Follow that horse
Yep, you just walked past a horse.
Everyone's heard of guide dogs, but how about a guide horse? We didn't know such a thing existed until we saw this candidate today on Broadway in Saratoga. "Mexicali Rose" was getting a tryout for guide horse training.
Mexicali's owner, Becky Montano, raises American Miniature horses on a farm near Gloversville. She says that horses are natural guide animals because as prey -- not predators -- they're always on the lookout for potential dangers. And she says that the mini horses are a good alternative for people who are allergic dogs, or are maybe not comfortable having dogs around.
More pics of Mexicali after the jump.
Trainer Delores Arste was evaluating Mexicali Rose's potential as a guide horse:
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Comments
Where's my mini-pony?
... said Matthew Loiacono on Aug 1, 2008 at 4:32 PM | link
Thank you for posting and visiting with us today in Saratoga.
You can read and see more about mini's as guides by reading
the Panda Project at www.theclickercenter.com
Cali passed her test with flying colors. She was stable, aware of her surroundings and comfortable in the crowds.
Thank you to the folks of Saratoga.
A youtube video of the training of Panda can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLdO2cBAusw
... said Dolores Arste on Aug 1, 2008 at 9:15 PM | link