Photo Album |

Donkey & Mule Get Together

At Cynthia and David Sim's, Ashburton On Sunday 30^th September, 2007

Photos Margaret Salkeld

Cosmo Kentish-Barnes speaking with Eleanor Rae, holding Neb, the donkey who came to her through the Canterbury Rehoming Centre at Cotswold.

The National Radio's, Country Life Producer, Cosmo Kentish-Barnes came and recorded interviews for his Country Life programme. He polished off his recording with the Donkey Serenade which made great listening.
The day focused on fun and activities such as an obstacle course for donkeys and mules. Cynthia is the Convener of the Donkey & Mule section at the Ashburton A & P Show and she wanted people to have the opportunity to do the same course as would be asked of competitors at the Show. She said it was also a time when people could just enjoy being with their animals and doing things. A shared lunch gave people the opportunity to relax and share their common interest.

Jean Reid with her donkey Tara Squirrel Nutkin long-reining through poles in the grounds with the help of Jan Wright.

Jean Reid drives while Jan Wright encourages Nutkin over the unfamiliar surface of a carpet on the ground. Donkeys have often been called stubborn because they tend to stop and think about things they are unsure of. They are careful not to put themselves in danger and will need to trust their handler before venturing onto a strange surface.

Karen Banks giving encouragement to Braewell Mystique while Pippo negotiates the tyres with nimble hooves.

Line up of donkeys who have been rehomed through the Canterbury Rehoming Centre at Cotswold. From left: Bronwyn Harris; Zac, Eleanor Rae; Neb, Shaun Mitchell; Trooper, Vanessa Mitchell; Buster, Madeline; Sarah & Ellen Walters.