Wow-we! Now, there's a pretty picture. Wait till he falls off though!
--
Carol
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Du Bois" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: Miniature Horses as Guides
> There is a guy here in Maine that has one of these horses. I guess that
> he really likes it. It's novel enough so that he attracts a lot of
> attention. Personally, I think that this would be perfect for Phil. He
> already has the hat and boots. the horse would complete the picture.
> GRIN!
> Kathy
>
>
> At 10:23 PM 8/16/2006, you wrote:
>>Hi guys!
>>
>>This is especially for Phil, as you've told me you'd rather have a horse
>>as guide than a dog. Thought you might like to read this.
>>
>>Sharon
>>
>> Training Miniature Horses as Guide Animals
>>
>> In 1999, Janet and Don Burleson completed a successful feasibility
>> study with miniature horses as assistance animals for the visually
>> disabled. Janet is a retired professional horse trainer with over 30
>> years of full-time horse training experience and an extensive record
>> of success in training performance horses.
>>
>> While Don and Janet Burleson only intended to develop a training
>> program, they were overwhelmed with requests from blind horse lovers
>> asking for a trained Guide Horse. Although she was confident in her
>> skills as a retired professional horse trainer, Janet Burleson needed
>> to learn what a guide animal must know in order to keep their handler
>> safe.
>>
>> The initial training has shown great promise, and two tiny Guide
>> Horses have already been trained to guide blind people in public. The
>> prototype, a 14 year-old dwarf mare horse named Twinkie, has
>> successfully guided blind people in a host of environments, including
>> shopping malls and congested urban areas with heavy traffic. Nine
>> other horses are currently undergoing training, and the Guide Horse
>> Foundation also has a substantial waiting list of blind people who
>> have applied for a Guide Horse.
>>
>> Once the Guide Horse Foundation announced the result of their
>> feasibility study, the ability of horses to guide the blind was
>> confirmed from a number of independent sources. We received numerous
>> responses from blind people who ride horses, both in competitions and
>> on trails, and they confirmed our findings that the horse is a capable
>> guide. One blind woman stated that she sometimes uses her full-sized
>> horse as her Guide Horse. She says that her horse makes allowances for
>> her needs and walks beside her for miles in the woods, gently nudging
>> her whenever she strays from the trail.
>> _________________________________________________________________
>>
>> Horse Intelligence Testing
>>
>> All candidate horses for the Guide Horse program are given a [46]field
>> intelligence test prior to acceptance into the Guide Horse program.
>> Guide Horse training is mentally demanding on the horse, and the Guide
>> Horse Foundation only accepts horses that demonstrate the cognitive
>> ability to successfully complete the training program.
>>
>> Horse Training Theory
>>
>> While horses do not possess complex reasoning skills, miniature horses
>> are quite intelligent and excel at tasks that require long-term memory
>> skills. There is been a great deal of research into the cognitive
>> psychology of horses, most notably by the Equine Research Foundation
>> of Horse Learning and Behavior. They have done extensive clinical
>> research on horse intelligence and are most noted for proving the
>> theorem that a horses ability to learn is directly proportional to
>> their prior learning. In other words, the more a horse learns, the
>> greater their capacity for future learning. Noted animal learning
>> expert, Professor Emeritus [48]Frank A. Logan also provides comments
>> regarding [49]horse learning.
>>
>> The Guide Horse training approach
>>
>> Training any assistance animal requires an in-depth understanding of
>> animal behavior. Because equine behavior is generic to all horse
>> breeds, any professional horse trainer can start the initial training
>> of the assistance horse, teaching it to accept the harness, and
>> start/stop on command. Advanced training involves training the horse
>> not to react to environmental distractions, to avoid obstacles and to
>> recognize all potential dangers. The idea is to create a team, person
>> and horse, working together and understanding one another.
>>
>> While no formal documentation exists for training guide horses, our
>> trainers use the horse training methods and techniques developed from
>> a variety of sources. Don and Janet employ some techniques developed
>> by [50]John Lyons, a world-renowned horse trainer. Don and Janet also
>> rely on the basic principles of operant conditioning, and apply the
>> animal training concepts originally described by [51]B. F. Skinner,
>> the famous behavioral psychologist.
>>
>> Even though horse training is vastly different from dog training, the
>> Guide Horse Foundation worked closely with guide dog trainers,
>> orientation and mobility specialists and experienced guide dog users
>> to understand what a guide animal needs to know to keep their handler
>> safe at all times. The Guide Horse Foundation also performed
>> exhaustive research, studying all available training methods and
>> techniques from the major guide dog training schools throughout the
>> world.
>>
>> Guide Horse Training involves the following areas of training:
>>
>> - Basic Lead Training - This involves training the Guide Horse to move
>> forward at an appropriate speed and respond to verbal commands. The
>> Guide Horse is also trained to negotiate everyday obstacles, and they
>> learn to enter escalators, elevators, climb stairs, and lie down on
>> command.
>>
>> - Voice Command Recognition - The guide horse is trained to respond to
>> 23 voice commands, enabling the handler to direct the guide in any
>> circumstance.
>>
>> - Stationary Obstacle Avoidance - A guide horse must be able to alert
>> the handler to obstacles in their path. Miniature horses avoid
>> obstacles quite naturally, and only need to be taught that the handler
>> is an appendage of themselves. In this way, the horse is taught to
>> avoid low overheads and other stationary obstacles. The horse must be
>> able to navigate sidewalks and streets, avoiding all obstacles,
>> including any protrusions that may injure its handler. The Guide
>> Horses must also be able to ignore all distractions while guiding, and
>> all Guide Horses are thoroughly trained and tested to ensure that they
>> will not "spook and run" while guiding.
>>
>> - Moving Obstacle Avoidance - This phase of training requires the
>> Guide Horse to avoid any moving obstacles that threaten to impede
>> their path. These obstacles include pedestrians, cyclists, motor
>> vehicles, and any moving object that may impede the progress of the
>> handler. This is one of the most important areas of guide training
>> and this training requires the Guide Horses to demonstrate absolute
>> proficiency before graduation.
>>
>> - Surface Elevation Change Recognition - This phase of training
>> requires the Guide Horse to recognize and signal the handler upon
>> approaching any change in surface elevation, including ramps, steps,
>> stairs and curbs. This involves training the Guide Horse to signal
>> the handler and pause upon reaching any steps or curbs, thus signaling
>> the handler that a step-up of step-down will be required. Because the
>> Guide Horse walks two paces ahead of the handler, the handler learns
>> to accurately time the point at which the step begins.
>>
>> - [52]Housebreaking - Despite common belief, horses do possess bladder
>> control, and many horses develop the habit of "going" only in a
>> specific area. For excursions under 6 hours, the guide horse can be
>> relied upon to maintain bladder control. Just as dog owners are
>> required to utilize pooper-scoopers, Guide Horses on long excursions
>> can be fitted with a plastic lined poo-bag that catches droppings and
>> allows for easy disposal.
>>
>> - Intelligent Disobedience - The Guide Horse is trained to disregard
>> any commands from their handler that would be unsafe for either the
>> Guide Horse or the Handler. This is the phase of training where the
>> horse is taught to rely on their judgment to keep their owner safe at
>> all times.
>> The Handler training approach
>>
>> When candidates are evaluated for acceptance into the Guide Horse
>> program they must demonstrate proficiency with basic orientation and
>> mobility skills. While the vast majority of the candidates are
>> experienced guide dog or cane users, we require all candidates to
>> undergo basic training to ensure their ability to use their Guide
>> Horse.
>>
>> Only certified handlers are allowed to use a Guide Horse, even in
>> training situations. The handler training phase includes the
>> following phases and activities:
>>
>> Phase I: Candidate Evaluation
>>
>> Prior to acceptance into the Guide Horse program, all candidates are
>> evaluated for their orientation and mobility skills.
>>
>> - The Juno Walk - All candidates are evaluated for their ability to
>> use a guide animal by walking with an artificial Guide Horse named
>> Juno. The candidates are evaluated to ensure that they will be able
>> to communicate with a guide animal before being allowed to begin
>> training with a live Guide Horse.
>>
>> - Orientation and Mobility Skills - The Guide Horse Foundation
>> requires all candidates to attend certified orientation and mobility
>> courses to ensure that each candidate possesses basic orientation
>> skills.
>>
>> Phase II: Introductory Training
>>
>> During this phase the candidate attends classroom training and basic
>> lead training.
>>
>> - Animal Care Training - All candidates will attended lectures by a
>> licensed equine Veterinarian, a horse care specialist and a farrier to
>> completely understand the proper care, feeding grooming and housing
>> for their Guide Horse.
>>
>> - Orientation and Mobility Refresher Training - The Guide Horse
>> Foundation hires certified orientation and mobility trainers to ensure
>> that each candidate can demonstrate basic orientation skills.
>>
>> - Basic Lead Training - All candidates are evaluated for their ability
>> to effectively communicate with a guide animal. The candidates learn
>> the 23 voice commands and are tested to ensure that they understand
>> how signals are communicated through the harness and reins before
>> being allowed to begin training with a live Guide Horse.
>>
>> Upon passing the testing for this phase, the candidate becomes
>> certified as an apprentice handler, and they are allowed to use a live
>> Guide Horse in a training setting.
>>
>> Phase III: Advanced Training
>>
>> This phase involves team selection and advanced training of the new
>> Guide team.
>>
>> - Team Selection - Following basic training, the apprentice handlers
>> are given the opportunity to work as a team with several Guide
>> Horses. While each Guide horse is multi-gated, there are still
>> variations in "feel", speed, pressure and personality between Guide
>> Horses. The team selection process relies on the evaluation of the
>> apprentice handler and the trainer, and both the apprentice handler
>> and trainer work toward selecting the best-fit team in terms of
>> disposition, personality and performance. At the end of this phase the
>> apprentice handler will have chosen a suitable Guide Horse.
>>
>> - Team Training - This is the final phase of training and focuses on
>> the training of the candidate and horse as a team. During this phase
>> the team demonstrates proficiency with the 23 voice commands and
>> learns to read signals from the Guide Horse via changes to rein and
>> handle pressure. Once bonded, the team undergoes extensive training,
>> especially in the areas of street crossing and intelligent
>> disobedience. The team must demonstrate absolute proficiency at
>> potentially dangerous situations such as street crossings before
>> graduating from this phase of training. The apprentice handler is also
>> taught to maintain the proficiency of the Guide to ensure that
>> training does not degrade after delivery.
>>
>> Phase IV: Delivery and certification of the team
>>
>> Only after the successful completion of all areas of training is the
>> apprentice handler graduated to "handler" status, and the handler and
>> the Guide Horse are then certified as a team by the Guide Horse
>> Foundation.
>>
>> - Home Area Training - The final stage of training involves traveling
>> with the handler to their home. The team is then evaluated on their
>> home turf and the trainer ensures that the new tram is able to
>> negotiate all of the regular travels for the team.
>>
>> - Follow-up visits - Following delivery of the team, the trainer
>> conducts periodic follow-ups to make sure that the team continues to
>> be safe and effective. If the handler experiences any problem, the
>> handler may visit the team for additional on-site training.
>>
>> [53]Guides [54]Training [55]Press [56]Photos [57]News [58]Apply
>> [59]FAQ [60]Wishes [61]Contact [62]Home
>>
>> Helping Hooves
>> Training Miniature Horses as Guide Animals for the Blind
>>
>> Janet Burleson
>> Contains over 100 all-color photo's!
>> Retail Price $27.95 / #20.75
>>
>> - Help the Guide Horse Foundation give free Guides
>> - Author royalties benefit the Guide Horse Foundation
>>
>> Only $19.95
>>
>> The Guide Horse Foundation has the utmost respect for The Seeing Eye.
>> and their seventy-two years of outstanding work with assistance
>> animals for the blind. Even though the press often calls our horses
>> "seeing eye horses", please note that The Guide Horse Foundation is
>> not affiliated with or sanctioned by the Seeing-Eye. or any of the
>> Guide Dog training organizations. Seeing-Eye. is a registered
>> trademark of the Seeing-Eye, Inc.
>>
>>References
>>
>> Visible links
>> 1.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/text_only_master.htm
>>2.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/index.htm
>>3.
>>http://www.rampant-books.com/book_2004_2_helping_hooves.htm
>>4. form field = text entry field
>> 5. form field = submit button
>> 6. form field = text entry field
>> 7. form field = submit button
>> 8. form field = radio button
>> 9. form field = radio button
>> 10. form field = radio button
>> 11. form field = image-submit button
>> 12.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/
>>13.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/training_seminars_clinics_classes.htm
>>14.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/contact.htm
>>15.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/faq.htm
>>16.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/training.htm
>>17.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/photo_page.htm
>>18.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/misconceptions.htm
>>19.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/news_events.htm
>>20.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/related.htm
>>21.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/application.htm
>>22.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/wishes.htm
>>23.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/DOJ.htm
>>24.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/films.htm
>>25.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/law_n_news.htm
>>26.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/law_n_news.htm
>>27.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/book.htm
>>28.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/pennys_ponies.htm
>>29.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/guide_horse_candidates_menu.htm
>>30.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/mini_horse_rescue.htm
>>31.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/miniature_horse_adoption.htm
>>32.
>>http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?o=1&l=as1&f=ifr&t=rampanttechpr-20&dev-t=D68HUNXKLHS4J&p=8&asins=0974448605&IS2=1&IS2=1<1=_blank
>>33. LYNXIMGMAP:http://www.guidehorse.org/training.htm#boxmap-p8
>> 34.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/lisa.htm
>>35.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/lisa.htm
>>36.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/photo_lesser.htm
>>37.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/photo_lesser.htm
>>38.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/pennys_pony.htm
>>39.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/photo_lesser.htm
>>40.
>>http://www.ucomics.com/nonsequitur/
>>41.
>>http://www.mini-horse.org/
>>42.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/mini_horse_rescue.htm
>>43.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/pennys/menu_pennys_ponies.htm
>>44.
>>http://www.dba-oracle.com/grand_turk_hotels/t_grand_turk_hotels.htm
>>45.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/press.htm
>>46.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/intellig.htm
>>47.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/intellig.htm
>>48.
>>http://www.unm.edu/~quadl/
>>49.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/logan.htm
>>50.
>>http://www.johnlyons.com/
>>51.
>>http://www.sntp.net/behaviorism/skinner.htm
>>52.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/housebreaking.htm
>>53.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/reasons.htm
>>54.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/training.htm
>>55.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/press.htm
>>56.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/photo_page.htm
>>57.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/news_events.htm
>>58.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/application.htm
>>59.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/faq.htm
>>60.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/wishes.htm
>>61.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/contact.htm
>>62.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/index.htm
>>63.
>>http://rampant.cc/cart/catalog/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=33&osCsid=44b0b51dead5fc7b20d1f2af5e1cdce4
>>
>>Hidden links:
>> 64.
>>http://www.burleson-arabians.com/
>>65.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/misconceptions.htm
>>66.
>>http://www.guidehorse.org/contact.htm
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