[Ag-eq] quiet list and a question about blind horse trainers

[nfoster at extremezone.com]

Aleeha:

I know you posted your question several days ago, but I just found it!

I don't know of any blind persons working with horses or agriculture.  Everyone
I know of, just does it as a hobby.

Unfortunately it is very difficult to read the body language of animals,
especially animals you don't know.  Also animals who are in pain will act
differently and can be very dangerous.  One of my own mules, who I loved and
trusted, and had owned for years injured me when she was in pain.

This particular mule was named Allie and I know I've mentioned her frequently.
Allie started having lots of medical and behavioral problems, but we couldn't
figure out what was going on.  I had her exammed by several different vets and
had several tests run, but she just got worse.  She finally got so difficult it
wasn't safe for me or anyone else to handle her.  One of her eyes started
looking enlarged and she would bang her head against things.  The vets came to
the conclusion that she had a brain tumor.  By the end even the vet was afraid
to handle her.  It took 3 people to get a halter on her and put her down.

I don't want to scare you, but just be aware of the risks.  Before this happened
I would have never guessed that I couldn't manage my own animals.  I will always
love Allie and don't blame her for slamming me into the stall wall, but I've
learned to be more careful.  This is really hard for me to write about; I still
cry when I think of her.  When she was healthy she was a wonderful trail
companion.  Having her put down was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made.

Sorry to get so side tracked, but I just want you to be careful.  I'm sure you
will be able to figure out a way to get through vet school and be safe on the
job; just think outside of the box.  Please keep us posted on your progress.

Nella







Quoting Aleeha Dudley <blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com>:

> Hello All,
>   Wow, has this list been quiet.  I'm going to start a topic that
> may be controversial for some, but we'll see where it leads since
> we are all interested in the same sort of field: agriculture.
>   I am in the midst of my sophomore year in college, currently
> studying zoology in hopes of becoming a blind veterinarian.  I
> was wondering if any of you are or know someone who is a blind
> horse trainer? I am trying to figure out how you interpret
> signals and possibly dangerous situations while working with your
> horses.  This would also apply if you work with other large
> animals.
>   I am also wondering if anyone has tried to pursue or knows
> someone who has tried to pursue a career in veterinary medicine
> or other agricultural fields that have to do with animals.
>   Any help would be greatly appreciated!
> Thanks,
> Aleeha Dudley
> President, Ohio Association of Blind Students
>
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