After talking about this for several weeks, Ellsworth and I have reached an agreement. Our goal is for Ellsworth to be my trusty steed before summer’s end. I’ve been doing my research and I think we can do it.

A lot of my reading has been with The Donkey Companion, written by Sue Weaver. Sue says that, “Because they’re intelligent and affectionate, and they aim to please, everyday pleasure-riding donkeys are incredibly easy to train. They need not be sent to a trainer; owners can do the work themselves.”

Furthermore, (I find this fascinating) “They’re reliable; donkeys don’t put themselves or their riders in harm’s way. They rarely spook, they don’t bolt, they’re surefooted, and they won’t venture into danger of any kind. These traits make them superlative mounts for children, the physically challenged, and nervous adult riders of all kinds.”

One of my most daunting tasks will be navigating the world of tack and figuring out what types of riding gear fit donkeys. The first thing on our list is a training surcingle. 

For the next couple of weeks, we’ll be working on having Ellsworth lead at my side, back up when I ask him to, and stand patiently when he’s tied. I just know he’s going to do great.