 I first saw Wrangler on Facebook: “Wrangler is a SWEET 2008 model 13.2 hand gray with red saddle donkey gelding…No problems with worming or spring shots. He wilderness camps with hot wire fencing or hobbles…My six year old daughter has been riding him for the past 3 years (I ponied him most of the times). He is very good with children…The only reason for sale…daughter has gone to a horse! This is a wonderful riding donkey…he is NOT a pasture buddy. He really likes a job and will take care of you on the trails.”
After losing my own Little Jack Horner in 2014, I really missed having my little gray donkey in the first stall and run at the barn. Wrangler looked so much like L.J. and seemed like he would be a really nice animal, so we bought him. I have not been disappointed at all. Not only does he look like Little Jack Horner (only 2 inches taller), but he has the same exuberant and willing personality that made L.J. so great! Wrangler is everything she said he would be and I couldn’t love him more! Wrangler wants to let everyone know about his experiences at the Lucky Three Ranch. So, we decided to include his personal diary on the LTR website so he can help people to learn how to get the very best from their donkeys. |
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WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: After the Winter Break: 3-29-21
Wrangler is such a goof ball! Because Wrangler would lock up in front of the Tack Barn and not want to walk over the grate, I got smart and learned to take Chasity to the Tack Barn first. Then, he didn’t even notice the grate and walked right in! However, he gets pretty rambunctious about waiting his turn. I could lead them both at once, but he needs to learn to be by himself with me sometimes...and BEHAVE! When I ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Riding in the Open Arena: 10-6-20
A lot of people tell me they have problems when their jennets or molly mules are in heat. And, they expect the behaviors of their gelding to change drastically when they are castrated. In my experience, it really doesn’t make much difference if you have a fair and equitable management and training program. When their bodies are managed in a healthy way and they are consistently taught good manners, they will be willing and able to perform well regardless. I ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Riding the Hourglass Pattern: 9-29-20
There are differences in jacks, geldings and jennets, but I have found them all to have their individual redeeming qualities. Wrangler is carefully surveying the environment while Chasity walks obediently at my shoulder. Wrangler is much more playful while Chasity is sedate. My jack, Little Jack Horner, was always an energetic, enthusiastic, fully-charged male with extraordinary ability! What they ALL have in common is their exceptional intelligence, energy conservation and strong sense of self-preservation. What has produced the most success in the management and training ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Fine Tuning Wrangler’s Response: 9-22-20
Wrangler always eagerly awaits his weekly lessons! When things are predictable and are not “drilled," your equine will look forward to his time with you. I always try to keep lessons short (30-40 minutes), done in a logical order and consistent in the task executions. For instance, we always walk the same way, with the lead in my left hand, with a loose connection to his head to encourage self-carriage, repeated verbal commands and I walk with my feet in sync with his front ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Fine Tuning Wrangler’s Response: 9-22-20
Wrangler always eagerly awaits his weekly lessons! When things are predictable and are not “drilled,” your equine will look forward to his time with you. I always try to keep lessons short (30-40 minutes), done in a logical order and consistent in the task executions. For instance, we always walk the same way, with the lead in my left hand, with a loose connection to his head to encourage self-carriage, repeated verbal commands and I walk with my feet in ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Wrangler’s First Ride: 9-15-20
Wrangler has now completed his preparation for efficiently carrying a rider while staying in good equine posture with adequate core strength. Doing these kinds of logical and sequential exercises in a consistent manner makes all the difference in an equine’s physical development and mental attitude. Groundwork needn’t be boring for either you or your donkey. Doing these exercises the same way, every time, creates an unbreakable bond and deep understanding of what is expected between you. Before mounting your donkey in the Round Pen, ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Wrangler’s Runaway: 9-1-20
Wrangler has been a happy camper since we acquired Chasity. Before that, he was so rambunctious that there was no one else that could be in turnout with him and I had limited time to work with him. He and Chasity are the same size and the same age, so they do get along very well. I still have to make training judgments when working with them. He helped me to get Chasity moving freely in the Round Pen during her first lessons, ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: MORE LUNGING & GROUND DRIVING: 8-4-20
Wrangler is wondering why Augie and Spuds, the mini donkeys are here. He is usually worked with Chasity...just the two of them! Wrangler is big on being the center of attention and stands quietly while I put on his surcingle instead of his English saddle this time. He is sure something is up, but he doesn’t exactly know what it might be just yet! Wrangler and Chasity are now getting REALLY GOOD at being led together and stay in sync ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Lunge Line Lessons: 7-22-20
I have found that Wrangler and Chasity truly appreciate my consistent and predictable way of dealing with them. Donkeys can be very difficult sometimes, but in my experience, when they know what to expect, there is a lot less resistant behaviors. They appreciate verbal interaction and like to be told when they are doing well, and respond very well to a consistent and firm “No” when they are not doing what I ask. Donkeys do not like confusion and chaos! Lunging a donkey on ...
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Ground Driving with Chasity: 7-7-20
Wrangler is really beginning to enjoy his time working with me and helping with Chasity’s training! I think he is also happy to have someone he can be with in turnout after three years of being by himself... although a gelding, he’s just too rambunctious to be turned out with any of the others! They definitely form groups and it is wise to pay attention to the groups they choose...mid-aged mules together, minis together, older equines together and donkey families together. Wrangler LOVES his ...
