Possible Pasture Mate?

Valerie62 · 07-17-2008, 09:37 AM

I recently bought a horse, which I'm keeping at a boarding facility at the moment. We're in the process of fencing in some of our property so I can have her at home. The project is coming along slowing but surely. Hopefully in the next month or two, we'll be ready for move in (I've included a pic below). It's not a huge space but I hope it will work for one horse.

I am concerned, however, that my horse (Katie) will be lonely since she has always been with other horses (previous owners had 3 horses). When I first brought her to the barn, I tried to turn her out alone in the pasture but she would just run the fence, until I befriended another girl who was looking for a pasture mate for her horse. Well, they've become best buds now and Katie stands by the gate waiting for me to turn her buddy out too.

We've considered buying another horse, but I can only ride one (my husband is usually too busy to ride like I do). I've always wanted a mini donkey so I wondered if that would be a good alternative. Wouldn't take up as much room as another horse, not eat as much(?) and would be a buddy to Katie.

I found this one on craigslist ... I'm not sure of what price range these guys go for. I'm not quite ready yet and this one might not be available when I am ready but thought I'd see if anyone has any words of wisdom about putting a donkey with a horse.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/grd/757171962.html

Lucy's Girl · 07-17-2008, 06:41 PM

I would ask if you could take him on a trial. One of my friend's horses HATED ponies and once chased a pony around a pasture until we recused the pony. That horse seemed to be the exception but it would not be good to be stuck with something your horse doent like.

barrelracer94 · 07-18-2008, 09:24 AM

I agree try to do a trial or something to see if they'd get along. We have 3 that get along w/ my donkey & then 4 that HATE him. I would see if your horse got along with him then decide....

BTW, he is cute!

lottie · 08-05-2008, 08:31 AM

Yes ! do a trial...my old mare hates mules and will even guard the water trough to keep one from it LOL . But thats just her . There is a lady in Mich. that does a donk rescue...is that one from her ?

**muttduck** · 08-17-2008, 10:46 AM

You know, the smaller standard donkeys really aren't much for needing as much space when compared to a bigger horse. You can find them a lot more reasonably priced, too.

My horses are 14:2 - 15:0 and our 11:2 donkey is perfect with them.
Just a thought...

Bandit · 08-17-2008, 11:48 AM

That is a cute little donkey.

My horses were scared to death of my donkey when we brought him home. He stands right at 13 hands and was a full jack at the time but is gelded now. Took them about a week to adjust, but now they are all part of the herd and my donkey is the one usually leading the pack when its time to bring them in for the night.

**Range** · 08-17-2008, 12:09 PM

I know someone with a HUGE Appendix QH with a mini donk as a buddy. They are as close as can be and even go to shows together.

I have a large standard donk with my horses. I don't know what they would do without him!

minihoof · 08-17-2008, 02:59 PM

We raise miniature donkeys and our Jacks range in price from $600.00 to $1,200.00 depending on the quality and color. All of our donks are reg. and this is the price range of most breeders. We have two baby jacks that will be weined in Nov. If you are interested their pics will be posted on my website this week. www.a-k.org/pfws The best way to introduce a new animal is have them fenced next to each other so they can get used to being together without the mini getting injured.

Valerie62 · 08-17-2008, 03:11 PM

Thanks for all the comments, however, I won't be getting a donkey now because I came across a free lease (with option to keep after 6 months) for a 22 y/o Appendix QH mare. She was delivered yesterday and I rode my horse home yesterday too. They seem to be getting along great too. I still think donkeys are adorable....and who knows maybe one of these days if the right deal comes along.

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07-17-2008, 06:41 PM
Lucy's Girl Halter broke Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 124	I would ask if you could take him on a trial. One of my friend's horses HATED ponies and once chased a pony around a pasture until we recused the pony. That horse seemed to be the exception but it would not be good to be stuck with something your horse doent like.

07-18-2008, 09:24 AM
barrelracer94 Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: The middle of nowhere Posts: 514	I agree try to do a trial or something to see if they'd get along. We have 3 that get along w/ my donkey & then 4 that HATE him. I would see if your horse got along with him then decide.... BTW, he is cute! __________________ Training Blog www.lexithemustang.blogspot.com

08-05-2008, 08:31 AM
lottie Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 10	Yes ! do a trial...my old mare hates mules and will even guard the water trough to keep one from it LOL . But thats just her . There is a lady in Mich. that does a donk rescue...is that one from her ?

08-17-2008, 10:46 AM
muttduck Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,225	You know, the smaller standard donkeys really aren't much for needing as much space when compared to a bigger horse. You can find them a lot more reasonably priced, too. My horses are 14:2 - 15:0 and our 11:2 donkey is perfect with them. Just a thought... __________________ www.animalgalleryphotography.com www.woodburnedpetportraits.com "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all. You just might get it all, and then some you don't want." ~Chris Daughtery

08-17-2008, 11:48 AM
Bandit Coming two Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 1,787	That is a cute little donkey. My horses were scared to death of my donkey when we brought him home. He stands right at 13 hands and was a full jack at the time but is gelded now. Took them about a week to adjust, but now they are all part of the herd and my donkey is the one usually leading the pack when its time to bring them in for the night. __________________

08-17-2008, 12:09 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,681	I know someone with a HUGE Appendix QH with a mini donk as a buddy. They are as close as can be and even go to shows together. I have a large standard donk with my horses. I don't know what they would do without him! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

08-17-2008, 02:59 PM
minihoof Newborn Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hersey, Mich Posts: 34	We raise miniature donkeys and our Jacks range in price from $600.00 to $1,200.00 depending on the quality and color. All of our donks are reg. and this is the price range of most breeders. We have two baby jacks that will be weined in Nov. If you are interested their pics will be posted on my website this week. www.a-k.org/pfws The best way to introduce a new animal is have them fenced next to each other so they can get used to being together without the mini getting injured.

08-17-2008, 03:11 PM
Valerie62 Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Washington, PA Posts: 229	Thanks for all the comments, however, I won't be getting a donkey now because I came across a free lease (with option to keep after 6 months) for a 22 y/o Appendix QH mare. She was delivered yesterday and I rode my horse home yesterday too. They seem to be getting along great too. I still think donkeys are adorable....and who knows maybe one of these days if the right deal comes along.