Conditioning Donkeys {How much weight can a donkey carry?} Training Riding Donkeys

[@HVDonkeyPark]

It is nice to see someone offering sound advice on this subject instead of refering to a simple percentage based on size. The answer to how much can your donkey carry is the same as how much can a person carry? There is no single answer. It begins with assessing conditioning, skill training, general heath and orthopedic issues, etc. Donkey owners need to learn how to train their animals like coaches train and prepare their athletes. We don't expect the rookie to perform as well as the pro even if they are the same size. This requires the ability to observe the animal (human or equine) and recognize its strengths and limitations (constantly at every stage of training) and also to understand good technique for equipment, loading, and movement. Unfortunately, I am not qualified to advise on these. I simply know enough not to blindly apply a weight percentage based on size. 🙂

[@justmakeit4835]

thank you so much! this was very helpful!😊

[@DonkeyListener]

You are welcome! :-)

[@kingfisher9553]

Been looking for a vid on conditioning. I used to train horses (colts, ruined and dangerous horses, jumpers and eventers, driving ponies). My secret to success was thorough conditioning. I want to get a couple donkeys and condition them for trail hiking companions.

[@DonkeyListener]

Its such an overlooked part of training! I'm always trying to come up with ways to condition that a donkey will respond too.. the higher energy donkeys tend to really like conditioning exercises. They are the best hiking buddies!

[@TKEnduroo]

Do you think I am to big for a standard donkey? I weigh 110lbs.

[@DonkeyListener]

Probably... but It really depends on the individual donkey. Its age, conformation, build and especially its condition. I've had some standards carry me easier than mammoths because their conformation and condition was better!

[@TKEnduroo]

@@DonkeyListener This boy is a stocky one with good muscle. I was thinking about sending him to the trainer so I could ride him on the trails or let my daughter ride on the trails. My daughter weighs 50lbs.

[@Ead32180]

I live on flat land and there are no hills near me. What else can I do?

[@DonkeyListener]

My latest video talks about jumping for conditioning, make sure to watch it .. its another exercise I always go to and some donkeys really really love it as you'll see in the video.

[@quandaviusbartholomewhenry1303]

How much would a cheap barn cost?

[@DonkeyListener]

No way I can answer that! Depends on soooo many factors!

[@quandaviusbartholomewhenry1303]

@@DonkeyListener ok