SandyMM
01-02-2006, 01:45 PM
Some of you know that when we got Bronce, we found out shortly after that he had some eye issues... Two years later, he is pretty much blind - it may be 90% or 98% - regardless - he can't even see to get in and out of his stall without help.
To the best of our knowledge, his blindness (uveitis/cataracts) was caused - or at least aggravated by - a complete lack of care by a previous owner's son. We'd like to think that it was through complete ignorance rather than anything intentional... not that it affects the outcome. Thankfully, we're certain that the condition is not genetic as there is no other known incidence in any related horses in his bloodlines.
Bronce is an 8 year old stallion with the most incredibly sweet disposition I have _ever_ seen in any Paso - stallion, mare, or gelding.
After nearly a year's 'vacation' at Joni's, Greg and I brought Bronce home a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, we wanted to take a short local ride which required trailering about 15 miles to the Silver Comet Rails-to-Trails trailhead. Bronce loaded up with minimal encouragement (he's probably only been trailered 6-8 times in his life). Pete popped right into his side and we were off...
The trail at the Silver Comet has a 15' +/- concrete 'road' down the center with wide grass shoulders on both sides in most places and minimal foot/bicycle traffic.
I'd like to report a widely exciting ride over the bridge, under the echo-y underpass, and alongside the occassional dropoffs... but actually, Bronce was an absolute prince on the ride! His ears were going like whilygigs, but his eyes were calm and his entire demeanor was one of trust. Joni started and we are continuing to use voice cues when there is a change in footing - which startled him the first couple of transitions - but he was very quick to adapt. In fact, although I planned to just walk him, we/he felt comfortable and confident enough to gait on several short stretches.
The only stumble on the entire ride was on the return - only 50 feet from the trailer when we crossed a very small depression - and I forgot to cue him.... He was startled, but recovered instantly.
When I dismounted, I hugged his neck.... and he buried his head in my chest for a couple of minutes with a big sigh.... We are so lucky to have this horse....
Here's a picture of Bronce last winter....
http://arrowheadpasofinos.com/Resources/Bronce-12-04-headon.jpg
To the best of our knowledge, his blindness (uveitis/cataracts) was caused - or at least aggravated by - a complete lack of care by a previous owner's son. We'd like to think that it was through complete ignorance rather than anything intentional... not that it affects the outcome. Thankfully, we're certain that the condition is not genetic as there is no other known incidence in any related horses in his bloodlines.
Bronce is an 8 year old stallion with the most incredibly sweet disposition I have _ever_ seen in any Paso - stallion, mare, or gelding.
After nearly a year's 'vacation' at Joni's, Greg and I brought Bronce home a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday, we wanted to take a short local ride which required trailering about 15 miles to the Silver Comet Rails-to-Trails trailhead. Bronce loaded up with minimal encouragement (he's probably only been trailered 6-8 times in his life). Pete popped right into his side and we were off...
The trail at the Silver Comet has a 15' +/- concrete 'road' down the center with wide grass shoulders on both sides in most places and minimal foot/bicycle traffic.
I'd like to report a widely exciting ride over the bridge, under the echo-y underpass, and alongside the occassional dropoffs... but actually, Bronce was an absolute prince on the ride! His ears were going like whilygigs, but his eyes were calm and his entire demeanor was one of trust. Joni started and we are continuing to use voice cues when there is a change in footing - which startled him the first couple of transitions - but he was very quick to adapt. In fact, although I planned to just walk him, we/he felt comfortable and confident enough to gait on several short stretches.
The only stumble on the entire ride was on the return - only 50 feet from the trailer when we crossed a very small depression - and I forgot to cue him.... He was startled, but recovered instantly.
When I dismounted, I hugged his neck.... and he buried his head in my chest for a couple of minutes with a big sigh.... We are so lucky to have this horse....
Here's a picture of Bronce last winter....
http://arrowheadpasofinos.com/Resources/Bronce-12-04-headon.jpg