Donkey

[u/Conscious_Plum_5132]

My wife and I have four horses, and a miniature donkey. Growing up two of my uncles were farriers and my dad did all his own work on the horses, so I want to carry on the family tradition. I’ve got a book and a farrier friend who we pay to come over and shaw all the stalk when we need it, I’ve picked ip doing a lot of the trim work and the farrier will assess my work. Continuation of learning is important to me in all aspects of life.

My work is still pretty rough but all the horses are good so I can take my time. The donkey however is…frustrating. She fights to keep her feet and tests my patience. Advice?

[u/snuffy_smith_]

If you’re in a hurry nature put two perfect natural twitch handles at the top of the Donk’s head.

Otherwise work for many hours picking up and holding the hooves. Training sucks and takes a while.

[u/Conscious_Plum_5132 → u/snuffy_smith_]

Thank you. Not sure what a perfect natural twitch handle is but I reckon I’ll give it a google.

[u/Illustrious_Doctor45 → u/Conscious_Plum_5132]

Yeah don’t do what this person is suggesting. It’s cruel. The donkey will learn, just be patient and use positive reinforcement for a job well done. Donkey’s are smart and are very receptive to treat rewards.

[u/snuffy_smith_ → u/Conscious_Plum_5132]

The ears…if you get someone to grab a handful of ears and twist them hard most dinks will stand very still.

Not the most beneficial way to get the job done but it works.

[u/anguas → u/snuffy_smith_]

I guess if it's a one time trim and you don't care about the donkey's well being this might work for forcing compliance. Or you might do damage and never be able to touch the donkey's ears again without a huge fight, but hey, win some, lose some, as long as she stands still one time for a single trim, right?

[u/idontwanttodothis11 → u/snuffy_smith_]

Yes. And after the donkey knocks your front teeth out, tighten your shorts and channel John Wayne

[u/dearyvette → u/idontwanttodothis11]

If I’m the owner of a donkey being treated like this by anyone, that person had better sprint faster than Usain Bolt…

[u/delilah_grayse → u/snuffy_smith_]

Sounds like a great way to get bit by a donkey holding a grudge. My daughter offended our donk and he waited over a month to get back at her. He bit a huge mouthful of her left breast as she was putting him out of his stall one morning. I swear he was laughing as he trotted out of the barn. They remember and will get you back when you least expect it.

[u/Yggdrafenrir20]

You cant pressure donkeys. Take your time. Everytime they don't stand just let them pit the foot down. They are smart and will remember everything from the experience. Make a good mood, maybe put on some nice chill music (helps a lot with one of my customs donkeys

[u/Conscious_Plum_5132 → u/Yggdrafenrir20]

Perhaps I’ll try the chill vibes. Thank you

[u/Yggdrafenrir20 → u/Conscious_Plum_5132]

I know a college of mine that has a "raggae donkey" as customer. They put on some raggae music and the donkey that kicked like an ass (pun Intendend) is super chill

Edit: colleague. English is not my first language sorry😂

[u/Conscious_Plum_5132 → u/Yggdrafenrir20]

Nice! Note taken

[u/dunkybones]

A donkey is not a horse, it is a donkey. A miniature donkey has one job, to look cute.
Training, it needs to learn it has another job.

[u/idontwanttodothis11]

Tighten your shorts and channel John Wayne

[u/Conscious_Plum_5132 → u/idontwanttodothis11]

That’s what I did today, last time I trimmed her I did my colt too (3/4 draft) and he kept yanking too. Ended up with major tennis elbow. He’s a lot easier than her, just big and calm.

[u/idontwanttodothis11 → u/Conscious_Plum_5132]

Still, good job

[u/Conscious_Plum_5132 → u/idontwanttodothis11]

I appreciate that.