Miniature Horses Used as Service Animals

In the last few years, Miniature Horses have joined dogs as service animals trained to guide visually impaired people. The Guide Horse Foundation is one agency that trains Miniature Horses for this task.

Using a Miniature Horse rather than the more traditional canine is a choice that comes naturally to people who love horses. A significant benefit is that Miniature Horses tend to have a longer working life than dogs, meaning that a blind individual will not have to replace his guide animal as frequently.

Miniature Horses can be housebroken and generally adapt well to living indoors. They are somewhat stronger and sturdier than most dogs; do not shed hair as much; and do not require the same level of human attention and interaction as dogs. A Miniature Horse might also be a good choice for anyone allergic to dogs, or for an observant Muslim, whose faith views dogs as unclean.

Federal regulations governing service animals were recently changed to protect only guide dogs. The Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, Natural Resources Law reports that the changes exclude monkeys and parrots as well as Miniature Horses. The focus of the law is the requirements that apply to making stores, restaurants, and public buildings accessible to service animals.