Driving Donkey

[dressagedreamer]

My dream is about to come true and I am buying a young donkey (3 years) he is not very big about 12 hands. I was thinking of what job to give him and I thought about driving.

Can anyone give me advice on how to start to break him to a cart and what kind of cart to buy etc

Thanks

 

[RutlandH2O]

You should contact the Donkey Breed Society. They are very keen on donkey driving and offer classes and opportunities to learn. They can give you plenty of good advice on harness and training vehicles, as well. Good luck.

 

[RutlandH2O]

Just noticed your location. There are quite a number of "donkey" people in and around your area.

 

[dressagedreamer]

Just noticed your location. There are quite a number of "donkey" people in and around your area.

thanks for the advice, I didn't realise there was a lot of donkey people around here, I don't know of any in the area

 

[jeeve]

Good luck and pictures please

 

[lazybee]

I have a driving Donk.

The first thing you have to remember is they're NOT horses. They have a totally different temperament and a different outlook on life They hate repetition and soon get bored, once something is learnt it stays learnt. For example if you show him a bag in the hedge he won't even look at another one. They should have company unless they've always lived alone. Mine lives quite happily with the horses as it's all he knows. Donkeys prefer other donkeys. They get so attached it's difficult to separate them; even if you want to take one out for a drive. I had mine between the shafts and driving in only 8 days. There's probably a few little quirks to get used to. Mine point blankly refused to walk through a puddle to get into his stable, but is quite happy to splash through a ford

They are very entertaining though, I'm sure you'll have fun, Great characters, very friendly and don't forget the loud welcoming bray you'll get every morning

You could have a look here: http://www.donkeyforum.proboards.com This is a friendly informal group with a few donkey drivers.


Here's my 15:3hh Mega donk

 

[mandwhy]

15.3hh! I had no idea you could get a donkey that size! Do people ride donkeys other than to go to Bethlehem etc? I am imagining some kind of 18hh dressage donkey now....

 

[lazybee]

15.3hh! I had no idea you could get a donkey that size! Do people ride donkeys other than to go to Bethlehem etc? I am imagining some kind of 18hh dressage donkey now....

He's a Baudet de Poitou they are big 'uns No use for riding though, as their backs aren't very strong. There are a few good strong breeds for riding like the Andalusian or the American mammoths (I don't know anything about the American ones)

 

[dressagedreamer]

wow love the donkey in the trap great view

I am so looking forward to bringing Gabriel home, he likes playing with a ball and trying to hold it under water, he has lived alone, but I am turning him out with some young horse and a very old horse, that if they get on, if not he will have to become a borzoi. He is 11.2HH so he is little and he is 3 years old.

From what I read, donkeys are very similar in lots of ways as andalucians so hopefully we will understand each other quickly.

Here is a photo of my new obsession

 

[Phoebe]

I would just love a donk. Are they ever driven in pairs?

 

[CalamityJaneMule]

Welcome to the world of long ears - you're in for some great fun! DBS can offer lots of advice, for care guides call the Donkey Sanctuary or look at their website - lots of free leaflets and info.

 

[jeeve]

my parents bought me a donkey when I was 8 as I was horse mad and they were not. She was a well educated donkey, but she was very naughty with me, I fell off most times I rode. However, when i eventually improved, she actually behaved really well. We put her in foal as we had goats and every time they kidded she stole the babies off the mums and tried to look after them. He was a sweetie as well. When I get more time I am taking up driving as I think I will enjoy it as much if not more than riding, and now you have me thinking about a donkey again.