The Donkey as a Child's First Mount

Donkeys make wonderful first mounts for children when trained, as they are less likely to take fright than a pony and walk more slowly giving confidence to the child.
When frightened they will freeze which has been taken for stubbornness. They are not stubborn at all and just need to be treated kindly. Once they have your trust they are most willing and just want to please you. These are just a few photos of donkeys with children.

Monique Priest competed for her first time with Pemberton Thistle at the Manawatu Show, in November, 2012.

Monique and Thistle won Champion In hand Performance Donkey at the Feilding A & P Show.

Caitlyn Kennington-Winter & Kowhai Rosie won the D&M Society Young Exhibitor Award in 2010.

Caitlyn & Kowhai Rosie.

Donkeys love plenty of attention.

Cotswold Minnie Moppet (Irish/English bloodlines with a dash of NZ's own Ponui) is very gentle and safe to have around young children at home.

Moppet trots out freely with her young rider in the Ridden Donkey class at an A&P show in atrocious weather.

After giving a ride I asked a child who had just had a ride on a pony what the difference was? She replied “The donkey was less bumpy”.

Always friendly.

Moppet being 'Mary's donkey' with a large audience while children sang 'Little Donkey' at 'Christmas On The Bay', Timaru, 2011.

Moppet & Rose attended the Pleasant Point School lessons on ANZAC in 2015. The children were allowed to file past the donkey's after lessons which the entire school attanded in relays. Two children stayed with the donkeys over the three hours. The doneys wore knitted poppies at the ears.