Equestrian Australia – Interschool All Abilities Competition Framework

The Equestrian Australia – Interschool All Abilities Competition Framework establishes Equestrian Australia’s (EA) unified national approach to delivering inclusive Interschool competition opportunities for riders with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities.

It aims to ensure consistent, accessible, and ability‐appropriate competitive experiences from school level through to national events, with clear alignment to Virtus and Para‐Equestrian classification pathways. 

EA is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of disability or accessibility needs, have the opportunity to participate meaningfully and safely in equestrian sport. The Interschool All Abilities Competition Framework provides consistent national guidance for classification, support, competition structure, and progression. 

This model ensures all athletes—whether eligible through Virtus or Para‐Equestrian systems—are integrated into one unified All Abilities competition pathway based on functional riding ability, not disability type. 

The objectives are to:

• Provide equitable access to Interschool competition for riders with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities.
• Establish clear eligibility, classification recognition, and permitted adaptive equipment.
• Deliver ability‐based competition categories that accommodate riders across a range of functional abilities. 
• Support State Branches, schools, and officials with education and consistent operational guidelines. 
• Integrate All Abilities classes into State and National Championships from 2026 onward.
• Foster progression pathways from school competitions through to Virtus and Para‐Equestrian opportunities. 

Read in full below:

  Competition Framework - Interschools All Abilities.pdf