The inspirational story of ‘Magic,’ a blind horse that has had its eyes removed and sewn shut, has displayed the usefulness of equine that are less than perfect.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune has run a piece on the Quarter Horse that was plucked from auction for $1,000 as a three-year-old.
Magic’s owner, Jody McBrien, quickly found out that the horse was blind and in pain. She made the tough decision to have his eyes removed and sewn shut, but the reddish-brown horse went on to show that he had much more to offer if given the right opportunity.
The article explains that McBrien had taught Magic some hand and voice commands, and that he ultimately found a new home in Bradenton, Florida at the Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART).
Now 19 years of age, Magic is quite comfortable at SMART. He is paired with a 32-year-old horse named ‘Mr. K.’ The elder steed has forged a strong friendship with his blind friend and the pair has found themselves in a respectable position within the herd.
According to the article, McBrien wrote a children’s book based around the two horses. As part of their curriculum, local elementary school students read the book and then head out to SMART to meet the duo and learn about empathy and compassion.
Additionally, veterans have spent time with Magic, and the reports states that many of them have referred to the experience as ‘among the best days of their lives.’ The adaptable Quarter Horse has helped show some of the veterans that they can adjust to some of the physical and psychological curveballs that life has thrown them.
The report states that Magic has also forged bonds with autistic children, and that his owner, Jody McBrien, still rides him every Saturday morning.
(With files from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune)
