2025 Virtus World Equestrian Para-Dressage Championships Concludes With Unforgettable Days In Winchester, UK
The 2025 Virtus World Equestrian Dressage Championships officially opened on 23rd July at the Sparsholt Equine Centre in Winchester, welcoming 24 athletes from six countries: Great Britain, Spain, Germany, Australia, France, and Portugal, for two exciting days of para-dressage competition.
Riders, officials, coaches, and supporters gathered for a warm and joyful opening ceremony, hosted by Virtus and Sparsholt College. The event was attended by Hannah Ward (Equine Centre Manager), Uta Rindfleisch-Wu (Virtus Sports Director) and the Virtus Para-Dressage Committee.
Hannah Ward (Equine Centre Manager) gave a welcome to all teams, noting the pride the Sparsholt community feels in hosting the championship:
“It gives me such great pleasure to see you all here today looking so happy and smart in your team clothing.”
“The horses deserve a special mention, what amazing animals! Their generous spirit gives us the true enjoyment of dressage,” she further added.
The championship continued over the next two days, with individual and team events. With warm welcomes, focused athletes, and extraordinary horses, the 2025 Virtus World Equestrian Dressage Championships are officially underway.
Great Britain is dominating the podium in II1 Intermediate. (L-R) Jessica Limb, Danielle curzon and Harriet moore. Photo credit: Kevin Sparrow
Great Britain Leads the Way: Team Great Britain had an amazing two days. On July 24th, Christopher Bradley earned a top score of 72.56% in the II1 category. Danielle Curzon followed with 74.86% in the II3, Harriet Moore earned 70.18% II3, and Daisy Britnell also did well, earning 62.47% II1. The final team score was 217.60%. The team secured a Gold medal. Second day, on July 25th, Great Britain had a big success again when Danielle Curzon, Jessica Limb, and Harriet Moore won all three top places in the II3 Intermediate A class: Danielle Curzon – 75.32% (Gold), Jessica Limb – 72.10% (Silver), Harriet Moore – 71.25%(Bronze). Christopher Bradley also won a Gold medal in the II1 Intermediate-A class with another great ride and a final score of 70.39%.
Australia shows strength: Team Australia also had many good performances. Catherine Viney scored 70.25% in II1, and Bel Dabic earned 70.50% in II3. Chole Karsten earned 67.81% in II2, and Luke Portillo did well with 64.33% II1. The final Team result is 208.56% securing a silver medal. The big highlight was Chloe Karsten, who won gold in the II2 class with a score of 68.01%.
(L-R) Jaycen Schlesinger, Chole Karsten and Alejandro Espejo receiving their well-deserved medal from II2 Grade III Individual-B
Germany in the top three: Germany’s team was strong and consistent. Jaycen Schlesinger won silver in the II2 class with a score of 63.06%. And the Team results are Tatjana Raible scored 64.17% in II1, Janine Schwirlblat scored 62.58% in II1, Jaycen Schlesinger scored 63.13% in II2, and Florian Kaplirz su Sulewicz also gave great performances, scoring 59.20 % in II2 class. The final score was 189.88%. Germany’s combined scores helped them win the team bronze overall.
Historic medal for France: This year, France was proudly represented by Laurie Descoutere, who competed in the II1 Intermediate A class and earned a silver medal with a strong score of 69.80%. As the only French athlete at the event, her performance was a powerful example of dedication and talent, and a proud moment for her country.
Spain joins the medal table: Spain also made its mark at Sparsholt with a strong performance from Alejandro Espejo in the II2 category. He earned a Bronze medal with a final score of 59.79% in the Grade III Individual B. His calm, focused performance was warmly celebrated by the audience and showcased the growing strength of para-dressage in Spain.
Portugal makes its debut: Portugal had something special to celebrate this year. Hugo Almeida, the country’s first-ever Virtus equestrian para-dressage athlete, competed in the II1 category, proudly representing Portugal at the Virtus World Equestrian Championship. While he did not finish on the podium, his presence marked an exciting and important milestone. His participation shows that the sport is growing, and it opens the door for more Portuguese riders in the future.
At the end of the event, a special prize-giving ceremony took place. The judges and Virtus Sports Director Uta Rindfleisch-Wu gave medals to the riders. Everyone cheered and clapped as the winners stood proudly.
The event also included a special moment on July 25th, the International Day for People with Intellectual Impairment. Everyone joined together and celebrated and said:
“We see you. We celebrate you.”
This year’s Virtus equestrian Para-Dressage Championships were filled with friendship, talent, and joy. Riders, horses, families, and fans made it a truly special experience. The memories will stay with us for a long time.
