Donkeys, Horses & Mules

donkey and mule

There are many benefits to owning a donkey, horse, or mule. However, it is important to know that these animals (all belonging to the sub-family called equus) require special housing, feeding, and care for a healthy life. Here are a few important considerations to make before bringing a new animal home.

Housing and Sheltering

The size of the animal determines how large of a stall you’ll need to keep it in. For one normal-sized animal, you’ll want something around 12-foot by 12-foot square or larger. Ponies and some miniature horses can be kept in areas as small as 10-foot by 10-foot. And draft horses or other large breeds require up to 16-foot by 16-foot stalls.

You’ll also need some sort of shelter from the elements. This can be a simple three-sided shed with a cover or a stall that is both indoors and outdoors. If you plan on keeping your horse, donkey, or mule in a pasture, make sure they still have some sort of cover from the rain and summer sunshine.

Feeding

In general, most donkeys, horses, or mules eat about twenty pounds of food a day. They also need access to around eight gallons of water. If you’re keeping your horse in a barn, you’ll want to provide them with a clean water trough or automatic water source. Those in a pasture should have access to a much larger trough or tank, due to potential evaporation. Plus, they’ll need plenty of hay and pellets or grain twice a day.

Other Tips to Know About Owning a Horse, Donkey, or Mule

Besides basic food, water, and shelter, these animals have numerous other care requirements. Their hooves grow quickly, so you’ll need to have a local farrier come out and trim or shoe them every six to eight weeks.

Horses, donkeys, and mules also need annual or bi-annual veterinary care and regular vaccinations. Additionally, they need to be protected against parasites and other worms that can cause significant health conditions.

Finally, your new donkey, horse, or mule needs exercise on a regular basis. You won’t always be available for rides, so having a place to roam like a pasture or paddock is important. Groundwork or the so-called act of putting them through their paces through physical activity should be done at least a couple times per week.

Wrap Up: Basic Care

Owning one or all of these animals is exciting. However, you want to ensure you’re giving them the healthiest and happiest lifestyle by keeping these important tips in mind.

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

How Pet Parents Feel About Gooding Vet

  • "Thank you for helping my pup overcome her vet-anxiety without medication. Takes time, persistence and patience."
    C.S.
  • "They are the best for our pets. You come in and you know they love animals. Every thing that they were doing was explained to us. I love the vet and the vet tech!!"
    T.H.
  • "Great service so far. Treat my puppy with great care. Doesn't know he's getting any shots."
    L.J.
  • "Dr. Amber Parish is experienced, knowledgeable, and highly professional. She is easy to talk to and explains things very well. I trust her opinions and judgment when it comes to my pets."
    C.J.
  • "New vets are caring, gentle and very nice."
    L.F.
  • "Excellent service."
    G.B.
  • "Educated and caring staff!"
    J.P.
  • "If you are looking for an amazing vet for your fur babies, look no further. Dr. Parish and her entire staff treated all of my dogs like their own, giving them such good treatment our dogs love to go visit just to say hi to the staff."
    J.L.
  • "Very professional & friendly. Helped me through a very emotional time."
    R.H.
  • "Great local vet. Can't say enough about Dr. Amber and her crew. Caring, warm, thoughtful, compassionate and all for reasonable costs."
    C.S.
  • "Always very helpful and knowledgeable and my furbabies seem to like it as well."
  • "Best place to go. We had our first visit today and I couldn't ask for better! Everyone in there was amazing. Beyond blessed. Thank you guys for what you do."
    J.K.
  • "Very compassionate."
    K.G.
  • "Dr. Parish is so kind and amazing with my dogs ... so glad to have her as a part of our community."
    S.F.
  • "Absolutely the best. Don't intend to take my dogs anywhere else from now on. Dr.'s office for people should take a page from this clinic."
    M.S.
  • "Great Vet ❤️ Great Vet Tech Care!"
    B.C.