Liberty’s First Riding Lesson

Learning to wear a saddle was a little on the traumatic side for our Liberty. He literally did not think he could move or stand up once it was attached to his backside. Standing in the proper leading position I asked for a gee turn which will move him to my right. This has always worked to get his feet unstuck and it worked again for just a moment. He had other ideas and backed into the pipe and cable fence allowing it to hold him up as he leaned hard into it. Erin and I needed to move him forward so with aid of the buggy whip I was able to lead him down the driveway. Coming back was no problem and even resulted in an in-hand trot. A friend drove into the lane just at the right moment so with the pickup behind us Liberty learned he can move easily while wearing a saddle. He was now ready for ground work sessions.

During these sessions Liberty received a formal introduction to the Montana Grain Wagon that’s waiting to be rebuilt for Team Donk to pull someday. Jim’s ‘new to him’ Farm Cat also received a special introduction. Someday it may be rumbling toward us and I want Liberty to say, “Awe no big deal; I’ve seen that thing before!” This was to be a huge event for our Mas Ass Acres Liberty. After learning to wear a saddle during ground work sessions it was time for his first ride. This happened at the town arena after a team ground driving session on a beautiful fall day. When the time arrived I stepped up on the mounting block, swung my leg over and settled into the saddle. Liberty just stood there. This is good as I don’t want any movement until I ask for it. What I want is for him to give me his face from side to side after we have stood there relaxing. Just a tiny bit of movement to begin with will earn atta boy praises. While asking for him to turn his head, it does not matter which way, I will ask with my heel on the opposite side of the turn for him to take a step. This way his first movement takes place while in a turn.

The goal today was to just get him moving at a comfortable walk. That was accomplished with the aid of two great friends. Erin riding Dev. When Dev started to leave Liberty made the quick decision to follow. We rode straight across the center of the arena to a chit chat with a couple of gentlemen who had just unloaded their mules. They had been watching us and we could tell they wanted to visit. First thing they wanted to find out is what we were riding, "never seen ears that big" one guy told us. We had a great 10 minute visit. "Wow", they said, "those donkeys haven't moved an inch; our mules would never stand like that." They were dually impressed I am sure.

We walked around the arena for about twenty minutes. Liberty went in front of Dev and since we were in the lead I asked for a little more. He broke into a trot for just a couple of strides. Yep, I'd say we accomplished our goal with no problems whatsoever it was a perfect first ride. We even bent nicely around the poles. It was time to dismount. I did not prepare Liberty well enough. I should have rocked back and forth in the saddle to let him know something different was about to happen, I honestly did not think of doing that in time. When I stepped off he almost fell on top of me. Dev standing next to him gave him something to brace on as he was falling towards me all I had to do was to quickly get out of the way! Good ole' Dev and Erin who could see what was happening. I stepped back on and Erin grabbed the camera to record Liberty’s first ride. Second dismount Liberty had it down pat, this time he knew I was coming off and he was Mr. Perfect.

He'll have lots to think about as this was a big day for the boy. He’ll be ready to hit the trails and the fields next summer to advance his riding training. Liberty, at the time of his first thirty minute ride was 5 years old and still maturing nicely. I felt that was enough time on him for this year. This ride ended on a good note with a happy donkey, I couldn’t ask for any more than that!