Patient, beautiful, inquisitive, loyal, independent, strong and extremely smart - the donkey is an animal of character. The reputation for willfulness that donkeys sometimes have comes from their intelligence and prudence. Unlike horses, donkeys are not escape animals. They are therefore not to be coerced if one wants to drive them into situations in which they see danger. Pressure or stress does not make them more compliant, on the contrary. But those who gain their trust discover a friendly, reliable and docile companion.
With a shoulder height between 95 and 140 centimeters, donkeys are perfectly accessible to children. Their large head, long ears and gentle gaze immediately capture the imagination. At the same time, they possess impressive stamina and great gait security. They like to walk for a long time, even over mountain paths and uneven terrain. The saying “A donkey does not stumble twice at the same stone” refers to their remarkable memory and their ability to learn from experience.
For our treks, we work with the race Amiatino, a rare breed of donkey from southern Tuscany. These relatively large, gray donkeys weigh about 350 kilograms and can be recognized by the black cross on their shoulders. They have a muscular but slender body and short, sturdy legs. They are quiet, smooth walkers who are excellent for longer treks. They used to be used in the Tuscan hills by loggers to transport wood and water to villages. Because donkeys instinctively avoided steep and dangerous sections, they often determined the safest routes for themselves. This created paths and roads that were later paved and cultivated. It is sometimes said that the street plans of ancient Tuscan villages were actually drawn by the Amiatini donkeys.
Donkeys are curious animals with an exceptionally good memory. They can recognize places and conspecifics even after many years. A donkey's gestation period is eleven to fourteen months, and donkeys can live up to forty years. They think independently, weigh situations and make decisions with safety in mind. At the same time, they have a special softness for children and often show extra patience in their company.
Retrieved from Santa Barbara equestrian center live twelve donkeys, each with its own character. In the winter they stay together in a large pine forest, in the summer they are in pairs in a paddock or go on hikes. Lia and Chimera Are true go-getters and inseparable friends. Carolina Is sensitive and extremely sweet. Paola and Mali are wise and experienced, while Fiamma and Stella known for their playful antics. Selvaggia and Penelope Are young and energetic. Otto is strong and reliable. Ottavia, the oldest, enjoys quiet walks and company. Moira is the youngest; she was born at the stables in 2018. In putting together the groups, we carefully consider the character of each donkey, providing each family or traveler with an appropriate and harmonious hiking partner.
