What to do with my blind pony? UPDATED may have a home need transportation help

[ParisHillEC]

UPDATE:

I just thought Id bump this up and update about Lucky.

He seems to have adjusted to being blind really well. Looking at him, you wouldn't even know he was blind. He is getting along just fine. He goes out alone or with other horses.

His old owner has ridden him twice now, at the walk and he was fine.

Anyone looking for a sweet awesome pony, who could probably be used for leadline or light riding.

I wish I could keep him, but I can't afford to keep him here if he's not doing lessons. I did talk with my insurance company again and they advised against me using him and I have actually had a few parents tell me they did not want their children riding him.

No local or not so local rescues can take him, every one I have tried is full.

Thank you for looking!!




Hi everyone, I am hoping you guys can help me decide what to do with my almost blind lesson pony.

I will no longer be using him in lessons, and I think the best thing to do with him is to find him a perfect, suitable home.

He is currently 100% blind in his left eye and about 50% in his right eye. In my mind, it is the best for him to move him when he can still partially see, so he can become used to his new home before he goes totally blind.

We are all heartbroken at the barn as we had NO idea he was going blind and he never showed any signs at all. His seven yr old little girl is pretty upset as well.

Are there certain rescues that take in blind horses? Are there people on this board who would be interested in a blind pony?

He's an 8 yr old app, perfectly sound otherwise, and was still doing lessons up until two weeks ago.

We just want to do the best thing for this pony!!

Thanks for any ideas/suggestions...

[Kate66]

Perhaps the kindest thing would be to euthanise him while he's still in an environment that he knows and loves. There are sooooooo many free, healthy, trained horses these days that I dread to think where your pony could end up very shortly if you were to find him a "good home". Or, keep him and turn him out. I just think that it is highly unlikely that you will find a good forever home, when he is only 8 and you are talking about someone else taking him on for potentially 15 - 20 years - blind. I suspect that you may just be closing your eyes to what will happen and it may be far worse than dealing with it yourself.

[ParisHillEC]

the thought to put him down has crossed my mind...just seeing what else is out there

[snkstacres]

The chances of finding a home for this guy is pretty slim. He will be around far too long but can I ask why you dont keep using him? I have had so so so many blind apps (they all go that way) but everyone of them continued to be good riding horses. In fact, they were much better riding horses blind LOL. I could trust them to never buck or run away. If you cant keep him or use him, I too would recommend euthanzia as well. Sadly, blind horses are not easy to keep unless you have a safe place and hopefully a good friend. Both difficult to keep for the amount of years he has left.

Sorry, this probably is not what you wanted to hear.

[ParisHillEC]

sigh...its ok I had a feeling that might be coming

My vet and my insurance company told me it would be a huge liability to use him in lessons. I guess I can just play it by ear and see how it goes.

We have a resuce near us that my vet said might take him, I'll need to look into that.

Thanks for your suggestions

[Artie]

Maybe he could find a job as a leadline pony or something like that? I know in our area those ponies are worth their weight in gold; theres always a tiny kid somewhere who needs to use one :)

[BelladonnaLily]

Maybe I missed this in your posts, but why not just retire him at your place for now? Ponies aren't typically expensive to keep and he could serve as a companion. When it gets to the point where his quality of life is suffering, then you can just put him down yourself and know that he has been taken care of. I think a home for this boy will be really tough to find, and well, a trip to the killers for a blind pony would be even more unpleasant than usual.

Otherwise, I'd just euthanize now. I feel for you. Not a fun situation to be in. Good luck.

[Tricky]

if you love this pony don't give up on him, a blind horse is not useless once he adjust to his blindness he will be a better animal I have a blind TWH that is easier to handle than any horse on my farm, Like Lori From SKacres said they make good trail horses and many have won Championship Dressage Events and Silver Spur Grand Champs. he already knows and trust you and knows his environment, 3/4 of the blind horse training is done training is done, give him a little time to adjust to his blindness. if he is not completely blind yet start his blind training now. There are thousands of blind horse help and training sites on the net just google blind horses and you will find wonderful stories of blind horse accomplishment and training .
I promise you that you will learn more about horse nature from your blind friend than you every learned from a sighted horse.
My blind TWH chases the sighted horse around the pasture, none of this stumbling or thrashing around bumping in to things, he has paced off his boundaries and knows where every log, ditch, rock , creek hay bail ;) he stands for trims , tack , mounts , loads everything better than most of my 15 sighted horses
If he is loved don't kill him his life is not over :no: he still can have a job and can be good at it

[summerskyy]

Just in case--check these out..perhaps you may find help or an answer to your problem here.. Good luck.


http://www.rollingdogranch.org/

http://www.blindhorses.org/care.html

[Tamara in TN]

[QUOTE=ParisHillEC;3765182]Hi everyone, I am hoping you guys can help me decide what to do with my almost blind lesson pony.

I will no longer be using him in lessons, and I think the best thing to do with him is to find him a perfect, suitable home.

not to sound snarky but his best home is going to be a hole in the ground....I have kept blind and partially blind horses and ponies AND there is no kindness in what you are planning to do for him....

none what so ever....

regards,

[BeastieSlave]

...a trip to the killers for a blind pony would be even more unpleasant than usual.


This just struck me - slaughter houses aren't supposed to accept blind beasties. I don't think that they are even accepted for transport to feedlots, etc. That doesn't mean a blind beastie can't have an unpleasant end though.

I have a blind horse and if you decide to keep your little guy, I'd be more than happy to share my experiences :cool:

[BelladonnaLily]

Beastie, You may be right, but I would really worry about this pony receiving adequate care if he were mine. I have a 13yo QH mare that has only been partially usable for the past 4 years. She developed her problem at right about the time when I needed her most...when my daughters were becoming the right age to ride and show her. I needed a sound pony that could jump. And I didn't need an extra, useless mouth to feed for the next 15+ years. Guess where this mare is now? Still in my field and will be until I dig a hole for her.

[KBEquine]

[QUOTE]

not to sound snarky but his best home is going to be a hole in the ground....I have kept blind and partially blind horses and ponies AND there is no kindness in what you are planning to do for him....

none what so ever....

regards,

I'm sorry, Tamara, but if you look at it from anyone else's perspective but yours, saying "his best home is going to be a hole in the ground" can't possibly sound anything BUT snarky & cold . . . and mean.

I'm sorry it didn't work well for you when you had blind or half-blind horses, but it might have been related more to those horses' personalities, because that plays a big role. If you don't know this pony, you could be wrong - and VERY harsh and comdemning to someone trying hard to find the right path.

AND I hope when you are in trouble, you get a more sympathetic reaction from those to whom you turn for help.

I'm not saying euthanasia is not an option. It is. It might be the best one. It's perfectly possibly you are 100% right. Or you could be 100% wrong & sucking all the hope from the person who loves this pony best, when she needs help.

I remember riding in an indoor several decades ago when an appaloosa & his rider who I did not know entered the ring for a dressage lesson. The rider explained the horse was totally blind & asked me to walk & talk, until the horse knew where we were. The horse relied 100% on his rider [maybe not a plan for a lesson horse carting a beginner, which would explain the insurer's statement] but their relationship was wonderful. All I had to do was walk until he knew where I was. No hardship there for me.

ParisHillEC, I'm not saying there are no options other than euthanasia. And I'm not saying euthanasia isn't the answer. All I'm saying is listen to the horse. He'll tell you the right answer. He may be the ultimate leadline horse or the horse that is okay for a lesson when he's the only guy in the ring - who better to teach the rider to actually steer. Or not. Depends on his personality, the rider and all those other variables.

The rest of us don't know him at all.

BUT my personal gut reaction - he's probably already lost enough site that re-homing him would not be kind to him.

I've also had experience with partially blind horses & humans.

We bought a broodmare several years ago who went blind in one eye, either before or after we bought her. We couldn't tell because she lived outside with a run-in, and in bright light, her sight was better. When she was close to foaling & indoors at night, there wasn't as much contrast & she could see little in the dim lighting & we started to notice her getting a little spooky - always when we were on her left side. Duh. Eventually, we figured it out. Blind in the left eye.

You obviously are looking for a good solution, but to me, reality is he won't be comfortable in new surroundings. IMHO, keep the pony & let him tell you what he can do. If he cannot do anything but is comfortable, either retire him on-site or euthanize him. I doubt anyone else on earth will love him like those who knew him when he was at his best or will keep his best interests at heart like those who knew him when.

Don't send him off.

Again, just my opinion.

[Cherry]

If you're serious about rehoming this guy I can only say that most horses get the best homes by word of mouth. That would mean a recommendation by your vet, your farrier or another horse person whose judgement you trust. These are the types of people who would know the potential donor and know that they are to be trusted with this particular pony.

You need someone who has the time to take the extra time this pony might require and who has a safe turnout into which to put him.

While I think the chances are slim of him finding a new home it's always worth exploring before you pull the plug. As long as the pony is quiet when he's placed he has a chance at a decent life. But, if down the line, he starts to get anxious or unpredictable in his behavior I see no other option but to have him put down. I would hope the new owner(s) have enough brains to do that. Their vet would most certainly know if they are the right place for the pony.

Good luck!

[hunterjumper22]

Why dont you try a Therapeutic riding place for handicap kids. He would prob. be spoiled rotten there. Those horses and ponies are only lead around. I wouldnt think he would be a problem at a place like that.

[Tamara in TN]

[QUOTE=KBEquine;3767816][QUOTE=Tamara in TN;3767326]

I'm sorry, Tamara, but if you look at it from anyone else's perspective but yours, saying "his best home is going to be a hole in the ground" can't possibly sound anything BUT snarky & cold . . . and mean.

I'm sorry it didn't work well for you when you had blind or half-blind horses,

actually it was wonderful to have them....they were good and faithful servants to me and I took care of them as they deserved...and I NEVER considered sending them away after I undertood what was happening to them...not once...not to a "rescue", not to a "good home"...not to a home away from the one they had been given for years....one they knew...away from handlers who they knew by touch and smell and sound..:no:

my early years were spent seeing horses at the traders that were blind for 100 reasons...can you imagine the utter sorrowfulness of it ? lost, bewildered, frantic, screaming, often long past pitifully thin.....there are some lessons I have learned long ago:(...call it snarky or cold or mean...it makes no matter to me...

kind regards,

[tradewind]

I would not reccomend a theraputic situation for this pony..there are many threads on this elsewhere..Once you donate to a thereaputic center you have zero control..If he does not work out for some reasons the results have been less than wonderful in alot of instances...

[Pookah]

I hate to even stick my nose into this thread because it's way too overcharged and emotional already, but I have been involved in therapeutic riding in one capacity or another for about 16 years. I wish that we could change the view of therapeutic riding centers as a "dumping ground" for horses that aren't usable to anyone else. The center that I work with takes outstanding care of the horses, and retires them when they are no longer useful to the program. However, our primary mission is providing therapy to children and adults with disabilities. To do this effectively, we actually need better quality horses than most lesson barns. Imagine if you were in an accident and suddenly confined to a wheelchair. When you start riding for therapy, would you feel comfortable riding a horse who was lame, with an uneven gait? Therapeutic riding programs, and goals, vary widely, but most are not providing "pony rides." There are documented benefits to therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, and a need for quality, sound horses to provide those benefits. Yes, we need quiet and safe horses, and we typically find that older horses are better. And we love to find win-win situations where a horse is in need of a step-down home but is still sound enough for the work that we do. But it is very frustrating that many in the horse community tend to view therapeutic riding centers as a place to retire their horses when they are too unsound to continue in an able-bodied program. Our horses are four-legged therapists-if a horse is not fit for use in a lesson program, it's most likely not suitable for most therapeutic riding centers either.

And to the OP, I hate to be negative, but I have to second other suggestions that you euthanize this pony when you are no longer able or willing to care for him. It just seems unlikely that with his age and challenges, he will end up with a happy life otherwise. Good for you for exploring your options in an effort to do right by the pony.

[equineartworks]

Pookah I have to agree...TR and Hippotherapy programs need safe, sound mounts. Not saying a blind horse cannot be those things, but it needs to be evaluated on a horse by horse, program by program basis. Many horses with health issues can lead productive and well loved lives as therapy horses, but no, not all. Working with these children and adults (and the horses, dogs, birds etc) gives you a much deeper understanding of the needs the animals will fulfill and the safety issues involved.

Unless I could provide the pony with the safe forever home that could surpass its health needs for the rest of its days...I would euthanize the dear creature surrounded with the love and respect it has known.

There just is no easy answer to this...I'm sorry :(

[ParisHillEC]

I greatly appreciate all of your input.

I know in my heart that when we can no longer take care of him, we will probably have to put him down, it just makes me sick to my stomach to even think about it.

I cant even begin to explain how wonderful this pony is. He was my students pony, and together they went from leadline to the walk/trot and were going to start showing in the walk/trot this summer. They worked SO hard together, that it breaks my heart that she can't show him this summer. She is being such a trooper through all of this.

We havent let her really handle him much, even though he would never intentionally hurt her, he has been spooky lately and this was a pony that NEVER spooked in the time that we have had him.

When the family couldn't afford board anymore, they gave him over to me and I have been using him in lessons, all the while letting his little girl still ride him.

My decision won't only affect me, but his little girl, as well as all of my students who love him. I have been crying over this, and there seems to be no easy answer.

Please keep him in your thoughts! I'll post a couple of pictures so you can see who he is :)

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=291089825&albumID=561370&imageID=187056

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=291089825&albumID=561370&imageID=187271

[arabhorse2]

I have had so so so many blind apps (they all go that way)

Gawd, I hope not, since I have a 4 y/o leopard Appy! :eek:

Both his mother and grandmother are on the property where he's boarded, and both of them are still very much able to see. His mother's 13, and his grandmother is 23.

OP, I wish you luck with whatever decision you make. I don't think giving the pony away is the greatest idea since he'll be going somewhere unfamiliar with horses and people he doesn't know, which will stress him more than a sighted horse.

You sound like a caring, compassionate owner, and I have a feeling you'll do right by him, even if it means euthing him.

Hugs for you and his little rider.

[equineartworks]

((((hugs)))) ParisHill...to all of you. Such a hard and sad thing to have to deal with. :cry:

[traceyinojai]

He is a beautiful pony and I can tell you have taken excellent care of him. You will make the right decision. I am so sorry for you and his girl.

[BeastieSlave]

I agree with the others who say that under normal circumstances, the kindest thing would be to keep him or put him down.
BUT, with that said, I know blind beasties can have fulfilling lives and I know there are people out there who take on half (or more) blind beasties, love them, and give them wonderful lives. Go ahead, ask me how I know :lol: :cool: ;)
Of course, these people are hard to find and I don't think there are many of us/them, out there. ParisHill I don't blame you for looking for someone for your guy. I know it isn't easy. Good luck with whatever the future holds.....

[ParisHillEC]

first post updated

[JennyM]

Can he still see shadows or nothing at all???

[ParisHillEC]

He can't see anything out of his left eye, but last time the vet was out he could still see some shadows with the right eye.

He's not spooky at all and now that he has adjusted, is acting like his old self.

[Greenpastures]

PM Sent.....I already have one blind horse and think he would fit right in here.. We have safe fence already up for our girl and several years exp. spent with her.

[BlueSky2]

goodie goodie I hope this works out for all of you!! Please keep us updated.

[sistergoldenhair]

Bless you, hope you take this baby.

[fawn]

i adoped two yrs ago a from this site a blind quarter horse named roanie..some of you may remember that...well gotta tell you he is the love of my life ,the cream of the farm.the lite in every ones eyes shine threw this horse.He doesent need to see to understand hes loved.he doesent need to see to make us lauph,he doesent need to see to be a big loveing cuddly great horse.he doesnt need to see to walk about his territory,he hads friends that guide him.not to mention sona rada of his own. he doesent need to see to go for a ride he has me to guide him .he can hear better then any one on this farm,he can sence smell taste better than all of us..but mosy of all his disabilty has made him more attached to all of us and us all to him..i love all my horses very deeply but this boy give me warm fuzzy every time i see him ..if i could get you pony here i would take him in a heart beat.in the blink of a eye.he would go in this my roanie and live the rest of his life out content happy and loved..you get him here ill take him...ann

[sistergoldenhair]

Sounds like a good offer. Can anybody help transport.

[Greenpastures]

Nichole I sent you another pm.. crossing fingers here.:winkgrin:
Fawn, the few of us that are able to house a blind horse are truly the lucky ones. Everything you said is true and they touch our hearts in such a warming way.
blessed are the blind beasties:yes:

[Thomas_1]

I've had a horse that's been virtually totally blind for 10 years. She'll be about 24 now.

I made the decision just to let her live out her days so long as she was safe to handle and manage and wasn't at risk of doing herself or others harm because of her condition.

I don't change her routines and she's in a big field with nothing to come to harm on and a couple of white ponies that she tags about with. She's brought in each day and is stabled at the end of a run in a quiet spot. She tends to be quite spooky if anyone/thing just 'appears' from no where. (She is blind though because of bad head injury through cruelty and in her early life.)

[ParisHillEC]

Fawn thank you for your offer...

If the current family falls through I will get back to you!!

[ceholehan]

Back in the 70's we had a boarders appy that was going blind and we put a goat bell on her pasture buddy. She was only turned out in the same pasture with her buddy and was used for trail riding for many years. Since then we have owned a blind broodmare and we bell her foals and have never had a problem. It just may be that God looking out for fools but.
Give me a safe, sane, blind pony over a unstable flake with 20/20 vision.
Best of luck with your pony!:)

[fawn]

thanks if it falls threw my barn is always open and ill leave the barn lite on for him....fawn

[graceridgefarms]

Have been off the board for a while and had to throw my 2 cents in. :) I adopted Pal, the blind walker off here and I have to say he has been a total delight. Every now and then he gets a little misplaced but is quick to find his way. He is rideable and I've learned so much from him. We've taught him verbal ques to help out a bit. Blind horses are SO much fun. :) I would adopt another in a heartbeat! There is a trust they develop for you that is unbeatable. I will have to say when riding, they do need a rider who knows what they're doing since you are their eyes.

Check out Pal's blog myhorsepal.blogspot.com. I've been writing about my experiences with him so that others can read and get encouragement. :)

[fawn]

bravo to all of you that care not for perfection.for perfection is in the heart of the beast and in those that love them. TO MY ROANIE See not proud horse! I beg of thee. How is it you know me? With out site?How can you roam?.Is it something thy hath within?This thing you do tis like a mirical! With all your being you know me. Surley tis i who is blind! for for i have not a clue to be you!yet with all your sightlessness you show me the way! how i admire you oh siteless horse!i bow down before you and all your wisdom ,and thank you for teaching me many things.thy friend how i love you... for we are as one ..my eyes make your eyes see,your eyes make my eyes love you..my blind horse to thee i love..

[Greenpastures]

Need help with transport for Lucky. Anyone that can do any distance would be of great help..we want to get this boy home with us.. From NY to NC... Or does anyone know of a transport company that would not charge me an arm and a leg?
Thanks

[SonnysMom]

I am in SE PA and can do a leg- as long as it is on a weekend.

[ParisHillEC]

We would love any help we could get! We could take him to you, if that helped...hopefully we can get something worked out!!

[BlueSky2]

I live in the mid western part of the state and greenpastures said she lives closer to SC...If he makes it this far...He can layover at my barn and I will take him on down toward's his future home. Anyone else in Va or WV that might could do a leg...were getting clooser!!!!:yes:

[dawglover]

I'm south of Richmond not too far from I-95 can do a leg from the Richmond area into NC, maybe into SC depending upon location.

PM for my phone number if you think you need me.

[ParisHillEC]

I just wanted to thank everyone who offered rides for Lucky.

He went to his new home today. We decided to keep him a little closer to home so he wouldnt have to travel too long on a trailer. He is going to be spoiled by a couple of little girls:yes:

Thanks again!!