Mammoth Donkeys :)

[2happyhaffies]

I have a beautiful mammoth donkey, just turning 6 years old this month. I know there aren’t a lot of donkey riders out there, but if there are any on the forum, I’d love to know if you have any pointers, experiences, whatever, re: training, riding, activities, etc.

I plan to trail ride, do obstacles, low level dressage, maybe do some driving, and just hang out together. I’ve had Maisie for 3 years, and we have a good, solid foundation. This will be our first year with more than minimal under-saddle work. Mammoths are like big horse breeds- they develop more slowly physically and mentally, so she is about the right age to start riding. She is about 15 hands, very sweet and a fast learner. I have had horses for ages, and there are a lot of similarities, but some major differences as well. I have gotten the OK to show her in local schooling shows, so maybe this summer we will make our debut Any other donkey riders out there? How’s it going?

[emipou]

I demand photos please.

[NoSuchPerson]

The Alberta Donkey and Mule Club has a nice web site. http://www.albertadonkeyandmule.com/

There have quite a few articles, including this recent one on training and riding saddle donkeys.

http://www.albertadonkeyandmule.com/pdfs/TRAINING_AND_RIDING_TIPS_FOR_SADDLE_DONKEYS.pdf

I would love to have a saddle donkey some day.

[Salty]

I want pictures, too! This sounds like so much fun, & I’m glad you got permission to show your donkey.

I have a 10 hand mule, but no advice about riding donkeys. My mule is very smart, & enjoys tricks.

[goodhors]

You may want to expand her career into Driving. Being multi-use lets you enjoy her even more! Make sure she understands what you are asking, so she cooperates well. They may question new things a lot, then go right into them. Any of the Donkey and Mule Assoc. Stuff could be very helpful to let you think like they do. See their view of things.

Enjoy her,educate her well. Hoping you two have lots of fun together in future years!

[chestnutmarebeware]

There was a thread a few weeks ago about another poster who acquired a Mammoth jenny. I believe she keeps a blog. If you scroll back a page or two in Off Course you should be able to find it.

For more info on the breed and to connect with other owners/breeders, you can contact The LIvestock Conservancy (livestockconservancy.org). They’re a great resource!

Found it!
https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/off-course/10024713-so-last-week-i-did-something-crazy-and-bought-a

[Abbie.S]

I have two minis, one of whom drives. Obviously too small to ride but we pack with them, too.

One of the things I’ve found is donkeys don’t process physical pressure the same way horses do. Horses can be taught to give to pressure and while donkeys can too, they don’t seem to be nearly as concerned if the pressure increases. Whereas a horse will go “gosh, how do I make this go away?” the donkey will say “oh, hey, nice to see you too!” and lean harder.

So we took the pressure game veerrrrryyy slowly and now they respond exactly like your typical horse, but if we don’t get the answer immediately, you have to wait on them. I’ve heard it said that one must train a donkey the way one should train a horse. I have to agree.

We also use a LOT of voice commands with our two boys. I also have used a lot of positive reinforcement with treats: a donkey needs a good reason to do what you ask, so for things that really bothered them at first, like walking into the trailer, I had carrot chunks and used them liberally. A couple days of working at it and they walk right up and right off without a hitch since.

[GrayCatFarm]

So darn cute!