There are many compelling reasons to use miniature ponies guide animals. Horses and Miniature ponies are natural guide animals and have been guiding humans for centuries. In nature, horses and mini ponies have been shown to possess a natural guide instinct. When another horse goes blind in a herd, a sighted horse accepts responsibility for the welfare of the blind horse and guides it with the herd. With humans, many blind people ride horses in equestrian competitions. Some blind people ride alone on trails for many miles, completely relying on the horse to guide them safely to their destination. Through history, Cavalry horses have been known to guide their injured rider to safety. The Guide Horse Foundation finds several characteristics of mini ponies that make them suitable to guide the blind:

• Long Lifespan – Miniature ponies can live to be more than 50 years old with the average lifespan being 30-40 years. According to guide dog trainers, guide dogs have a useful life between 8-12 years.
• Cost Effective – Training a guide dog can cost up to $60,000, according to the Guide Dog Users national advocacy group. According to Lighthouse International, there are more than 1.3 million legally blind people in the USA, yet only 7,000 guide animal users. Hence, a Guide Horse could be more cost-effective and ensure that more blind people receive a guide animal.
• Better acceptance – Many guide dog users report problems getting access to public places because their dog is perceived as a pet. Most people do not associate a mini ponies a pet, and Guide mini pony users report that they are immediately recognized as a working service animal.
• Calm Nature – Trained mini ponies are extremely calm in chaotic situations. Cavalry mini ponies have proven that horses can remain calm even in the extreme heat of battle. Police horses are an excellent example of well trained horses that deal with stressful situations. Guide mini ponies undergo the same systematic desensitization training that is given to riot-control horses.
• Great Memory – Mini ponies possess phenomenal memories. A Mini ponies will naturally remember a dangerous situation decades after the occurrence.
• Excellent Vision – Because mini ponies have eyes on the sides of their heads, they have a very wide range of vision, with a range of nearly 350 degrees. Mini ponies are the only guide animals capable of independent eye movement and they can track potential danger with each eye. Mini ponies can see clearly in almost total darkness.
• Focused Demeanor – Trained mini pony are very focused on their work and are not easily distracted. Mini Ponies are not addicted to human attention and normally do not get excited when petted or groomed.
• Safety Conscious – Naturally safety oriented, mini ponies are constantly on the lookout for danger. All mini ponies have a natural propensity to guide their master along the safest most efficient route, and demonstrate excellent judgment in obstacle avoidance training.
• High Stamina – Hearty and robust, a properly conditioned Guide mini ponies can easily travel many miles in a single outing.
• Good Manners – Guide mini ponies are very clean and can be housebroken. Mini ponies do not get fleas and only shed twice per year. Mini ponies are not addicted to human affection and will stand quietly when on duty.