Several on RC are familiar with our old stallion Abu Ben Surrabu
(aka "Junior") who gradually lost his eyesight over a period of years, and
who completed his last 50 after the total loss of his eyesight. He
completely trusted that he would be directed by his rider, and Paul or I
could actually communicate the terrain to him with our own body
language. I also rode him at an exhibition as a turnback horse for a
cutting demonstration after he was completely blind.
I remember reading this on
your website. I can understand riding a blind horse in an arena
where the footing is consistent, but wow - on an endurance ride!!
With all the variations in terrain, the little dips, rocks, uneven ground.....I
find that amazing! You say you would pick up on the reins for downed
logs. How would you alert him to rough trail, rocks, dips,
etc.? If I were blind, it would freak me out to have to
navigate 50 miles of trail.....not knowing where my next step would
land.
