Would you like to go on a long-distance hike or a trekking tour with children, but are you put off by carrying a fully loaded backpack? And above all, what do you do when the kids don’t want to walk? The solution for unrestricted vacation enjoyment is donkey hiking. We have put together some tips and interesting facts about donkey hiking for you.
Hiking with donkeys opens up completely new possibilities, especially for families. Multi-day tours are suddenly feasible – thanks to donkeys, you have a much greater range. The children have a companion they can look after and who motivates them to walk longer distances. There are now also a number of donkey trekking providers in Germany. But donkey hiking has a particularly long tradition in France.
What do I need to know about donkeys?
Donkeys are herd animals and love the company of other donkeys. This herd instinct can be put to good use: If a donkey doesn’t dare to move forward and doesn’t want to wade through a stream, for example, it will willingly follow another, braver donkey.
With the sporty children’s backpacks by Tatonka, even little ones are already big on the go!
With a padded back, adjustable waist belt, adjustable shoulder straps and a chest strap for fastening, the backpacks are adapted to the anatomical features of children.
Donkeys are not stubborn. However, they have a mind of their own and assess a situation as they see fit. In general, donkeys tend to look at a “dangerous” situation first and stand still. Therefore, give him some time and the animal will usually start moving again on his own with some good coaxing. If the donkey is really scared, pushing it gently from behind and using a carrot as a lure will help. Pulling from the front is relatively pointless.
In contrast to horses, donkeys have a much less pronounced flight instinct and do not normally simply run away in the event of danger. This makes donkeys a very reliable hiking partner with children.
Basic donkey care
Donkeys are desert animals and therefore very frugal to begin with. They only need little concentrated feed, grass and water are their main foodstuffs. Donkeys like to be brushed. Sweaty, dried fur is itchy and you’ll be doing them a favor if you clean their fur with a brush. This is a good opportunity to get the children involved. It is important that there is no dirt under the girths or saddle. Otherwise it can cause painful chafing.
How much luggage can a donkey carry?
The answer to this question depends on the size of the animal and the terrain. Normally, a large donkey can carry up to 40 kilograms of luggage per day. It is important that the luggage is evenly distributed on both sides so that the donkey has an easier time. Donkey rental companies will either provide you with saddlebags or a packing rack on which you can secure your luggage. To ensure that your donkey is willing to carry your luggage, check from time to time that no straps are rubbing or swinging loose.
Can children ride the donkeys?
In principle, children from the age of three have the necessary balance to sit safely on a donkey. However, the donkey should be used to being ridden. Be sure to clarify this with the owners in advance to avoid disappointment. Plan for the donkey to be able to carry less luggage. If long distances are planned, it makes sense to take a second donkey with you to transport the children.
One final tip: donkeys will test your skills as a “lead donkey” right at the start of the tour. So don’t let them graze at every opportunity – you decide when to take a break. Also, don’t let them overtake you. As the lead animal, you set the pace and the route. It is best to simply walk at the donkey’s head height.
If you also want to go camping with the family, we have prepared some tips for you on camping with children. We hope you enjoy your donkey hike!
