Odd question... involving a donkey...

[only_me]

Hi

We have 2 donkey colts (soon to become geldings!), they were a birthday present for my dad and YO's hubby, with the general intention of them being pretty field orndaments/companions and doing the odd show or 2!

So they are in good condition (ish) and probably need more but loathed to as the grass is coming through now and we do NOT need laminitic donkeys! Plus the fact that they are my horse's best buddies

But they will accept a head collar, are "interesting" to lead (i have a vid of my dad and YO's hubby trying to "lead" them if you lot are interested!) as generally can be, well, stubborn

But I have no problems with them, infact they will lead for me (well rather the bucket!) and come on call (with the help of mr. bucket!)

So, There is a few county shows coming up with donkey classes, and I would like to be able to bring them to it so the men can "show" them as there is prize money (which fuels beer) and a prize for supreme donkey!!

My question is basically this - what bridle do you use on a donkey, and how easy is it to mouth them and teach them to lead? I have 2 weeks could it be done?!

 

[milliepops]

Bumping this before it disappears off the page I used to look after a couple of donkeys in my old job and I'm sure we used fairly thin straightbar bits on them. That may have been correct... may not

Ours always had 'interesting' moments but were generally quite quick to pick things up - they do seem rather more intelligent than horses, which helps in some cases and not in others if you see what I mean

 

[Donkeymad]

Donkeys are extremely fast learners and you can most certainly train them to lead nicely with a bridle in just two weeks. An ordinary in-hand bridle will do nicely, although many like to show donkeys with clencher browbands. The only issue with donkeys and bridles is that donkeys have very wide foreheads, and an ordinary pony bridle will probably require the browband to be replaced by a larger one.
I run a very friendly and active donkey forum, which you are welcome to join for advice, but being honest, for showing advice you would be best off asking on the Donkey Breed Society Forum Board. The showing people use that one more, and there are lovely people who will answer any showing questions you have.

My Forum www.donkeyforum.proboards.com

DBS Forum Board http://www.forum.donkeybreedsociety.co.uk/

I hope this helps, and please feel free to ask any donkey questions at any time.

PS. I need photos

 

[only_me]

how about a video? will try and upload it, but in the mean time, some photos

thank you, have spoken to the "owners" and they would like to drive the donkeys, (to pub and back, lucky its an old country one ) so looks like that is my summer project, lucky my YO has driven (and won windsor!) really

They wont win any beauty contests, but they are very cute

 

[milliepops]

Awww they are cute! I grew quite attached to the donks I looked after, they are real characters