How many times have you heard ( or wondered if your new to donkeydom) what good are
donkeys? There is no way we can list EVERYTHING donkeys are good for in the space
available. I will try to list a few to give you some idea of what our longeared friends are
capable of.
Packing-donkeys have been used for hundreds of years to 
pack food, water, supplies
across rugged terrain. That is how they are most often pictured. We all picture the fuzzy
little burro with panniers on his back as we see them in western movies. They are still used
for this purpose in third world countries as well as here for hunting and camping trips
through the desert or mountains.
Driving-All sizes of donkeys are used for pulling buggies and carts for fun, work and
show.
Yes! Show! Believe it or not, the donkey show world is almost as big as the horse
show world and growing steadily. There are "fun" shows, "sanctioned" shows and even
"World Championship" shows. Donkeys are more popular than you can probably imagine. I
have even seen a "20 mule team" ( like from the Borax commercials) made up of miniature
donkeys! Quite a sight! There are not only the cute little donkey carts that most of us
picture but these lovable animals are even being used for elegant carriages. They are quite
beautiful in full dress harness.
Riding-Small standards make good "ponies" for small children. because of the
donkeys friendly temperament and the self-preservation instinct found in all donkeys, they
are perfect mounts for children.They tend to be slower, smoother and more cautious as well
as gentler than ponies.
Large standard and Mammoths are used for adults as well. Many people are hesitant to
ride one at first, believing all the stereotypical misinformation out there about donkeys, but
once they ride one, most do not care to return to riding the horse. Donkeys are smoother,
more surefooted, and less "flighty" than horses. They can take you to places you would
never be able to go on a horse. This results in spectacular rides and views you would
otherwise probably never see. Many donkeys have a single-foot gait for those of you that
prefer gaited animals. They are trained and shown in events such as Dressage,
Hunter-Jumper, Trotters, as Pleasure, in English and even Western Events. I've even seen
them used as cutting horses. This is one event that they particularly shine in as they think
of it as a big game. They are on the same level as the cows and being more surefooted can
outmanuever and outhink the cattle.
Guard Animals- Donkeys are used widely as guard animals. Because of their instinct to protect the herd, they are very good when put in with other livestock, to run off or kill other predators. They are used with much luck for sheep and goat herds. Usually a jack is not the best choice as they tend to play to rough and can kill or injure the small stock unintentionally. Most prefer either a gelded jack or a jennet for this job.
Handicapped Riding- Yes, because of thier wonderfully calm and sweet disposition, these animals are becoming more and more popular with the handicapped riding school and programs. These sweet animals seem to break through all barriers to reach all those with types of handicaps , even autism. They are so calm, and non-judgemental, that it can be quite amazing to see the interaction between these animals and children on just instinct. With training, the donkeys can accomplish miracles in this department.
Racing- There are pack burro races and regular endurance racing for these animals as well as the normal speed races. There is even a betting market on this sport in some states. Donkey racing can be quite the entertaining sport as well as extremely competitive.
Basically, Anything you can do on a horse- you can do on or with a donkey. So the next time someone asks you what can you do with a donkey? You can answer them...ANYTHING!
