2018 2nd Virtus (Inas) Equestrian Video Competition (1 Round)
- 2017 1st Virtus (Inas) Equestrian Video Competition (1 Round)
INTERNATIONAL RESULTS & RANKINGS:
Virtus publishes International Results to their website virtus.sport/results-rankings-records and more recently to the The Virtus Equestrian Facebook Page.
