British Para-dressage rider Verity Smith says having to wear a blindfold at Rio 2016 is dangerous and debilitating ©VSmithDressage/Twitter

British Para-dressage rider Verity Smith has launched a campaign to challenge an International Equestrian Federation (FEI) rule which states blind competitors must wear a blindfold at the Paralympic Games, claiming it is “debilitating” and affects her chances of success.

Smith, who is registered blind and has 10 per cent vision, is urging people to post selfies in a blindfold and post them on social media using hashtags #BeatTheBlindfold and #GetVerityToRio.

A petition to support her campaign has also been established on change.org and is available here.

The Briton is challenging the ruling, which came into effect at the beginning of the year, which says blind riders in each mixed disability category have to wear a blindfold while competing.

It has been claimed that it has caused several blind riders to completely change and adapt their training programmes, as it limits their access to light, with less than a year to go until the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Smith, who missed out on London 2012 after horse Marcus was put down due to cancer, hopes to have a response to her appeal in the coming weeks as she bids to represent her country in the Brazilian city next year.

“It is dangerous and debilitating,” she said.

“Horses have always been my sanctuary, allowing me to quite literally ride the storm of my blindness.

“When I ride I am free I am afraid of nothing but in the blindfold I am a prisoner frightened of the dark.

“It's my worst nightmare, losing my sight, and as soon as I'm scared, the horse senses that.”

Verity Smith has challenged the ruling and hopes to have it changed before Rio 2016
Verity Smith has challenged the ruling and hopes to have it changed before Rio 2016 ©VSmithDressage/Twitter

Smith also feels the rule could cause danger to the riders who will be taking part in the para-equestrian competitions at Rio 2016.

"It's creating a very dangerous situation,” she added.

“Every other disability which competes can have aids to assist them, to help them maximise their ability and that should be the whole ethic of the Paralympics.

“This ruling means that it won't be about learning your sport, it means learning to cope with another disability.

“This is bureaucracy affecting people's dreams.

“It's tough enough being blind and disabled, don't blinker our ambition and our dreams.”

An International Equestrian Federation spokesperson confirmed the ruling to British publication Stroud Life, though it is not yet known when an announcement on Smith’s appeal will be made.

“The use of the blindfold forms part of the FEI's classification system for athletes with visual impairments,” a statement read.

“As the rules for 2016 have already been approved this rule will be implemented in 2016.”