Photo by: Pat Schlesinger at www.horsespirit.biz

Endeavor at Day Star Farm Oct 2007

It has been a little over a month since Dev moved on to Day Star Farm where Brian has been riding him with Lori there to assist and Sue in the background. With the three of them teamed up it has been difficult for Dev to misbehave. He has tried them but failed on each attempt. This has been excellent for Dev to lose these mini battles and for them to gain his confidence.

His ground manners remain impeccable. When he is not being asked to work he has shown them what a gentleman he can be. I believe we have a successful placement and he will become a true asset under their guidance.

Knowing that Dev needed different handlers was not a difficult decision. Placing him at Day Star Farm where he could gain the help he required was nothing short of a miracle. I have never looked back or regretted this decision and have been overwhelming supported by those who know these wonderful folks.

Blue Mountain Endeavor was born into his breeder’s arms at Blue Mtn Donkey Farm in Oregon Sept 2001; it just doesn’t get any better than that! Dev’s sire is Carousel Farms Justice, who can be traced back to a Jack imported by Daniel Rees in 1882. Blue Mtn Carman, his dam is a gaited sorrel jennet from Major Cy Cokley’s breeding program.

At two thru six years old Dev was still prone to moments of infantile stupidity, resulting in repeated lessons in the manners department. He has an energetic, let’s get it done attitude. He also is the only donkey I have met with a temper. When Dev gets mad he gets mad all over, directing it into a positive has been my personal challenge. With Dev I have always had to be the “Bigger Donk”.

Updated September 2007: Unfortunately I lost the “Bigger Donk” battle and an unhappy donkey is not a safe animal to be around. Dev has moved on to Daystar Farms in Oregon where they have a team of donkey and mule trainers that understand how a donkey thinks and reacts. I believe this is his best hope for being transformed. If they can clean out his head and get him going they have a job for him to replace one of theirs. I wish him and them the best and know they have a huge job on their hands.

Watch for Dev’s retraining updates.

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