Milo, a 15-year-old Appaloosa gelding, is making strides in the equestrian world despite losing his sight. He has returned to the show ring and is now aiming for elite dressage competitions, competing against horses with full vision. Milo lost the sight in both eyes at age 13 due to uveitis, a severe eye condition. Despite two surgeries on his left eye, his vision could not be restored.
Owner Megan Share has developed a unique training method that allows Milo to navigate using a combination of touch, hearing, and rider cues. Share describes the technique as similar to a "braille technique," where Milo uses the feel of the ground beneath his hooves for spatial awareness.
"He interprets my pressure on him but he also uses his own pressure of his hooves on the ground surface for his spatial awareness," Share explained. "He's using his hearing and feel of touch with his feet to feel along the ground, it is like a braille technique."
Since returning to competition last year, Milo has achieved success, winning two horse showing events. He claimed first place at the Royal Windsor Show for the eighth consecutive year and also won the Appaloosa Breed Show.
Share guides Milo using precise voice commands, such as "up" or "down" for steps, and "slow down." She also employs firm rein and leg aids, along with core and seat movements. She communicates with him as one would a human, using clicks to encourage him to be more assertive.
Milo is scheduled to compete in upcoming summer shows, including the Appaloosa show and the Denbigh and Flint Show in August. He will also be taking on qualifiers for prestigious events such as the Horse of the Year Show and the London International Show.
Share expressed pride in Milo's achievements, noting the astonishment of spectators. She believes there are no other blind horses competing at this elite level globally.