Donkeys are gentle and strong animals, so they can be ridden and ridden in a similar way to horses. The average donkey is too small for an adult to ride, but the mammoth donkey is large enough to carry as much weight as a small horse can carry. Donkeys are quite fun to ride as long as you don't rush and don't try to push them out of their comfort zone.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Knowing What to Expect from Riding a Donkey
Step 1. Learn the difference between riding a horse and a donkey
Many consider donkeys to be a smaller and more docile breed of horse, but the fact is that donkeys are a species of their own and have very different personalities and abilities from horses. Riding a donkey is a unique experience, especially if you don't have the same expectations as if you were riding a horse.
- Donkeys are more difficult to train, so they don't have any outstanding abilities. Walking slowly and slowly is the most comfortable ability for a donkey.
- Donkeys are very reliable and gentle animals, and are not as fussy as horses. Donkeys are perfect for children to ride.
- Riding practice is growing in popularity among donkey riders. Donkey riding training is similar to horse riding training, but in this exercise the donkey's unique properties and abilities are explained.
Step 2. Know the right situations for riding a donkey
Donkeys are hardworking animals with large reserves of energy. Since this animal was originally a desert animal, the donkey was able to go through rough terrain without much rest. Donkeys love sports and are usually eager to be ridden long distances, or just strolling around the stables.
- Donkeys are great for driving long distances, at a slow, steady pace. Due to their excellent body resistance, donkeys were often used as load carriers, and were used on hiking trips.
- Donkeys can help in work, especially in herding sheep and goats. Donkeys are great herding animals. Therefore, making a fence between donkeys and other livestock is the right step, unless the donkey is grazing the livestock.
Step 3. Understand the limitations of the donkey
The donkey ride experience is fun, but not thrilling. Unlike horses, donkeys are not interested in jumping over logs, or galloping across fields. If you encourage a donkey to do so, it will usually just sit still and not respond to you -- this may be why donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn.
- Donkeys have a shorter stride length than horses, and tend to move more slowly. Donkeys are physically incapable of moving swiftly and swiftly as horses can.
- Donkeys love what they know well, and have a reputation for stubbornness for not reacting well when faced with unfamiliar situations. Donkeys need time to consider the situation at hand, and trying to speed up this process won't help much.
Step 4. Identify the training needs
Donkeys should be trained by someone who understands their nature and abilities. Training a donkey is similar to training a horse, but because a donkey has different abilities, it must be trained by a trainer who knows what it is doing. First of all, the donkey must be taught with a dumbbell guide, then how to carry the saddle, and follow the directions of the rider.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a Donkey to Ride
Step 1. Find a donkey of the right size
In general, donkeys are too small to be ridden. It is important not to ride a donkey that is too small to support your body, as this could injure it. The main rule to follow is that a donkey can safely carry 20 percent of its body weight.
- Mini donkeys are not suitable for riding, unless you want toddlers to ride them under supervision.
- Medium-sized donkeys can be ridden by children, but as children grow, they will have to find a larger donkey.
- Mammoth donkeys are large enough for an adult to ride.
Step 2. Consider the gender and temperament of the donkey as well
Like horses, donkeys differ according to their sex. Finding a donkey with a good temperament to ride will have a huge impact on your riding experience. The following are three types of donkeys and their temperament:
- Gelding is a male donkey that has been spayed. These donkeys tend to be gentle and suitable for riding.
- Jenny is a female donkey. These donkeys also usually have a gentle and docile temperament as well.
- Jack is a male donkey that is not spayed. These donkeys are usually too wild to ride.
Step 3. Make sure that the donkey has been trained
Many donkeys are great pets, but not all of them can be ridden. Find out if the donkey has been trained to ride, or is just walking with a guide.
Step 4. Find a donkey that matches your personality and needs
Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness, when in reality they just need time to assess each situation and decide how to respond. The donkey thought deeply about things. A donkey walking backwards when you want him to come forward can be frustrating for you. If you're planning to buy a donkey, take the time to walk around and ride it to make sure it's the right fit for you.
- Patience is paramount when riding a donkey. Try to understand the donkey's personality so you can work together as a team and have more fun riding with him.
- If you are not a patient person, then you need a very responsive donkey. You may want to consider buying a small horse or pony.
Part 3 of 3: Ensuring Smoothness while Riding the Donkey
Step 1. Use the equipment made for the donkey
The donkey's body has a different structure to the horse's body. Buy saddles and gear specifically for donkeys or donkeys, and not for horses. Donkeys can carry heavy loads, but their backs are wider than horses, so the shape of the saddle will be different. A saddle that doesn't fit properly will cause health problems for the donkey.
- The bits and other equipment should also suit your donkey's needs.
- Blindfolds are commonly used to keep donkeys focused on the road in front of them, but some donkey trainers advise against using them.
- If you want to use a heavy saddlebag, train the donkey to put it on before riding it long distances.
Step 2. Learn to give orders to the donkey
If you've never practiced riding a donkey, try practicing first so you can figure out the proper way to give orders to the donkey to make your ride smoother. The most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't force the donkey to do something he doesn't want to do. You should gently ask the donkey to move, instead of forcing it.
- Verbal and nonverbal commands such as hand signals and touching the donkey are ways to let him know what you want.
- Whipping and kicking hard is not an effective method, and will only destroy the trust you have with your donkey. Treat your donkey gently and patiently as you ride it.
Step 3. Take good care of your donkey
Make sure your donkey stays healthy so he doesn't get hurt while you ride. Donkeys need a warm, dry cage, adequate food and plenty of water, and attention to their hooves and teeth. Make sure you pay attention to the donkey's health before taking it long distances.
- Donkey hooves must be kept dry, or they will rot. Donkeys need to sleep all night in a dry cage. If you are riding at night, make sure there is a dry cage for the donkey to rest for the night.
- As for food, donkeys need a lot of grass, and not much else. Donkeys get overweight easily, so make sure your donkey gets plenty of exercise.
Tips
- Be sure to choose a donkey that is trained to ride. If you try to ride an untrained donkey, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
- Try coaxing the donkey with a carrot and petting it before you ride this will make the donkey more confident.
- Don't be afraid around the donkey or shout, this will scare the donkey.
Warning
- If you've never ridden a donkey before, make sure you're accompanied by someone who knows what it's doing.
- Make sure to wear a riding helmet when riding the donkey, this is to keep you safe in case the donkey is frightened by something and throws you off its back.
