Appy setback

[Minouri]

We went on a two hour trailride through the local quarry and surrounding fields.

The great part was Scooter.

The sad part was that my Appy was having a hard time. He's such a trusting soul. He followed the other horses diligently but man he was tripping over almost everything.

I traded with my stepdaughter so I was on him......and some of the way I walked him.

When we were in the darkened area of the woods I could tell that he couldn't see. His whole body was tense. His steps were very small and careful. I wanted to hop off him and hug him. But he went where I pointed him. He's such a good boy.

When we came out of the trees back into the sunlight I could feel his whole body relax. He can still see somewhat in bright sunlight.

We went down one big hill and I hopped off to guide him. I felt like I was guiding one of my elderly parents. His steps were so slow and careful. He probably has no sense of depth anymore.

But he went. Once again proving what a good boy he is.

It's tough. If l leave him home I feel guilty because he is not getting excercised. I lunge him now but it's not the same.

Sigh. I suppose I'll just have to make sure all rides are on very easy open paths. Like going across the street to the field.

What do you think? People say that they can ride blind horses very well. If I keep bringing him out of his comfort zone will he become more adjusted or am I just tormenting the old boy and should just keep to our backyard and open fields?

[Edurne]

I used to ride a totally blind dressage horse in the ring. He was superb, until another rider rode him into the rail. :(

[Minouri]

Edurne,

Maybe that's an idea. Our paddock looks a lot like a ring. I'm not really into non gaited dressage....but if we fix our ring up a bit maybe I can find someone who wants to practice on him. He has a lot of dressage experience and it would be good for him. He has no fear in the ring.

Sorry to hear about the idiot who rode the horse you know. A blind horse is a huge responsibility to ride. You have to think for them....always choose the best path. And it's heartbreaking when you make a bad choice for them. Not to mention a trust breaker.

So far so good with Snowy. I'm very careful who I let ride him because he DOES still trust us to choose the best path for him. I think that is why he doesn't actually panic. But that would change, I'm sure, if I let someone ride him into a rail like that.

[pnalley]

Sandy M rides a blind Paso stallion. He appears confident and handles trails well, but I believe he is the exception.
One of my App mares went blind, and like your situation she just didn't have the confidence she had when she could see. We finally just rode her in her familiar surroundings, or on flat safe footing.
It's not so bad to have to pick & choose the places you can take him. I do it now with a handicapped App gelding I have. He still gets used, but we only put him in situations that will not erode his confidence in us.
My opinion is keep him in his comfort zone.

[CarolU]

I agree with Paula. Of course I'm one of those uber-horse-lovers and believe a pleasure ride should be a pleasure for the horse too. No reason to stress him if you don't have to.

And I'm sorry he had such a scary day, but I think it was worth it if you learned where his limits are and can help him lead a more comfortable life now.

[motorgypsy]

I'd take him out of his comfort zone for a fairly short time (15 tp 20 minutes) on each ride with another horse right in front of him if possible - a horse he trusts. Sandy gives her blind stallion verbal cues and talks to him constantly. If he's physically sound he will learn and enjoy once again. They don't have the "future anxiety" we have and also the fear of failure so he will deal with it a little at a time until he learns to do without sight. I've been on endurance rides in the pitch dark and horses don't have great night vision but they learn to use all their other senses and he will too. Have faith in him. There are many situations where our horses are anxious but they learn and he will also. Blind feral horses buddy up. Well you're his buddy and he'll adapt. And one good thing is that he can do it gradually since has some sight. If you keep working with him to help him gain his confidence he'll have a very easy transition to sightlessness. I bet he'll totally surprise you!

[lalecl]

We have a blind one too. She is awesome!!! and if we try to ride anothere horse she raves until Ellis saddles her. Of course he ans she also ride out anywhere from 10 pm to midnight. If they trust the rider or have a bond as ellis and damita do then yes they can still enjoy thier outings very much. Maybe you could try just going out at night and walking him around different areas in the darkness and build his confidence.

[Jane Hurl]

*Standing right beside CarolU, nodding and grinning*

I'll bet he'd enjoy going back to dressage in a safe environment. And that's what they say to do for your dog when s/he goes blind ... don't move the furniture!

[motorgypsy]

Our dog was blind for several years and went everywhere all over the neighborhood with no problems. I'm serious - give him a chance and you'll be amazed at how his other senses will take over.

[Edurne]

I have to say Minouri, my horse has a tumor in his eye, which is currently going thru "changes"...... even tho his eyesight is probably impaired..... I don't plan to stop riding him, if I can put him on the tail of another horse.