A: Horses and donkeys can live very happily together, but it is essential to research donkeys’ specific needs before making your final decision, as the needs of horses and donkeys do vary somewhat.
If you decide to get a donkey and home him with your horses, you need to ensure that you introduce them slowly, just as you would any new equine. We would advise turning them out in adjacent paddocks initially. When the time comes to add the donkey in with your horses, you will need to monitor herd dynamics very closely. Donkeys do not have the same flight instincts as horses and may not respond when a horse’s body language asks them to move away. This can increase the risk of conflict and injury in the group.