British Dressage launches initiative to support riders with intellectual impairments

British Dressage has partnered with Virtus and SportExcel UK to support riders with intellectual impairments. This initiative aims to make dressage more inclusive by providing new classification eligibility and competition pathways for these riders.

Virtus governs elite sports for athletes with intellectual impairments, while SportExcel UK facilitates their training and competition. Equestrian sport, including dressage, was added to Virtus in 2016, offering virtual and in-person competitions culminating in the Virtus Global Games.

Jason Brautigam, British Dressage CEO, said: “We always say that everyone is welcome in dressage, and this new partnership reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that there are genuinely equal opportunities for all. We need to break down any barriers that exist to participation, to ensure we are a truly inclusive and accessible sport.”

This partnership will help riders with intellectual impairments achieve their dressage goals and attract new participants to the sport.