One eyed mare

[Deleted]

A friend of mine is thinking of buying a beautiful marked coloured gypsy mare, she is at present in foal.
She is wanting to show her in hand, but the mare lost an eye as a 2 year old when she was kicked in the field. She is wanting to no if she will be penalised for her only having one eye. I didn't no the answer to this, bit of a tricky one as not your usual blemish, would any of you guys no the answer to this?

[SuzieP]

Personally, I would show the mare. If her conformation is good and she's well-marked that'll count for a lot. There's no guarantee that the judge wouldn't put a comparable two-eyed horse higher up the line - but then in showing it nearly always comes down to personal preference doesn't it?

Go for it - and good luck to your friend!

[Deleted]

OK, thanks for that. Think she is going to buy the mare anyway, she has really fallen for her, and it seems the mare has taken to her. Although she is into her showing she really has fallen for this mare, which will be nice for the mare as she will have a home for life. The mare has been used as a pure breeding machine. Once she has had this foal, friend is going to rest her for a good couple of years, and may never put her in foal again, as she thinks she deserves to have her brain put to use, she used to ride and drive even with the one eye.

[khristyne]

I suppose its like humans, you dont miss what you do without!! I am sure she compensates admirably.

I think Clair has a one eyed dales who she shows. I think it would rather depend on the judge.

[SuzieP]

Yes - Clair Dale's Dales mare has one eye and I'm sure she shows her.

[nars]

A friend of mine has owned a few one eyed mares-not that she has a preference, it's just worked out that way!! They've been wonderful horses and I know I wouldn't let it put me off.

[Deleted]

She has bought the mare, having only one eye doesn't bother her at all, she lost it as a 2 year old when kicked in the field, she is now 10. We had a little mare at our yard about a year ago who had only recently lost an eye, and she had real problems, constantly banging herself, really spooky on the blind side etc, this mare is not hindered at all, we have been told she drives, so that will be interesting.

[SuzieP]

See Gill's Bakewell Show pics - Claire Dale is there with her one-eyed mare, Nelly, looking gorgeous as ever (the mare, not Claire - although she's looking great after having the baby too LOL)

[Debbie]

I'm really glad she's gone ahead and bought this mare. Sounds like it will be a wonderful break for her.

[Deleted]

Thanks for the info, had a look at the photo's, will have to show my friend Jane, it would be shame not to show her mare.