As we begin a new year, my mind spins with plans to build, fix and improve our equine sanctuary. I am very excited to begin a new fencing project, which will, hopefully, include two more paddocks with run-in sheds. We currently care for 34 blind horses that can be very sensitive and easily upset if kept with bully horses – blind or not. We always go slowly before putting two blind horses together, making sure they will both be kind to each other. Besides food and water, friendship is one of the most important things to a blind horse. Actually, friendship is of the utmost importance to all God’s creatures.
Sadly, we have gotten many blind horses that were kept in a stall when the owners found out they were going blind. It has been my experience that these “incarcerated ” horses never get over being locked up. Evidently they feel that they are being punished for not being able to see. Do horses feel depression? Maybe, and having their whole world change – no sight, no friends, no grass or sunshine – would certainly be the cause. So we try to help the newly sightless horses find their way in a world of darkness. We handle them much in the same way as sighted horses, giving them a routine that gives them a life that they can feel comfortable in. And so the new paddocks will help us keep several more blind horses outside enjoying life as only a horse can.
In 2000, we took in a blind mare from Estelle County, Ky. We call her Estelle (it helps me remember where she came from!) This mare had the worst case of rain rot I have ever seen on a horse. It appeared like someone had thrown acid on her back. Rain rot is a skin condition that causes dry, crusty scabs that are usually on the topside of the horse. It is unsightly and painful to the horse, especially when we try to peel off the scabs. Needless to say, I wanted this problem fixed as quickly as possible. I actually used a very safe and successful method to heal this poor mare. I used a product call Mane ‘n Tail, simply squirting a bit on the scabs and brushing them off as they loosened, usually the next day. I did a small area at a time and saw amazing results. Most amazing was that the condition never returned. They say the organism that causes this problem lives in the soil and, well, horses love to roll! I guess a good feeding program helps the horse’s own body defend against the rain rot. And now, 19 years later, Estelle lives in a large paddock with six other blind horses. I took the photo of Estelle eating breakfast this morning. She is fat and happy and enjoying life as a blind horse.
Have a happy and healthy 2019. And many thanks to everyone who helps us care for these precious horses; we could not do this important work without you.
by Karen ThurmanRainhill Equine Facility, Inc. 11125 Ky Hwy 185 Bowling Green, KY 42101 270-777-3164
