Education - The Donkey Breed Society

Learning about donkeys

Donkeys are not small horses, and although they are recognised as a domesticated member of the Equus family. They have complex needs of their own, which one needs to understand if they are to be maintained in prime health.

For those who don’t fancy the public approach there have been many books written dedicated to the care of the donkey, and from which knowledge can be absorbed in the privacy of one’s home. Such books are readily available in the Donkey Store.

Enrichment ideas for you and your donkey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj7Vh3n8bf4

https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/what-we-do/knowledge-and-advice/for-owners/environment-enrichment

You might like to watch these free webinars from the Donkey Sanctuary: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/knowledge-and-advice/webinars

Health videos: there are now some excellent resources available from recordings of training ‘webinars’.Click on the links for these to play:

How to spot and treat lameness in Donkeys – https://youtu.be/r4kMZOzHZF4?si=nVmXUGrQM3737N5P

Feeding your donkey – https://youtu.be/ei7ooGRLm_U

Worming part 1 – https://youtu.be/NOlydxo6aLc

Worming part 2 – https://youtu.be/cUdrMwMK0P4

Vaccinations – https://youtu.be/wyVhPmNaaRw

The skin – https://youtu.be/OKZHcQLfsME

Nutrition presentation: An online presentation from the Donkey Breed Society (UK Charity) in conjunction with TopSpec. Delivered by Anna Welch, Nutritionist Director at TopSpec. The content is aimed at UK donkey owners but a great deal of the content is useful for owners from other parts of the world.

Education and Youth Report 2023

Guidance on caring for your donkey:

Organising a care plan for your donkey
Template for a care plan for your donkey

Scruffy Looking Donkeys?Worming your DonkeyHeight & Weight GuidePoints of the DonkeyLong Rein Training

There is much to be gained from meeting with other like-minded people and putting ideas and suggestions into practice, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where an exchange of ideas is encouraged.

The Donkey Breed Society encourages owners to consider the best ways to meet the needs of their donkeys through active participation in a range of user friendly staged management accolades (DBS Proficiency Awards). These have evolved to meet the needs of both juniors and adults, starting in simple terms with how to approach and handle your donkey through to the complexities of case studies, stallion management, breeding, feeding and health requirements in the gold award.

Activity days are planned and held regionally and your abilities assessed by an identified DBS examiner, with certificates and lapel badges awarded appropriate to the standard reached.

You can download the various stage tests below and further information as to your nearest venue or to arrange a test day should be made through the Education and Youth Committee Chairman:

Introductory Award Elementary Award Bronze Award Silver Award Gold Award