Samwise the Intrepid
Samwise is my 10 year old Appaloosa gelding. In 2004, he lost his sight to uveities, also known as moonblindness. According to my vet, many people would not have suffered Sam's blindness and the expensive treatment he needs to keep his eyes comfortable. True, they cannot see--but without the meds he could suffer infections and terrible headaches.
But Sam was lucky. I believe every animal has a right to quality treatment and a shot at living. I didn't see his blindness as a hindrance or obstacle to overcome. It was merely something we needed to work on, just like lead changes and collections.
I've now owned Sam for 7 years and we've got quite the trusting relationship. Not only do I continue to ride him, but we go on trail rides, gallop across fields, and teach riding lessons. I have also worked with him to develop an unbridled relationship. I find it truly astonishing that a blind horse will allow me to direct him using nothing more than a neck rope and my seat. We work in the arena this way, we gallop across fields this way. He is an amazing horse.
Now, our unbridled partnership is a bit rusty these days--Sam currently lives 1 hour away and it's difficult for me to see him regularly. Still, I thought this weekend I might give it a try. We haven't practiced this in over two years, and he's out of shape besides. But I think he did pretty darn good. *grin*
But Sam was lucky. I believe every animal has a right to quality treatment and a shot at living. I didn't see his blindness as a hindrance or obstacle to overcome. It was merely something we needed to work on, just like lead changes and collections.
I've now owned Sam for 7 years and we've got quite the trusting relationship. Not only do I continue to ride him, but we go on trail rides, gallop across fields, and teach riding lessons. I have also worked with him to develop an unbridled relationship. I find it truly astonishing that a blind horse will allow me to direct him using nothing more than a neck rope and my seat. We work in the arena this way, we gallop across fields this way. He is an amazing horse.
Now, our unbridled partnership is a bit rusty these days--Sam currently lives 1 hour away and it's difficult for me to see him regularly. Still, I thought this weekend I might give it a try. We haven't practiced this in over two years, and he's out of shape besides. But I think he did pretty darn good. *grin*
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