Purpose

The purpose of this section of our web site is to share knowledge, educate, and help blind horses and their caretakers. Unfortunately we believe that too many blind horses are victims of euthanasia or shipped to slaughter. We would like to offer any help in raising, training, or caring for blind horses.

Like anything, once you're thrown into a situation you are not familiar with, you want to educate yourself for best results, especially if it involves a living thing. So it makes sense for us to share the knowledge we have gained with others. We are new to the challenges of a blind foal so the newest member of Black Horse Farm will be our teacher. I am not sure if she knows that she is our guinea pig but we will do our best to do right by her.

I am the sort of person who has gained my horse knowledge by experience over the years. I have been around or owned horses most of my life. However I have never had the experience of working with blind horses until now. So we are learning by doing. Since this is so new we have yet to think of an appropriate name for this little girl. We knew she was coming but we did not know she would be blind. So the name will take some time.

Some history We acquired this little foal thru one of our boarders. Her mom was boarded here at Black Horse Farm throughout her pregnancy. Once the foal was born we of course fell in love with her. I knew it was likely to happen just due to the fact that she was a foal -- never mind the fact that she has the added feature of being blind.

When working closely with horses, without even knowing it, we become part of that horse and two become one, especially in this situation. It is a process that just happens. The foal’s owner certainly saw the bond and could see we loved her and asked us if we wanted to keep her. Without hesitation we said yes. It was best for the foal; she knows us and trusts us. She is familiar with her stall and paddock and the sounds and feels of her space. To move her would be difficult for her and us.

Bonding We all get attached to our horses, especially when they are babies, but it seems as though the bond is special with her. She is happy to hear our voices. She cocks her head and perks up at the sound of us. I think she smiles in her own way. I am sure our voices offer comfort and familiarity as well as a safe place. Our voices often coincide with butt and body scratches and that may have something to do with it also.

Horses are not selfish This foal is a giver, not a taker, even with her blindness. She gives us affection and enjoys being with us. She makes us smile and laugh. She gives us the opportunity for a new challenge, to add to our horse knowledge and to offer us a new adventure.

I think all things happen for a reason. She is going to give to all the other horses that may be blind or become blind. Hopefully someday she will make a blind child smile. We are hoping to hear from people who have blind horses or have some experience with blind horses. Or maybe people who are experiencing this for the first time and aren’t sure what to do. Networking is a great thing.

While we have been researching for information, we have found that there is not a lot of information out there. We hope to help change that. We are far from being experts, but I feel experience is sometimes the best thing to share. Some people have asked, "what are you going to do with her?" which I find an odd question. We have never thought of doing anything different than what we would do with a horse that could see.
To quote Dr. Grant Mehyre of Rochester Equine Hospital, "Blind horses lead very happy and productive lives."

People who have been there, done that... The best information I have found is www.rollingdogranch.org or www.blindhorse.org.
This is a wonderful rescue, some wonderful people who have devoted all of their time, energy and kindness to a lot of animals that would probably not had life at all. I encourage you to visit their web site and read the amazing stories that will leave you with inspiration and an appreciation for the good these people have done.


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