Re: Burro (donkey) question?

["GESA BRINKS" <gesaeqfx@pe.net>]

I wouldnt worry about riding the little guy yet.  Give him until he is about
3yrs old before you try riding him.  Donkeys are extremely smart and for the
most part exceptionally gentle.  If you ever get a mean one...get rid of it.
There are way too many kind ones in the world to have to worry over a nasty
one.    They seem to learn slower than a horse.  That isnt really true.
They just ask what, why and where more than a horse does.  If you have a
problem leading him somewhere then go from behind (John Lyons style) and
drive it forward.  Pulling just isnt going to work for the most part.  Do
the same type of ground work as you would for a horse.  Desensitization
exercises,  Tarps, trash cans, flags, balloons etc. Manuvering trail course
type obstacles, bathing, clipping, brushing, trimming of feet etc. pretty
much the same as a horse.  Well, bathing can be a bit different.  When I
bathe my jack and squirt him from the front, he tries to start swimming.
Gotta dodge his front feet.  He looks like he is doing a funky spanish walk
<bg>.   Donkeys are easier to reason with than a horse is.  They "will"
think themselves out of a situation.  This sometimes is not such a good
thing! :-)   PATIENCE is the key word when working with a donkey.  They will
mess with your mind if they can.  You will be trying to teach it something
and think it is the stupidest thing on the earth.  It just wont catch on or
will seem to refuse to learn.  Take what it is willing to give you and
praise it and move on to something else.  Come back to it a little later.
When you go to teach it some more the next time, dont be too surprised if he
does it perfectly the first time out.  Donkeys and mules seem to have the
ability to ponder over what transpired during their training sessions.  I
know this sounds weird but its true.  I have had major arguments with a
donkey or a mule and felt like I lost the battle because I had to settle for
much less than I wanted from them.  Then the next time I take them
out...presto!!!!  Look mom, I can do it now!!! ( hehehehe)  Donkeys and
mules DO have a sense of humor.  You will find out how much of one as they
test yours.  Donkeys and mules are really special people, as you will learn.
Enjoy him,  there is probably a good reason he came into your life.
gesa n clovis (I'm a 1/2 ass horse) n sky (ooh those ears!)




-----Original Message-----
From: lbhbhnck <lbhbhnck@ftc-i.net>
To: ridecamp@endurance.net <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Tuesday, May 02, 2000 5:57 PM
Subject: RC: Burro (donkey) question?


>Anyone out there who has any knowledge of burros, how they think,
>training, care of feet, general care, etcetera...
>
>I suppose the Good Lord has a sense of humor. At the Greenway Gallop
>when I brought the prayer to close the ride meeting, I prayed for the
>safety of all horses and riders. Danny Herlong was there with his mule
>and made a point of having me pray especially for his mule. At Million
>PInes, I made a point to pray for the safety of riders and "equines" at
>the ride.
>
>Yesterday when I got home from work, teaching high school Spanish, my
>husband was unloading an 11 month old BURRO(DONKEY) in the front yard.
>This was one of the last animals I ever expected my non-equestrian
>husband to ever bring home.
>
>Now we have a young, very friendly grey donkey. He's about 36" tall.
>Each hoof has been trimmed at a different angle. My granddaughter(five
>years old) is ecstatic, because she has a new friend that she can lead
>around anywhere she wants to go.
>
>My concerns are that I am totally ignorant in the ways of donkeys. This
>one obviously needs worming and a good farrier. The vet and farrier have
>been called.
>
>I am at a loss as to where to go beyond the daily maintenance of grass,
>hay, water, brushing and shelter.
>
>Are they close enough to horses that the same training techniques will
>work? I picture all the cartoons of a donkey kicking out or sitting down
>and refusing to do something, or the films of the fat old Jesuit priest
>riding one across the rugged Western scenery in old movies. At what age
>should I start teaching him to ground drive, or put the old pony saddle
>on his back or a bit in his mouth. I know 11 months is way too young for
>serious training, but a few minutes a day of basics ...???
>I guess I need advice and a place to start.
>
>Lucie Hancock
>"mother" hen to 3 arabs and a burro.
>
>
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