JoDe Collins leading

We often forget that larger donkeys can make great, dependable, and sure footed riding animals. Many DWS attendees know JoDe Collins, one of the best known and most successful donkey and mule trainers in the USA. Her sensible and direct approach to donkey training does not only make the process easy and understandable, but goes beyond riding to give us general principles for how we ought to handle our donkeys for any purpose. In this promo, a young donkey in training, exhibits an ability to steer, stop, back up and bend that would put many trained horses to shame. The donkey also knows its leads and turns quickly and gracefully. Anybody would be glad to ride a horse or mule that could do this well. Watching her quietly work with this individual, you can see that she respects and really cares for the welfare of the donkeys she trains. While being gentle, JoDe emphasizes setting consistent boundaries, which form the basis of a long term connection with donkey and guarantee that they will have a good and productive relationship with their owner in the future.
Besides competing at Bishop Mule Days and endurance rides all over the west, JoDe uses her donkeys to gather and sort cattle, as well as train the new colts that people bring her from all over. Last year, JoDe was very instrumental in helping with the student’s BLM burro training project. Her use of a consistent plan building on small achievements, really paid off in getting the burros to lead, tie, pick up their hooves, and allow basic management procedures such as deworming and fly protection. Cindy and I, as well as the students, learned a lot from the experience.
So regardless of whether or not you ever plan to ride a donkey, come to the Donkey Welfare Symposium, watch JoDe work, and ask her your questions. where you can see some of her trained donkeys in action, as well as watch her work with donkeys with minimal training. Finally, JoDe will be around for the whole meeting, she is very approachable and loves to talk donkeys with anyone. You may be surprised at what you look for in your next ‘ride’.