Imagine being a little girl who always finished that "First Star" poem thus: ". . wish I may, wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight; I wish for a pony." fast-forward now to the girl as a 40-year-old. She's just finally moved to a home in the country; perhaps at last her wish might be fulfilled? Add a reluctant, city-bred husband to the equation. One silly enough to make the offhanded remark that the mini-donkeys at the fair are cute and maybe it'd be fun to have one. Oh, my! Now, consider that this "girl" had never, ever considered getting a donkey. They look too dejected! They make that gawd-awful noise!! But her husband's inadvertent remark has set the wheels turning and her imagination soaring. A little research turns up the fact that there are donkeys out there that are big enough for an adult to ride!
Fast-forward again to Spring, six months after the donkey-search began in earnest. Now the "girl" is faced with the reality of a large standard, grey-dun, 3-year-old gelding in her pasture. An agreeable enough fellow, but fresh off the range and a bit scary! This is Petey, my very own, very first equine.
A year later we can hardly believe we're the same two nervous cohorts that eyed each other warily at hoof-picking time, survived run-aways, tentatively tried our first steps riding and being ridden in the front yard. . . Having a donkey truly is like having "a pet you can ride!" as one of the donkey-advertisers puts it. For me, having Pete has fulfilled that childhood dream in a way that's perfectly suited to me at this late date. I get tremendous enjoyment out of Pete's gentle, donkey-ways. Who could fail to be endeared by a big, fuzzy teddy-bear of an equine, that seeks your company and stands in quiet bliss for as long as you care to rub and tickle those long, expressive ears? Pete's just big enough to comfortably carry me, without being of intimidating size.
I can easily hop aboard without help, anywhere. I have no fear of falling off -- the ground's close! Pete's gentle, placid nature is comforting and confidence-building. I never worry that he'll explode in panic and hurt either himself or me.
No longer a kid myself, I'm in my element poking along the country roads near YES!! home, enjoying the scenery at a donkey's pace. Not to understate Pete's capacity for fun! We trot, we even canter from time to time! But never with the feeling, for me, that I'm riding a bundle of nerves that needs wearing-out. In fact, my need for rides seems to correspond nicely with Pete's need to get out and see the world. Not every day, not because we "have to", but just because it's a beautiful day, and wouldn't an outing be nice!
Pete entered his first show this spring and earned a couple of ribbons: First Place for being the only donkey in his halter class, and Third Place for being one of three donkeys ridden in Kindergarten Western Pleasure. We were thrilled!
We are still working out some bugs, mind you. Pete is a typically intelligent donkey, and does like to see just what he can do to try and "get my goat". Our driving is a case in point. Professionally trained to drive, Pete was a dreamboat as a driving donkey when I first got him back from the trainer.
Then he sensed I might be a little "soft", and began experimenting with pulling the cart into the ditch. My helpless inexperience resulted in a nasty "ditching" habit that we are still working at reversing. But I've got no worries for the long term. While Pete is going through his donkey "teens", my own mental toughness is evolving. Pete's been good for me on many levels. The driving will eventually come -- at a donkey's pace!
For me, Pete's a perfect fit. With limited space, and a couple of sheep and a goat that needed guarding anyway, a donkey like Pete was just a natural choice for my first and only equine. Did you know a donkey deposits all his manure in one spot? Sure makes for easy pasture-picking! Did you know donkeys will drive away stray dogs, but can learn to recognize and tolerate your own dog?
I've seen Pete bedevil more than one stray! Did you know a donkey won't tolerate cruelty or force, but learns best from one who has earned his trust? It certainly makes for a rich, rewarding relationship and a wonderful feeling of bondedness.
Some of the best times with Pete are our quiet times just hangin' out together during early morning chores. But there's nothing like the thrill of having your little donkey confront and master a scary new obstacle, like a rattly bridge, just because you asked him to.
This is for you, Pete!
Many thanks to Windy and Petey for letting us share in their adventures --jar