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Frequently asked questions
Almost all donkeys do have this marking, although it is not always that obvious, especially if they have a dark coat. Please click here for a poem by Molly Spiers that explains why.
That’s a little like asking isn’t it cruel to take your dog for a walk. The answer is a very definite no, provided the harness and carriage are properly fitted / suited and that it is not over-done. Driving keeps the donkeys fit and healthy, and provides them with interest and mental stimulation. They are very intelligent creatures, and the day after a trip out in the carriage will let you know that they enjoyed it. Guildenstern will often come running when he sees the harness.
Firstly, it is NOT used Ben Hur style to force the donkey to go faster! When you ride an animal, you can communicate with it and ask it to steer with the your legs, indicating refinement such as flexion, with your hands. When driving, you only have your voice and reins. The whip replaces the leg. It is there to touch the donkey, for instance on the shoulder, to give it more precise directions on where you want it to go. When steering left in riding, you use the right leg behind the girth. When steering left in driving, you use the whip, flipping the lash over with a turn of the wrist, so it lands gently on the right shoulder.
There are several reasons, firstly, it prevents the donkey being scared by passing vehicles, the motion of the carriage wheels etc., secondly, when driving tandem (one in front of the other) or a team of four, it protects the donkeys eyes from the reins.
They are actually quite flexible, and provide you fold them gently forwards, they fit easily and without any discomfort.
Ours can keep up a steady trot at 8 to 10 miles per hour.
This is generally an unfair judgement, and arises from a lack of understanding about the donkey’s behaviour. If they don’t understand, or are frightened, they tend to stop to assess or confront the situation, rather than fleeing like a horse or pony. With the right training, most will become willing and enjoy trotting out. If a donkey does not like driving once he/she has been schooled, do something else with him/her. Often a donkey that hates driving loves being ridden, or vice-versa.
They are less fussy and more fuel efficient than horses, so they will supplement their main diet of grass with nettles, thistles, brambles etc. We also feed them hay and straw in the winter, and ensure they have a fully balanced diet all year round with low energy, high fibre, vitamin and mineral containing feeds, including alfalfa. They are also given a small amount of carrots and apples
No, we strongly discourage this, and never feed driving donkeys by hand. The reason is simple; the donkeys learn that people, hands, fingers, bags and pockets mean food. They will always ask for it, become very demanding and may accidentally bite fingers, or rip at clothes. This is at best a nuisance, or if you are a blind or a child, could be painful.
They live longer than horses and ponies, and can often reach 40.
A mule has a donkey stallion and a horse mare, a jennet is the other way around.
Generally no, they have hard feet that if kept properly trimmed will be fine on most surfaces.
