On Friday, the mailman delivered a special package for Bernard.
Bernard always needs to be doing something, so it was quite fitting that while the other boys were each off doing their own thing, Bernard was solely focused on the contents of his package… a driving harness.
Because the harness and its accoutrements didn’t come with instructions, we were thankful we saved the handout from the driving clinic we attended back in February.
Bernard acted as if though he was born to do this. I mean to tell ya, he was really into it.
Bernard with a bit in his mouth for the very first time. Just like that.
A lot of time was spent making adjustments to get the fit just right.
It was right about now I think Bernard started singing…
Get your motor runnin’
Head out on the highway
Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way…
When Don took a short break to make some tedious adjustments, Bernard got impatient. Hurry up, Dad!
Look at our boy!
Driving Mister Bernard.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
July 26, 2010 at 3:47 am
I can’t wait to see his cart. I bet he does great!
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July 26, 2010 at 3:50 am
That is just too cool! It is like he was born to do this … whatta guy!
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July 26, 2010 at 6:22 am
Wow. These guys are so adaptable! It is incredible to me that they take, so easily, to new things!
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, with Don at the end. Awwww.
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July 26, 2010 at 6:31 am
I’m not sure who we should be prouder of – Bernard for being such a star or Don for figuring out how to put on the harness! Well done!
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July 26, 2010 at 6:34 am
Oh my goodness, with all that lovin’, he’s gonna be addicted to driving!
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July 26, 2010 at 6:36 am
That Bernard is just to die for caaute! All of your boys are!
Di
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July 26, 2010 at 6:37 am
So eager to please you two! What a champ! Love me some Bernard!
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July 26, 2010 at 7:27 am
What a sweet boy. These pics definitely made me go “awwwww” out loud!
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July 26, 2010 at 7:38 am
My goodness, Bernard is all grown up!
I noticed Ellsworth poked his head in for a little moral support when Bernard was getting a little frustrated with all the adjustments. 🙂
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July 26, 2010 at 7:40 am
I absolutely LOVE these photos! They make my heart sing!
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July 26, 2010 at 7:59 am
What a special guy Bernard is! Look at him smile in that second-last photo, how sweet is that!
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July 26, 2010 at 8:52 am
Looks like a WINNER! So Kewt!
A couple of technical concerns: I hope you have a breastcollar for the harness, that’s what he would need to pull the cart forward (the girth would just slide back, it’s more to support the weight of the shafts). And it almost looks like that little bit my still be too big; you don’t want it hanging too loose in this mouth, nor should the joint between the rings form too much of a “V”–you don’t want it hitting his front teeth.
I’m not really a driving person, but those two things jumped out at me. Do you have someone to help you learn the ropes, as it were?
Good luck! Like I told my kiddos at school before summer break: Have fun but be safe.
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July 26, 2010 at 10:54 am
EvenSong,
Thanks! 🙂
Yes, we have a breastcollar for the harness, and yup, we were still making adjustments after the photo session with Bernard. He was being so patient with us! We wanted to keep his first session short and end it on a positive note. We’re totally looking forward to being fun and safe. In fact, Bernard won’t actually be pulling a cart until he turns four in another couple of years. Donkeys mature slowly and overtaxing a young donkey can lead to problems later, so we’re definitely erring on the side of caution.
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July 26, 2010 at 9:09 am
This is so cool. Bernard is a natural and I too can hardly wait to see the cart behind Mr. Bernard.
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July 26, 2010 at 9:32 am
Wow, that’s a lot of straps to figure out! I am sure I would have had the harness in a tangled mess. Bernard looks so handsome in his new gear. Can’t wait to see more action!
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July 26, 2010 at 10:27 am
I was so excited to see this post!! I’ve procrastinated working with my girls on driving. Actually we have a few more steps before I’m ready to order their ‘get-up’. This post gives me renewed enthusiasm and hope.
And that Bernard looks sooo cute I can’t stand it. What a good boy too! ♥
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July 26, 2010 at 12:41 pm
What a GOOD boy. He deserves some Paco treats.
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July 26, 2010 at 12:48 pm
Give that naughty boy a job !
Isn’t it amazing that donks will let you do this stuff to them without throwing a fit ?
In the archives of Teamdonk.wordpress.com she tells what she does to train her donks.
Their Luc is half brother to my Sparkle.
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July 26, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I am amazed! I’ve never seen a critter as cooperative about getting into so much gear as Mister Bernard. That is a credit to both him and y’all. I mean he wouldn’t be so willing to go along, if he didn’t trust you guys. Can’t wait to see him start with a cart. Way-to-go Bernard. If I was there, I’d definitely be giving you(everybody?)a bunch of treats.
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July 26, 2010 at 3:20 pm
So lovely these photos! Principally the #18 and #19 pics. Both make me smile.
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July 26, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Check placement of bit in Bernard’s mouth. From the photos, it may be a bit low in his mouth. Best of luck!!!
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July 26, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Wow. He’s a natural!
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July 26, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Oh my Bernard is such a good boy. First time and he is that good. I can see you all now having so much fun driving around.
Bernard has earned a special treat!!
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July 26, 2010 at 8:21 pm
awwww! how fun! I did some driving with my Saddlebred back when I was riding and showing some. He loved it and it is great exercise. I forget what you call it when you just walk behind them with the driving lines, but that is fun too! I never could figure out how to get the darn things on, though. That’s what I paid my trainer for 🙂 So I’m super impressed with Don. And Bernard…..what a gentleman. In a couple of years when he does get a cart….you will definitely need to sport your brimmed hat with the flower 🙂
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July 26, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Jane,
I believe you were trying to think of “ground driving.” 🙂
And thanks… you made me smile just now. 😀
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July 27, 2010 at 4:47 am
Bernard clearly will accept anything if it means attention. And why not? I can hardly believe he accepted the bit without a discussion…isn’t it usually a big darn deal?
He looks as if he feels All Dressed Up.
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July 27, 2010 at 7:44 am
I especially loved the cuddles at the end… your boys are SO loved and SO lucky/blessed to live with you and Don! Thank you for sharing. I think when you have shown love for them, they will do just about anything to please you. And yes, I agree that he deserves Paco treats! 🙂
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July 27, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Hay! Good for you and Bernard! He sure looks handsome! I should get off my butt and start with Max, not sure how to get started….
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July 30, 2010 at 7:13 pm
He looks so excited and involved. He knows it is a special activity!
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August 26, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I can see that driving is on his bucket list.
(i totally crack myself up. Sorry! 🙂 )
xo
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August 26, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Winter,
Oh lord. You crack me up too. 🙂 Miss you! xo
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