Longhorn the Donkey

I've never had a donkey. I've always wanted one but don't know the first thing about them so this will be an adventure.

When we finally got home and chores done it was time to get Longhorn out of the trailer. He let me put a halter on although he wasn't too happy about it. He's skittish around people. I'm sure he's been around people but not handled all that much, not abused, just not handled.

I got Rain's halter on him and went to lead him out. Nope! I pulled and tugged but nothing. I guess donkeys are going to be a bit more difficult. He loaded with some difficulty because of his skis for hooves. I was worried he had gotten a hoof stuck in the trailer somehow. At one point Mike said to just leave him in the trailer since it was getting really late. It was supposed to get cold so that was out of the question.

I kept the end of the leadrope inhand but jumped out of the trailer. That's when Longhorn followed me. The open trailer door must have appeared as an invitation. He jumped out with no problems. Then the hard part, leading him into the barn. Longhorn wouldn't lead. He'd just stand there and give me this confused look. Obviously he's not halter broke but will tolerate the halter.

So to rush the matter I reversed him, since that's the only direction he would go, and backed him into the barn and then into his stall. I have now come to the conclusion that you can't lead him unless he's in front. I learned that trick. Keep a hand on his butt and use the leadrope more like a rein to get him to go in the direction you want.

Longhorn does NOT like dogs or cats. Gypsy is going to have a tough time with Longhorn. I can just see the vet bill now!

I got Longhorn settled in for the night. He didn't want anything to do with me. I was disappointed. Here those two nice mares were so friendly and then I get this unfriendly donkey. Sort of breaks my heart to know I chose the wrong one and didn't bring the friendly horse home too. It's not for lack of trying to bring her home. I just am not quick on my feet at auctions.

Sunday we had a family get together so I left Longhorn in the barn but opened the door so he'd get at least a little bit of light. I wanted him to relax after Saturday's ordeal at the auction. His life has totally changed.

To add to the problems, Longhorn doesn't have hooves. He has skis. That's right. His hooves have been so neglected that they look like skis or elf shoes. Because I can barely handle him I don't know what my farrier is going to do. I called the vet to see what they had for options. But my vet is out until the end of October and I want Longhorn's feet done ASAP. They are long and he's pigeon toed to make matters worse. So I'm going to call my farrier and see if sedating Longhorn will make working on his feet a bit easier. I can barely touch Longhorn. I won't let my farrier handle an animal I'm uncomfortable with. Longhorn can kick.. and he has no problems kicking. I'd rather not have my farrier's head kicked off.

So I now have to put a call in to my farrier. I have more Longhorn stories from this weekend but those will come shortly! I finally bought batteries on Friday but seem to have lost them already. Once I findthem I'll get pics of Longhorn and his awful feet!