Blind, blond and blazing a trail up Kilimanjaro

Verity Smith with Zoé Allès and Luna

I am a blind, International dressage rider, who represented team GB. I was hoping, with my dual nationality, to ride in the Paris Olympics as part of the French Equestrian dressage team this summer - heart breakingly, due to my horse’s injury (she broke her foot!) we were unable to qualify. Despite all, I wanted to do something really worthwhile and positive in 2024.

I never give up and I love a challenge so when I was asked by Nature’s SAFE , a British based global charity, if I would be their ambassador and climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September this year to raise awareness for animals on the extinction list, I, of course, said YES!. I will be one of only a handful of blind people who have ever attempted this climb. When in Africa, I will also be helping to promote the work of Nature's SAFE and visit some of rarest animals on the planet to advocate for the creation of living bio-banks throughout Africa.

I figured that if I could not mount the podium for a medal this year I would mount Kilimanjaro for a great cause instead. As a blind international dressage rider, animals have always been intrinsic to my life. My guide dogs have afforded me my physical freedom and my horses have allowed me my freedom of spirit. We need to protect all beautiful creatures for no matter how big or small, domestic or exotic, like us they all play a part in Nature’s scheme. I am so delighted to be an ambassador for Nature’Safe as they are doing just that, protecting species for the future and in doing so they are giving hope to us all in the present.

I need to raise personal sponsorship to enable the climb for myself and my human guide Zoé Allès, who will be by my side every step of the way. This is where you come in. The charity itself will be raising corporate sponsorship for their work, but are not financing our individual costs. Which is why we need you help to make a difference. You donation will enable me to help open the eyes of the worlds to the urgent problem that nature's creatures are facing.

Verity’s Story

I am a blind international dressage rider, singer, author, campaigner and international speaker. Born with perfect sight my fascination with, and love of animals, blossomed long before my blindness got a look in. I was passionate about horses from the age of 3 and after having encephalitus and my subsequent blindness these beautiful creatures became my sanctuary.

‘Horses gallop through my veins and no loss of sight will allow me to give up the freedom they afford my spirit.’

Throughout the arc of my extraordinary life, animals have always been an intrinsic part of my journey , all be it - sharing the stage with my previous guide dog Uffa in my musical theatre show in which I flew on the trapeze - representing team GB at the World para dressage championships or competing with my beautiful German Warmblood horse Kit at elite level against able bodied competitors - and winning.

I believe in advocating the ability in disability and relish the challenge of defying convention and breaking down boundaries. Through my determination and power of persuasion I have secured access for guide dogs on planes, trains and Eurostar as well as being instrumental in changing the paralympic blindfold rule for blind equestrian competitors with my global media campaign #Beat the Blindfold. I am also creator of Equipe Verity, a charity focused on equitherapy for disabled children and adults. My ultimate goal, with my dual nationality, is to represent France as a member of the Able - bodied Olympic team, a global first!

My one concession to being blind is my gorgeous blonde labradoodle Luna (star puppy of ITV This Morning). Legally blonde and licenced to guide, Luna is so much more than just my eyes. It is only in the dark that we can see the stars and it is only thanks to Luna, my guiding light, that I can dance with abandon through my starlit life. Luna will be hanging up her harness and having a holiday whilst I am working in Africa. My brave friend, Zoé will be taking up the reins of responsibility to guide me up and hopefully down again!

I have complete trust in Zoe's ability to support me- at least she has some experience of walking and camping! She is having to intensively train with me as we develop a language and technique to overcome difficult terrain and motivation to reach the summit. Long may our friendship continue.

All the laughter, tears and dramas of the adventure will be recorded for everyone's amusement and to raise the profile of Nature's SAFE.

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