Why Donkeys and Mules?

"Mystify's foaling day"

     Labrador Hill is unique in the region in our devotion to these wonderful animals as equals to horses and ponies in beauty, intelligence and kindness. I have a genetic predisposition to the care of longears, having inherited my great-grandmothers hatred of animal abuse. The very Victorian, very dignified, Emmi Hoch, my mother's Swiss grandmother, while traveling in Spain in the late 19th century saw a farmer beating his donkey on the side of the road. Leaping blithely from her carriage, she attacked the farmer summarily with her parasol and was arrested by local police for her efforts. When I acquired, several years ago, a light pink standard donkey foal, I named her Emmi in honor of that great lady of times past.

     Donkeys and Mules are a central part of our education program. Where a horse can be persuaded to act under most circumstances, donkeys and mules require that the human present evidence that the action is correct! They are not stubborn, simply cautious to a fault. Mules have a horses' athleticism added to their donkey common sense which becomes a powerful combination. The natural techniques used to communicate with horses are equally effective in working with donkeys and mules with the adjustments necessary for working with longears. All students are encouraged to experience working with our donkeys and mules! 

View Photos of the Herd!