Blind horse likes to spook on the "blind side". any ideas?

It may be that she still detects light on her retina. She may not be able to percieve fine details and therefore is blind in that eye but there is a possibility that she can still be "blind" but able to detect movements and shadows in her visual field, thus causing her to spook.

You could try covering her eye with a small towel while you are riding to prevent ANY light passing to her retina or buy a blinker or something for that eye.

It might work and it's worth a try!!!

Good Luck :)

If she can see shadows, she is not completely blind in that eye. What I would suggest is to just cover that side with a blinder (like with a driving bridle) or an eye patch. That way, she won't see the shadows that spook her.

My horse will need to get her eye removed eventually (cancer) and I have been practicing with blinders and completely covering her eye to get her used to not seeing on that side, and it really helps. If I just put a film over it (such as a fly mask or see through vet wrap) she can see shadows but not identify them and then spooks. If she is completely blinded on that side, she does perfectly fine.

She also should spook less as she learns to trust you more, which will come with time.

Good luck!

This spooking may be something you will just have to get used to. I used to ride a horse that was blind in one eye, and at first her spookiness drove me crazy, but as we bonded more and I got to know her little quirks we got on better and better every day. We ended up having an amazing partnership and I trusted her completely, despite her frequent jumps and flinches. Do lots of groundwork with her and when she does spook allow her to turn her head to look with her good eye. Be patient and understanding and she will learn, in time, to let you be her eyes.

I just bought a 14-year old TWH that has been blind in one eye since she was 8. When I first rode her, it didn't seem to affect her, but when I got her home, everything seemed to scare her on that side. I have been working with her with a trainer in a round pen, lunging her and desensitizing her to all sorts of things. I also walk her on a lead around our farm's trails and places where I ride at least twice a day. She is TONS better about that side now.

Good luck!

I think as long as you're patient and calm and kind, there's nothing to do about it! It will actually be a good lessen for the kids. Being able to remain calm and collected if your horse spooks, well that's just priceless and my little brother really needs to learn that!

Best of luck.

I've a pony with the same ordeal,althuogh what's funny,she's not really she just made us think she was,cause everytime she jumped at something on her left eye,we knew she was seeing something,another way we figured it wasn't true,she hated having coggins test done,so we told the vet to stand on her blind side,right,so she wouldn't see it,and freak out? Well,she saw it,and we had to fight her to get it done. So,if you think your horse is blind ask a vet,otherwise your horse may be pulling your leg. Good luck though.

hahahahahahahaha!!!! i'm getting that lol i laughed so not uncomplicated!!! i'm getting it the blind guy is a guy who places up blinds lol i'm getting it.... wow ur a solid joker. i visit award you the main bestest prize a joker can get. Jokesmanship of 2008!!!