Horses Trained To Help Visually Impaired
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A charity group in North Carolina is teaching horses to go the way of the dog, at least when it comes to helping the visually impaired. Since 1999, the Guide Horse Foundation has been training miniature horses to provide mobility assistance for those with visual impairments. The foundation trains the horses at no cost to those in need and relies on donations to pay for travel and hosting expenses while the blind handlers are in training. Un-paid volunteers spend hundreds of hours training both horses and handlers for the foundation.
The Guide Horse Foundation is quick to point out that they are not competing with organizations that train guide dogs. There is no debate over which is better; it is simply a matter of personal preference. Horse enthusiasts, those with allergies or dog phobias may prefer to use a miniature horse as a guide animal. Many people with a physical disability find the horses easier to handle and older individuals, who have already outlived one guide animal, often select a horse because they don't want to deal with the grief of losing another companion. While a typical guide dog only has a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years, the miniature horses' average life span is 30 to 40 years.
The methods used in training by the Foundation were initially developed by Janet Burleson, a full time horse trainer with 30 years experience. During training the miniature horses learn basic lead training, voice command recognition, how to avoid objects, and how to recognize elevation changes. The horses are also housebroken and taught intelligent disobedience and to "spook in place." Intelligent disobedience teaches the horse to use its own judgement and ignore any commands that would result in an unsafe situation for either the handler or the horse. Being taught to "spook in place" ensures that the horse won't run or kick if it encounters a frightening situation. Instead, it looks to its handler for guidance.
Miniature horses that are considered for the program must be no more than 26 inches high and must undergo both physical and intelligence tests to qualify. The horses are given further physical tests throughout the program to ensure that their good health continues. Overall the program is looking for healthy horses with strong legs and stamina.
When it comes to selecting handlers the Guide Horse Foundation looks at many criteria, although the most important is usually how much the visually impaired person's mobility will be enhanced by having the horse. Applying to obtain a guide horse is a four part process that can only be undergone by those over 16 years of age. Although the horses can be kept indoors, the Foundation prefers that applicants have a fenced area where the horse can run and graze. In most cases, the foundation also places an untrained horse with the Guide Horse for companionship.
While offering their services for free to those who qualify, the foundation has also recently released the book, "Helping Hooves," which provides information for those who want to learn to train Guide Horses. The Foundation points out that effectively training the miniature horses can take six months to a year, and should only be attempted by qualified horse trainers with ten or more years experience.