What Can Be Cuter Than Baby Donkeys?
Read more articles on Let Me Share With You and Pets.October 9, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
October 9, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
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As those of you who regularly read these blogs may remember, I have recently gotten back into horseback riding. It began as an effort to influence my daughter to do something-anything-physicial, and has morphed into my getting back into the saddle for half of her lesson. But all is not lost; my daughter goes willingly, if only for the regular visits with the many horses, goats, rabbits, cats and peacocks who live at this stable. And yes, for Bubba the miniature donkey.
Bubba has to be the sweetest miniature donkey for miles around, or at least he was, until “the boys” came to live at the barn last week. I finally got to meet them yesterday and now see there’s a competition for cuteness.
The boys consist of 2 baby donkeys: Valentine, who is one year old, and Bayllamos who is all of 5 months. Valentine is white with black spots and Bayllamos is black with white eyeglass markings. Valentine is more affectionate, while Bayllamos is more confident. Valentine is larger, but Bayllamos has a Mohawk. They are adorable (if not a bit gender confused).
As a city gal, let me just say I am in the dark about donkeys. All I know is that they rest their heads on your shoulder or press against you to show love. I also know that they are strong as all get-out, love carrots, and have brays that make me giggle. I haven’t a clue how to tame or raise them, but thanks to my friends who own these loveable critters, I’m quickly learning.
When we took the babies near a miniature pony who was on a lead line, the donkeys showed little interest, especially since Suzy was concentrating on eating grass. However, when released into a ring, life became a lot more interesting.
The large Tennessee Walker, Scholar, took a great interest in the little ones, since he considers Bubba his little brother. (They have the same “momma”, my pal Karen.) So he began galloping back and forth around the outside of the ring. This, then, stirred up Spice, the usually quiet quarter horse that my daughter and I ride. Those two horses then got Whitney (Scholar’s “girlfriend”) into a tizzy (the brood mare was missing her own young’ins) and consequently Jack cantered over to see what was going on. So, what we had was the scenario of 2 baby donkeys running unfettered around the inside of a riding ring with 4 horses running every which way around the outside of the ring. They were all kicking up storms of dust and straw and dirt and hay and making one loud ruckus while doing so. Then Spice bucked and kicked Jack, who then turned and ran smack into Whitney, who neighed in protest and got Scholar even more agitated-oh, it was all very exciting there for a few minutes!
Well, we got everyone back home and life was calm once again. The boys’ new mom (my riding instructor, and the owner of Spice) had a nice little chat with them, while the other horses went back to their lives of leisure. (Except for Whitney, however, who continue to pace and search for the boys.) It was enough for one day.
It’s adorable that Valentine and Bayllamos, although not related, are always together and will be so for the rest of their lives. It’s sweet that the horses find them intriguing. I think it’s just more proof of animal intelligence and sensitivity.
Unfortunately, Bubba has been in the hospital since the boys arrived, but he’ll be home soon. I can’t wait to hear about his reaction to the other miniature donkeys, since he’s never seen others of his kind. It will be worth several blogs, and I can’t wait to keep you all informed about it!
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