Growing up with donkeys was such a cool experience! These animals are super smart and sweet, always ready to hang out with you. I was around them as soon as I could walk, and some of my earliest memories are of me in the field, petting their super soft noses, feeling their warm breath on my face, and watching their big ears twitch to catch even the tiniest sounds.
But living with donkeys wasn’t always calm. If you’ve ever heard one bray up close, you know how loud and surprising it can be! Despite being noisy sometimes, donkeys can be really sneaky. The leader of our herd, Bruno, was the king of slipping through half-open gates to snack on grass in places he wasn’t supposed to go.
Bruno had a bit of a mysterious past, which made him a little wary of men, except for my dad, whom he trusted. Whenever strangers like vets or builders came to our farm, Bruno would sneak up behind them and give them a cheeky nip on the backside, almost like he was making sure they behaved!
Sensitive Souls
Donkeys are also sensitive to what’s going on around them and can pick up on how you’re feeling. If you come near them when you’re stressed or in a bad mood, don’t be surprised if they keep their distance. But if you’re calm and relaxed, they’ll be your best buddy. When you’re feeling down, a donkey might even rest his head on your shoulder, silently letting you know he’s there for you.
It’s no surprise that donkeys are often used as therapy animals—they’re amazing at helping people deal with their feelings. If you ever think about getting a donkey, just remember they’re herd animals and need friends. A lonely donkey is a sad donkey, so they really need other donkeys to be happy.
We sadly lost Bruno and Willow last year, but our remaining donkey, Toby, has made good friends with my pony Duke—donkeys make great companion animals for horses, too!
Special Care
Donkeys aren’t really made for rainy or wet places. Even though they grow thick coats in winter to stay warm, they need shelter to stay dry since they’re originally from hot, dry areas—nothing like the wet, rainy area where we live in England.
Taking care of a donkey is a long-term commitment—they can live into their 40s! For more info, the Donkey Breed Society has tons of useful stuff.
Helping Donkeys Around the World
The time I spent with donkeys has had a huge impact on my life, especially in my work with the Brooke Charity, where I’m an ambassador. The Brooke helps people understand how important donkeys, mules, and horses are in some of the world’s poorest communities.Â
These animals are crucial for farming and carrying goods to markets in places where cars and fuel are hard to come by. The Brooke provides education, vet care, and support to these animals and the people who rely on them.
One of the big wins recently was the African Union banning the donkey skin trade, which is a huge deal for animal welfare. Visit brookeusa.org to learn more about supporting these hardworking animals through the U.S. arm of this great organization.
Living with donkeys has made my life so much better, thanks to their gentle nature and strong bond with humans. They truly are special animals!
x Esme
This column appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
