Blind man with phobia of dogs given UK’s first ever guide horse

Digby the two-foot-tall guide horse is currently in training

Digby the eight-month-old guide horse, with Mohammed Salim Patel (L) and trainer Katy Smith (BBC NW)

A visually impaired BBC journalist from Blackburn with a phobia of dogs is to become the UK’s first person ever to be given a guide horse.

Mohammed Salim Patel is to due to receive Digby, an eight-month-old American miniature horse who stands two feet tall, who will help with improving his mobility and carrying out daily tasks.

Mr Patel suffers from a degenerative eye condition called retinis pigmentosa, but does not want a guide dog to a long-standing phobia.

Digby is currently in training before he can help Mr Patel on the streets of Blackburn.

Mr Patel told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I have a big phobia of dogs that I was not able to work out and it was good when I heard about horses being trained.

“I have always loved horses but it is good to see the benefits to people who are visually impaired.”

Speaking about Digby’s training, which will take two years, Mr Patel added: “He needs to get used to being out and about in Blackburn.

“I also think I will have to give myself an extra hour to try to get around my daily routine as people will all want to come and see it and touch it.”

Guide horses are already used by some visually impaired people in the US. Proponents say the animals are arguably better than guide dogs due to their longevity, as they can live to be 30 years old.

Digby will join Mr Patel at work at BBC North West, where he will reportedly wear “thunderpants” so he doesn’t make a mess in the office.

During a radio appearance on BBC Lancashire on Monday, Digby endeared himself to listeners by munching on a microphone – footage of which was broadcast by the BBC.