[nagdu] Guide Horse, was: Have to Ask

[Ann Edie]

Hi, Nicole,

I guess that would be me, Ann Edie, and my miniature horse guide, Panda. 
Panda has been my guide for almost six years now, since the summer of 2003.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by the differences in behavior between 
guide dogs and miniature horse guides, but Panda performs all the same guide 
tasks as a well-trained guide dog does.  The care of a miniature horse is 
generally similar to that of a dog--feeding, grooming, relieving, and 
providing exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship.  Some of the 
details are different, of course, due to the different species.

As far as access issues are concerned, I have had very few instances of 
reluctance on the part of business operators to allow me into their 
facilities with my guide horse.  The exception has been one of the major 
guide dog training programs and airlines.

The major differences between working with a guide horse and a guide dog--I 
worked with 3 guide dogs before getting Panda--from my point of view, are 
that I never have to worry about Panda bolting off to chase a cat or other 
animal, and that I can expect my partnership with Panda to go on getting 
deeper and more wonderful for decades to come.

I'm happy to answer any other questions you have about working or living 
with a guide horse.

Best,
Ann

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nicole B. Torcolini" <ntorcolini at wavecable.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 4:11 PM
Subject: [nagdu] Have to Ask


> It has come up twice recently and I can't help but asking.  Who owns the 
> guide horse?  I would be interested in knowing more, especially how the 
> behavior, care, and access issues compare to those of a dog.
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