Dude
Breed: Appaloosa
Sex: Gelding
DOB: 1999
Height: 16.0 hh
Color: Red roan
Markings: Red roan markings on neck and legs 
Location: Liberty Hill, TX
Adoption Fee: $100
 

Temperament: Dude is very gentle and calm, with no vices.

Physical problems / health issues: Dude is currently healthy, but he has recently been diagnosed with moon blindness. Dude is adapting to his limited vision. He is currently learning voice commands, but is easy to handle on a lead. I have not received the final opthamology report or the registration papers. However, Dude’s caretaker said the veterinarian’s prognosis was complete irreversible blindness.

Interaction with horses: Not aggressive, low to mid herd standing. Easily adapts to new horses. 

Interaction with people: Somewhat reserved, but will respond to voice and other sounds. He is not aggressive with people.

History: Dude is a registered Appaloosa. He was originally a young girl’s first horse. He was stable kept. He is well trained in both English and Western, and uses a Kimberwick bit. He was sold to a ranch family and ridden by older adults. He was pasture kept with several other ranch horses. He has most recently competed in obstacle/trail rides and scored well in spite of his vision. His blindness was diagnosed in the spring of 2007. He was donated by his owner to HfH because his owner could not provide a safe environment, especially since his vision has deteriorated.

Training / abilities: He has been trained in dressage and western trail / obstacle. Still evaluating under saddle, however I would speculate he could be a great ride in the ring and possibly on the trail when ponied with another horse. Other than his height, he would make a great therapy horse. He could also be a great lesson horse for beginners or a wonderful 4-H project horse.

Experience level required to work with this horse: Advanced beginner, but must be vocal and confident. A calm child could be great with this horse. 

Has this horse ever:  Bucked? No. Reared? No. Kicked? No. Bitten? No. Other?  

Ground handling: Catch? Yes, with voice. Lead? Great on lead line. Tie? Yes, if not isolated from other horses. Trailer? Loads, unload and trailers very well.  Clip? Unknown. Trim Feet? Unknown. Bathe? Unknown.

Special needs: Needs horse friendly fencing due to blindness. Will need fly mask in bright sunlight. May need powdered aspirin in his feed if any swelling in his eyes. Dude would probably do well with at least one other horse to help him navigate and for confidence.

Other comments: Dude is still adapting to his loss of sight, and consequently he startles if there is sudden movement nearby. He is occasionally reluctant to move away from his herd buddies, but is still quite independent. Once he knows his area, he moves easily (but cautiously) to the water tank, to the hay or to the shelter. In a larger pasture, he tries to move with the other horses. He was startled by a rabbit, but stopped as soon as the others halted. He does well on lead with verbal reinforcement. 

More pictures:

Updated: January 8, 2008

Adopt: Please contact us regarding adoptions at adoptions@habitatforhorses.org or call 1.866.HFH.LSER(866.434.5737).

Are you unable to adopt but would still like to have Dude in your life? Sponsor him through our Virtual Foster program.

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