![\"640px-Guide_horse\"](\"http:\/\/www.raisingjane.org\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/640px-Guide_horse.jpg\")
Photo by DanDee Shots via Wikimedia Commons<\/p><\/div>\n
Guide horses have an average lifespan of 30 years, making them a good alternative to dogs in some cases. Although they necessarily live outside the house, they have superb eyesight and traffic instincts that make them good companions for sight-challenged rural folks.<\/p>\n
The idea hatched in 1998, when Janet and Don Burleson of Kittrell, North Carolina, were riding horses in New York City and Janet noticed how traffic-savvy the horses were. At home, they had a miniature horse, Twinkie, who followed them around like a dog and even rode in their minivan. She thought to train Twinkie, and has since developed a rigorous, eight-month training program that results in the little helpers being able to go into\u00a0shopping centers and grocery stores … virtually, everything a guide dog can do. They’re even taught to respond to 23 voice commands.<\/p>\n
What’s next … miniature Jerseys?? Come on Etta Jane, I know you can do it!<\/p>\n
![\"etta-jane\"](\"http:\/\/www.raisingjane.org\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/etta-jane.jpg\")
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horses? That’s\u00a0right. Miniature horses are the newest trend in guide animals. Guide horses have an average lifespan of 30 years, making them a good alternative to dogs in some cases. Although they necessarily live outside the house, they have superb … Continue reading