How to Train Donkeys to Ride

Donkeys are known for their stubbornness but they are really highly intelligent animals that have the ability to work things out for themselves. In many parts of the world, donkeys are working animals but in the U.S. they are becoming popular as pets. Training a donkey to take a saddle so that he can be ridden requires patience and must not be rushed.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Saddle
  • Bridle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Groom the donkey at the start of each training session to strengthen the bond between the two of you and also to gradually desensitize the donkey to being touched in areas he might normally find uncomfortable.

    • 2

      Use a calm and assertive manner when training the donkey. You are in charge and he has to know that. Put the halter on the donkey and start to lead it. Make him stop from time to time. If he does not respond as quickly as you would like, apply pressure to the halter to force him. Praise the donkey when he does well and offer a treat as a reward for good behaviour. Do not move on to the next step until you are happy that the donkey has mastered walking and stopping on the halter.

    • 3

      Introduce each new thing in turn. Start with the saddle blanket and get the donkey used to having that on his back before progressing to the saddle, the breast collar and the bridle.

    • 4

      Apply pressure to the stirrups without actually climbing into the saddle. It will be a new experience for the donkey and he has to get used to the way that it feels. When you feel that your donkey is ready, climb onto his back.

    • 5

      Command the donkey to move. Start with walking and gradually progress to trotting. Use your legs, your voice and pressure on the halter to get the donkey to do what you want him to do.