Oh dear - what a disaster!

[Parkranger]

Well did the xc today - well should I say we got to the event, got on, warmed up, went to follow a friend over a jump (1'6" cross pole if that) and he reared straight off, I fell out the back door and bruised my back

He's such a wonderful horse but I think being blind in one eye makes jumping just far to scarey for him - he's only ever gone up with my twice and both have been to get out of jumping. I did think it was just me but he's done it with far more competent riders too.

Maybe if he had jumped before he was blind (but I really don't think he did) then he'd be ok but I guess the whole judging depth thing etc is a no no.

So maybe have to make the sad decision of selling him onto a dressage/hacking home and finding something that I can jump on - as that's what I want to do.

He's doing really well at dressage and will get to elementary easily - plus on all other aspects he's 100% now so he will make someone a lovely horse.

It's really hard having to take the emotional side out but have to do what's best for us.....not like I haven't tried with the jumping either - 5 months of it is more than enough

Anyone else had to make that decision........?

 

[kerilli]

poor you, it sounds like the right decision tbh. horses for courses and all that.
i had to retire my best horse after i discovered that she'd gone blind in one eye, even though she was already very experienced (advanced eventer) it wasn't worth the risk. tbh it's dangerous enough and you need total trust both ways, and if you can't trust their vision and judgement, then it's just not worth the risk. i'm sure he'll make someone a lovely dressage horse, there's the right owner out there for every horse, i'm sure.

 

[Parkranger]

That's exactly it - cross country is frought with enough dangers without having only 3 eyes to do it with!

Funniest thing was when I was sprawled on the floor and someone shouted 'who's horse' and I felt like shouting 'who's bloody horse do you think it is, the one who's splayed out on the floor!' but I stopped myself!

Good thing is that I dont' feel I've failed - I've turned him around from a horse that wouldn't school to a nice little amateur dressage horse and has better manners and he doesn't scare me - despite nearly falling on me!

 

[Gorgeous George]

What a shame, but it does sound like you've already made the decision that's right for you and him, sounds like the sort of horse people will be falling over for.

 

[SpottedCat]

[ QUOTE ]
That's exactly it - cross country is frought with enough dangers without having only 3 eyes to do it with!

Funniest thing was when I was sprawled on the floor and someone shouted 'who's horse' and I felt like shouting 'who's bloody horse do you think it is, the one who's splayed out on the floor!' but I stopped myself!

Good thing is that I dont' feel I've failed - I've turned him around from a horse that wouldn't school to a nice little amateur dressage horse and has better manners and he doesn't scare me - despite nearly falling on me!

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh god, poor you! But you don't think they may have been shouting 'loose horse' and not 'who's horse?' do you?!

 

[Parkranger]

No it was definately Who's Horse which is what made me laugh!