Equines: Horses and Donkeys

  Senior horses are a joy to keep and have plenty to offer. They’re prized for their laid-back attitudes and experience. Of course, old horses also come with a lot of responsibility and special care. If you are considering purchasing an older horse, you may be asking if it’s worth it. As a responsible horse […]

  Donkeys are easy-going animals most of the time. They prefer to communicate their feelings with a twitch of the ears rather than with aggression. If threatened, however, donkeys will use their teeth and hindlegs to protect themselves, their territory, and their herd.  Why do donkeys bite? Donkeys use biting as a form of communication

As mules become increasingly popular, people like myself are beginning to wonder if there might not be some advantages to owning and riding mules instead of horses.  What are the pros and cons of owning a mule? Mules have the best qualities of both the horse and the donkey combined. They’re larger than the donkey,

  When my first foal arrived, I was overjoyed. It was pure bliss to watch this tiny gangly creature shape into a miniature version of her mom. Soon, I realized I would have to start weaning my foal.  While I’d always had adult horses under my care, I hadn’t had to wean a foal before,

  I loved ponies as a child and still delight in their quirky temperaments and can-do attitudes as an adult. I’m not alone. The popularity of various pony breeds has soared during the lockdown, especially in the UK and Europe. Their prices have sky-rocketed as a result. That’s hardly surprising when the best pony breeds

Ponies have an irresistible charm that makes them a favorite among beginners and seasoned equestrians alike – and children. Their small size and cute appearance appeal to young children who are intimidated by horses.  In addition, ponies are notorious for providing an excellent foundation for children learning to ride. Children often gain a friend in

Donkeys are hardy equids. They usually are blessed with a lush rug of hair that is either dense or curly. Seeing unsightly balding patches of alopecia all over your dearest donkey’s body is not pleasant. It can be downright problematic.  I was worried when my little donkey began to have balding patches along her face.

A long-circulated yet unsubstantiated statistic claims that more people are killed by donkeys each year than by plane crashes. While that’s unlikely, a donkey can deliver a deadly blow with its hind legs.  How do you approach a donkey so it doesn’t kick you? Start in front of the donkey, standing slightly to one side so

Donkeys can’t run as fast as horses and have evolved ways of fighting off a threat rather than fleeing from it. Some people utilize this trait, using donkeys to defend their livestock against predators. Others find the donkey’s seemingly aggressive behavior off-putting, Especially when it involves kicking out violently with his hind legs.  Why do

A horse needs to be at a healthy weight for his body to function correctly. Obesity can cause a wide range of performance-related problems and diseases. It’s also prevalent in pleasure horses across the world, with studies showing that nearly half the horses in the UK are either fat or very fat.  A vet from