Learn more about miniature horses and their use by The Guide Horse Foundation
Posted: Monday, November 07, 2011
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Officially established in 1999, The Guide Horse Foundation began an unusual experimental program using small miniature horses as guide animals for visually impaired individuals in the United States. The program evaluates miniature horses as assistance animals and originally started because of the serious shortage of available guide animals that could be used for the blind and disabled.
As a matter of fact, these small Guide Horses rapidly proved successful as a viable alternative option for use by the visually impaired individual.
It is generally agreed that Guide Horses may not be the animal of choice for everyone. However, there are numerous blind people who are also avid horse lovers, and for them, the Guide Horses present a whole new outlook and hope. There are also people who have allergies to dogs and still others who want a helper companion with a longer lifespan.
The Guide Horse Foundation has also undertaken a study to discern the types of people who have a special interest in Guide Horses:
- Horse Lovers – People who have grown up or have been around horses all of their lives and understand horse behaviors are especially well-suited Guide Horse candidates.
- People with Allergies – Horses present an excellent alternative for many people with severe allergies to the canine guides.
- Individuals Wishing for Animals with Longer Lifespans – Many people have difficulty accepting the loss of one or several guide animals due to short lifespans. Horses generally live much longer than dogs and are therefore a fine alternative.
- Physically Disabled – Guide Horses are docile and very easy to handle. People with physical disabilities enjoy the association with the little horses. These animals are better suited to support and help their handlers.
- Dog Phobia – Some people have a fear of dogs. Often these individuals have an immediate affinity for the little horses.
One of the world’s ground-breaking horse trainers is Janet Burleson. A retired professional, Burleson logged more than 30 years as a professional horse trainer and is reputed to be the first person to train Guide Horses.
In the GUIDE HORSE TRAINING PROGRAM, The Guide Horse Foundation prints facts and particulars of the training program. The book, HELPING HOOVES, is available to those with an interest in learning about Guide Horses. The Guide Horse Foundation also publishes a newsletter.
Relying on volunteers, sponsors, donations and fund raising, The Guide Horse Foundation makes Guide Horses available, free of charge, to the visually impaired.
The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her blog sites :-)
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)What a great alternative for those who have dog phobias or allergies.Tell you one thing, Elle, people will really pay attention to you when you come along with the tiny horse. That's a traffic stopper, wouldn't you say? Maybe that's why there so successful. They stop traffic and everyone wants to pet them. Tell you what. I love both dogs and horses. But given the choice between the animals, I'd want one of each on my right and left sides. Seriously, I'd be hardpressed to decide what to do. I've seen a little horse in action and she was pretty amazing.
I never knew about "Guide Horses". Fascinating about their longer life spans. I am grieving over my shot lived dogs. Great article.Isn't it interesting? They're quite good at what they do! They wear little boots over their hooves. I'd like to know how they housebreak them especially since I know how well a horse's business end works. But the life span is of great interest, I think. I have a beloved Pommie who will be 12 in April and I'm already concerned about losing him, especially after we lost Britney at age 6. Thanks
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