Horse blind in 1 eye

boxerly

Looking for peoples experiences owning or riding a horse that was/is blind in one eye

fits

What do you want him for?
I would probably not consider if I wanted for jumping, but for flatwork and hacking, the horse might be fine.

fits

That said, I rode a pony two years ago out hunting who was blind in one eye. He scramble jumped everything lol! (owner didn't tell me he was blind until afterward)

boxerly

Mainly lessons but would prob be light cross country and small/medium jumping.Was contacted about one but my daughter rides she is 11.Great offer and loads say ah ye they are fine but cant help but be nervous so was looking for experiences

fits

Well all you can do is try out. pony might be ok, or might not.

monflat

boxerly wrote: »

Mainly lessons but would prob be light cross country and small/medium jumping.Was contacted about one but my daughter rides she is 11.Great offer and loads say ah ye they are fine but cant help but be nervous so was looking for experiences

Depends on who you are getting it from and have u seen it in action
I would probably steer clear
My friend has a pony he is 35 and so is she he was a real dinger years ago they won everything she sold him on but low and behold years later and many owners later she bought him back
He went blind in right eye then got it removed
He copes well with it but u only approach from good side not from front r other side

God there is many ponies out there and remember if you want to sell it on it will be v v difficult
If you r buying it out of pity don't unless he has a real proven record as a genuine safe pony

convert

I've known horses with one eyes that have raced, hunted and competed successfully without any problems. Would really depend on the horse and its and your circumstances and what you wanted to do.

Valentina

As a child I learned to ride on a little coloured cob who was blind in her right eye. Had my first jump on her She was great, very sensible and quiet - she just needed a little bit more care in handling so as not to spook her. We used to go hacking in the Phoenix Park and nothing bothered her.

View the pony and see is he suitable for what you have in mind. He could be great, he might not.

Jelly2

Just happened to stumble into this thread, as I don't usually post in Equestrian. But it caught my eye (excuse the poor pun) as my sister has a horse which is blind in one eye. He is a real trooper, who showjumps and hunter-trials to a quite a high level. He lost his eye in an accident, and she allowed him plenty of time to develop the skills to manage without it as he recuperated. He now manages really well, and can even feel a hand coming towards his eye - maybe by changes in air pressure, who knows?
I also recall a pony in the late 80s on the Irish showjumping team who was blind in one eye (Mr Boogie?) - he was a real champ. So two horses here who adjusted very well to one eye!

boxerly

Thanks for great replys Ive thought alot about it and since my daughter would also be riding him and then my other daughter eventually I dont think it would be too safe or them.Turns out he is only 4 aswell so prob very green.He is with an owner but they are looking for a rescue space or home for him but alot of rescues cant take him so a rescue asked if id be interested.I know all horses can spook but Id be afraid if something came up on his blind side and frightened him and he bolted.Anyway dont think he would be right for us,Im sure he will be super for someone out there