Equines: Horses and Donkeys

Donkeys and horses share many similarities, but their nutritional requirements and digestion systems are very distinct. Donkeys and horses evolved in very different environments. When horses were already grazing the lush Great Plains of North America, the Wild African Ass was nibbling on shrubs and succulents in the arid African desert.  Donkeys have evolved to […]

  I remember riding a donkey as a child, and it was perhaps one of the most jarring experiences of my life. Donkeys weren’t exactly built for comfort, but they can really carry a load. This is exactly what makes donkeys great pack animals.  With their sturdy little legs, they easily carry massive loads on

  All horse owners want the best for their equine companions. Unfortunately, many modern management regimes are so far removed from a horse’s natural behavior that they cause more harm than good.  Obesity is increasingly common as stabled horses fail to get enough exercise and consume feeds that contain more starch and sugar than they

Donkeys are stoic animals with an insensitive cough reflex. They are rarely trained or worked as intensively as horses. As a result of these factors, a donkey may suffer from a respiratory condition for months without its owner noticing. Respiratory illnesses, therefore, often go unnoticed until they reach a more severe or chronic state. When

  Measuring the height of a horse is not an easy prospect, even with valuable tools like measuring sticks and tapes. Horses don’t always stand still. Finding a flat surface for them to stand on is also challenging. It’s little wonder, then, that people have been measuring horses in hands for thousands of years.  Why are horses

I vaguely recall riding a donkey some 30 or so years ago. We were on holiday at the Welsh seaside resort of Llandudno, where donkey rides have been popular among tourists for, well, donkeys’ years! Riding donkeys can be a pleasant, educational experience if you pick the right breed. Unfortunately, I had the wrong breed. 

  After a few riding lessons, it’s natural to start considering getting your own horse to care for and bond with. Owning a horse is a big undertaking in financial investment, time, and responsibility.  Many people get fixated on the cost of the horse, overlooking the costs associated with keeping that horse fit and happy.

Horses are naturally sensitive animals. And, spooked horses are dangerous. When your horse seems overly jumpy and jittery, it could also signify that something is wrong.  Why does my horse spook so easily? Horses spook for many reasons. The most common include a lack of confidence, a lack of relationship and trust with the handler, 

  When I first got a pair of donkeys for my homestead, I didn’t quite know how to feed them. At first, I turned them out with my horses, but this didn’t work out ideally. That’s because these equids soon began competing for the choicest sections of the pasture.  I was also unsure of what

  When I purchased my first donkey, I believed it would simply graze without any health issues. After all, I had never really heard of a sick donkey. I had no idea what a sick donkey would look like. But when my first donkey lay down and wouldn’t get up, I realized something was wrong.