FAWN'S FREE SPIRIT (Comanche)
Foaling Date: May 8, 1996 Perris, California
Breed: Appaloosa (1/4 Arabian)
Color: Dark Bay with coat pattern: spots over back and hips; star, snip; RH no leg markings, other legs partial
ankle.
Age: 13
Gender: Gelding
Registered: ApHC #553231
Ht: 15.3HH
Transfer of ownership to the Rescue: June 13, 2009.
Arrival at foster home: June 14, 2009.
Sire: Mighty David
Dam: Arapafawn
Special Needs Horse: Sight-impaired. No vision in right eye. Cataracts starting in left. Prone
to uveitis. Update: March 30, 2010: Comanche has now lost his sight.
We don't know a lot about Comanche, but what we do know is he was abandoned at his stable by a former owner. Two
incredibly generous women who board at the facility took an interest in him and adopted him. As one of them told the Director "Comanche
was misunderstood." Her gentle and kind ways brought this horse into a new world. He was being ridden almost daily and
happy as a horse could be. All it took was love and understanding.
Comanche had no vision in his right eye when he came to our foster home in June 2009. He had
developed painful uveitis in the left eye the previous Spring. The vet placed him on medication and he responded
well, but the vet was honest about the prognosis. Comanche most likely would eventually be completely blind. Cataracts
were starting to form in the left eye and in all probability uveitis would reoccur.
Faced with this future prospect, the new owners wanted to secure a future for him. They sent out 70 emails
to rescue organizations. Their friends told them they would never find a home for a vision-impaired horse in this economy.
We responded immediately to their inquiry with "how can we help." After our email blast went out to our network, the
Rescue's board Vice President, Jaya Daniel, said she and her husband were drawn to Comanche and his issues and there
were numerous signs he belonged with them.
So he joined their 5 other horses on their ranch in Ojai.
In March 2010, we had a second animal communication session with Comanche and a vet evaluation of his
eyes. The results were as we feared. Comanche has no discernible vision. Despite this report, Comanche told us of his desire
to be with his "teenage girl"-his former rider. He is confident that through a trusted rider he will be fine walking out,
being ridden etc.
We are motivated by his positive mental state and wish to seek an opportunity for him to realize this potential
of his. He is not ready for retirement.
When good people step up and get involved ---equine lives are changed forever.
