For The Love of Donkeys

Building a consent-based approach to donkey care and partnership

I’m often asked how my donkeys became so comfortable, affectionate, and willing to lay in my lap, especially knowing I started my journey with zero equine experience and two feral donkeys.

 (Ya’ll, I had never even touched a donkey before Annie and Rocky.)

What most people don’t see is that this relationship with my herd has been almost 10 years in the making.

It took eight months before I could touch my two feral donkeys. That only happened after spending hours, every single day, simply being present, observing, and letting them set the pace. Along the way, I even adopted a mini donkey to help build my confidence in the process.

Did I mess up and make mistakes?
ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY.

There were tears. There was frustration. There were moments I walked away and seriously considered quitting.

What I also discovered was that consent-based donkey education is essentially non-existent.

There are no courses, and very few books, that focus on creating safety with donkeys without forcing them into a round pen or tying them up.

And if you’ve ever tried those approaches with a donkey, you already know what happens.
It breaks trust.
It resets the relationship.
And it leaves you starting all over again.

Believe me. Been there, done that, got the scars to prove to it.

Donkeys are often forgotten in the equine world.

That realization, along with my own donkeys making it very clear this work is needed, is what inspired me to create something different.

Support that focuses on:

  • creating real safety for donkeys

  • understanding donkey behavior through a donkey lens, not a horse one

  • building emotional connection over time, without pressure or expectations

  • creating partnership rooted in voice, choice, and consent

Before I put the cart before the donkey (😂 I couldn’t resist), I want to hear from you.

Whether this becomes a course, a mentorship, a longer container—or all of the above—I want to understand what you're longing for in your relationship with your donkey, and where you’re feeling unsure, stuck, or curious.

For the love of donkeys, this work deserves to be built slowly, collaboratively, and with care. I’d love your help in shaping it.

Please answer a few questions to help me understand you and your donkey(s)….