what is equine therapy?
Equine therapy is an experiential therapy that involves learning, growing, and healing in ourselves through connection with equine partners.
Why Donkeys?
When we think of the word "equine" or "equine therapy" we generally think of working with horses; however, donkeys are loving, gentle, intelligent, and highly attuned equines often left out of equine-based activities. Donkeys are commonly misunderstood animals who have been used and abused throughout history. New research proves that donkeys were domesticated long before horses. Therefore, donkeys have benefited from the human connection for much longer and enjoy human companionship.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE... I CAN HELP.
DEMYSTIFYING DONKEY MYTHS
Donkeys are commonly misunderstood animals who have been used and abused throughout history. Learn more about donkeys and why they exceptional therapy support.
Donkeys are a separate species from horses. Donkeys' species name is Equus asinus whereas horses' species name is Equus caballus. Donkeys have separate feeding and exercise needs. Also, donkeys have different temperaments than horses as well as anatomical differences.
Longears are not stubborn, they simply are self-preserving in nature. They evolved in the desert and mountainous terrain, which required them to think about their responses to stay safe. Donkeys also have a strong freeze response when feeling threatened, so that they can decide the best course of action - which might be fighting or fleeing. They tend to need time to think and understand what we are asking of them. Trust in their handler will help them know what we are asking them to do is safe.
Donkeys are highly intelligent. Studies conducted by the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK have found that donkeys have problem-solving skills at the same rate as dolphins and dogs! We often label them as stupid because we can't force them into doing things we want; instead we need to ask them and build trust.
Longears are highly affectionate and love human interaction. Any donkey that is "mean" has likely been mistreated by humans.
Some donkeys love all animals and others tend to not like smaller animals. Although donkeys can defend their territory (due to evolving from the desert and needing to protect resources), they are still prey animals. When they do fight off predators, they likely are doing so to protect themselves and their territory, not because they care for the other animals (sheep, goats, cattle, etc.). We shouldn't ask a prey animal to protect other prey animals- this is stressful for them.
Although, donkeys can be added as a companion to a horse, but they are best living with at least one other donkey. First, donkeys prefer living and playing with their kind (though a dog and a cat can live together, they likely will prefer to be with their species). Donkeys have differing nutritional needs than horses and often can be overfed when paired with a horse. They also play differently, live longer, and have strong bonds with other donkeys.
Donkeys are extremely social creatures and should never be left alone. Evolving from the harsh desert terrain meant they needed a partner (or two) to help them stay alive. In the wild, they do not form large herds with a hierarchy such as horses BUT do form very strong bonded pairs. Once a donkey is bonded it is imperative you do not separate the pair, as they can become ill from stress. A lonely donkey is never a good idea.
Donkeys need just as much care as horses. Although, they tend to have less health issues and get injured less than horses, they still need their hooves trimmed by a farrier, dental floats every 2-3 years, vaccinations and regular veterinarian check ups.
“The donkey is a key, if increasingly marginalized, character in human history. Once venerated, the animal has been an object of ridicule for so long that the word ‘asinine’ — derived from the Latin word asinus, meaning ‘like an ass or a donkey’ — means ‘stupid.’ Donkeys and donkey work are essential to the livelihoods of people in developing countries, but elsewhere donkeys have all but disappeared.”
–Franz Lidz, The New York Times, “At Long Last, a Donkey Family Tree” March 14, 2023
Elliott
Clara and Lorelei
Halle
Lorelei
Turner
Clara and Lorelei
Chicklet
Clara
Halle
Lorelei
“To carry a load without resting, to not be bothered by heat or cold, and to always be content: These things we can learn from a donkey.”
– Pakistani Proverb
