REGGIE
Reggie began his next adventure on June 21, 2025, when he was rehomed with his original owner.
When Reggie first came to CTR, we knew his eyesight was failing, due to congenital uveitis. Our intention was to work with him in hopes that he could become a therapeutic riding horse like we had with previous members of our herd when they went blind.
Reggie’s good nature and willingness to try was evident. His ability to adapt was phenomenal to watch. Using his sonar ability, he listened to the almost imperceptible hum off the electric wire of the fence line, as well as the echo of sound bouncing off the run-in shed and hay feeder. Through trial and error, and many broken fence posts, we found the herd combination that worked best for him.
As his eyesight in both eyes deteriorated quickly, we had surgery for his right eye to be enucleated to eliminate the pain caused by the pressure in it. The left eye remained as there was no pressure to cause pain and the ointment to keep the globe as healthy as possible was administered twice a day.
We introduced him to training when we were able to have a trainer come to the farm on a regular basis to help him navigate working without sight. There was a learning curve, but eventually we started to feel confident that he was ready for our independent riders and were able to use him in lessons on a limited basis.
However, as with what can happen when dealing with sentient beings, things can change. Reggie, sweet as he is, displayed behavior that was not safe for our purposes and resources at CTR. Based on this behavior, we made the best decision, albeit a heartbreaking decision for him and CTR, to rehome him. His original owner stepped up and has ensured that his next chapter will be a good one.
We miss this young, kind gelding, who showed us that adaptability is a way of life. It is comforting to know that he has people who have his best interests at heart.
