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Eric the Farrier's Fan Club; It's all in a donkey's day
Topic Started: Jul 26 2007, 11:47 AM (396 Views)
OTF
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I pride myself on having generally well behaved donkeys although we occasionally cope with a few behavioral quirks (like worming Annie first BEFORE she sees the tube <_< , and being sure Petunia has a halter on BEFORE the vet arrives for shots). We’ve been working diligently with the three donkey foals on hoof work, lifting their feet, cleaning them, tapping and brushing their feet, praising for good behavior, etc, and even a little treat if they do well. Their first visit from Eric the Farrier two months ago did not go well with Cavalier, who managed to kick Eric with one rear leg while the front leg on the same side was being trimmed. Hmmmmm….a “10” for athletic ability but a definite minus for unacceptable behavior. :brickwall:

During yesterday’s practice pedicure training session, Cavalier had to be severely reprimanded (verbally, :censored: but loud and long) for rearing :jaw: , kicking, and generally being a major PITA. I had to settle for simply being able to barely run my hands down his legs without even picking up his feet, trying desperately to “end on a good note.” He received no treat and was completely ignored while I worked with the others (although he was following me like a puppy afterwards, trying to get back in my good graces). But I just gently pushed him away and deprived him of any attention, worrying about what would happen when Eric the Farrier came in the morning. I DO stress out about these things, silly, isn’t it?

So today was the real pedicure day, and when Eric the Farrier arrived, I confessed that we would have our hands full when it was Cavalier’s turn. All the donkey girls and foals were in the pen, halters on, munching hay, my pockets were loaded with bite-sized treats (it’s about the only time they get goodies because they can smell treats in pockets from across the pasture and quickly turn into professional muggers, which I can’t tolerate).

One by one, the donkey girls come into the little barn by the pen, demonstrating how much they love Eric the Farrier by creating a log jam at the door, doing everything possible to ensure they will be next. Robert, my husband, was put on crowd patrol at the door. Whisper and Honey Bun were given special dispensation to stand inside the barn because they’d already planted themselves behind the working area and absolutely refused to leave…so much for discipline. And Honey is well aware that Eric the Farrier LOVES her perfect little feet.

After Petunia’s feet were done, we decided to take on Bad-Ass Cavalier (her baby) so he could stand next to her and have his mother’s calming influence during the procedure. I was at his head, prepared for the wrestling match. Surprise! My big handsome boy stood like a pro! No struggling, no rearing, no kicking, no wiggling, just perfect! For ALL FOUR FEET! Hooray for Cavalier! :clap: And Donda, the same age but smaller, was also a perfect gentleman! :cheer: Treats, hugs, and lots of “good boys!” all around! When the two boys were finished, they insisted on standing by to watch the others get their pedicures…we’d move them away and they’d manage to squeeze among the moms and aunties to get back into the barn. I could almost hear them thinking “Do ME again, please, Eric the Farrier!”

But on this farm, there’s “an ass for every seat,” and today was Perfectly Precious Princess Pepper’s day to act out. Eric the Farrier got three quarters of the way done with PPPP’s pedicure, and she decided three feet were quite enough, thank you very much, so we had a little bit of a struggle doing the final hoof on her little toothpick of a front leg. Next time she will be much better, I am sure, and will give Cavalier a run for his money as the future president of the “Eric the Farrier’s Fan Club.

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seal harbor
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Too funny. They grow up and learn - babies with attention spans of gnats are so hard. But you know that already.
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snaffle
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I can just picture the whole thing! So cute!

BTW, I know nothing about donkeys...are their feet the same as a horse's feet?
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headlesshorseman
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You drew the perfect picture of your herd...

And good for Mr. Cavalier... :one: What a good Donkey he was... :one:

He needs lots of carrots..

HH :)

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dancing lawn
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:clap: well told! But I was SO hoping for pictures! even though I could picture it all in my head as I was reading. :)

Donkeys are special, aren't they? I think every horse farm should have at least one. two is better of course. ;)
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ponymom64
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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What a cute story but I was also hoping to see pictures of the babies all growed up!

Can you share any recent pictures with us???
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OTF
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Phooey, I had a major computer crash not long ago :argh: and lost so many photos (I know, I know....BACK UP....have to get Mr. OTF to make it so I can do that). I need to get new photos of EVERYBODY!

BUT...I did get a couple of photos of donkey toes to show you. Easier said than done :lol:. Snaffle, donks have much smaller, rounder feet, more upright than horses feet...when trimmed properly, the angle is supposed to match that of the pastern.

Here is Eric the Farrier's favorite donkey hoof (Honey Bun's):
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And her is Perfectly Precious Princess Pepper's little baby hoof (baby hooves grow SO fast):
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I agree, dancing lawn, every farm should have at least two donkeys. :woot:
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snaffle
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I need to start lobbying our BO for donkeys!
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