Blind horse to compete against the world's best

A blind horse will be among the world's best dressage competitors as it bids for an international title.

Milo's owner Megan Share has admitted "nerves will be through the roof" when the pair enter the dressage arena on Saturday at the Royal International Horse Show, Britain's oldest and most prestigious outdoor equestrian event.

Share, who runs Debdale Riding School in Kidderminster, said: "He amazes me every day with what he does, and we have a really good partnership together."

The duo will be competing at the show in Hickstead, West Sussex, in the veteran category for the Senior Showing and Dressage Association.

Milo has been in the care of Share since he was three years old, and it was not until he was 12 that he began losing his sight, which Share said was "devastating".

"We were advised that he shouldn't be ridden," she said. "But we've managed him and [the vets] have said as long as he copes in the field and is happy, obviously, your world is your oyster.

"We had a year and a half off but then I thought 'if I can manage him on the ground why can't I manage him in the saddle'?

"So since then we've just been competing and treating him as if he [sees]."

Share admitted she was surprised her hoofed companion had made it this far.

They qualified for the prestigious event when they took part in the Wiltshire Horse Show in February on their first attempt.

"I didn't even expect him to win his category, let alone become champion," she said.

"But he's achieving more dreams than I ever thought he'd be able to give me.

"We didn't think he'd be able to qualify for Royal International, so that's another bucket list item ticked off."

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