03/04/2026
If you don't like donkeys, don't work with them. They won't like you back, they'll let you know, and you'll traumatize them with rough treatment.
If you're interested in understanding donkeys, read on.
🫏Donkeys 101 for Farriers 🫏
Donkeys do not like sustained pressure. Do not snub them to anything. Do not rope and hold their leg until they stop kicking. Do not hobble them or tie a leg up. Do not ear twitch them.
If you do any of the above (with the exception of the rope around the leg, that can be done thoughtfully!), that donkey will never trust you and possibly other farriers that come behind you. You may get that one trim halfway done but you've caused so much damage, that donkey may never let you touch them again.
Donkeys DO like being taught to accept appropriate, limited pressure. They do like going at their own pace as they trust you more. They do like treats and scratches. They do like you observing and respecting their threshold. They do like to be trimmed near their donkey friends. They do like praise and affection.
If you meet a donkey, and they've been trained for the farrier, and they like you - great, congratulations, trim away.
If you meet a donkey and the owner can't catch them, they shy away when you reach to touch them, they turn their butt to you like they got goosed, they flinch away from your touch, or they walk away, they are not ready for a full trim.
It's not uncommon for my first trim appointment with a donkey to be a meet and great. I'll bring treats, I'll see what they'll offer me *without pressure* and then that's our baseline to work from.
Next steps - discuss sedation and hiring a trainer.
If the feet are extremely overgrown, schedule a joint vet/farrier appointment and have the vet sedate to get their feet done safely. Then the training begins.
If their feet can wait, start with the training.
If they're in the middle, and/or the owner can successfully sedate, then trim, train, and wean off the sedation over time.
While the donkey is sedated, keep your energy aware but very quiet. Whisper with the owner and the vet/trainer. Limit your touch of the donkey other than lifting/holding the legs and feet. Work quickly. Watch their balance and let them have a break if they need to readjust.
If you get a tail swish, an attempted kick, they drag their mouth on the ground, or they try to bite you, pay attention. They may not be as sedated as you hoped or they're waking up. End your trim before they show too many signs of distress. Walk away early!
If you think any of the above is bu****it, then consider this. Donkeys can kick with their hind legs hard in pretty much any direction including at your head while you're holding up a front hoof. Their aim is good. They will bite if provoked. They are not domesticated horses with the tolerance for poking and prodding and pushing. They hold a grudge. They remember and never forget.
So for your safety and theirs, be smart.
If a donkey tells you to f**k off, listen the first time.
If you have to heavily sedate AND restrain a donkey to get them trimmed, they may not recover their trust in you or the vet.
If the owner will not sedate or train, do not trim for them.
If the donkey really doesn't trust you but loves their owner, teach their owner to trim.
If a donkey likes you, you'll find your heart absolutely melted with how soft and sweet they are. Holding up their feet is like working on air. They rest their head on you while you work on them or a friend. They nose your pockets for treats. They stand nearby, eyes closed, meditating. Donkeys have such a special energy and presence.
What else have you learned about working with our donkey friends?
