I have been learning about, caring for and loving blind horses since 2004. People seem to be amazed when they learn that horses suffer from blindness more often than one would imagine. They usually ask, “Why did they go blind?” For this, I have no answer. Most times I don’t witness the event, just the after-affects. I hear from former owners that “it happened overnight.” This is probably not really the case. Usually, it’s a slow decline in vision with the horse adjusting to the loss of sight. Then one day, total darkness. I have never had one of my own horses lose their vision, but I hear that some horses panic and run wildly into whatever is in their path. Others become depressed and stand and shake, while others walk in circles, perhaps trying to find their way out of the darkness. It must be horrible beyond words and my heart breaks for them.
Luckily, most of the blind horses at Rainhill have adjusted and are really quite accepting of their lot in life. Sadly, I have gotten a few blind horses that never did adjust and died sad and confused, unable to come to terms with the darkness. For these few I am always brokenhearted and wish I could have done better. I think maybe it was a combination of blindness and missing their home and their buddies that did them in. Dorothy had it right when she said, “There’s no place like home.”
And so, for those that I can help, I work hard to make their lives worth living. I can’t give them back their sight or their old way of life, but I can give them new friends, good food and a comfortable place to live. They receive excellent treatment at Rainhill, where I strive to treat them all like individuals with their own wants and needs. I love them all and work hard every day to help them forget they can’t see.
We have a very beautiful quarter horse gelding that needs a sponsor. His name is Beau and it’s been a while since anyone stepped up and helped with his care. Beau has been at Rainhill since October 2013. He was brought here by Helping Hearts Equine Rescue in Perrineville, New Jersey. Beau was sent through two auctions there when Helping Hearts stepped in and rescued him from a horrible death at a slaughter house. Because he is so good-looking and a perfect example of his breed, he was purchased twice before it was discovered he could not see. Of course, no one wanted a horse that was blind, no matter how beautiful he was. How fortunate for him that Rainhill became his home. Beau has a charming personality, plays well with his pasture mates, is healthy and would love to become your special horse. The sponsorship is $25 a month or a one-time donation of $300. I will send you photos and updates and you will have the knowledge that you are helping this beautiful boy live his best life.
Rainhill is a 501c3 non-profit. No one here receives a salary and all money raised goes directly to care for these precious horses.
We appreciate more than words can express your generosity, kind thoughts and help. We could not do this important work without amazing folks like you!
Thanks for reading our little stories. Stay safe and God bless you all.
-by Karen Thurman
Rainhill Equine Facility
11125 Ky. Hwy. 185
Bowling Green, KY 42101
270-777-3164
