British Team Announced for 2025 Virtus World Para Dressage Championships

British Dressage is pleased to share the news of the team announced by Sport Excel UK to represent Great Britain at the Virtus World Para-Dressage Championships, taking place at Sparsholt College in Hampshire (21 - 25 July 2025).

The GB Team brings together one experienced international medallist and five talented new riders making their Virtus debut on the world stage.

Leading the team is Chris Bradley (Riseley, Bedfordshire), a multi-medallist riding MBF Harley Rebel, who was part of the GB squad crowned 2024 Virtus European Champions.

Joining Chris and making their first appearances for Great Britain are:

• Daisy Britnell (Crowell, Oxfordshire) riding Dakota Snow Chief
• Danielle Curzon (Market Rasen, Lincolnshire) riding Dizzy Rascal
• Nia Harmes (Mold, Flintshire) riding Manila
• Jessica Limb (Chesterfield, Derbyshire) riding Penhaligon Danny De Vito
• Harriet Moore (Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire) riding CTD King

“It’s a dream come true to represent GB,” said debutant Daisy Britnell (16). “Dakota and I have worked so hard for this – we can’t wait to ride at Sparsholt!”

The Virtus World Para-Dressage Championships are one of the most prestigious events in the international para-equestrian calendar. The competition will bring together the world’s best riders with intellectual impairment in what is expected to be a fiercely contested championship.

Tracey McCillen, Chief Executive, Sport Excel UK, said: “This is a milestone moment for our GB Team – especially for those making their international debut. Congratulations to them all. Their dedication, resilience, and performance have earned them a place among the best. We know the Championships will be tough, but we are confident our riders are ready to take on the challenge. A heartfelt thank you to the athletes, their families, coaches, supporters and the many professional volunteers supporting Sport Excel UK whose commitment makes this possible. We’re proud to see the team represent Great Britain on home soil.”

This Championship, run under FEI rules, also forms a key part of Sport Excel UK’s performance pathway, and will help inform selection and preparations for the Virtus Global Games 2027, to be held in Egypt. The Global Games is the flagship event in the Virtus calendar – a multi-sport, 10-day championship held every four years, and the ultimate international stage for athletes with intellectual impairment.

The team will be supported by a strong group of coaches and grooms including: Veronica Bradley, Lucinda Britnell, Janet Sayles, Ann Harmes, Angela Gambetta, Sonia Baines, and Samantha Moore.

The continued growth and development of the British pathway to Virtus international Championships is supported by a new collaboration between British Dressage and Sport Excel UK.

Appointments for the GB Team Manager and Technical Adviser will be confirmed shortly.

This team announcement follows GB’s strong performance in the Virtus Para-Dressage April 2025 Video Competition, one of the official qualifying events, where several of the selected riders delivered excellent results that contributed to their selection.

2024 European Champion Chloe Bush and newcomer Isabelle Wykes, also qualified but did not continue with selection.

Contact Sport Excel UK for more information about the GB Team, the Championships, or getting involved in Para-Dressage events with Sport Excel.

British Dressage congratulates all those selected and wishes the team the very best of luck for the Championships at Sparsholt College this July.

Photo © Sport Excel UK | GB crowned European Champions Chris Bradley, Chloe Bush, Georgina Maton