Virtus Equestrian: Building New Pathways Through Partnership and Innovation
Equestrian stands as one of the organisation’s newest and most innovative sports. Since joining the Virtus programme in 2016, it has created international opportunities for riders with an intellectual disability to compete in one of the world’s most technical and demanding disciplines.
Built on precision, trust and communication between rider and horse, equestrian is a unique sport that combines technical excellence with a deep partnership.
Athletes with intellectual disability were once included in the Grade 3 para-equestrian competition at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, but opportunities became limited in the years that followed. Determined to rebuild those pathways, Virtus partnered with the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) in 2015 to establish a new international structure for riders with an intellectual impairment.
Growing International Competitions Through Accessibility
One of the biggest challenges in equestrian is the investment in the right horse as well as the complexity and cost of transporting horses across international borders. To overcome these barriers and make the sport accessible to more nations, Virtus introduced the innovative Para Equestrian Video Competition.
Launched in 2017, the competition enabled riders to compete internationally by submitting official competition videos under strict technical and judging regulations, allowing athletes to perform in familiar environments with their own horses.
In 2020, Virtus continued to expand the programme, introducing the II2 and II3 eligibility groups, with II3 initially included as a demonstration class.
The next major milestone came in 2023, when the Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France, hosted the first-ever live Virtus para-dressage competition. After years of online competition, riders from Spain, Australia, Great Britain, the USA, Egypt, Germany, Chinese Taipei and France came together to compete in person on the world stage.
The 2023 Games also marked the introduction of the II3 class for athletes with autism as a full medal event, building on the earlier demonstration class and further expanding opportunities within Virtus Equestrian.
Among the standout competitors was Sonia Villalba (ESP), a Paralympian in Sydney 2000 and three-time II1 online para-dressage champion whose career highlights the connection between Virtus Equestrian and the wider Paralympic movement.
She was joined by leading II1 riders including Maria Sanchez Lopez (ESP), Laurie Decoustre (FRA), Georgina Maton (GBR), Andrew Driffield (AUS), Sarah Sherwood (AUS), Christopher Bradley (GBR) and many others.
The II2 and II3 classes have also continued to produce outstanding competitors. In the II2 category, Alejandro Espejo (ESP) and Sui Watts (AUS) have raised the standard of competition, while Louis Malaussenna (FRA) are among those making their mark in the II3 category.
Between 2017 and 2026, Virtus successfully organised 10 competitions for athletes to take part in the Para Equestrian Video Competition alongside three live international competitions. Together, these formats have created opportunities for riders who may otherwise never have had access to international competition.
The number of riders has grown substantially during this time, especially in Australia and Great Britain, where the Virtus riders also have the chance to compete in live competitions on a national level. Great Britain has seen the addition of many talented riders, especially in the II-3 category. During the World Championships at Sparsholt College in Winchester, UK, Portugal joined the participating nations as well.
The video competition model has not only expanded participation and improved standards, but has also demonstrated how innovation can remove barriers and make international sport more accessible and inclusive.
Looking Ahead
Virtus Equestrian is about more than medals. From pioneering video-based competition to bringing riders together for live international events, the programme has shown how innovation and collaboration can remove barriers and create new opportunities.
As Virtus celebrates 40 years, equestrian stands among its remarkable success stories. In less than a decade, it has grown from an emerging concept into an internationally recognised discipline with World Championship-level competition, continental events and live Global Games competition.
This journey has been made possible by the dedication of athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, member organisations, HETI and the Virtus Equestrian Committee. Together, they continue to demonstrate that riders with intellectual impairments belong in the international equestrian community.
If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Equestrian programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition – including the Virtus Global Games Cairo 2027.
Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986
