Ushko (Ushi means ‘ears’ in Bulgarian) is always happy to see us. Today, he seems to have found a canine companion. Something not everyone knows – the trimmings of the donkey hoof are a real treat for dogs. They love them!
SUMMER DONKEY CARE
23 December 2024
Summer donkey tour
It’s summer – the heat is literally on, with the season in 2024 being particularly hot and dry. The sun is beating down mercilessly on human and animal alike but our team is off to its summer regional donkey care outreach program. Some donkeys we’ll find at home in the deep shade of the stables; others will be out in the meadows and fields. There is a small number of animals that get transferred to distant, cooler areas in summer but since our visits take place every couple of months, we know we’ll have the chance to look after their hooves soon enough.
Most donkeys’ hooves are in a pretty good condition in summertime. Working in the field means they get natural trimming but because of the hot and dry terrain, they are quite tough to work on. The exceptions are the donkeys that stay mostly back home in the stables.
The most typical trouble we come across in summer is wounds such as this one. In the case of the particular donkey, the wound signifies hypersensitivity to Culicoides (a type of biting midges) and the sharp blades of certain dry grasses. The latter start the process of skin damages and the former make it worse.
We sometimes get assistance from the donkey humans. It’s a low-key gesture but it’s very heartwarming.
Other donkeys have known us for a long time and trimming their hooves has become a ritual of trust and helpfulness. We don’t need any assistance with these two guys who always spend their summer on the football ground in Beslen village.
These are warm relationships, years in the making. Donkeys have their ways of showing affection as evidenced here.
Some people prefer to keep their donkeys at home where it is cooler – such as this handsome fellow from Banichan village where the Donkey Valley is set.
Some donkeys linger close to the road as if having a sixth sense about our imminent arrival.
So let us introduce some of our outreach regulars, up close and personal:
Roberto from Debren village is at home.
“I don’t want him out there in the heat. What if he has sunstroke?” The woman’s concern for her donkey is touching.
Azis is Roberto’s neighbour. “He helps with the tobacco but he is getting on a bit,” the woman tells us. She then proceeds to recall how the last time he had a fall, they had to find a hoist to get him up. Azis is suffering from age-related arthritic conditions and since his human lives alone, she has concerns about being unable to take care of him soon. She shares that she hopes to get a new, young donkey soon and asks if Azis could come and live in the Valley. “But not until next spring,” she adds, petting him. How could we say no?!
The traces of the last fall are still visible on Azis’ leg.
Kaifeyka (The Velvety one) is a young donkey from Baldevo village. Until now, we have always found her out in the nearby meadow, grazing but today, she’s at home. It’s the first time we’re entering her ‘domain.’ It’s upsetting to see her living conditions are far from good.
We do what we can – in this case trimming her hooves. She looks well at least, and has a very sweet disposition.
Gosho makes the long trek up and down every day – his hooves show it. They are in good condition and he’ll skip their trimming this time around.
Gosho makes the long trek up and down every day – his hooves show it. They are in good condition and he’ll skip their trimming this time around.
Alf is a quiet donkey with very calm temperament. He’s always in his little yard with the big views right at the edge of Beslen. We never see him out and about but his hooves need no trimming either, which means he walks plenty.
Marco has to be the calmest donkey in our acquaintance. He lives in Hadzhidimovo village and spends his summers in the vegetable patches of his human. Marco has a lot of importance – he works the land and carries the produce around. He loves it, as most donkeys would. They enjoy being active.
Another Marco, this one from Borovo village. The family has had a vineyard for generations. Marco and his human visit it every single day. Even if there isn’t any work, the donkey makes the trip so he doesn’t stay in all day. The rest of the time Marco spends in a small enclosed yard. “He is quite temperamental and kicks around a lot,” we find out, “so that way it’s safer for everyone and my property.”
Next stop, Borovo village again, where we interrupt an important session of rolling around in the dust. We wait it out before doing our work.
We add an extra day to our Donkey Care in the Region campaign and give some of our Valley inhabitants a trim, lest they feel neglected.
