Endo, The Blind Horse, Set Three Guinness World Records!

Appaloosa horses are renowned for their gentle nature, friendliness, loyalty, and stunning appearance. However, one gelding from Corvallis, Oregon, in the United States is impacting the world beyond his amiable disposition and striking brown spots. This is the tale of “Endo the blind horse.” who has overcome his disability to set 3 Guinness Records.

Endo and Morgan’s bond

Morgan was 13 years old when she moved from California to Oregon with her family. Her grandmother owned a farm with several horses, and she promised Morgan that she could have one of them. Among the herd, one foal caught her eye. It was a brown-spotted Appaloosa with a big personality and charisma. That foal was Endo.

Morgan chose Endo as her horse, and they started their journey together. They learned everything from scratch, from putting on a halter to riding and competing in dressage. They developed a strong bond based on trust, love, and respect.

This is How Endo Grew Up

Endo’s eye disease

When Endo was eight, Morgan noticed his eyes tearing up and squinting often. She took him to a veterinarian who diagnosed him with ERU, a painful condition that causes inflammation of the eye’s uveal tract (the middle layer). ERU can recur over weeks or months, leading to glaucoma, cataracts, scarring, and blindness.

Morgan tried everything to ease Endo’s pain. She tried removing dust from his environment, applying ointment on his eyes, and riding him in the dark. But nothing seemed to work. His flare-ups became more frequent and severe until he lost his vision completely when he was 13 years old. Morgan had to make a difficult decision. Either euthanize Endo or remove his eyes surgically. She chose the latter option because she believed he still had much life left.

Endo’s Recovery

After his surgery, Endo had to adjust to his new reality without sight. He was scared at first and relied on Morgan’s voice for guidance and comfort. Morgan took him for walks around the barn and the property until he regained his confidence.

She also continued to ride him using verbal cues and body signals. She noticed that he still enjoyed doing things he used to do before losing his sight, like jumping over obstacles or weaving through poles. Morgan decided to keep training him for competitions despite some people telling her that it was impossible or cruel for a blind horse. She proved them wrong by showing them that Endo was happy doing what he loved with her by his side.

Endo’s records

Endo made history on October 29th, 2022, by setting three Guinness World Records.

• Highest free jump by a blind horse – 106 cm (3 ft 5.73 in)
• Most flying changes made by a blind horse in one minute – 39
• A blind horse’s fastest time to weave five poles – is 6.93 sec

These records are impressive and meaningful because they demonstrate how much Endo has overcome his disability with Morgan’s help. Morgan said she wanted to set these records for herself and others with blind horses or other animals with disabilities.

Endo inspires everyone who faces challenges in life but does not give up on their dreams or passions. He is living proof that nothing is impossible without love, trust, and determination.

Watch the Guinness World Record video about Endo here.

Sources: guinnessworldrecords / koin.com