Can i show a one eyed horse in dressage?

Question

i have a yearling TB filly who was born with only one eye. the socket is open, but not gaping... i'm not quite sure of the spelling, but it's Microphthalmia.... or something like that. anywho, i know some associations won't let horses with only one eye compete unless there is a prosthetic in place. i'm just toying with the idea, but Dakota is such a gorgeous mover, i'm almost thinking of a career in dressage with her. i know nothing of USDF's rules, or the more local organizations'. would i need a prosthetic eye for my horse to compete in dressage?

Answer 1

Of course you can show a one-eyed horse in dressage.  There is nothing in the rules to say your horse needs two eyeballs to show.

Answer 2

You can show a blind horse in dressage  if you have a good, trusting relationship and he's well schooled!  I'm not aware of any rule that says you can't show a sight-challenged horse.

Answer 3

"i bought her from a local kill buyer at an auction for $40 and a bag of peanut m&m's"

!!!

Oh, my.  That meat man was in a good mood when you bought her - $40 even for a young'un is very cheap.  He must have really wanted those M&Ms!

Anyway - as others have said, you can definetely show her in dressage.  I have never heard of the "must have a prosthetic eye" thing, but I can only assume that would be for halter classes, perhaps?  Just a guess.  Looks like you've done a wonderful job with her - the difference between those two photos is night and day.  Cogratulations to you for a job very well done!  Good luck in your dressage pursuits.

Answer 4

I'm sure it's not against the rules but I would check anyway. how ridiculous to not let a 1 eyed horse compete!!!

Answer 5

they cannot let you not compete because your horse has one eye, as long as she is not a danger to you, herself and other horses they really cant say much. I would think it be a great thing to see a horse with one eye in the ring because I am sure some bring blind horses in there that no one knows about either. So if your up for that challenge I say go for it!

Answer 6

A very succesful horse who has won nationals was blind. Good Luck!

Answer 7

well when she gets older (as she's only 1 right now) take her to some open shows and she how she does.... if she totally kicks butt then try to get her into dressage classes in breed shows and such. There's a blind horse at my barn who use to do reining so I'm sure they'll let her show.

Answer 8

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to show your horse in dressage. One eyed horses have competed in just about any other event. I would just call the show coordinator the day before the show to be sure you could compete.

Edit - Thinking about it now, BLIND horses have been allowed to compete. A horse with one eye should definitely be able to compete. Horses with cataracts so bad that their entire eyes have been milky competed with me, so it should be no problem having one good eye.

Edit 2 - I think in smaller shows, they won't care if she has a prosthetic or not. But the larger shows, like circut shows, may have issues. Thank goodness you took on your horse. We all know where she would be if you hadn't... =(

By the way, your link isn't the right one. You just need to use a page link.

Answer 9

yes. i have never been around a show that wouldn't allow that if the horse is as good as you say... im so excited for you! that will be fun.. i don't think one eye will get you down

Answer 10

I agree with the top contributer, and everybody else who answered sofar! And good for you for not being superficial, and selling her because she only has one eye! I think she should be able go in dressage, she will have as good a chance as any other horses competing!

Good luck!

Answer 11

Yes, you can show her in dressage (in a few years) and her missing eye will have no effect on her scores at all.  Dressage judges the horse's way of moving, not his/her looks.

I have proof of this from when I came in 2nd after dressage (and went on to win) on a 12.3 hand pony in a senior beginner novice event (against all adults on large horses).  Many people were surprised that day but the pony was a great mover and a brave jumper.

Answer 12

Yes.

Answer 13

I don't know anything about dressage rules but I have a one eyed mustang, he went blind and our vet here in town wanted him put down for safety reasons. He was past from two different ranches before he was given to my family. In a very short time less than a year he has bonded with my son who is 12 years old and the two of them can go anywhere and do just about anything without my husband or I worrying the smallest bit. The horse is sure footed, confident on the trail, and completely bomb proof. No matter what the rules are from any organization that you can show your horse don't get discouraged.