Miniature Horses For The Blind

The answer to this question is better left to the individual. While guide dogs are good for many people, there are some reasons a person might prefer a miniature horse to a dog as their guide animal:

1) horse lovers: Blind people who have grown up with horses and understand equine behavior and care are ideal candidates.

2) allergenic people: Many people who are severely allergic to traditional guide animals and find horses a non-allergenic alternative for mobility.

3) mature individuals: Many people report difficulty dealing with the grief of losing their animals, and horses tend to live far longer than traditional guides.

4) physically disabled: Because of their docile nature, Guide Horses are easier to handle for individuals with physical disabilities. They are also strong enough to provide support, helping the handler to rise from their chair.

5) dog phobic: Individuals who fear dogs are often comfortable working with a tiny horse.

6) outdoor animal: Many individuals prefer a guide animal that does not have to live in the house when off duty

Here are some good reasons to use a miniature horse:
1) long lifespan...mini horses can live as long as 50 years, though normal range is 30-40 years
2) cost effective...it is easier and more cost effective to train a horse than a dog to be a guide; horses train easier
3) better acceptance...a dog is sometimes perceived as a pet, and so some people report difficulties being accepted in some places. A horse is not associated with a pet usually, and is more likely to be accepted as not being a pet.
4) calm nature...Trained horses are extremely calm in chaotic situations. Cavalry horses have proven that horses can remain calm even in the extreme heat of battle. Police horses are an excellent example of well trained horses that deal with stressful situations. Guide Horses undergo the same systematic desensitization training that is given to riot-control horses.
5) great memory...Horses possess phenomenal memories. A horse will naturally remember a dangerous situation decades after the occurrence.
6) excellent vision...Because horses have eyes on the sides of their heads, they have a very wide range of vision, with a range of nearly 350 degrees. Horses are the only guide animals capable of independent eye movement and they can track potential danger with each eye. Horses can see clearly in almost total darkness.
7) focused demeanor...Trained horses are very focused on their work and are not easily distracted. Horses are not addicted to human attention and normally do not get excited when petted or groomed.
8) safety conscious...Naturally safety oriented, horses are constantly on the lookout for danger. All horses have a natural propensity to guide their master along the safest most efficient route, and demonstrate excellent judgment in obstacle avoidance training.
9) high stamina...Hearty and robust, a properly conditioned Guide Horse can easily travel many miles in a single outing.
10) good manners...Guide Horses are very clean and can be housebroken. Horses do not get fleas and only shed twice per year. Horses are not addicted to human affection and will stand quietly when on duty

This does not mean that everyone should have a guide horse. Guide dogs are great for people who love dogs, have less space (it takes a lot of room for a horse), have less time (horses also take a lot of time to keep them properly groomed; dogs take time, too, but not nearly as much), or who are traditionally-minded...horses as guide animals are definitely not traditional.

2008-06-16 13:04:44 by Lily J

2009 brought 58 horses to the Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue. Horses arrived emaciated, wild, lice infested, parasite infested, severely ...

I saw a program on Llamas and miniature horses that work for the blind and the horses they actually told were better then dogs for blind people. I loved seeing those little horses. They are not like the shetland horses that are so mean. These miniature horses are great pets, and so peaceful.

I've had both and they do make great pets you could walk the horse on a leash like a dog. The only thing with lamas is if the male is in tact they get kind of mean.

2009-05-29 21:15:25 by Avonlea

There is a free-to-see video of a miniature horse named Panda learning to be a Guide Horse for the Blind at the Karen Pryor Clicker Training website. If you havem't seen it, please do. Panda is wonderful!

i have seen guide horses in real life and on the news. 1 i saw on the news was a regular sized horse!!!! they had video of the owner riding him right into a store!!! this was a year ago i think. the report was on how stores were trying to make it illegal for her even if the horse is for a disabled person. which i think is wrong but still kind of understandable.

2009-12-06 14:36:08 by Lizzie

Instead of seeing eye dogs, they now have the minature horses, they live longer and are easy to train. He needs help naming him. This guy has macular degeneration and is blind.

Buddy

2006-02-27 16:16:38 by Shayna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxBFVLdWY lo

Do you think a full-sized horse would be better/worse/equal to miniature horses as guide animals for the blind (for those who live in a rural area and make enough money to support a full-sized horse)?

The last thing I would ever do is have an 1100lb flight animal act as a guide for a blind person. No matter how well trained, that's a recipe for nothing less than catastrophe.

Like this, but with/without a wheelchair & BLIND person attached.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03YcT74h5 Mg

::shudder::

2009-03-26 16:19:56 by Kristal