Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

"Moon Blindess" affects Staying Together

April 26, 2005

The 1993 Horse of the Year, Staying Together, a resident at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions, is blind in both eyes, from equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), sometimes referred to as "moon blindness."

"He has uveitis in both eyes," says Horse Park Equine Care Supervisor Tom Hamblen. "At first it showed up in one eye and the veterinarian said it could spread to the other one and sure enough, it did. He has his good days and his bad days, we think he sees shadows some days. He’s turned out every day, he’s adapted well and he’s got his goat [named Billy]. He’s eating fine – he’s always been an easy keeper."

Hamblen says Staying Together, known as "Stanley" to his caretakers at the Horse Park, is not participating in the daily shows revolving around the horses in the Hall of Champions, which is home to John Henry and several other Thoroughbreds, along with champions of other breeds. He has been a favorite at the Park for his calm demeanor with staff and guests. Western Dreamer, winner of the 1997 Pacing Triple Crown, represents the Standardbred at the daily shows, with Staying Together close by in his paddock.

Staying Together is now 16. He won $1.6 million and has a record of 1:48.2. ERU is the most common cause of blindness in the horse. It gets its nickname because of the recurring nature of the disease, once thought to coincide with phases of the moon. It is an inflammation of the vascular structures of the eye and is an immune-mediated disease process triggered by a variety of causes.