Donkeys

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wildflower

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Hi
Just wondering Can donkeys do things horses can like join up, trot, canter, gallop, and if you have ever ridden one how fast did you go?
thanks,
Wildflower
 
Don't know much about them really. Yard manager had some when I was a kid so rode them bareback occasionally for fun, walk trot & canter, none worked though so we never galloped them. I'd assume you could though if they were fit. Not sure about join up etc but I'd guess you could. These were generally handled the same way you would a pony.
 
We have two donkeys on our yard. A case of buy one get one free in a few months time! Both extremely cute but don't even think you'll ever be able to make them do anything they don't want to! Very strong and very stubborn ;)
 
Not stubborn just careful the more you push the more they dig their heels in (Like the Easop proverb about the wind and the sun you ask politely)
Their trot tends to be short stepped and jerky unless you get a gaited one.They,like mules don't do join up as they are fight not flight but they do the catching game easily.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcCkgbLlBAM
And if you are a good teacher they can do most things a horse can do but differant :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_APQk0IbAc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0cpCyoFS-E&feature=related
 
d5b6baf0.jpg
 
Well I work with 18 donkeys who provide riding therapy for children with special needs and disabilities and can honestly say the donkeys are wonderful to work with. Have a look at the website www.elisabethsvendentrust.org.uk or our Facebook page EST Leeds to see our donkeys in action
 
Hi,
I have two donkeys myself and have to say they do anything you want to really if you take the time to explain things to them. They are very clever and soooo much fun :) But as said above they are fight not flight animals, so dont do any join up with them. And they get stressed very easily which can be life threatening for donkeys. My donkeys were rescue donkeys and especially one of them was extremely scared of humans and did not trust anybody. I found that treats work very well with my two donkeys. When they have a moment where they do not want to walk forward anymore because they find something scary, I just hold a treat infront of their nose and they follow the treat and forget everything else ;) donkeys are awesome :) I also found with mine that it takes them longer to forget something like a bad experience. So I can just say lots and lots of patience, love and treats and they will do anything for you :)
 
Pauli said:
Hi,
I have two donkeys myself and have to say they do anything you want to really if you take the time to explain things to them. They are very clever and soooo much fun :) But as said above they are fight not flight animals, so dont do any join up with them. And they get stressed very easily which can be life threatening for donkeys. My donkeys were rescue donkeys and especially one of them was extremely scared of humans and did not trust anybody. I found that treats work very well with my two donkeys. When they have a moment where they do not want to walk forward anymore because they find something scary, I just hold a treat infront of their nose and they follow the treat and forget everything else ;) donkeys are awesome :) I also found with mine that it takes them longer to forget something like a bad experience. So I can just say lots and lots of patience, love and treats and they will do anything for you :)
Click to expand...

Yup, Pauli hit the nail on the head! My 2 are just the same. Of course, "when they have a moment where they do not want to walk forward anymore because they find something scary," or because they just don't want to walk forward, full stop, treats work every time! They are stubborn and never forget anything. Patience, patience, patience, love and treats will always win the day with donks.
 
wildflower said:
Hi
Just wondering Can donkeys do things horses can like join up, trot, canter, gallop, and if you have ever ridden one how fast did you go?
thanks,
Wildflower
Click to expand...

Donkeys are huge fun. I have never actually seen my donkeys 'gallop' as such rather they seem to have a fast running type canter. Mine have jumped, but only when they wanted - ie when it was fun for them!

My donkeys are ridden (by children) and driven. Whereas a pony will bolt if frightened a donkey will tend to stop and work out what it bothering them - hence whey they can be really good for nervous children and even nervous parents!

I am currently teaching them a few tricks with clicker training - they are so bright and love to work out what you want. Essentially they will do anything you want if they trust you and understand why (hence why clicker training works particularly well with donkeys) but if is very difficult to force a donkey into anything.

Finally, I believe the lady who started Sandon's Saddlery used to do dressage on her donkeys. When I first got mine she gave me some advice and was telling me amazing tales. Be great to find out more about her if anyone knows!
 
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