Chair of Equestrian Australia Zac Miles revealed the exciting development in an update to EA members last week: “The Board of EA have now formalised our partnership with Sports Inclusion Australia through our new memorandum of understanding. This memorandum expands opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairments,” Zac Miles explained.
“This partnership will build on some incredible results we’re already seeing in this space. Australia topped the equestrian medal tally at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Our Virtus athletes have competed at World Championships, and Paralympics Australia has now proposed adding Virtus classifications to the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
“What that would mean is a Paralympic Games on home soil with even more opportunities for Australian athletes to shine and this partnership ensures that we’re building towards that moment right now.
“This integration has been remarkably smooth. Our para equestrian unit has successfully incorporated these events with minimal impact on resourcing while creating positive stories and expanding opportunities across our entire sport. This formal partnership runs until December 2027, giving us stability and certainty as we build towards the Brisbane Games.”
Virtus has been part of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) since its inception, however there hasn’t been a category in equestrian sport at the Paralympics for athletes with an intellectual disability since Sydney 2000.
Equestrian events were included as live events for the first time at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in France. Australia enjoyed immense success at these Games, bringing home the team gold medal alongside several individual medals.
Australia is a world-leader in Virtus Equestrian and it would certainly be fitting – and exciting – for Brisbane 2032 to signal the return of a classification for these athletes.
All eyes on Sparsholt College in England
All eyes are now on Sparsholt College in England, where an Australian team is gearing up for the 2025 Virtus World Equestrian Dressage Championships from 21-25 July.
Andrew Driffield (NSW), Sarah Sherwood (Qld), Catherine Viney (SA), Luke Purtill (WA), Chloe Karsten (NSW), Sui Watts (NSW), Bel Dabic (WA) and Phoebe Roche (VIC) were all selected following outstanding results at recent Virtus online video competitions as well as local events.
All eight riders attended the Virtus European Championships at the same location last year where the Australian team claimed the silver medal. Individually, Sui Watts (II-2) secured a gold and silver medal, Bel Dabic (II-3) took home two silver medals, Sarah Sherwood (II-1) claimed a silver and a bronze medal, and Phoebe Roche (II-3) was awarded two bronze medals. Like the European Championships, Australian riders will again be on borrowed horses at the upcoming World Championships.
Australian Team – 2025 Virtus World Equestrian Dressage Championships:
II-1:
Andrew Driffield (NSW)
Sarah Sherwood (Qld)
Catherine Viney (SA)
Luke Purtill (WA)
II-2:
Chloe Karsten (NSW)
Sui Watts (NSW)
II-3:
Bel Dabic (WA)
Phoebe Roche (VIC)
Staff:
Head Coach: Mary Longden
Manager: Jessie Downs
Asst Manager: Nicole King
Stable Manager: Kathy Angel
