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About Rick Gore (www.freewebs.com/horseawareness)
Expertise
Visit Rick Gore's Horse Site: --- www.freewebs.com/horseawareness
--Rick is a student of the horse. He can answer questions about sacking out (Desensitizing vs. Sensitizing), dealing with spooky, abused or ex-race horses, rearing, bucking, horses that won’t tie or load into a trailer, working in a round pen/round corral, starting colts, dealing with aggressive or so called "mean" horses, herd behavior, biting, kicking, hard to catch, using a bosal or hackamore, soft hands and direct reining verses neck reining. If you expect him to tell you feel good advice, you will be disappointed. 95% of all his answers will include "the problem is you and not your horse." About 90% of most answers that I give out are on my web site, so if you read it you will probably answer your own question and may learn a few other things. If have some good information that you would like me to add to my site, please email me so it can be passed on to others.
Experience
Rick is an experienced horseman with many years of riding and handling horses. Rick grew up in Texas around horses and horse people. He has started colts, ridden many horses with behavior issues and worked with problem horses. (He believes that most horse problems are really people problems)
He believes in and practices natural horsemanship and continues to read and study books by great horsemen. He routinely attends clinics, talks with and discuss horse issues with other clinicians and trainers. He has never met a horse that could not be fixed. Rick believes it is never the horse's fault and with proper handling, all problems can be worked out.
Education/Credentials
Rick has many years experience in being around and working with horses. Over the years he has watched good horsemen do the right thing and seen the wrong things done with bad results. Rick has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
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You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Horses > Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training > Donkey: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness
Expert: Rick Gore (www.freewebs.com/horseawareness)
Date: 9/24/2008
Subject: Donkey: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness
Question
QUESTION: I am 56 yrs. I have had horses over the past just for pleasure riding. I have purchased a 6 mo jenny donkey and need to know how old she has to be before I let my grandchildren get on her. They are 3 4 & 7. One is disabled (4)and I thought it would be good therapy. I know she is to young now and not ready that is why I am asking as I don't want to hurt her either. Thanks for your help.
ANSWER: Brenda, this sounds like a disaster. My experience with a donkey is limited. However, they are still a member of the equine family and training methods are very close. I would not let a child on any horse or donkey without making sure I could control it and it was under my direct supervision. A horse should not be ridden until it is three or older and not ridden hard until it is five. Bones and other growth needs to take place before putting extra weight on the back. A donkey may be able to carry a small child now, but mentally I would not do it. If the donkey is gentle, maybe the 7 year old can play and lead it around and do some sacking out, I cover this on my web site.
My guess is you never really studied the horse and don't know how they think, how they react and what their language is. Most people just own horses, they don't study them and make it a life long venture.
I think you should read my site at least the first five pages or so, it will give you a better understanding of horse, how great they can be and how dangerous they can be.
I would also try and find someone who has owned a donkey to see how gentle they are, how they are with kids.
Sorry I don't have more info for you, hope this helps,
Rick
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Rick I think you misunderstood my question. I was asking how old the donkey had to be. I clearly understand that you make sure the situation is a safe one for all. I truely feel your answer was insulting. The 7 year old does lead the donkey around daily with me. He is never alone with the donkey. He also brushes the donkey before and after. So I strongly disagree with you on this being a disaster. I just wanted to know a safe age for the donkey as I would not ever put a child in danger. I will not bother you again
Brenda
Answer
LOL, you took this way too personal, but that's ok, I know I was trying to provide information to keep a child safe and to prevent a horse from getting blamed for poor human decisions.
Like many horse owners that get into trouble, they want to make it all about YOU and not the horse. You are the exact reason I don't take money for my advice. I don't tell people what they want to hear so they make the situation about me or them.
So be insulted, be angry, and take this personal. I email you an answer based on a three sentence question and all of a sudden I should know everything about YOU and I should not dare hurt your precious ego. LOL your killing me.
Thanks for not bothering me anymore, try and have a great day and go and hug your donkey, you will feel better.
Good Day,
Rick :)
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