Hoof Care

The Dance

Since this is the miniature donkey Herdsire issue of the Asset, one of our first thoughts at Carousel Gardens in Rancho Tehama, Ca, besides health, is the responsibilities of the miniature donkey breeder. One of these responsibilities is miniature donkey hoof care. This is a big issue with us because breeding is an energetic foreplay that involves absolute surefootedness. It is what we call the beautiful dance.

Our miniature donkey farrier, Lanny Morrison from Flournoy, Ca. is conscientious, efficient and has high standards regarding hoof care. When he comes to trim our miniature donkey's hooves every 8 weeks, he takes pride in his work. If the hoof is trimmed improperly the foot can break down and leave the miniature donkey useless. Lanny uses sound, gentle fundamentals with modern techniques when trimming our miniature donkeys. He is a certified professional.

They say a lame horse is no horse. It is the same for miniature donkeys. It is our responsibility to prevent hoof problems and try to foresee difficulties if these needs are not met. It is far more expensive to try and correct a problem then prevent it.

There is much misunderstanding about donkeys and their hooves. Many people think that miniature donkeys will wear them down on their own, or that they break off if they get too long that nature will take care of it. The problem with this thinking is most of the miniature donkeys are in controlled environments where everything including their physical and mental health is at the fate of their caretakers.

When searching for a farrier, try to get a referral or ask a lot of questions. If the farrier is good like our Lanny, he won't mind discussing his techniques with a future client. Don't be afraid to ask about his experience with miniature donkeys and how long he has been in the field. These are important questions and need to be asked to put you at ease. Lanny not only has been certified for several years but has patience and an understanding of the miniature donkeys that includes the different personalities of these gentle carousels. A good farrier will be humane, patient, reliable and have a strong database of knowledge about his craft. After all, they, are an artist.

Our miniature donkey herd sire Casper, thanks to Lanny, has no problems dancing for his girls and believe me he knows the dance!

UPDATE: "This was the summer 2000 issue of the Asset, since that time we at Carousel Gardens now do our own miniature donkey hoof trimming!!!"

carouselgardens@theskybeam.com

Interested in a web site?
Click the poodle!