Signs don’t matter when the on-duty service animal is too cute for words. In Louisburg, North Carolina, Tonto (a “seeing-eye” miniature horse) learns restaurant etiquette from his trainers.
Why use a horse instead of a dog? For one, horses have eyes on the sides of their heads, with a range of nearly 350 degrees. Horses can also see clearly in almost total darkness. According to The Guide Horse Foundation, the ideal Guide Horse owner includes:
- Horse lovers – Blind people who have grown up with horses and understand equine behavior and care are ideal candidates.
- Allergenic people – Many people who are severely allergic to traditional guide animals and find horses a non-allergenic alternative for mobility. Horses do not get fleas and only shed twice per year.
- Mature Individuals – Many people report difficulty dealing with the grief of losing their animals, and horses tend to live far longer than traditional guides, up to fifty years.
- Physically Disabled folks – Because of their docile nature, Guide Horses are easier to handle for individuals with physical disabilities. They are also strong enough to provide support, helping the handler to rise from their chair.
- Dog Phobia – Individuals who fear dogs are often comfortable working with a tiny horse.
- Outdoor Animal – Many individuals prefer a guide animal that does not have to live in the house when off duty
- Attention Horse: Horses are not addicted to human affection and will stand quietly when on duty.
I Don't Get It 
Well I’ll be. I did not know this about horses. I just thought people got them because of the cute factor. On the down side I would imagine you would need a BIG bag for their messes. Couldn’t help but notice the painting in the background. Any guess on the word in front of Cola?
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Based on the cups, I’ll have to guess Coca. 😉 I wondered about the messes, too. At least they can be housetrained.
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Different article kerbey
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I didn’t even know any of that until this week, so I’m learning, too. 🙂
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Would you like to have a view on my blogs too, kerbey?
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Amazing – I had no idea. The list of positives is quite extensive from grooming to supporting weight – excellent.
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And they wouldn’t bark at passing cats!
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Ha!
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That has both the cool factor and the cute factor working for it–besides the fashionable hoof accessories. I guess a matching bag for the back end would take care of unmentionables . . . 🙂
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I showed this to my horse mad 9 year old son and he was instantly smitten.
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Well, who could blame him? It’s like the woman in the Amazon Lonely Pony ad on TV; she just has to buy one. Instant love!
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Oh yes. He totally coos over that ad.
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