‘He lost his eyes but not his spirit’: blind horse takes three world records
(Image credit: Brittany Hirst)
A horse who lost both eyes but not his spirit has shown that “blind horses are capable of anything” by taking three world records, aged 22.
US-based Morgan Wagner’s appaloosa gelding Endo, who has become famous as Endo the Blind since he lost his sight, has secured the Guinness records for the highest free jump by a blind horse, clearing 106cm, the fastest time for a blind horse to weave five poles, 9.93 seconds, and the most flying changes by a horse in a minute – 39.
Despite the best efforts of Morgan and her vets, after five years, Endo’s right eye ruptured and had to be removed. Within months, it became clear that he would also have to lose his left eye.
“Knowing that Endo was facing a life without sight, Morgan was determined to prepare him for what was to come,” a Guinness World Records spokesman said. “Reassuring and petting him, Morgan would blindfold Endo to acquaint him with the feeling.”
Despite all the preparation, losing his left eye was a big step.
Morgan hopes Endo’s story will inspire others to focus on the abilities of blind horses rather than their differences.
“Don’t have big goals, just what your horse can do, reward, and try a little bit more next time,” she said, adding that she wants everyone to know how proud she is of her horse, “not just because of his record-breaking achievements, but because despite losing his eyes, he never lost his spirit”.
“I’m very grateful to Guinness World Records for letting us have a platform for blind horses to show the world that they’re still capable of anything,” she said.
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