Blind Horse Boo Inspires Christmas Appeal
| Blind Horse Boo Inspires Christmas Appeal Boo, whose story shocked the equine world and the public at large in March when he was taken in by Redwings Horse Sanctuary after being left blind by heartless thugs, has settled in well at the charity's headquarters. The brave Clydesdale's story has inspired the charity's Christmas appeal, Boo's Blind Appeal, which will help Boo and other visually impaired horses at the charity. Boo, already blind in one eye from cancer, was shot in his good eye by unknown attackers in a premeditated mindless act of violence whilst he was turned out at his home in Surrey. | |
The pellet was so far embedded in the back of his eye it was likely that the shotgun's barrel was held up against his eye.
Boo's owner was faced with a difficult decision and were even advised to put him to sleep, as at 16.1hh the heavy horse was potentially difficult and dangerous to care for. They had heard of Redwings' expertise in this area and approached the Sanctuary for their help. After careful consideration, Redwings agreed to take him in as they could offer Boo all the specialist care and veterinary attention he might need. The charity is already home to 25 other visually impaired horses.
Boo has bonded with long-term resident Oliver, a 21 year old 15hh cob cross gelding. Oliver was chosen as Boo's buddy due to his calm nature and easy going personality, and the pairing has worked well as they formed a special bond, with Oliver acting as Boo's sighted buddy.
Good-natured Oliver has unobtrusive bells in his mane so Boo can hear where he is, and the pair move around their paddock together grazing. Every day, Boo's feed is put in the same place and wind chimes act as a compass for where the water trough is. Boo and Oliver are so close they even share each other's dinner and groom each other! The pair's paddock is next to the charity's administration building so the staff can cast an eye over Boo regularly.
Every year Redwings launches a Christmas appeal. Entirely funded by public donation, the charity relies on the generosity of its supporters to carry out work such as Boo's rehabilitation as well as the many rescues and welfare cases it helps with. Boo was chosen as the focus of the appeal as despite all the pain he has experienced, gentle giant Boo has kept his faith in mankind. Despite being blind he will approach anyone who visits him and give them a nuzzle, and he knows his carers through his sense of smell and his keen hearing. Not all horses that have been treated badly retain such an unwavering trust, and for many finding an ease with humans is a long and winding road. Boo's positive attitude is inspirational.
"Blind horses require more care and attention and as they will never be suitable for working life or to be ridden Redwings is often their last chance," explains Communications Manager Nicola Markwell. "Very few organisations have the facilities or ability to offer them a home so without us their future would be bleak. We assessed Boo very carefully before deciding that we could help but we felt he could live a full and dignified life partially thanks to his exceptionally placid nature. To see him now, happily grazing alongside Oliver with barely a care in the world, makes it all worthwhile. We are hoping that people will help us give Boo and other visually impaired horses a future by donating to Boo's Blind Appeal."
Added on: 04/11/09.
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