2011 Ohio Versatile Horse and Rider Application: Beka & Stormy

Another year and hopefully another chance! Here's Stormy's and my application video for the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition at the 2011 Ohio Equine Affaire. We competed in the Extreme Cowboy Race there last year and it was the most rewarding and amazing experience we've ever had, so we just had to try for it again!!!
Stormy is a 15 year old Appaloosa gelding that I got as a three year old for my 8th birthday and, oh boy, what a start we had!! After years of training, trail riding, competing, travelling, and fun, in just one night, at age 9, Stormy was struck completely blind from Equine Recurrent Uveitis (Moon Blindness). Devastated, I tried everything I could do for him, seeking every vet around. When one vet finally recommended that I put Stormy down, my otherwise completely healthy baby, I was determined to prove that blind horses can have just as much potential as any other horse!
I set out to retrain him using numerous new voice cues and commands and before long we were back to trail riding, competing and working. Since his sudden blindness he's learned to drive and even jump again, though it's not very pretty, but he tries for me! I've never known another horse as willing and trusting at this one and I wouldn't trade him for the world. He has been such an inspiration to me and so many others and I just hope his message continues to reach those who might someday need proof that a handicap is never the end of the road.....Sometimes, Love is Blind.

Music Courtesy of Diana Degarmo, Dreams

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Stormy
• blind
• horse
• Beka
• Equine Affaire
• Versatile Horse and Rider
• Competition
• 2011
• Extreme Cowboy Race

[bekaweaver08]

WE MADE IT INTO THE COMPETITION!!!! SEE YOU ALL AT EQUINE AFFAIRE!!!! :D We can't WAIT!!!!

[IcePonyGoddess]

Brings tears to my eyes.  {{{HUGS}}}

[engrose]

this just made me cry! I just got told my new horse that i just bought is blind in his right eye. in the UK we drive on the right hand side and hacking out on my own i have been told will be a big no no. This has shown me that once we have built a good bond and he trusts me enough we may just be able to go out together without others! .

[racknwalk]

great, great video!!! very inspiring!! great horse! great partner! awsome!! awsome!! awsome!!

[irishmutt2]

Lots of love and a large heart and the ability to trust in this way is absolutely wonderful. Way to go both of you<3

[Imzeesgoldenlexus]

How amazing!

[gwolf815]

Way to go girl!



[cowgirl753]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ theres no possible way i would put down my horse if she went blind. not a chance love her to much

[Mrgarfield423]

you are stormys eyes... needed and would be sadening to loose...

[trashandslash]

Makes my cry everytime i watch this,the total trust is so touching.He`s a saint of a horse. xxx

[horseluverforeverr]

This bought tears to my eyes... :) Such an amazing bond you have with your horse. :D

[aschlemm2002]

My Appaloosa mare, Melody, went blind a little over a year ago. We are back to trail riding! My vet had told me it was justified to euthanize her but she was always such a good horse I wanted to give her a chance. I expected to have to do a lot of teaching but honestly, I'm learning so much from her about trust and faith!!!! Go Beka and Stormy!!! Mel and I are rooting for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!