Blind in one eye?

Question

Having had a few knocks recently, in more ways than one, I'm looking for a solid sensible no problems horse.
I've seen one advertised that fits the bill, a weight carrier who was bought to give someone confidence, she's now progessed onto riding 'better' horses so her dad keeps getting the plodder, and he wants something more lively.

He is supposed to be 100% bombproof, with no hang ups. The only down side is that he was injured last year and lost the sight in one eye. Husband is refusing to go look at him, because he thinks we will be buying trouble.

Anyone had experience with horse who is blind in one eye, what do you think, should we go see or walk away?

He's 15, husband also thinks he is pricey at $2 500

I just want somebody to ride out quietly, check cows and fence lines, and maybe help move cows.

Answer 1

Hi, I have two horses that are blind in one eye. One, a TWH geliding, since about 6 months old, the second, a SSH mare, was blinded around 4. I bought them both as rescues.

The first, having been blind in the one eye most of his life, is a wonderful trail horse. I have placed him in a forever home with a friend who adores him. He is extremely sure-footed, I think as compensation for the loss of sight on the one side. When you ride him, you have to be alert of upcoming obstacles on his blind side and guide him so he can see them. He will stop and crane his neck around to see things that catch his attention. Other than that, he is no different than a fully-sighted horse.

The mare is somewhat different. She holds her head at an angle to give her more vision. But she is trail safe for a confident beginner with good hands. She has a butter mouth, bits make her very nervous. She does well with a bitless bridle. You're more likely to get unloaded using a bit and getting into her mouth too much than by her spooking from her lack of sight.

And yet a third one-eyed horse I know of was blinded in an accident when she was around 4 or 5...also a TWH, with a heck of a natural head bob...and she also swings her face from side to side as she bobs. Again, to compensate for the lost eye. Again, trail safe for a beginner with enough sense to be observant for the horse on its blind side.

It's possible that the person selling has priced the horse so high as to discourage killer buyers. None of my blind horses are for sale at any price. I have one placed in a forever home, and the other on a "free lease" to another friend for her grandkids to ride. I would never sell them or place them in a situation that does not require them to be returned to me if needed. It's worth going to look and see how he's adapted. Both of mine are solid, trustworthy horses that quite frankly I could not have afforded to buy had they not been "blemished."

Answer 2

I had a wonderful mare that was completely blind and she did great under under saddle. just took a bit of time to build trust. A friend had a barrel horse that lost an eye and after a few months recovering went right back into racing without a problem. Don't let his one bad eye scare you off go see him, give him a chance he maybe just what you are looking for. Also find out how long he has been blind in that eye. If has been a while most likely he is quite used to being blind and will do just fine. if it is new he may need some time to adjust to not being able to see.

Answer 3

,First of all I just payed $2,500 for a 23 yr old (I've known the horse for years) so no I don't think $2,000 is out of line for a 16yr old. What kind of riding do you plan on doing? I had a friend with a horse with a blind eye but they had such a good relationship there was a high level of trust and they worked together well and went everywhere together. You might even be able to haggle the price a bit down due to the eye but I would definitely give this horse a chance before passing him up. I also bought a "crippled" mare from auction about 7 years ago who turned out to be a great trail horse, everyone thought I was nuts. I have since sold her to my friend and she's the designated kid horse, my point here is don't pass up a good horse because of a condition deemed a disability by others.

Answer 4

Definately check him out, horses do not see with both eyes like we do- they use each independently. As long as he is completely blind in that eye, it should be no problem. If he is partially blind, he could see shadows and spook.
If he is as quiet as the owners say he is, $2500 is not a bad price at all- if you do not want him, let me know where you live and I may go out to take a look at him- we are looking for a bombproof horse for my mother to start riding (doesn't want any fuss in her old age) and the cheapest we can find that are good horses is $3500.

Real life example:
2 months ago we had to remove my mare's right eye due to cancer. Since then, she has turned from a spooky horse to an essentially bombproof one.
I show first level dressage and do trails. I will do some jumping as well once I get some time.

You do need to be confident- if something comes up on the blind side that sounds different, he may tense and turn his head, or if he trusts you- wait for you opinion. My mare will tense and wait for my cue that it is ok. I have no problem with horses riding on her blind or seeing side.

Answer 5

I have a horse that went blind in his eye sometime in the last two years (since a seemingly minor eye irritation where the vet could find nothing wrong). I discovered it about 6 months ago, when he didn't move his head when I moved something near his eye. For the most part you really can't tell. If I'm on his blind side, he'll sometimes accidentally hit me with his head. When I confirmed his blindness with my vet and asked him about it, he said it is possible to have additional problems with that eye and it could need to be removed, and there's no guarantee that the other eye won't go bad either. He didn't say these were strong possibilities. If I were you I'd check him out, find out what caused the blindness in the first place, then talk to a vet about his prognosis.

Answer 6

I've actually heard more problems with horses who are partially blind in one eye than completely blind in one. Because they can tell somethings there but don't know what so they focus on it. I've seen, ridden and heard of many who do wonderfully after losing an eye. It has very little effect on what they can do and generally doesn't make them more spooky or nervous. I would have no reservations on taking a look at him and getting him vet checked. Good luck and remember there are Many great horses looking for homes in this economy too many people can only afford the best or the favorites.

Answer 7

I have dealt with a horse that was blind in one eye and heard of many other cases. Some people do not even know their horses are losing vision because they will still behave well. I think a lot of it is trust that the horse has in you to take care of him and not lead him to danger. The horse I dealt with was really good for the most part. He would get a little nervous in the indoor if other horses would ride up to close on his blind side but other then that he was fine. The trainer used him for beginner adults and he was a good boy. He also jumped and did everything a tow eyed horse would, you would not have known he was blind if no one had told you. It would not hurt to go see.

Answer 8

My local riding school has a 21 year old horse who lost an eye as a 2 yo. He is great. They get used to it, and I hear that a horse partially blind can be dangerous because he doesn't see things properly, but a totally blind one has no problems.
If the horse is cheap due to the problem, definitely go look

Answer 9

Horses who are blind in one eye do well with trail riding and flat work, but are poorly suited for any activity that requires depth perception (like being ridden over fences).
$2500 may be a bit high for a horse with such restrictions in functioning. At 15, he may have a good 10 years left, provided the carried weight, including the tack, is less than about 170 pounds after he turns 20.
I had an elderly Saddlebred mare who also was about as bomb-proof as any horse could be. She, too, was totally blind in her right eye. Anyone, even a rank beginner, could ride her without incident over all sorts of terrain.
My vet's wife had a horse that was totally blind and because of their mutual trust, who did very well in an arena.
I recommend a thorough vet check if you are thinking of buying this horse, including hoof/leg xrays and a gait assessment.

Answer 10

My cousin bought a horse who was blind in one eye, and was going blind in the other eye. Bought cheap off a dealer as a good for nothing nag.
He turned out to be the best horse she ever had. Horses have an amazing ability to adapt with a number of physical problems, such as being blind or deaf.
Its not unheard of for people to ride horses who are completely blind.
Its possible that the price may be high to discourage dealers or people who may buy the horse for meat.
Go and see this horse. If he really is what your looking for, who cares if he cant see out of one eye?