Despite Only 4% Vision Left, Race Horse Stuns One and All by Achieving a Rare Feat

Certain athletes, who play a sport well, stay at the top of their game. Then there are athletes who completely change the game, such as para-athletes. They are dealt harsh hands in life, but they overcome all adversaries. People such as Trischa Zorn and Beatrice Hess, the swimmers, Jonas Jacobsson, the shooting expert, and Sarah Storey, swimmer, and cyclist, make this list, among others. But what about the equestrian world?

Horses are undoubtedly the major athletes when it comes to equestrian sports. It is their powerful frame and their speed coupled with their strength that makes equestrian sports even possible. Ever heard of a horse with a disability, not only participating in but winning a race as well? Now you’re going to.

Near-blind horse dominates an equestrian event

The 2023 Royal Windsor Horse Show was dominated by Megan Share’s magnificent Appaloosa gelding Desired Edition (Milo). According to a report by Horse and Hound, this was the seventh time that the Royal Windsor Appaloosa-ridden honors were again clinched by Milo. The gelding is a 13-year-old limited edition horse of the breed, famous for its colorful and spotted coat.  The gelding’s riding career took a major hit about 1.5 years ago when he started to lose vision in his left eye.

After his left eye started going blind, Milo’s right eye soon followed suit. Now, his left eye is completely blind while his right eye has 4% vision left. The blindness is common among the Appaloosa, however, this setback has not affected the horse’s ability to gallop. Megan, the owner, asserted, “…he’s absolutely ace to ride. He just struggles with standing still and he can get quite anxious, so I aim to keep him walking when in a showing class, but he loves the job.” It is truly a miraculous thing that a horse with barely any sight left can achieve such a marvelous feat, but for Milo, anything seems possible.

Read more: Watch: Heart-Melting Video Shows 97-Year-Old Woman’s Horse Riding Dream Come True Despite Her Illnesses and Fragile Body Once

Megan talks about her horse like he’s a person, and with the elaborate personalities that horses have, it’s not a surprise. Megan added, “He is a typical boy in many ways; he thinks he knows it all. What is so special is the amount of trust he has in me. He puts his whole world in my hands.” This is not the first time that Milo has attained such an honor, as he has been garlanded in British Appaloosa Society shows before. Milo’s achievement was supported by many others during this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

A 10-year-old girl wins big at the elite event

The Hastens Royal Windsor show pony championship saw many aspirants competing to win the glory. But the pair who took the glory home was the smallest one, comprising of Izzy Walker and 128cm Stoneleigh Showtime (Charlie). According to Horse and Hound, it has always been a dream for little Izzy to win at the show. While she has claimed other positions, she has never come first. And now, that dream finally came true for the young equestrian.

In attendance at the show were Izzy’s parents and professionals, Robert and Sarah Walker. Izzy’s mom, revealed, “She is pony obsessed. It was scary watching her in the championship, though she’s so lucky to have Charlie; he’s such a genuine boy.” It is truly exciting to see young blood like the 10-year-old have the prowess to win an event at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Seemingly, both Izzy and Milo had to overcome certain adversities, inexperience for Izzy, and disability for Milo. However, they both did it beautifully, which is exactly the spirit associated with the world of equestrian sports.

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