Blind sportswoman Mandy Schofield has missed out this year on a squad place for the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

The 31-year-old equestrian from Queensbury, who was born without sight and lost her hearing in childhood, was devastated when she was passed over by a selection panel last week.

Mandy had hoped to win a chance to represent Great Britain in the dressage category of the games but did not score enough points at the all-important trials.

"I thought I'd done quite well but obviously I hadn't done as well as some of the other competitors. I felt very down about it at first but I'm not going to give up."

Paralympics officials have since told her she can have another go at getting into the squad next year.

"I'm going to keep up with my training, I desperately want to get in. They didn't really give me an explanation why I didn't make it but I know some of the other riders got a few more points than me which possibly swung it," she added.

Mandy trains three times a week, twice at Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre in Otley.

Last month she launched an appeal in the Telegraph & Argus to raise more than £24,000 to buy her own horse to train with.

Donations have been streaming in but the target is still a far way off.

She said: "I've been moved to tears by some of the generosity of the donations. Not everyone has included their addresses so I haven't been able to write back and say thank you but I want people to know how much they are appreciated."

She added: "It is essential I have my own horse. I need to be able to train with an animal that I know and trust, and who can completely trust me."

The £24,000 would also be used to pay for stabling and training costs over four years.

Mandy uses a communication device called a converser when she rides - her instructor speaks to her through headphones she wears via a miniature microphone.

She has been involved with the Riding for the Disabled organisation for eight years but only started competing in dressage competitions in 2002.

So far she has competed in several regional competitions, and represented Yorkshire in her category at a national championship in 2002.

To sponsor Mandy, or find out more about how to help contact Margaret Hird on (01274) 435001 or e-mail margaret.hird@bradford.gov.