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| Photo from the Times Union |
In case you haven't already heard about her, this is Cali, a guide horse. She was trained by clicker trainer Dolores Arste under the guidance of Alexandra Kurland. Alex was the first to train a guide horse with the clicker: Panda, a horse you may have heard of before.
I think there are only a handful of guide horses around the world, but they have an advantage over dogs in that they live a lot longer and apparently are able to focus better on their jobs. Which would you prefer? Guide dog or guide horse?
Really cute... but it is hard for me to believe she could walk with this pony alone - or is it meant to be used in conjunction with another person on the other side? And what if it became fearful of something... it wouldn't run shy? hmm... very interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnne uses Panda alone all the time, so Cali probably works the same way. I think that's why they start them young, so they get used to stuff and don't get scared.
ReplyDeleteOf course a horse!
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting!
A horse of course! I saw a show on this one time and the guy actually trained his guide horse to be potty trained and go outside. He also took the horse to shopping malls with him and the horse wore sneakers (rubber boots).
ReplyDeleteThe fact is just like dogs, these guide horses are desensitized to anything and everything from a young age. Its like police horses that do not spook at even the scariest object.
ReplyDeleteI think they are better suited to it!
Lansing! That is not too far from me! How cool. I love how Cali tells her when there is a step.
ReplyDeleteThat is a hard decision, I love horses and dogs. . .could I have one of each?
This is amazing. AS well as being so impressive in her training, Panda is adorably cute!
ReplyDeleteFascinating! I would like a little horse, please!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a little horse. The lifespan difference is a really strong point. All that training may last the horse and his owner 25 years. Especially since the little ones live so long.
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