Lunging a one-eye horse

Question
Hi Leigh, My name is Jennifer and I've owned a thorough bred named Zac for 12 years. We have pretty much done everything together. He is a wonderful horse and a great companion. He recently he lost his left eye due to an abscess on his cornea. This was two years ago. I have ridden many times since then but he shies alot when I go out. I haven't as much time to ride these days so thought I'd start lunging him and ride a couple of times a week. I've attempted to lunge him and he does lunge but straight into a trot (sometimes a canter)and often stops, facing me and sometimes he backs up. He will not lunge on his blind side (left) at all. He gets very nervous in these attempts.(On both sides). I think mainly from the lunge whip. I carry the whip (normally behind me)but I never have to use it. If I don't carry it it's hard to get him going. Do you have any techniques or tips on lunging him? I'm determined to master this and willing to be patient as it will take time.
Your help is much appreciated, thank you.
Regards Jennifer.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

You're very right in your assertion that it will take time and patience.   When a horse is disabled in such a way, it's extremely important that you have his trust if he is to continue to work in a normal way.

Your horse needs to learn how to lunge correctly.  For the time being I would forget about his 'blind side' and just work on his OK side.  I think perhaps you could do with some help from an instructor or knowledgeable friend as it sounds like you need to brush up on your lunging skills too.

Once he is working well on his good side, it's a matter of repeating everything on his blind side.

There will be many bumps and frustrations but there is no reason why this problem can't be fixed with a lot of patience and a good eye on the ground.

Good luck!