Clovelly Donkeys Eeore-Blog

Charlie and Wellington's Exeter Nativity Play

2012-01-03T13:28:00.002-08:00

Hi, this is Charlie. I want to tell you all about our day trip to Exeter for a very special occasion - celebrating the birth of baby Jesus.
One afternoon Bart and Sue got out the horsebox and Welly and I were asked to go in.Now, Welly used to say he didn't do horseboxes but he seems to have changed his mind now and I had some competition for the hay. We went on rather a long journey and the humans fussed all the way in case we were late - but it wasn't OUR fault was it?
In fact we arrived on time but had trouble finding where to go until the humans spotted the choir in the shopping centre. Then we had to get out of the horsebox and stand around while we had our brush and foot-polishing and put on our posh bridles. Then off we went to the shopping centre where lots of people came over to pat us and ask what we were doing.

While we were standing the choir was singing carols and quite a crowd gathered.

The Mary and Joseph came and led us on our journey to Bethlehem through Exeter.

We were followed by a huge crowd of people and the television men with michrophones and cameras.We are used to crowds so we didn't mind .

When we got to the seats Joseph stopped to ask the innkeeper on a balcony for somewhere to stay for the night - but he said everywhere was full.

That meant we had to go on another walk to find the Cathedral where Mary and Joseph would be able to stay in a stable. We were allowed in too, I'm glad to say.

We had to walk down the steps and through the big doors.

I had a good look at the steps but Welly said they were OK so I didn't worry. I was a bit more scared of the big carved stone slabs inside the Cathedral because they were all different colours. However Sue said they were safe really so I did follow her all the way to the stable.

Mary and Joseph went up onto the stage and put Baby Jesus in the manger. There were some (rather strange but friendly) sheep too.Sometimes you can't take pictures in a church because it's not polite but when Sue asked the lady Minister she said it was a precious moment so we were allowed to. Here we are in front of the crib. There were some lovely decorated Christmas trees and Welly thought they were nice enough to eat but Sue did tell him he shouldn't so he only ate a tiny bit !

The crowd followed us into the stable and everyone sat down with all the children in the front row.The choir sang again and all the children joined in.

The shepherds and kings came during the singing and brought gifts to Baby Jesus. The organ played very loudly but we didn't mind because Jana our helper was really enjoying it and kept giving us lots of fuss.

After the singing all the children were given a candle and paraded past the manger with them. On the way they gave us lots of pats. Then the organisers came up and patted us too.

We watched everyone troop out of the cathedral before we went and Welly was very good about the tree.

Then we went out to look for our horsebox cos Bart had finally found where he should park it. The humans gave us some hay and told us what good boys we had been.

It was certainly an exciting day out and we reckonned we had earned the hay. Jana REALLY enjoyed it and said it had made her Christmas. Our humans also met an old friend and settled down to enjoy coffee and cake with her in the van while we ate our hay.

Perhaps we will be asked to go again next year?

Love to all,

~Charlie~

Pierre and the Pallet

2011-10-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Pierre recently conquered the LOG.........Now he's on the pallet too.

....and off it again.....

Does Sammy think he's showing off?

Or maybe it's inconvenient to have a cheeky friend who's as big as you are!

Baby's SMALL Day Out at the Parelli Savvy Day

2011-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hi there, I'm Uncle Noah and the humans said Baby Kiwi and I should go to something called the Parelli Savvy Day to practice for our next BIG day at the Parelli games on 4th December.

First, though, Baby had to practice going in the horsebox cos she was rather scared last time and wouldn't get back in to come home.

Giffy loves going places so she got in the horsebox first while Sue played games with Kiwi. Here's Kiwi standing on her pedestal - she's always standing on her favourite log too - I think she likes being taller than she really is. Then Sue and baby played 'give me the bucket' in the horsebox - Kiwi picks up the bucket and throws it around and pretends she's going to give it to Sue, but she doesn't but sue gets it anyway and puts pony nuts in it for her. When she was busy Bart closed the horsebox ramp. Baby got VERY CROSS!! She stamped her feet and kicked the horsebox like a badly-behaved human- and kicked sue on the knee - but they went on playing 'give me the bucket' untill she gave up being scared and calmed down. Then Bart opened the ramp and they played more games then they went back in the horsebox a few times then closed the ramp and Baby was not bothered. Well I don't know what she was fussing about, I've been doing it for years and I don't mind at all.

Sinead and Peter thought there must be something nice in the horsebox.

Peter's getting so big it's a good thing he's still narrow !

(Sinead is cooking a new baby)

Anyway next morning, far too early for us to expect our humans they turned up with the horsebox. I went in first as there was some nice hay in there and after a little bit of persuasion Kiwi got in of her own choice! I suppose the practice had worked. However I like to travel bum-forwards so I had to push her round so I could get my bum securely into the corner. Then Kiwi leant on me really hard and gave me a hard job all the way there so I really hope she gets used to it soon. The humans threatened to take Charlie next time cos he's younger !

However we got there safely. After a bit of a grass-eating break the humans gave us a nice brush and then took us into a big shed where there were some horses playing Parelli games with lots of Parelli toys.

Baby pushed the ball a lot - we had never seen such a big one! She said it was really fun but I thought it was a bit scary really. Lots of people took pictures of us and said how sweet we are.

We both did lots of things around the cones - I had not tried it before so the humans were pleased with me and gave ME some pony-nuts for once !

Here's Baby Kiwi watching the big grey horse playing with the pedestal...

We both had a go at the pedestal but I'm not getting on it yet. Baby spent ages on it as she LOVES it.

But I got some nuts for trying. Baby turned right round with her front feet on it then went over it with all 4 feet and the humans were pleased.

We both went over the pole and did some sideways too - I've never done that before. By this time we were a bit tired so baby said we needed to roll in the lovely sand.

Everyone took pictures of us again!

Then we stood up and went to sleep for a bit - we were so relaxed the other horses picked up on it and stopped paying attention to their humans too!

Then the humans went for 'lunch' and left us tied up to the horsebox with some hay - Baby jumped in and pinched my hay. The humans said it was good thing because she had got back into the box by herself but I'm not so sure.

After lunch we went for some more grass-eating and talked to a pony in the field nearby but he ran away. The humans found a proper horse jump and put it up for Baby - they always let me off that sort of thing because I have lumpy tendons and they think I'll hurt myself. Baby has never jumped either - she walks over things or pushes through - we donkeys don't believe in wasting energy after all. Baby walked over the jump several times and the humans were very pleased but then she had a good think and...JUMPED it!!! Well done Baby!!

After that it was time to go home and I got some more hay in the horsebox while Baby made up her mind to get in. She did with very little fuss so we were both pleased. We got home safely and baby didn't lean on me quite so much but she still has something to learn!

The other donkeys gave us a big welcome and we told them all about our day out.

Peter and Mother had been a bit worried when I went off with Kiwi.

I'm off to eat some more grass,

eeores,

~Noah~

Peter's Nose and other things.....

2011-10-09T13:06:00.000-07:00

Who is that lurking outside the tack room?

It's PETER !!

Despite being large person Peter can still get his nose in the tack room window.He fiddles with the pot and has chucked Sue's mobile phone in the water trough twice ! :>{

He doesn't like you to touch his nose but if you have a soft paintbrush he loves you to brush it !

Pierre loves a cuddle...

"We are 7" Clovelly Photoshoot

2011-10-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Clovelly Estate decided to make an updated version of the famous postcard picture "We are Seven" which features seven donkeys under the arch of the Red Lion Hotel in Clovelly Harbour.

It had to be done at a time when the tide was in and there were not too many people about AND it wasn't raining. That meant we all had to get up before dawn to be ready in time.

It turned out to be a lovely pink dawn giving an amazing glowing light.

Sammy and Pierre thought it was very odd getting their footballs so early !

We had to bring in the donkeys and groom them in the stable where we have lights.

Then we set off down the cobbles - and paused at the fountain for a photo or two.

Jasper, Noah, Kiwi, Bart, Jake, Donk, Eli

Jasper, Kiwi, Donk, Bart, Noah and Eli.

Then on down past Rose Cottage.....

Then to take the photo - the donkeys took little time to settle into line but were very good about standing by themselves.

We Are Seven 2011

(Bart) Kiwi, Noah, Jake, Donk, Eli and Jasper.

By this time Eli said it was really time for breakfast and Kiwi said she was soooo tired:

So Jasper took an executive decision and led everyone off towards home.

Everyone followed......

Off they go homeward up the Back Road where there is a good nibble of grass along the way.

At the end of the arch there is a big drainage grating that frightens Baby Kiwi - but she was VERY brave and crossed it without trouble. Well done Baby !

Baby Kiwi and the Parelli Games day

2011-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Kiwi has been caught on camera practicing for the Parelli Games and spotlights day at Duchy College on 4th December. Heading nicely for a cone......

Hmmm...the grumpy expression !

Pierre and the LOG (2)

2011-09-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

Now you remember that Pierre has worked out how to climb on his log?

Well, here he is again.......with Sue on his back !!!

He was supposed to be doing some hindquarter and forequarter yields but he decided he'd rather stand on the log. Oh dear ! Now we won't be able to keep him off it !!!

Here he is with another of his favourite toys. the Sausage - an old yacht fender.

A Wet Day

2011-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

It was a horrible dy of sudden heavy showers. Those of us who had been out came in dripping. Here's the pattern of drips on the shed floor !

Bart decided it was too wet to sit in the street so Toby and I posed for photos in the stableyard so that we could hide in the stables when it rained.

In between the showers it was sunny so we had a good day.

Jake and Jasper thought it was better to sty indoors and even Baby Kiwi stood on the throne under the new roof.

Peter persuaded Bart to give him a good tickle.

Donk's Friends Come to Visit

2011-09-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

I had a busy day the other day when my good friends and adopters came to see me.Here we are in the yard.

In the morning we met in the stables and the two nice ladies gave me a brush. I was a bit shy but then I was thinking Bart was being a bit slow with my breakfast.Then I went off to do my photo job but all the friends came back to see me in the evening. I posed for them and looked handsome and then they went off to have something humans call 'TEA'.

It was very nice to meet them and get lots of spoiling and extra tea too. ~Donk~

Pierre Conquers The Log !

2011-09-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I was going to do some bareback riding and as I am a bit big for Pierre I like to get on gently from the stool rather than haul myself up from the ground. So I put the stool beside Pierre - and he walked off. He's not supposed to do that by now. I climbed up and down on the stool to make sure he wasn't worried and he walked round me - and behind my back he climbed on the log ! What's more he stayed there long enough for me to go off and find the camera.

So....has he found a clever way of getting out of the riding or was he copying me standing on the stool? Have to ask him........

He's not saying !
Next day he was quite happy to do it again and even played toss-the-rope up there.

Well done Pierre.

Now for Sammy !............~Sue~

Summer Coats.....

2011-08-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Sue has been taking pictures of the donkeys because they now have their beautiful sumer coats and look really lovely. Pierre...................

Sammy...................

Jasper and Charlie

Eli and Sinead

and Giffy the Mule who came up to the meadow one day for a change.

Big Donkeys and Parelli training.

2011-08-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sue has been training those big French stallion donkeys again, though it does get a bit late at night when we are all so busy.
Here's Sammy doing a lovely relaxed trot.Lately he's perfected going forward when asked and he's learning to do a figure-of-eight pattern which has a change of direction in the middle. He does it well on the lead and fairly well off the lead though he does like to go off to put his nose on various things because he knows he will get a reward for that !

Here's Pierre standing over the log.He's watching the camera with one ear while getting ready for a good, loud Eeore. He has twice put both front feet on the log ! Well done Pierre. Just missed the picture of course. He has also been doing the figure-of-eight and is good at it but he's much slower than Sammy.

Toby's new socks.

2011-08-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

Toby needed a bit of extra protection against the midges biting his legs so here he is wearing his new socks.

Wedding Decorations and 'hard' work......

2011-08-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a lovely sunny day and we were up in the Donkey-Riding-Meadow waiting for customers.

We tried very hard to keep awake..

.Jake and I rested our heavy heads on the fence.

Our good friend's son Tristan was getting married in a few days time so Sue put some ribbons on our saddles to match the wedding colours - we wore them for a few days to send good luck to the happy couple because it was too far for us to actually go to the wedding.... but in the end we all had to sit down for a sleep.

Eli, Jasper, Welly, Sinead and Noah

Then the customers arrived and we took it in turns to carry them round the field.

Charlie, Sue and Jasper.

Jasper is wearing his sunhat so that he doesn't get sunburn on his white nose.

I got into trouble for digging up grass roots and eating them and making a hole i n the field.

I told the humans when it was time to go home by fiddling with the bridles.
Charlie joined me by tossing some bags around.

Sue told him it was lucky he wasn't AT the wedding because he would have been in even BIGGER trouble !

So Charlie settled for constantly begging for his bum to be scratched and eventually the humans got the message and we went home.

Here I am looking very smart in my saddle. I'm a good riding donkey now ! Best eeoores, Eli

Lifeboat Day !

2011-08-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Every year Clovelly holds a fund-raising fun day for the RNLI lifeboat. Lots of flags and bunting are put up around the village and there are special events in the harbour all day and a swimming race out to the lifeboat for the local children.

Our helper Sarah dressed up her donkeys for lifeboat day with ribbons and plaited their tails.Charlie thinks he should be getting some attention too !
Then off they went to the village looking very smart !

In fact Sarah looked so smart that Baby Kiwi, who is looking very beautiful herself at the moment, just had to pose with her. (That's Eli in the background.)

Eli's First Rides

2011-08-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Eli has now become a fully-working riding donkey !
He has been standing for photos for some time, with children on his back, and he has carried the luggage back and forth from the street and the donkey-riding field many times without being worried - so we decided it was time he tried giving donkey rides.
The village children come to ride the donkeys on winter weekends so we invited Tom to ride Eli for the first time. Tom is a good rider - he won't frighten Eli by wobbling around and he won't be too scared if Eli is a bit scared.Here's Tom on Eli's first ride -

Eli was a bit unsure what to do at first so we took Jake for company. However he soon got going and was not at all bothered about being ridden.

Well done Eli and Tom !

After Tom had ridden him around for a bit Eli had his first proper rider.

We helped the little boy to jump on....

And off he went. Our helper walked along too just to be sure everything was OK.

Since then Eli has given lots of rides and seems to enjoy it. He goes best with Jake (they are very similar donkeys) but he won't go round with Sinead because they REALLY don't like each other !

Sammy and the DRAINs

2011-07-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

Well done to Sammy today too !
He went for a walk along the road and was brave enough to sniff both Dreaded Drain covers ! He sniffed them on the way back too. Hooray ! Eventually he will stop being scared of them and walk over them. Trouble is he's been talking to Donk who says that the Bucket Dragons, who live in buckets when they are babies, grow too big for buckets and move out into drains.

The Vet's latest visit.

2011-07-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Our favourite vet. came to give the lady donkeys their anti-tetanus boosters. Yes donkeys can get tetanus just as humans can. Sinead and Kiwi were not impressed but they were still talking to us afterwards.

At the same time the vet gave Toby a check-up. Toby is a very allergic donkey and has emphysema, a lung problem. The summer is a difficult time for him because the biting flies set off his allergies and recently it has been wet as well as hot and the humidity makes it more difficult for him to breathe. He had been worrying us by standing with his head down and being slow to follow the others. Fortunately the vet said he looked better than expected and advised us to give him an extra puff on his inhaler when it is hot and bring him into the cool stable. We already bring him in when the flies are about, with Jasper and Charlie so he is used to it.

Donkeys often suffer from breathing problems as they get older. They are semi-desert animals so they prefer a dry climate and Britain's soggy weather is not good for them.

Pierre and the Log

2011-07-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Pierre for standing on his log for the first time !!
He is very good at sniffing, pushing and pawing his log but this is the first time he has put both front feet on it.
Of course we didn't have a camera to hand but here he is with the log.

Baby Kiwi is very good at standing on hers. She loves to sunbathe on it and look down on the others. Lots of visitors take pictures of her. Noah used to do this too when he was younger - maybe he will try too if Baby gives him the chance ?

The Great Donkey Escape !

2011-07-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a very wet Friday and the donkeys had retreated to the shelter of the shed with NO intention of coming out. Bart decided to go home as he was wet and cold and hungry. Unfortunately.........because the donkeys were hiding and didn't remind him he forgot to put up the electric fence in front of the barriers.

In the afternoon the rain stopped and they came out. After a while some of them got a bit bored and Charlie decided to rub his ears on the barriers.

And that's how the donkeys got out !!

Sinead, Peter, Kiwi Charlie and Donk decided it was time to go out to the field. They went out of Charlie's gap, up Wrinkleberry lane and ended up on the football pitch which is behind their field.

Luckily it was Friday night and lots of people were watching the football on TV in the pub. They rushed out and herded the donkeys into the field.

One of the watchers was the father of one of our helpers. He 'phoned home and our helper mobilised her mum to drive her and her brother and sister down to the stables to see where the rest of the donkeys had got to. Fortunately they found the rest of the donkeys still asleep in the stables. Then they came and told us what had been going on.

WELL DONE ALL HELPERS !

We say a big THANK YOU to everyone.

Most likely the Escapees spent all night smirking when they were not eating !

Welly and Noah go to a wedding.

2011-06-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the monthWellington went to a wedding, this time with Noah.

They met the bride at the New Inn where she was staying and escorted her to the Red Lion where she was to be married. Here's Welly on the left and Noah on the right.

There were LOTS of guests and they made a big fuss of the donkeys. It was a lovely day and while the wedding was taking place they went to sleep in the sun.

Welly enjoying the harbour scenery.

Noah did better by finding himself a flat piece of concrete to stand on.

After the wedding lots of photos were taken.

Noah with a guest.

Noah with a bridesmaid.

Noah with the Bride.

Mules at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary

2011-06-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Some friends from the British Mule Society kindly took Sue to the Donkey Sanctuary to see their mules.

They have some wonderful mules of all shapes and sizes.

The Mule Society had adopted a sanctuary but it closed when the lady who started it became too ill to continue. Many of the mules were sent the the Sidmouth Sanctuary and this is them in their own group.

The next group contained avery friendly young mule called Paco who is looking for a home BUT he has to go with his two friends.

One is the mule on the left and the other is....

This lovely big mule called Billy

The next group were older mules.

Henry is the gey mule behind who is very friendly and cheeky but too old to be re-homed.

In the front is Figit. He has to have an operation to remove a large sarcoid growth but he reacted very badly to the vet. The ladies who keep him have worked very hard on making him less afraid of the vet (and everyone else!) because if he could not have the operation he would have to be put to sleep. They have done a wonderful job and very probably saved his life.

These are two small, young mules who came to the sanctuary recently.

This is Ami, one of the oldest mules.

A horse psychology student came to the sanctuary to do some experiments to find out how intelligent the mules were compared to horses and how quick they were to learn new things. Ami got the highest scores in all the tests so she is officially the most intelligent mule in the sanctuary !

WELL DONE AMI !

We all had a lovely day and were made very welcome by the donkey sanctuary staff.

Thank you ladies for showing off your lovely mules.

To visit the mules yourself and find out more about the Donkey Sanctuary visit their website at:

www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Donkeys and June

2011-06-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

The start of June was dry and sunny - some warmth at last !

Donk, Toby and Eli shared the photos-in-the-street job. Donk and Toby have special food so it is convenient to take them because they can eat in peace without the other donkeys trying to steal their dinner. Eli is our new donkey and we wanted him to get used to all the fuss and attention. No need to worry - he loves it all !

Toby getting some attention as well as his dinner.

When it is so sunny the donkeys go to sleep after their dinner - just like us they like sunbathing.

Toby likes this spot in the sun but he can go into the shade if he wants to.

Eli has the right idea.

Donk begs for his last dinner at 2.30

Sometimes Toby's friends come round to put him in the frame !

Meanwhile, up in the stables,some of the other donkeys are getting ready to give donkey rides. There's Sinead with her saddle on. Kiwi, the black donkey,and Giffy the mule are dozing in the sun and JakeyTed has sat down on the cobbles! (He often sits there although he has a good bed to lie on in the shed.)

Jasper is also off to give rides......but Charlie has gone to sleep too.

Here are Peter, Kiwi and Charlie asleep in the shed.

Sometimes we leave them the horsebox to play in so that they are not frightened of it.

Charlie likes anything that looks like a new stable.

Giffy just loves travelling !

...and Baby Kiwi likes standing on her log !

Well, we suppose he is comfortable !

Welly and Kiwi go to a wedding.

2011-05-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

A lovely lady who works in the village was to get married in our Big Church. She brought her dear dog Harley and asked if the donkeys could come too.We took Wellington who is one of the older donkeys and very calm and reliable.Kiwi went too because one of the lady's guests had adopted her.

On the day before Welly and Kiwi went over to the church for a practice to see if Kiwi would go into the church. Unfortunately she was too scared of the big steps but here she is posing in front of the beautiful doorway which has been specially decorated with scented flowers.

On the day Welly and Kiwi stood each side of the doorway and greeted the guests as they arrived.

Here's Kiwi keeping the guys busy and Welly entertaining the ladies.

Then when the bride arrived they followed after her along the church path under the special hand-made bunting - the donkey's had matching blankets and special rosettes too.

The donkeys grazed the succulent new grass in the graveyard while the wedding service was taking place.

Afterwards the happy couple and the guests made their way to the Court Gardens for the photos.

Kiwi was photographed with all the guests......

....and with the bride......

..and with ladies and gents.She was kept very busy !

Meanwhile, after such a lot of eating in the churchyard, and so much excitement, and after all it was quite hot, Wellington went to sleep under an apple tree.

The little ones made a big fuss of him.....

The big ones took pictures over the top of him.......

...and someone even made a phone call !

He slept peacefully through it all.

In fact, he was quite cross when he had to wake up to go home.

On the way home we had a conversation with a herd of English Longhorn cattle which was good experience for Kiwi because she had been scared of them before. Perhaps all the excitement had made her a bit brave?

The New Barriers

2011-05-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Bart has made some smart new barriers for the stable yard.

Mother and Baby Kiwi had a good look. Peter and Giffy thought the camera looked more interesting.

Mother said they were good for resting one's heavy head upon.

Giffy said they were good for scratching bums.

Jake said it worked well for ears too.

Charlie went to sleep with his nose on one.

And Baby thought that was such a good idea that she did it too.

The barriers in place. Noah has found a log to scratch upon.

The DENTIST !

2011-05-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

The donkeys have been visited by the dentist. She is a very nice lady recommended by the Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, and she comes every year to file off any sharp edges the donkeys have on their teeth. Donkeys' teeth grow all their lives and wear down while they are eating grass. Sometimes they don't wear down evenly, particularily in older donkeys, leaving sharp edges.

Kiwi and Peter think Gill's toolbox looks suspicious.

They put the gag on Giffy so that they can see clearly what they are doing. Giffy looks a bit worried but they are so quiet and confident that she doesn't make any fuss.

Filing teeth is hard work.....

But it all goes well.

Noah's turn. The headstand helps to keep the donkeys' head in the right place. The donkeys seem remarkably calm about it all.

Even the electric file doesn't worry them too much.

Peter is too young to need any attention but he is fascinated by the goings-on and watched the whole time. His Mum,Sinead, thinks the dentist looks scary and stays out of the shed..........but she keeps dropping in to make sure Peter hasn't got himself into any trouble!

If your donkeys need a dentist we can recommend these ladies.

Contact Gill Spinney at contact@equinedentalservices.org.uk

Welcome to our NEW Blog Spot

2011-05-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

To donkey lovers everywhere WELCOME to our new Donkey EEore-blog , created in May 2011, where the donkeys can tell you what they have been up to recently. To meet the donkeys indivdually trot over to our website at clovellydonkeys.co.uk . Happy browsing !

Mayday

2011-05-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Royal Wedding, the bank holiday and Mayday were all so close together that the donkeys kept their ribbons on all week just because they looked nice. There was a Mayday celebration in the Parish Hall where they even managed to have a proper maypole.Well done Parish Hall !

The Royal Wedding

2011-04-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

Our next event was the Royal Wedding at the end of April.
All the donkeys dressed up in their best red, white and blue ribbons to celebrate.
Here are Sinead (in blue) and Jake and Jasper ready for donkey rides.......

And here's Charlie in red.

Wellington in blue

Charlie in White

Jake says its SOOO tiring

Jake and Jasper in red and blue

Toby in Blue

Donk looking great in red

and Noah in blue and white.

Eli's first day at work

2011-04-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

At the end of April Eli, our newest donkey, had his first day in the village being patted by all the visitors.
He says....
Well I went down the cobbles with the other donkeys and ate some hay. It was boring really but then lots of people turned up and they patted me which was really nice. Some of them had dogs and I had fun scaring them by staring, silly things! I teased Maria's cat too and she got in a grump and went to sleep on top of the fountain. It was a fun day out.We stayed until it got boring again them we went back to the stables for more hay.Here we are at work....

Palm Sunday 2011

2011-04-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

This year Welly, JakeyTed and our new donkey Eli went to All Saints Church in Clovelly for the palm Sunday blessing and parade down the cobbles. Charlie and Noah went to Torrington and did a tour of the churches there.

Welly says..............
On Palm Sunday Jake and Eli came with me to the curchyard where we eat lots of good grass around the gravestones. They came out and put the big Cope on me ( they say its and honour and keep on fussing over it falling off ). Then two ladies took hold of jake and Eli and Sue led me down the steps into the church. I've been lots of times so I don't mind but Jake's only been once and Eli never has....but they followed me perfectly. We stood in the isle while the vicar said the blessing over us for us to carry back to the others. Then we paraded around the pews three times while the humans did some singing. On the first round Jakey decided it was too noisey and shot out of the door dragging his lady behind him. However Eli was the perfect companion and was cool and calm.
Then we walked through the flowers in the Court gardens, along the 'long walk' and down the cobbled street to the New Inn where the humans started singing again and the elderly lady who lives opposite came out to listen to us.
Here are some pictures......

Baby Kiwi's Big Day Out

2011-04-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

Our working year usually starts in March with going to the church for Palm Sunday. However, this year, Easter was incredibly late so Palm Sunday didn't happen until the middle of April ! That meant that our year started with Baby's Big Day Out.

Sue has been studying Parelli Natural Horsemanship and Baby Kiwi has been practicing all winter to go to the Parelli games which were to be held at Dutchy Agricultural College in Cornwall, in December. Then it SNOWED in December and we had a lovely white Christmas but.....as all the country lanes were snowed up the day was posponed until April.

The first hurdle was getting there on time.
Kiwi says.......................
The humans turned up really early and we wondered what was going on when they wheeled out the horsebox. They put some hay in it and Noah said we should go and eat it so we got in together. The humans said they were pleased. Then we rattled and shook for ages 'till I wondered if we'd ever stop...but we did and when I looked out we were in a new place with lots of horses. I had never met horses before but Noah said it was OK because horses are usually scared of us and wouldn't cause us any trouble.Here I am doing my stuff..................

It was raining so we went into a BIG shed and stood around for ages while the horses ran around. When it was our turn Sue asked me to do lots of the things we had been doing at home as well as some new things. Then we stood around again, admired ourselves in some big mirrors then we did some more training with Noah following us around. After that we got to go back to the horsebox and eat some grass. I was a bit silly about going back in the horsebox but Noah did say it was OK eventually. We got home before dark and all the donkeys asked me where we had been. I was a bit tired but we had a big adventure and the next day I had to pose with my rosette for the humans to take a picture.