Horses go blind for many reasons. Here are some of the ones we have experienced:

     1. Equine uveitis, a recurrent infection often
            referred to as moon blindness.

     2. Traumatic injury to the brain or eye.

     3. Cataracts.

     4. Eyes poked out by sticks, etc.

     5. Born this way.

Some people are afraid of blind horses because they believe that since people use sight to maintain balance, horses do the same. In our experience, blind horses move no differently than sighted horses. My personal theory is that horses use their vision to scan for prey more than to balance. People are trying to think about how they would react to being blind, and they become afraid that blind horses will trip, step on someone, fall, etc. This has not been our experience at all. Our blind horses are exceptionally sure-footed, maybe even more so because they are clearly paying attention to their feet. They may walk more cautiously than sighted horses  – and then again, some don't even do that. If we can begin to think like horses and not like people, we will lose our fear of their blindness. One cannot usually tell from a distance which of our horses are blind and which are not. They all move the same and interact with each other similarly.

Flurry’s Hope is named after Flurry, a blind horse that was given to Emilie Storch. This horse became an excellent mount but died suddenly in May of 2007. Because of her experience with Flurry, Emilie realized that wonderful horses were being killed just because they were blind. The blindness did not hinder their abilities to be ridden and enjoyed. As a matter of fact, it often made them better horses who did not run away, listened to their riders and who made deeper emotional connections. Flurry’s Hope began with the vision to rescue these horses heading to an untimely death and to raise public awareness of their ability to be excellent horses to ride. By February 2010, we will have 14 blind horses living here. Many others have come through our program.

     1. Do you have any extra hay?

     2. Can you help clear land?

     3. Do you have extra tack?

     4. Round pen panels?

     5. Help build shelters?

LET US KNOW. WE NEED YOU! BLESS YOU!

     1. They are blind.

     2. They are below the age of 20 and otherwise healthy.

     3. They are ride-able.

     4. Their lives are in danger.

Would you please make a contribution to help the work with blind horses?
Our work is supported only by donations from caring people like you. Donations to Flurry's Hope will help fund further public awareness and help for blind horses. We are a 501(c)3 organization and your donations are tax deductible. Please send your donations to:

570 Lowe Rd

Madison, NC 27025

You can also click here to make your donation via Secure PayPal. We appreciate any amount that you can give, and everything you give will go directly to the work. Our volunteers take no salary, so that you can make a difference. Thank you!

Everyone Needs a Second Chance!

The mission of Flurry’s Hope is to show the treasure in blind horses and their potential for riding.  We offer help to others in learning how to care for and train their blind horses.  

We are located on 30 beautiful acres at the corner of Lowe and Sharp Roads in Madison, NC. Our neighbors in Madison have welcomed us with open arms, and we feel so much a part of the community. As may you know, our ministry is not only to provide a sanctuary for blind horses but all kinds of second chances happen there. It seems that the heart of all who hear about us resonates to the message that we must provide second chances in life to everyone. This is how we can see God's redemptive nature at work. It's never too late for God to redeem our lives. No matter what has happened... no matter what shape we are in... God can always do amazing things... better than we thought, hoped or even dreamed!

Our precious blind horse, Promise, is learning dressage techniques from her friend, Deirdre.  Doesn't she look great? Can you imagine completing "horse ballet" blind? Anything is possible!

Rainbow over Fiddle!

This is the former 506, the rescue horse
that was not named for 20 years,
because she was used only for breeding.
We call her Fiddle, and she is grateful
for a Second Chance at the Ranch.
Look at God's rainbow promise
of protection over her!

Want some books about horses and others who deserve second chances? Learn more about this and other books by following this link to www.restingplacebooks.com. Also, please visit other "horse-friendly" websites, like HorseFriendsNC.

In October 2009, Dr. Emilie Storch and Flurry's Hope were the front page news for the Madison Messenger. We are privileged to share the entire story with you. Just click on the picture of Dr. Storch (to the left, with Holiday).

In November 2009, the High Point Enterprise ran a story on Flurry's Hope. Click on the picture of Flurry to the right to enjoy the entire article.

We need people who will adopt one of these special animals that are referred to us. We are glad to help with as much information and support as possible. Please contact Dr. Emilie Storch for more details.

Flurry's Hope

570 Lowe Road

Madison, NC 27025

336.420.1105

emilie@flurryshope.com