Tyson's Story: “More than what meets the eye"

It all begun like this:

On that dark night, he arrived, black and startled and very scared, a 24 hour transport ride from Cairns to Gold Coast. But this magic moment, what we had been waiting for finally arrived. A 2 year old Black Quarter Horse. A dream comes true!!! He would join a retired old race horse in trail riding and just companionship on 7 acres.

Then this crucial event happened:

Bad things usually happen in 3’s and it did.

The old Thoroughbred horse passed away after 2 years of friendship and trust. The owners had to sell their property and the marriage comes to a breakdown. Tyson was sent to agistment with 15 horses and lush grass, fresh water and more friends. But not so happy. Every time the owner visited him he would just be standing in the same place, not with the other horses around and so thirsty. He just did not want to move – He had so much anxiety, like his owner in the breakdown.

Weeks went by and he was losing weight and just seemed so sad. A yummy tub of mixed chaff and pellets and carrots arrived, only to have him run straight past the owner when she called.

The vet was then called out to check his condition and sight. Oh my gosh the horse had been blind for the past 2 years. With leaving the horse in a 20 acres paddock the most humane thing would be is put him to sleep, said the vet.

It was a hard decision for the owner to make but Tyson was offered a new home to “Save a horse Australia” who then knew of another rescue organisation and worked closely with “Healing Hooves Inc.”
                                                                                              
It ended like this:

Tyson now 5 years old, joined the team of therapy horses at Healing Hooves in Nerang QLD. Blind horses can have a wonderful quality of life, if only they're given a chance, said Jodie Alderton, founder of Healing Hooves.

“I envisioned the purpose and the emotional support Tyson could help with, and after having a one eyed mare (Cherie) for 3 years in her horse team, decided to rein him in.”

They work with Challenging teens, clients with various disorders, depression, anxiety and autism on the Gold Coast and Surrounding districts.

One all boy’s school on the coast, have been coming to visit “The Farm” since 2008, Compassion, Trust, Empathy and Safe Environments for the horses are expressed by the boys.

Horses and other animals do not judge, and without sight have a sixth sense with their clients. The horse supports the person to believe in themselves, enhancing their self esteem and feelings of love and bonding.

It’s imperative that people feel safe and connected to a community and doing activities with horses, in particular a blind horse develops a stronger sense of self and trust. Tyson also give vision impaired people rides and the vision impaired give back. Guide dogs and all have fun at the Farm of Healing Hooves.