How to keep your Saddle Donkey comfortable

When putting a Saddle on a Donkey there are 4 main points to consider. First, choose a saddle that is a proper fit for your donkey. Properly fitting saddles distribute the weight evenly across the animal's ribs. Saddles that were not designed for a mule or donkey can place pressure in just a few ribs and create problems for both the equine and rider. Second, be sure to place the saddle correctly on the anima's back. It should be behind the scapula to ensure freedom of movement. The majority of people who think their saddle doesn't fit have got it too far forward. Third, I always use a rear cinch on a donkey or mule. The rear cinch should be a bit more snug than the front cinch. Using a rear cinch will help keep your saddle in place and keep your animal more comfortable. Lastly, use properly adjusted britchen (breeching) and breast collars. Adjust as needed to keep the saddle in place but not so tight that it rubs the hair off the animals. My number one priority is to always keep my saddle donkeys as comfortable as possible.

[@USNAVDC]

I love how she's got her ears turned back toward you. She's listening to every thing you say. Pretty smart animals!

[@doctorlove3536]

I love that you care about the animals comfort as much as yours What a muscular Burro

[@FNobody]

Awesome donkey. Never see this animal in real life (I'm 34) but it looks like I'm a donkey person.

[@dalefrazier3725]

Someone recommended Australian saddles for our donkeys, but they just don't seem to fit right. Enjoy your videos!

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Someone recommended the same for me several years ago. The Aussie saddles don't fit well. Not a fan.

[@dalefrazier3725]

@@mountainridgegear8172 thanks for the reply.

[@maryanna8840]

I wondered what that saddle I quite like, looked like on a donkey. Looks good!! Enjoyed the whole video...humor included. Good info., MaryAnna

[@rockincrossranchministries2056]

Sir I really enjoy your training videos. I am like you a horse guy. Steve Edwards is training me in the mules. You have given me a lot of knowledge about donkeys. We are going to train some donkeys with the info you have shared. Thank you. Gods favor on you.

[@turbogrin]

Great Educational Donkey and Mule video ! Thanks

[@imasmallfringeminority1988]

jbl

[@skoal022]

We have a 9 month old jenney thats been pretty rough with our sheep. She was 5 months old when we brought her to our farm. She was with both parents along with cattle when we picked her up. She was wild and never been handeled. She is gentel now towards us and pretty much like a dog now. She had been alone on our farm for a few months until we bought the sheep. We used woven wire to seperate the barn in half. She was on one side freely able to come and go. Sheep were fixed on the other in the barn. All seemed well the first few days she licked them through the fence. I turned the sheep out after 5 days she started stomping and chasing them. I since now have divided the paddock with 3 strands of electric fence right down the middle of the barn. So now she can see them out in the pasture, but wont attack them because of fear of the electric fence. She is now 9 months old. I noticed her bite my ram and a ewe through the woven wire in the barn this evening. I immediatley smacked her with my hat. What should i do? I need her to protect them and ti all be together. I heard coyotes tonight when i left them. Shes there only hope of survival. Would you recommed a shock collar for her aggression/training?

[@conniewolf7300]

She sure does trust you! All of that slapping around didn’t bother her at all! She just watched and listened like what’s he talking about now??😁

[@katieperry3998]

Lovely video. Those donkeys are adorable!

[@robertjonasson2527]

Good morning, Eric from Bob Jonasson in Austin, Minnesota. that's a gorgeous large standard jennet you have there! My question is: How do you locate one? My hobby has taken me to 10 U.S. states and France.

[@aquastone4792]

thank you! How do you know what's too heavy or too steep or too hot or when they need rest or water or are experiencing pressure sores etc?

[@ericstyer2890]

Have you got a list of proper tack for standard donkey? If I go to various sites it’s hard to know everything that’s needed. People around here only know horses. As someone who has carried backpacks over distances you raise a lot of valid considerations horse people probably don’t know about the anatomy of donkeys compared to horses

[@sa-iw4dr]

I really like donkey's and I know nothing about them or not much, but you really seem like you love those animals and make sure you take good excellent care of them nice video and good teaching. I bet your animals really are fond & affectionate with you. Thanks put a smile on my face.

[@mountainridgegear8172]

s a thank you for the great feedback. I guess when it comes down to it, I prefer donkeys over people. 😄

[@joypolk3093]

Very informative info, do you also own mules?

[@ForPropertyInvestors]

Sounds like good advice. I know not much never rides one. What size in hands can a donkey be ridden I'm 70kg?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

It depends a lot on their confirmation but 13 hands minimum.

[@Quadflash]

Really helpful. Thanks!

[@superunknown314159]

Great video

[@rosemarycarroll3751]

Great information...thanks!

[@imasmallfringeminority1988]

is a full grown standard donkey rideable?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Yes, but not a large rider. My 11 and 13 year old sons ride our standard donkeys.

[@dimmacommunication]

@@mountainridgegear8172 Is this a mammoth jack ?

[@Exayevie]

How did I get here?

[@princebuster93]

Do you do donkey rides?? I live in the UK and your donkeys are adorable.....what are their names Eric??

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Jesus verses the World have you ever visited the Donkey Sanctuary? www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

[@junegagnon9447]

Can I ask you where you buy your donkey saddle

[@mountainridgegear8172]

June Gagnon www.muleranch.com

[@lilas_longears1143]

how tall is she?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

15 hands

[@lilas_longears1143]

oh ok, i am thinking of getting a donkey thanks for replying is she a standard donkey or mammoth?

[@bozzskaggs112]

Can anyone recommend a good saddle or tree maker for a donkey/mule skeleton?

[@thejourney_1346]

Bozz Skaggs Steve Edwards. I use his saddle for my mules. It’s the same brand that Eric uses.

[@jasondaubenspeck9758]

Why ride donkey why not a mule instead just wondering

[@porsche911sbs]

donkeys are smaller and cheaper

[@stevehenderson3954]

Interesting , my Dad had Donkeys and mules my whole life , but he worked them in harness , did not ride them .

[@morteparla6926]

I find the notion of riding a jackass quite hilarious.

[@porsche911sbs]

In Jewish tradition it is said that the Messiah will arrive riding a donkey. Christians later told that Jesus traveled to the Mount of Olives on a donkey.

[@chalenivy0039]

So u can't use an English horse saddle on a donkey.

[@mountainridgegear8172]

Chalen Equestrian Nope

[@doctorlove3536]

Chalen Equestrian no, even normal western saddles, saddles for mules and donkeys and super special (because of the odd shape of their backs and their size) they always require a butt-load of straps and buckles

[@rigelhinckley6103]

Eric, you have a new fan! My 4 yr old granddaughter saw me watching your vids and she's watching them all! Keep educating us with entertainment!

[@eaglelight108]

…you need a saddle specially made for donkeys?

[@mountainridgegear8172]

www.mountainridgegear.com/pages/riding-saddles