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Believe it or not, miniature horses have been trained to assist the blind in the same manner dogs are used to assist the blind. The advantage of a miniature horse is they have a much longer lifespan than a dog. While an assistance dog might only be in service for 6 years, a miniature horse can be used for 20 years. Considering the expense and time commitment that goes into training an assistance animal, these added years that a miniature horse can be in service makes a huge difference.

From the Guide Horse Foundation, "Why use a mini-horse as a guide animal?"

• Long Lifespan - Miniature Horse can live to be more than 50 years old, with the average lifespan being 30-40 years. According to guide dog trainers, guide dogs have a useful life between 8-12 years.
• Cost Effective - Training a guide dog can cost up to $60,000, according to the Guide Dog Users national advocacy group. According to Lighthouse International, there are more than 1.3 million legally blind people in the USA, yet only 7,000 guide animal users. Hence, a Guide Horse could be more cost-effective and ensure that more blind people receive a guide animal.
• Better acceptance - Many guide dog users report problems getting access to public places because their dog is perceived as a pet. Most people do not associate a horse as a pet, and Guide Horse users report that they are immediately recognized as a working service animal.
• Calm Nature - Trained horses are extremely calm in chaotic situations. Cavalry horses have proven that horses can remain calm even in the extreme heat of battle. Police horses are an excellent example of well trained horses that deal with stressful situations. Guide Horses undergo the same systematic desensitization training that is given to riot-control horses.
• Great Memory - Horses possess phenomenal memories. A horse will naturally remember a dangerous situation decades after the occurrence.
• Excellent Vision - Because horses have eyes on the sides of their heads, they have a very wide range of vision, with a range of nearly 350 degrees. Horses are the only guide animals capable of independent eye movement and they can track potential danger with each eye. Horses can see clearly in almost total darkness.
• Focused Demeanor - Trained horses are very focused on their work and are not easily distracted. Horses are not addicted to human attention and normally do not get excited when petted or groomed.
• Safety Conscious - Naturally safety oriented, horses are constantly on the lookout for danger. All horses have a natural propensity to guide their master along the safest most efficient route, and demonstrate excellent judgment in obstacle avoidance training.
• High Stamina - Hearty and robust, a properly conditioned Guide Horse can easily travel many miles in a single outing.
• Good Manners - Guide Horses are very clean and can be housebroken. Horses do not get fleas and only shed twice per year. Horses are not addicted to human affection and will stand quietly when on duty.

Visit www.guidehorse.org for more info about Guide Horses.

Photo Credits: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Society/Pix/gallery/2009/4/21/1240310532743/Assistance-dogs--Shari-Be-003.jpg
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