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Loading...Illinois May Approve Mini Seeing-Eye Horses As Service Animals
- Molly, selected from Animal Planet
- June 2, 2012
- 9:01 am
- 82 comments
By Animal Planet
The state Senate voted Tuesday to add miniature horses to the list of service animals, like seeing-eye dogs, that can accompany people with disabilities. The vote sends the measure to the Illinois House.
Already considered service animals by federal regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Miniature horses generally range from 24 inches to 34 inches tall and weigh 70 to 100 pounds. While the mini steeds woudn’t be granted an all-access pass to all public places, as Illinois businesses and schools could take into account the size and weight of the horse and whether the animal is housebroken.
The Guide Horse Foundation says that guide horses have several characteristics that make them a great alternative when service dogs are not suitable, as guide horses can be useful for people with severe allergies or phobias to dogs, or people who want an animal likely to live longer than a dog. Miniature horses usually have a docile nature but can be strong enough to provide support while their handler gets up from a chair. As well, the foundation says the mini-steeds have shown excellent judgment and are not easily distracted by crowds.
Photo source: Guide Horse Foundation
Related:
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Pony Helps Blind Woman Attend College
Read more: Alternative Therapies, Behavior & Communication, Health, Less Common Pets, Pets, equine therapy, guide horse, horses
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Such a lovely sight! Thank you
82 comments
+ add your ownThere is good collection of the articles with informative stuff.
horseboxes
Must be fun training these ponies, thanks for info!
Thank you for posting!
Although I have 20/20 vision (Thank the good Lord) I am a Chicagoan and think this is a wonderful idea!
And then there's all that "good for the roses" :)
The photo of that abominable minuscole horse gives me the creeps. Horses are not supposed to be dog size. Not even ponies.
I hope, for their sake, that those horses don't have to ride the subway.
Interesting
Horses can live longer than dogs, so a blind person wouldn't have to give up their seeing-eye buddy so often...
That's a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
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