Harry was an owner surrender that arrived at our shelter Dec 20, 2022. He previously was purchased at a killpen, and one can’t begin to imagine what he has been through because of that…
Though Harry did not have to make the trailer trip by himself, as another lady reached out wanting to surrender a different horse, Bullseye, as well. The two got in contact and decided one person would haul both horses to our shelter! Harry and Bullseye became good friends during their ride together.
Harry was said to have complete vision loss in his right eye and 50% or more vision loss in his left. He was becoming very nervous of this as it was happening so fast. Though Harry is a sweet boy, not knowing why you aren’t able to see anymore would freak anyone out!
When Harry arrived at our shelter, we had him in a stall until our vet was able to come out and take a peek at him. He was super nervous as he had no idea who we were. With time, patience, and trust, we were able to halter Harry in the stall and show him there is nothing to be afraid of. He is safe. Dr. Jim made his way out and it was true, Harry could not see anymore out of his right eye, and barely anymore at all in his left as well. With all of this information being confirmed, we now knew what steps we had to take with Harry’s continued training at our shelter.
Kylee, one of our trainers, has been working with Harry on gaining his trust and helping him realize nobody is going to hurt him. We kept him and Bullseye together when we turned them outside to pasture. They trotted around with glee and stretched their legs to the fullest! So happy to see Harry let his guard down in those moments.
Kylee had to use grain in order to get close enough to Harry in the beginning as walking up to him, him not able to see, was not in the cards. Bullseye loved the grain as well which helped Harry get closer and closer with less fear. Soon, Kylee was catching him in the pasture without grain no problem!
It has been roughly 2 months since Harry has been at our shelter and in that time he has moved mountains! He takes a saddle now and even allows pressure in the stirrups and on his back! We thank his previous owners for trusting us with his care and not letting him end up in another awful situation.