Moving the Donkeys to a Different Pasture
There's always lots to do here at my Bedford, New York farm. Among our latest projects - moving the donkeys and their run-in shed.
I have several large pastures - enclosed spaces where my Friesians, Fell pony, and donkeys are turned out to exercise and graze. Recently, I decided to move my donkeys to another paddock on the north side of my stable, where they can view farm activities from a different location. Doing this meant we also had to relocate the donkey run-in shed. Run-in sheds are three-sided buildings that allow horses and donkeys free-choice access during inclement weather. My crew took on this task and got the job done in just a couple of hours.
Enjoy these photos.
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- Here on my farm, I always instruct my outdoor grounds crew to use the right tools for the right jobs. For this project, it was necessary to move the donkey run-in shed from one paddock to another quickly and efficiently. Our trusted hi-lo is the perfect solution for this task. A hi-lo is a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads. Here, Pete drives it carefully into the enclosure to the run-in shed.
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- The hi-lo can lift thousands of pounds. This run-in shed is not moving far – just to the other side of the stable and my Boxwood Allée.
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- The first step is to make sure it is completely secured. Pete, Doug, and Fernando wrap two heavy-duty straps around the entire shed.
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- Underneath, the crew places wooden boards and a metal pipe, so the shed remains intact when it is lifted. Giving it ample support from all sides is crucial.
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- A moving blanket is also placed on the forklift where the shed will rest, so the side is properly protected.
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- Here, the forklift is moved carefully under the structure…
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- … And in just a short time, the shed is on the move.
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- Pete drives the hi-lo carefully out of the paddock and onto the carriage road in front of the stable.
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- Then it is turned ever so slowly into the Boxwood Allée. The new paddock gate is just off one end of the allée.
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- The inside is completely empty. One can see how it is being carried on the inside.
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- In order to maneuver the shed into the paddock without touching the boxwood, Pete lifts the shed using the strong forklift arm of the hi-lo over the burlap covered specimens.
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- Here it is about 10-feet in the air – so far, so good.
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- Fernando is ready with blocks to place under the shed as soon as it is lowered into its new position.
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- And before lunch, the entire run-in shed is in its new home – intact and looking great.
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- Next, the sod from in front of the shed is removed and some industrial weed cloth is put down in its place.
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- Because this will be a high-traffic area for the donkeys, I wanted to be sure the entrance to the run-in shed is safe. Muddy high-traffic areas are not suitable for horses – they can cause poor footing, which can lead to leg injuries, strain, and stress to their joints, muscles, and ligaments. To help, Pete is installing this flexible, high density, three-inch deep polyethylene mat, which will contain filler and improve drainage where it is needed most.
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- The mat cells are each three-inches deep. It will be able to hold an adequate amount of stone dust.
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- Here, Pete starts filling the cells with stone dust. Once the cells are filled, they will add another two inch layer on top of the mat.
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- It can also be mounded up slightly in the center to allow for better drainage. Pete and Fernando make sure none of the mat is exposed.
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- Here’s Truman “TJ” Junior walking over to see what’s going on. “TJ” is one of five Sicilian donkeys here at my farm.
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- And where one goes, the others follow – here comes Rufus.
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- Soon, Jude “JJ” Junior joins the herd.
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- I think “TJ” likes where his new run-in shed is. He decides to roll right away – approval, or marking his new territory?
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- The donkeys seem to like their new space. This new paddock will be a fun change. Here, they will spend their days running, rolling, and grazing in the grass. It will also be easier for visitors to stop by and visit with them.
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- The run-in shed looks great in its new location and I love seeing it from the windows of my Winter House. I think the donkeys will be very happy in their new enclosure. See you soon, my darling “donks.”
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