Last week I attended Stage 1 of the Donkey Care Course which is run by The Donkey Sanctuary. The course is designed to help people learn how to look after donkeys and provide for their needs. The day was action packed with interesting classroom teaching intermingled with practical demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

I went to the Paccombe Training Centre where there is a lecture room complete with two life-size grey stuffed donkeys - affectionately called Hetty and Henry. After a morning of teaching and energetic mucking out with pitchforks and shovels, it was time to meet the donkeys.

Firstly, we learned how to catch a donkey and put a head collar on. It was important to respect the donkey’s pace and work with it in order to earn the donkey’s obedient behaviour. We were taught how to be safe around donkeys and avoid being kicked. At lunchtime, I spent some time putting a head collar on the toy donkey, hoping that later, I would be more confident at putting it on the real thing!

After lunch we went to the barn which was filled with dozens of donkeys, a section of which had been partitioned off and a small group of donkeys selected to work with us for the afternoon.

In groups of two we had a go at catching our donkey and putting a head collar on and were pleased to succeed at the challenge.

Our donkey was Steven and he was very patient with us as we tied him up using a quick release knot. Taking it in turns we began to groom Steven, and he was very happy for us to do this and especially enjoyed us using the rubber curry comb to massage him.

I was amazed at how relaxing I found it to groom this little donkey and was pleased that Steven seemed to be enjoying it in the same way.

Once our donkey was groomed, we had a go at picking out his feet. I found this more difficult but eventually learned to lean slightly inward towards the donkey, and be patient and confident encouraging him to co-operate. It was important to always end on a positive note during this procedure, so when Steven put his foot down one time before we were finished picking it, we went back to him and encouraged him to lift it again for another try. When that time we succeeded we gave him an extra scratch around the withers to reward his good behaviour.

Once Steven was looking smart and well groomed I was able to take him for a walk. I held onto the rope lead tightly, and started walking, though soon Steven was trotting towards the gate which he obviously thought would be opened for him to go through. Soon all the other donkeys were following! When the instructor took over leading on the rope Steven was soon walking obediently again and I was able to have another go walking round the barn.

What a great day! Thank you to the training staff for such an informative and rewarding time.