Customer Reviews

Training Without Resistance From Foal to Advanced Levels (Training mules and donkeys)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this book after reading the description which said it contained "all" of the information in the video set (available at the author's website). Although I have prior horse care and riding (English and western) experience, I now own two miniature donkeys whom I wish to train to drive.

After reading the first two chapters of the book, I am impressed with the author's emphasis on positive reinforcement, and understanding of donkey/mule psychology. Yet I am clueless about how to perform many of the training assignments outlined. The photos in the book do not adequately illustrate the methods being used, and the text is only a general outline (albeit a well-written one).

I believe that the text may be taken directly from the videos, after seeing some short clips on the author's website... but it doesn't stand alone without the moving video (or additional photos or drawings) to illustrate what is being done. It is also slightly repetitive, as if portions hadn't been edited properly.

This would be a good book to have AFTER seeing the videos, so you could remind yourself of the assignments while you were out working with your animal... but I wish I had purchased the videos instead.

Those of us wanting donkey-specific training books are really limited to this and one other on the market, which is a shame, as these animals are becoming so popular. This book is really geared more towards mules, and covers donkeys only in passing.

Finally, it is recommended that the trainer spend six months to a year on each chapter before progressing; I understand the need to take things very slowly, but it seems there could be some additional suggestions for activities on the same level during those time periods - it's kind of sparse in that respect.

I was very dissapointed when I read this book. I was hoping for some insight on how to work with donkeys as compared to horses. The book mentions that the training is different but didn't explain how. It goes right into training for showmanship and then forword into advanced work. This is information I can get out of any horse training book. It does not work with donkeys or mules. For instance, a donkey will stop moving and nothing that would make a horse move will make a donkey move. What works with a donkey? Why do they stop? These and many more questions I found no answer for.

An informative book that could benefit mule, horse and donkey owners. Well explained with great photo choices for reference. Meredith conveys her training methods and methodoly well in this and her other books. They are laid out to accompany the DVD lessons, which I have not yet seen. I feel that this book is a benefit to those who wish to further their training skills.

I have worked with horses for years but when I unloaded my newest addition, a 3 year old miniature donkey, I realized quickly that this was not a horse. What to do now? This book answered that question very well. With step by step instructions for working with a donkey I was impressed with the detail and accuracy. From the youngster up to adult finished riding donkey, this book covers it. I was a bit disappointed that there was not more information on teaching a donkey to actually drive, this teaches good basic ground work, including ground driving. It is even better for donkeys being started under saddle.