Donkeys have been the beast of a burden far too long. “Please when you see any form of neglect or abuse of donkeys speak up. Please become the voice for the donkey. Never fight with people educate and do what you can to help the donkey. Please never ever tie a donkey to another animal to train.” Melody Johnson, Donkey Whisperer Farm ®.
Donkeys deserve only the best in life!
Melody, Good morning!
We are looking into purchasing a necking donkey for our ranch.
We breed, raise and show horses but, are getting to the age where we need help with those young foals that get weaned from mothers and need to learn to lead away from mother, respect, etc. and would like to develop a more gentle approach to getting results, not to mention our bodies are getting where handling the young is tough and we pay for it many days after. Do you know of anyone who specializes in training donkeys for that purpose? Tanya
Tanya, I do not sell donkeys. I do not agree with using a donkey to train a young horse. I personally would never do this to any donkey or the foal. Since you more than likely will do this to a donkey here is my advice; Use a surcingle on the donkey, not a halter on the head or a rope around the neck. I would never ever leave the donkey connected to a foal for longer than 1/2 an hour. I would never ever leave these two unattended.
Donkeys are not stubborn donkeys are intelligent. Depending on the donkey you get this may or may not work. Donkeys grab the neck of another donkey or another animal in play and in battle. Extroverted donkeys will not always stand still and freeze when scared they will fight back. Introverted donkeys will lay down and not get up when terrified or stressed. Sadly, one person says this works and everyone jumps on thinking it is less work for the breeder of horses.
Donkeys need their diet to be tested forage hay 10% or lower in sugar and protein. Donkeys need the farrier on a regular schedule, shots, and teeth just like a horse.
Select Western Horsemanship Magazine to read one of the articles floating around the internet.
Donkey 101 & 102 Video On Demand
Pardon me, but this is a horrifying practice to find out about! I can’t believe this is a ‘thing’. Seriously, how completely cruel to both the horse foal and the donkey. Really, this is horrible. What kind of person thought of doing something like this? Just guessing but sounds on par to some guy already using horses (& other equine) as if inanimate objects, machines to produce stuff/work for humans. Frankly the disconnect, lack of compassion & empathy is disheartening & just gross.
Hi Jules,
Sadly, this was published in the Western Horsemanship Magazine. 🙁
The worst part is when the donkey or foal is ruined the owner sells to auction and meat buyers are waiting. I have rehabilitated way too many donkeys and horses, mules who were left with some serious problems from humans using horrific training methods.
I am the voice for the donkey, mule, and horse.
I many like your beautiful blog. A pleasure to come stroll on your pages. A great discovery and a very interesting blog. I will come back to visit you. Do not hesitate to visit my universe. A soon.
Thank you!