You May Not be Able to Lead a Horse to Water, but Now Horses can Lead the Blind.

Service animals come in all sizes. Monkeys are assisting paraplegics; dogs can act as ears for the hearing impaired, eyes for the blind and helping hands to wheel chair bound individuals.

Horses have had a special relationship with people for centuries. They have been our beasts of burden and source of leisure time enjoyment. Now miniature horse, that stand about as tall as a large dog are acting a "guide horses." Horse trainer, Janet Burleson, got the idea from her own horse "Twinkie" who would ride around in the family car and act "just like a dog." This horse was even house broken.

Horses are very intelligent, and with patient training, Twinkie and several other miniature horses are being taught to act as the eyes for the blind. These horses have been learned to navigate elevators, read traffic signals, and understand voice commands. Going to a restaurant is not a problem, when not working, the horses will quietly lie down and wait.

Guide horses for the blind are not for everyone. Though they can deal with traffic and city life, they do prefer to be outdoors. One drawback, they can't hold it as long as dogs between bathroom breaks.

Guide horses have many advantages over dogs. Traveling long distances is a stroll in the park for them. Where as a dog may stay in service for 10 years, a horses can be expected to work in to their 20s or 30s.

With the passage of the American with Disabilities Act, no matter what type of animal a handicapped person needs, they are guaranteed equal treatment. For more information, contact the Guide Horse Foundation website.