How to Show a Jack Donkey

Showing donkeys can be a fun way to get to know your donkey better and teach it to respond to your commands. Jacks, or male donkeys, are notoriously stubborn. Showing can help you develop a better relationship with your jack as well as teach you more about your donkey. Training your jack to show from a young age is best, but it is possible to teach an old stubborn jack new tricks if you are patient.

Things You'll Need

  • Light bit
  • Treats
  • Bridle
  • Lead or light riding reins
  • Long, round-tipped scissors
  • Grooming brushes
  • Comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your donkey to wear a bridle and bit from a young age. Jacks can be headstrong so the earlier you start this the better. Donkeys have slightly smaller mouths than ponies and horses so make sure the bit fits correctly. Wrap the bit in your donkey's favorite sweet treat, so that they will accept, and even look forward to wearing a bit and bridle. Have your donkey wear the bit and bridle during grooming so they become comfortable wearing it.

    • 2

      Practice leading your donkey around using the bit and bridle. Attach the lead to the bit rings or buy a pair of riding reins and attach them as you would to a riding bridle. Gather the riding reins in your hand about 6 inches from your jack's chin for control. Jacks can be very stubborn so practicing will help you learn to control it.

    • 3

      Practice the maneuvers you will be doing with your donkey for the specific category you are choosing to show him in. Judges look for a well-behaved, well-groomed donkey and a handler who can control his jack while paying attention to safety.

    • 4

      Trim your donkey's coat before show day. Use long, round-tipped scissors. Trim the long hairs around the jawlines and the mane. Trim inner ear hair by cupping the ear edges together and cutting towards the ear tips. Donkeys are sensitive about their ears so be careful and patient. Detangle your jack's tail using your fingers and a comb and trim so it hangs 4 inches from the hocks. Trim hairs that grow over the tops of hooves. Groom your jack for an hour daily to give iis coat a glossy finish.

    • 5

      Read and follow all rules of the show you are entering, including the dress code. This will ensure you don't lose points for a needless mistake.