Golds galore at Virtus World Championships

Team and individual gold medals were duly won by British athletes taking part in the Virtus Para Equestrian World Championship, showcasing the talent of those with intellectual impairments excelling in the sporting sphere. 

Hosted at Sparsholt Equestrian on 24 - 25 July 2025, the Virtus Para Equestrian World Championship brought together riders from across the world, taking part in three grades with either their own or borrowed horses. Two days of top competition saw the Brits emerge victorious as a team, and in two individual categories. 

The British team of Christopher Bradley, Harriet Moore, Danielle Curzon and Daisy Britnell rode to an emphatic win in Thursday's team competition, winning by a margin of nine percent. This achievement is even more impressive considering each rider had their scores adjusted down by an overall 1.5%, the penalty received for presenting your own horse at the Championship. Danielle Curzon and Dizzy Rascal scored a fantastic 74.86% to lead the team's charge, with Christopher and MBF Harley Rebel on 72.56%, Harriet Moore and CTD King earning 70.18% and Daisy Britnell with Dakota Snow Chief on 62.47%. A strong team of riders from Australia earned second place in the team event, all competing on borrowed horses, followed by team Germany. 

In the Individual standings, both Danielle and Christopher earned their spot at the top of the podium for the second time in two days. Danielle and Dizzy Rascal topped the ii3 Grade lV Intermediate A World Championship class with another outstanding mark of 75.32%, enough to earn them the gold medal; whilst Christopher earned his individual gold in the ii1 Grade lV Intermediate A, earning 70.39% with MBF Harley Rebel. The medals didn't stop there, as fellow Brits Jessica Limb (Penhaligon Danny De Vito) and Harriet Moore (CTD King) took silver and bronze respectably in the ii3 Grade lV Intermediate A, joining Danielle on the podium to make it an all-British affair. 

Congratulations go to all British riders, their horses and support teams for an exceptional two days of competition and results. Our thanks go to Sparsholt Equestrian for hosting a memorable World Championship event. 

Results - top three and British riders 

Team Championship
1. Great Britain - 217.60
2. Australia - 208.56
3. Germany - 189.88

ii2 Grade III Individual B
1. Chloe Karsten and Jack, 68.01% (AUS)
2. Jaycen Schlesinger and Hans, 63.06% (GER)
3. Alejandro Espejo and Blaze, 59.79% (ESP)

ii3 Grade lV Intermediate A
1. Danielle Curzon and Dizzy Rascal, 75.32% (GBR)
2. Jessica Limb and Penhaligon Danny De Vito, 72.10% (GBR)
3. Harriet Moore and CTD King, 71.25% (GBR)
6. Nia Harmes and Manila, 60.94% (GBR)

ii1 Grade lV Intermediate A
1. Christopher Bradley and MBF Harley Rebel, 70.39% (GBR)
2. Laurie Descouture and Win du Vieux Logis, 69.80% (FRA)
3. Luke Purthill and Rossi, 69.67% (AUS)
9. Daisy Britnell and Dakota SNow Chief, 60.28% (GBR)

About Virtus & Sport Excel UK

Virtus is the global organisation that governs, advocates, organises and promotes many elite sports for athletes with an intellectual impairment. SportExcel UK is the official GB member of Virtus and the charity that leads and manages the eligibility of British athletes for inclusion within Virtus and are recognised by UK Sport. They evaluate whether an athlete is eligible for classification and therefore able to compete with Virtus. They select and manage the GB Teams to Virtus events. SportExcel UK is a member of the British Paralympic Association.

Equestrian sport is one of the newest additions to Virtus, with Dressage making its debut in 2016 and Great Britain sending athletes to the Global Games in Vichy in 2023 The competition environment is mixed with opportunities for virtual and in-person competing both nationally and internationally. Levels can range from Europeans to Worlds culminating in the prestigious Global Games.