Milo the blind Appaloosa horse competes in elite dressage

Milo, a 15-year-old Appaloosa horse, has continued to compete in elite dressage competitions despite suffering complete blindness in both eyes at age 13. Based in Worcestershire, England, Milo has successfully returned to competitive arenas, earning accolades including eight consecutive years at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

To navigate the arena and stables, Milo utilizes an enhanced sense of hearing and touch. His rider and owner, 28-year-old Megan Sear of the Debdale Riding School, describes their communication as a form of tactile feedback similar to Braille. Sear notes that Milo interprets pressure applied to him and uses his own hooves on the ground to sense his surroundings.

Sear, who has owned Milo since he was three years old, emphasizes the deep bond required to compete against sighted horses, stating, "I became his eyes." The pair is currently preparing for major upcoming dressage competitions.