Penelope

Penelope is joining us for training from Gerda’s Equine Rescue.  Penelope was rescued from a kill pen with her daughter in 2019.  She was adopted out in 2020, but never came around to having her feet handled and remained quite fearful of people.  Penelope was returned to Gerda’s Equine rescue in 2023 with horribly overgrown feet.  We will be taking our time to build Penelope’s trust and teach her to accept basic handling and care.  We are very excited to be working with this beautiful donkey.

February 2025: You may have seen us saying “New year, new donkey!” on our social media pages, and that continues to hold true! Penelope has turned over a new leaf and suddenly decided— after many months of patient and persistent efforts from her handler— that domesticated life is actually pretty sweet. Carrots, blankets, and regular hoof care are just a few of many benefits. 

While Penelope still prefers to maintain her personal agency when she is off-line, she now allows us to care for her feet while tied in a stall or on a loose lead line, and easily accepts a blanket. We are still working with Penelope to help her be more willing to be caught and haltered, and she is on the right track! 

In our time getting to know her, we have found that she does best with her handling and training when she has companions in her living area. Her general happiness is key to her willingness to be handled, and we feel that she will be happiest in a home with another long-eared friend, but she could potentially bond with a small pony or a miniature horse.