Blind horse?

Question

Hi, this question is really for the horse trainer or expert. Please no stupid or mean answers.

I am getting a blind horse, I went to meet him and everything went good. He was well mannered, well just a little ansty since it was supper time. But he let me touch him all over and the girl (12 yrs old) picked up his feet and like I said was really good.

My question is, is there any way to introduce him to his new surroundings and training with the least bit of trouble on my part and the least amount of stress on his? He is broke, but needs another horse to lead for him to feel comfortable, you can also ride him with someone leading him and he does fine.

My goal is to get him to be able to get him to the point where he trusts me enough and will go on the trails and everything without guidance from an additional horse or human.

I am not really training savvy but I am willing to give it a shot and I think I will be successful.
Please no one say get a trainer.

Answer 1

My horse has a tumor in her eye, so I have been researching this topic a lot. First of all, just get him to trust you. When you two are by yourself, just hand walk him everywhere. If you come to a tricky spot (try stepping over poles), use commands like "up" so he will know there is something he needs to go very slow and step up. Work a lot on vocal and seat cues. The more you ride him and not run him into anything, the more he will trust you.
Definately for the first couple weeks, just lead him around the pastures, the arena, etc, so he can tell when the sides are. Do a lot of hand walking so he gets used to you telling him where to walk- helps build up that trust.
My aunt has a completely blind pony that you can ride anywhere by herself- no one has ever asked her to canter, but she walks and trots all over the place with no problem at all. If she is unsure in a spot, she will stop and wait for a cue from the rider.
I have heard of a lot of success stories with patience and time, good luck!

Answer 2

We have had completely blind horses in the past, and right now we have a pony that is about 75% blind.

My favorite blind horse we had was a palomino, she was great, I road her everywhere, with other horses and alone, and not just on the road, I took her trail riding with other horses and if they started to gallop, she would gallop right along with them, she'd follow the sound I guess. You did have to be aware that although she could gallop up hills etc, she couldn't jump ditches, and up onto banks. So you just had to pay attention to the terrain you were riding on, but I could get her to go anywhere.

We have a smaller pasture with horse fence and electric around it that the blind horses are pastured in and we have never had one get caught in the fence. We'd take them out and walk them around the fence the first couple days, but after that we'd just turn them out on their own. You will notice that they do tent to move in circles, but they have all done fine. And they come when you call them, most of the time better then horses that can see.

The only thing is, if they do have some sight (most blind horses seem to still pick up movement) and if they catch movement like a cow in a pasture beside them, they will stop and turn to try to figure out what it is, some horses that can see do that, also, but the blind horses take a few more minutes looking.

Be gentle and trusting and the horse should be fine.

Answer 3

he in time will be able to trust you enough, it will take a lot of hard work and a lot of time dedicated to this. The easiest way to get him used to his surroundings is to start off slowly leading him around and having another horse lead him. just try to show him where all obstacles are from the same starting point. Like from the barn or whatever. This way he will learn. Also, just put a lot of effort into him and he will be a great horse, just blind. The more time you spend with him the more comfortable he will become and he will learn trust for you. The more you walk and ride him and he doesnt hurt himself on anything he will trust. Good luck and dont give up.

Answer 4

Emphasise sounds for him. I've seen several who use a little jingly bell on a buddy horse or goat. Walk the fence very carefully with him, even though it shouldn't be a problem, and attach something crinkly that will make noise in a breeze he'll be able to hear the fence in front of him. To start with put it every 10 feet or so arournd the fence. The blind horses I've worked with have all been quite calm and adapt well. The horses who can be more trouble are the ones with partial vision. They are trying to see and when the can't identify something they worry. Good luck

Answer 5

If you have another horse put them in the same pen together so he can get used to it if not then a stall would be a great idea he cant really get hurt in there if he needs another horse to lead or a person then hes not broke he should be able to feel your cues and know what to do try working with him on that for a while before you go farther to get him to be comfortable and tust you just spend time with him brush him a lot just mess with him trails isnt a good idea seeing as how he cant tell if theres going to be a drop off or a rock or limb to obscure his way

Answer 6

I'm worried 'cause you're taking on a horse and asking how to introduce him to his new surroundings 'withthe least bit of trouble" on your part. Keep in mind, the more time you put into him now, the more it will pay off in the quality of your future relationship. It is wonderful, though, that you're concerned about keeping his stresses to a minimum.

First, read up on some of the in-hand exercises John Lyons recommends. You want your horse broke to voice commands. Also, teach him 'down' which will help calm him if he gets excited by having him lower his head on command. Soon enough, you're ready to bring him home.

My suggestion is to lead him in hand everywhere he'll have free roam (turn out), slowly and deliberately. Have someone else lead a horse with you the first time out. ]

Show your horse where his water trough is by splashing water, show him where his hay will be by halting him, picking up a handful, then letting it drop as he eats. Use your voice to calm him if he's getting antsy. Use the 'down' command. Keep him out of any dips, and steer him away from anything that might harm him. I assume his paddock is free of any hanging branches he may poke himself on, or debris? Then, lead him into and around his stall. Show him where his feed, hay & water buckets will be. Make sure they are always in the same place from now on.

In so far as trails go, I wouldn't head out by yourself just yet. Be sure he's confident in you in the paddock first. Is it large enough you're able to ride in there? I'd keep him at walk, only since he's going by feel... would hate for you to fall and hurt yourself 'cause of a stumble.

Try the trails with a buddy on another horse, you follow them, or they pony you. And be sure the leader knows you must take it slow. Repetition is going to make this easier, so count on several months of trails with company before you head out alone. My suggestion is to lead him (alone) on the trails before you ride alone, so this way you'll have more control. Use your voice commands, and talk to him constantly to keep him confident.

Once you know you can follow a buddy, and lead comfortably, start with short rides, maybe 10 minutes, alone. Gradually make them longer. Your horse will tell you how to procede, and how quickly. Bring a cell phone in case of emergencies.

Good for you for taking on a horse with a disability. I have a feeling you'll be rewarded with a very special relationship with your horse. Good luck.

Answer 7

I whatched this movie where this women's horse had gone blind, and to get it to go outside what she did was got it to buddy up with another horse and once they got used to one another she put a cow bell on the horse with eyes and the blind horse would listen for his bell and follow the noise. You should pick up the movie it is called "The Long Shot", it comes on the Hallmark channel a lot.

Answer 8

I'm not an expert at all but i think its going to be a lot of work. My advice would be to wear the same top so he gets used to your smell so he'll know its you. You're going to have to lead him gently and slowly round his paddock. I can't see how you can do all this without a lead horse. But I wish you luck