Would you consider adopting a young horse that is going blind?

Question

I am looking at a horse that is going blind and she is quite young should I adopt her?

Answer 1

I would if I knew my horse was in a safe enviorment.  

Answer 2

You should definetly do it if you have enough money. She might end up in a horrible place if you don't!

Answer 3

I would adopt her.  As long as she lives in a safe environment, she will be fine.  When you are riding her, you will be her eyes.  Keep her in a smaller pasture without holes or many obstacles.  And no barb wire!

Answer 4

Both eyes, or one?  A one eyed horse can still live a very useful and safe life.  I've had two.

A horse that is totally blind would require a lot of special attention to environment, etc.  They may never adjust to being ridden.

I horse that goes blind slowly is better adjusted to the loss of vision than the horse that is suddenly blinded, at least at first.

Answer 5

I think that would depend on your situation.  Here are a few things to consider:

1. There is a good chance that you will be visiting the vet more often, especially if she is young.  This means that you need to have more in your budget for that.

2. Will she be near other horses?  It is important that she be part of a herd, but she may need to be fed separately in order to maintain weight.

3. Will there be small children or people not used to horses around her?  She will most likely be spooky.  Especially as her vision becomes cloudy because she can see something but can not make it out.

With what ever you decide, good luck.

Answer 6

Yes. If she has had people ride her before you could ride her. But, if she has not been ridden before you could probably not train her.  

Answer 7

Yes, I would do it in a minute.  Adopt her, give her a comfortable, safe environment and know that you are doing something good.  

Answer 8

yes but you have to consider, do you have the time to help a blind horse because she can't really do anything on her own.  so if you have time on your hands yes.  if you don't then i would consider getting another horse.

Answer 9

no

Answer 10

if you can't say yes to all these questions then no, you should not.

1. are you equipped to handle and care for her?

- is she safe to be by and lead?

2. is your barn/pastures safe for a blind horse?

- what will keep her from running into the fence or the corner of the barn?

3. are you prepared to keep her forever?

- she will be extremely hard to resell and she won't adjust easily to a new home if/once she goes completely blind.

i would also wonder why she is going blind so young. it could indicate she has other health problems.

also consider how she will get along with other horses. will she be bullied by any pasturemates?

hope this helped!

ayshaya

Answer 11

Yes! i would definatly adopt! You could help this poor defenseless animal!  it would be a super kind thing to do, and if u wanted to ride her well u could train her blind!

Answer 12

ABSOLUTELY!! What a wonderful thing to do - you will be rewarded more than you know.  I have two rescue horses - one is senior and has EPM.  I can't ride him anymore but who cares.  A blind horse can still be trained to do many things.  Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

Answer 13

It depends on what you expect from this horse. You should be able to train her to walk around a safe field whilst you're riding and guiding her. But don't be expecting any cross country activity. If I had the space and time I would definitely adopt her.

Answer 14

Absolutely, every animal deserves a chance.  I have never sold any horses that I have bought I currently have 7.  Only two are in work and one is seriously lame with arthritis.  I don''t look at my horses as 'rides' I look at them as people and as my friends and I can assure you my horses are much more loyal than some of my 'friends'!  If more people looked upon horses as more than just something to ride on then there wouldn't be anywhere near the cruelty there is.

If you are experienced with horses and can offer this youngster a good solid home for life then don't hesitate, you should be proud to do so and you'll find it very rewarding.  Oh and I'm not a crank I compete dressage horses and train them.

Answer 15

yes!you have more trust that way

ive riddedn blind ones before

Answer 16

Do you want to ride her? She needs some sort of exercise, so if you think you can train or get someone else to train a blind horse go ahead and get her. Its even better that she is young that way you can train her better.  

Answer 17

My horses are in a public stables so that is the reason I wouldn't. However for more information try this link to see what you would be in for:

http://www.voicenet.com/~sstrauma/Blind_...

It seems to have some sound advice.

Answer 18

i would or she might go the the slaughter house cuz she is goin blind cuz people dont want a useless horse

Answer 19

I would do it but I have a farm and so have lots of land to keep her on and would have no problem feeding her. If you can manage it then helping that horse would be a great thing to do but if not then dont worry about it someone else will come along and adopt the horse.