Today we saddled up the donkeys and did a little riding. It was fun!
First I rode Bob. He's not a speedy guy, but he was mostly trying for me. He really is magnetized to Pedro, and the food was just slightly tempting too.
Then Liam rode Bob. He was sometimes really willing.
And sometimes it went more like this:
I love bob's face in this one:
Then my mom got to ride a little
Then everyone wandered off.
Then it was Pedro's turn.
Isn't he handsome?
I didn't have anyone to take pics, so this is it:
I only rode Pedro very briefly, because of my weight and his feet. He was more mobile than Bob, which makes sense because he's the leader in their little herd. But he wasn't real keen on going where I asked or stopping when I asked. They just haven't had any good riding training (and a halter can be very confusing and easy to lean on). That's fine. All the more fun we can have together!
I read a book once and I can't remember what book or who wrote it but I remember what he said - "The dumbest donkey is smarter than the smartest horst." Don't know if I agree but they are sure fun.
ReplyDeleteTonight I was watching the first DVD in Pete Ramey's series on donkey hooves, and he said he thinks donkeys are smarter than horses. He followed up with, "That's not necessarily a good thing." In terms of horses, I totally agree. Smarter usually doesn't mean easier. :) They make us think harder!
ReplyDeleteThey are just so stinkin' cute!! I don't think there is anything more adorable!!
ReplyDeleteI bet they'd do great with clicker training! Click and treat for good responses to forward cues, click and treat for good forward in general...
ReplyDeletePlus just magine what cool tricks you could teach them. :)
Oh yes and c&t for good responses to woah as well since Pedro needs a little practice at that as well. :)
ReplyDeleteThey don't have the same flight response as horses, so the training technique is very different. I think mules and donkeys are fascinating.
ReplyDelete