Sessions are usually 10am or 3pm start (10am & 2pm mid-winter) lasting about 60 mins but please enquire for other times.
Spend some quality time with our little mini donkeys having some farmyard fun, learning about handling and behaviour through some game-based techniques. Using a combination of target training and other non-aggressive interactive techniques with positive reinforcement, you will be shown how your own behaviour and body language affects the donkeys, and how these can be used to communicate with your sweet little companion. You’ll even have a go at some mini donkey agility games and liberty training which we are progressing and developing as the sessions progress.
The positive reinforcement techniques we use are transferable across most species, including humans!
This activity is mainly attended by adults but quiet donkey-loving children are welcome to attend as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. For younger children we recommend booking a private session so it can be at your own pace. We can also arrange shorter interactions – please contact us for more info.
On arrival, you will be greeted by the mini donkeys and their trainer, and introduced to each of them as they all have very distinct personalities. There will be a short grooming session with a run through their health and welfare before starting to interact with the donkeys. The actual format will vary according to the participants, stage of learning of the donkeys and weather conditions but it will include the principles of Target Training and its use to promote confidence and communication. The session will last around an hour.
The Donkey Play Experience can be carried out year round, with individuals and groups welcome to booking. The price per person is £35. Should you not see your preferred date on the calendar, please enquire as we can frequently accommodate specific requests. Undated gift vouchers lasting 12 months can be bought through our Gifts section. We also offer a “Private Play Session” which is £140 for up to 4 people but you can add in extra spaces if you’d like – use the bystander tickets for extra spaces at checkout.
This experience is suitable for all ages but we generally would tailor the experience should you wish to attend with younger children – please advise on booking. Groups and team-building sessions can be arranged in conjunction with other activities – do ask!
We also offer Dinky Donkey Walks along scenic paths around the farm and can combine both experiences on request.
WHAT TO WEAR
Long sleeves & trousers are recommended plus strong insect repellent in summer as there are horse flies that bite! Sturdy walking boots advised, to protect your feet.
CAN DOGS COME ALONG?
No! Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on our walks as they can stress the animals. When it is hot, we do not have any shady places to park, so please do not assume you can leave your dog in the car while you visit. Please contact us if you would like a recommendation for a dog sitter.
CAN I SEE THE PIGS?
The Pigs are at a different location about 30 minutes’ drive away, so please bear this in mind if you wanted to book both activities on the same day.
CAN I REACH YOU BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
No! We are in a rural area with a tiny population that doesn’t have any bus services near enough to walk from. The nearest town accessible by train then bus is Brecon, so we would suggest staying there and travelling by taxi. You could also stay in Sennybridge which is over 3 miles away, but there are no taxi services & you will still pay for a taxi to come from Brecon. Do please lobby Welsh Government if you think that is unreasonable.
Sennybridge, Wales, LD3 8TY - Directions sent on booking
