Should we ride donkeys? An expert explains why it's not as straightforward as riding horses

For many who grew up in the UK, memories of beach donkeys offering rides to children are as much a part of the Great British seaside as fish and chips, says Sarah Worth, research officer at The Donkey Sanctuary.

Should you ride a donkey?

While the welfare standards for most beach donkeys have thankfully improved since they first became popular in the late nineteenth century, The Donkey Sanctuary’s position is that it does not endorse or encourage the use of donkeys or their hybrids in any form of entertainment.

However, it acknowledges that donkey rides are still offered at many seaside resorts today, and the charity therefore provides advice and resources to local authorities and commercial operators who have a responsibility to ensure the welfare of any animals used is considered and always protected.

How do donkeys compare to horses when it comes to suitability for riding?

Donkeys have a short stride and a slow pace. They are sure-footed careful movers, which probably accounts for their suitability for giving rides to young children.

In some parts of Europe, donkeys are still used to carry tourists up steep hills, where they would be much better employed helping with luggage and for people to be encouraged to travel on foot or by other means.

Structurally there are some obvious limitations, whilst donkeys are strong and can carry up to 20 per cent of their own body weight, they are generally smaller than most horse and pony breeds. Therefore, standard sized donkeys are unsuitable for adult riders.

In some parts of Europe, donkeys are still used to carry tourists up steep hills, where they would be much better employed helping with luggage and for people to be encouraged to travel on foot or by other means.

Do donkey's temperaments make them suitable to ride?

Behaviourally, donkeys are different to horses and a lack of understanding of their natural traits can leave donkeys vulnerable to poor welfare practices.

If ridden, tightly bonded pairs may need their companion to accompany them.

Differences in the donkey’s social behaviour, such as their tendency to bond in pairs, may also add complications. Some donkeys form very strong pair bonds and friendships which prevent separations from their companions. For some, even very slight short-term separation over a stable door can cause distress. If ridden, tightly bonded pairs may need their companion to accompany them.

Donkeys may not appear to show signs of fear and stress in the same way as horses, but they do so in a more subtle way:

Whereas horses are more likely to engage their flight instinct, and panic and flee from a stressful situation, donkeys may freeze in response to situations that worry or scare them. This means that those interacting with donkeys need to pay close attention to the subtle signs that show a donkey may be stressed, fearful, or in pain.
When faced with a problem donkeys require time to mentally process the situation. Therefore, training should be taken with a high level of care using ethical, kind, reinforcement based training techniques, taking care to read the donkeys subtle body language at all times.

Other things to consider if you plan to ride a donkey

Beach operators must abide certain regulations such as an annual vet check and The Donkey Sanctuary has also introduced guidelines that suggest weight limits of up to 50.8kg (8st), for a larger standard-sized donkey, assuming that the animal is healthy and has good conformation.

If very careful consideration is given to their welfare, donkeys can benefit from factors associated with riding such as exercise, relationship building and mental stimulation. However, it is very important to ensure they are fit, fully grown and between four and 25 years old before riding them.

They must be given plenty of breaks and opportunities to eat and drink, and most importantly the task must be approached with plenty of patience and understanding which builds and maintains trust.

Donkey and tack:

If the decision is made to prepare a donkey to be ridden, all tack must be introduced sensitively and alongside groundwork to allow donkeys to become accustomed to the way the tack feels prior to ridden work. This is critical to rider safety and to prevent fear and distress in the donkeys.
Donkeys are more angular in shape compared to horses and lack a pronounced wither. They therefore typically require saddle breeching or a crupper to prevent saddles from slipping forwards. They have a wide forehead and a narrow muzzle, and this should be considered when sourcing bits and bridles to prevent rubbing and soreness.

What to do if you're concerned about a donkey's welfare?

The Donkey Sanctuary has a dedicated team of staff throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe who investigate reports of cruelty to or neglect of donkeys. As a direct consequence of members of the public getting in touch, many donkeys and mules are rescued and saved from further suffering.

If you have a concern, please contact The Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare team or visit: Report a donkey in need | The Donkey Sanctuary for more information.

The Donkey Sanctuary has also produced guidelines for those who might experience donkey rides being offered whilst on holiday abroad: In Their Hooves | The Donkey Sanctuary