Mz ChelleyCredible

I was Stumbling around and I come across “Mini guide horses“

(taking a shower)

There is a foundation called the Guide Horse Foundation that has specially trained miniature horses to help the blind (age 16+). They are too small for the physically disabled though. At first I was like, HOW?! Of course the typical animals I hear of are dogs. I have heard random stories of monkeys being a guide. I don’t think I trust a monkey, which is a wild animal, over a horse or dog though. So, I was browsing around and it is an interesting foundation I have come to learn about.

This foundation was founded in 1999. There is an application process you have to go thru before acquiring a guide. Guide horses are not for everyone. The foundation doesn’t look at income, race, occupation or religion when they choose candidates. After an application, there is a secondary application for the doctor and mobility trainer. That is to further check if this is the correct guide for the person. Then there is an on site interview and then you wait from there…once accepted, you keep the horse. Only time the GHF would take back the horse is if the animal was being abused or is a threat to its master. Of course if the master does not want the GH they can also return it back to the foundation for another user. It can not be sold.

This foundation was created as another mobility option besides using a dog. Some people have dog allergies or are horse lovers. No, not literally…of course some sicko would take that wrong so I must clarify. They breed horses in a variety of sizes. The GHF relies on donations from breeding farms and individual donations. Less than 1% of the mini horses are suitable for the GHF program. The number is so low because they need to be a certain size, good health, and be intelligent. The blind are entrusting their life unto these animals , so it is very important they meet the proper criteria. A licensed vet verifies that these horses are suitable for the program.

Guide horses are trained to do things inside and it can take 6 months to 1 yr. to be fully trained. The training starts around 6 months of age. They know 23 commands and the master must pass a test showing they can demonstrate the orientation and mobility to navigate with the animal. The animal also takes its own intelligence test. If it fails it can not be entered into the program. All horses learn the same commands as a guide dog. Guide horses have great long term memory . The horse learns to keep their owner safe in heavily busy areas. They have a 350 degree vision range that really helps. They are not aggressive animals and are taught to always keep calm. With proper training a horse can do just about anything, even play fetch.

They must live in a fenced area only due to stray animals/predators. They are able to stay outside in up to 20 degrees and should come in during inclement weather. Though it is possible for one to live in an apartment, it’s not recommended. The Americans With Disabilities Act permits that these animals are allowed in transportation systems. They know how to use escalators and elevators but are trained to use ramps more. Suburban or rural is preferred over city applicants. That makes sense. These are animals we all know to live mostly outside and grazing. We shouldn’t try to restrict them all together of they life they usually live anyways. A landlord can’t reject a person with a trained guide animal either.

(Example video from 2009 on mini horses)

Bales of hay and soup of oats is what these fellas eat. Hay can go for $4 a week and the cans of soup are 25 cents each. I consider that very reasonable actually! But of course a vet will be the one to determine the nutrition each horse needs. Pawing at the door will let you know they need to go outside to go potty. It’s almost like having a dog. They must be housebroken as well before being considered a suitable guide.

This foundation has been on many tv shows, magazines, and newspapers. Please do check them out for more extended information. What I wrote was just a summary. I think this is a great help for those who live out in the country areas. Of course the GHF knows better of what is an appropriate location for these creatures than I do of course. Most of the images here come from their own website. I do not own anything.

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Some random ImgUr pics I found and decided to share. I was randomly browsing the site. Theres a few GIF/animated images here so may take a little while to load. But well worth the wait. Not sure if this page is visible via mobile device though. Let me know if you want more random pictures with commentaries and I will do more Got a request for images, let me know as well. I find a lot of things in general and don’t mind sharing. And please do kindly tell me if you are the owner of any of these images. I don’t mind crediting. – Chelley