Do You Need A Companion?

I think the number one question I get when people hear that I have donkeys is, "What do you do with a donkey?" They make fantastic pets, you can train them to drive a cart, pack with them, and have them as *companions for other animals like horses. Our former herdsire, Inigo, is doing just that.

I was contacted by a gal who was a little worried/upset about her horse. He was a barrel racing horse that had just had colic surgery. All of his regular horse buddies were gone for the winter and he was going crazy. In order to keep him safe, the owner was having to heavily drug him to keep him somewhat calm. She found that we had a donkey for sale and was so eager to see if what the vet prescribed would work - a mini donkey companion.

When they arrived, they brought the horse with them. When he was unloaded, I could definitely sense the energy, excitement, and a little anxiousness. We then went and brought Inigo to meet this horse. I was honestly pretty worried because Inigo doesn't generally react well to new animals that he meets. He likes to charge at them and let them know quickly that he is in charge. We led him right up to the large horse and held our breaths. Inigo just stood there while the horse reached down and smelled him all over.

After a minute, the horse looked at us and nodded his big head up and down. He approved! They were instant friends!

I have kept in touch with this gal and she said it has been astounding to see the difference she has seen in her once irritated horse. They are the best of friends and run and play and do everything together. Size doesn't matter because Inigo thinks he's just as big as the big guy. I've seen the videos of their interactions and they are both so happy! When the rodeo season begins again, Inigo will be traveling with his buddy to help calm his nerves and act as that companion that so many high energy animals need.

*I mostly recommend mini donkeys as companions to other equines rather than small livestock. We have goats and they do not get along very well with the donkeys. I'm sure there are other people that have had different results than us, but this is just what our experience has been.