Donkey-appropriate Gourmet Goodies

[Angela Woodford]

Would anybody be able to advise me?

I'm busy with my new garden - which started off a barren plot of wretched dry "topsoil" on top of builders' rubble. Via the local Spar shop, I located a delightful lady who invited me to dig deep into the mountain of well-rotted manure created by Sarah, her donkey. I took along my pile of big compost bags, and dug. What magical mixture it is! Amazing!

However, I should like to take a gratitude present for Sarah. Has anybody any knowledge of donkeys? What do they like best to eat? Is there anything that would upset her?

There she was, in a little field, only too pleased to chat and have her nose rubbed. What astonishing furry ears! (You can tell that I am new in the area of donkey admiration.) She has a lovely soft muzzle and a silver-grey coat. Though perhaps it was a mistake to pat her and then breathe in. *coughing*

I have in mind a sort of appealingly presented plate of donkey-appropriate gourmet goodies.

Well - if one needs advice, somebody in the Blue Community will know!

[J.R.]

A friend of ours has a rescue donkey. They eat most vegetation, including thistles.

Did you notice the 'Cross of Jesus' on his/her back ?

Think of Palm Sunday.

As Sir Michael Caine was alleged to have said.... 'Not a lot of people know that !!'

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

You will probably get good advice from the "Horsey Set " who have appeared on other Topics ----

"What they like is a Demmed Good Groomin' !" -- this probably also applies to their Husbands ! !

Watch out for " Incoming " Neill ! :biggun: :mutley:

I am not bitter --- but I married into the "Horsey Set" in Melton Mowbray --- and got Dumped ! !

[J.R.]

Nice one Neill !!!

[Angela Woodford]

They eat most vegetation, including thistles.

Of course! Why did I not remember Eeyore? I shall hunt out a magnificent thistle as part of my offering. Very clever of you, JR!

Yes, I did notice the black cross in the silver of her coat. She has lovely markings.

After a busy afternoon spreading and digging in the results of Sarah's diet, I am now bathed, scented and refreshed. The trouble is... I may have to go back for more!

NEILL, I shall remind my current husband that he is in need of a damned good grooming. He takes long enough in the bathroom as it is.

[lonelymom]

My sister-in-law has ponies and hers absolutely love the odd mint. I can't remember what they're called, but they're made by Trebor,they come in a large bag (to be found hanging near the liquorice allsorts etc in Tescos) and they are sort of soft white fondant things. Obviously they can't have too many (bad for their teeth and they can't brush) but they do really enjoy them. And I don't think she'd complain if you took her a nice juicy apple!

[icomefromalanddownunder]

You will probably get good advice from the "Horsey Set " who have appeared on other Topics ----

Hello Neill

How are we this morning?

I'm sure that Liz will jump in when she is free, but, in the meantime:

carrots (of course), and preferably with the green bits still attached. Do not, under any circumstances, cut into rings - either hold one end while equine bites off the other (best to know the equine in question and how well mannered they are, before attempting this advanced manoeuvre), or cut into strips.

apples - cut into quarters, or whole and held in cupped palm while equine takes bites. Same proviso as for carrots.

chamomile

fennel

a massage, complete with essential oils of the equine's choosing

rosehips - cut in half or they just sort of roll them around in their mouths, then spit them out

black sunflower seeds

mint

thistle flowers

xxxxxxxxx

[Angela Woodford]

Dar-lings!

This is superb! I shall now be able to put together a glorious treat for Sarah! A soft peppermint will be the most tasteful of garnishes - well remembered, lonelymom! Here are some splendid ideas...

I'll vounteer the essential oil massage. (I know only too well that Caroline's essential oil tips work - did I not fade away a scar with the rose eglanteria oil of her recommendation?) I have mint, I have sunflower seeds.

Back into the garden in rubber trousers today and dig! dig! dig! Er.. yee-haw! Thanks to the experts!

[CHAZ]

You will probably get good advice from the "Horsey Set " who have appeared on other Topics ----

"What they like is a Demmed Good Groomin' !" -- this probably also applies to their Husbands ! !

Watch out for " Incoming " Neill ! :biggun: :mutley:

I am not bitter --- but I married into the "Horsey Set" in Melton Mowbray --- and got Dumped ! !

Hope you weren't dumped on Neill! Ah Melton Mowbray.....full of pork pies!

[icomefromalanddownunder]

Aaarrgghhhhh .......................

forgot strawberries. Bought some strawberries for Jess and I to share while spending time with the newest addition to our extended family (Fergie, a clydesdale x, not sure what with). Made the mistake of offering one to Fergs, and that was it - if I now turn up sans strawberries I am one seriously non grata persona. It's possible to buy most things at any time of the year in The Great Southern Land, but prices vary consideraly, and strawberries are now well outside of my budget <sigh>.

However, how could I have forgotten the saying ........'It's like feeding a donkey a strawberry'.

xxxxxxxx

[Angela Woodford]

Thank you Caroline - gives me an excuse to buy some strawberries too!

I've discovered that there is a Donkey Sanctuary not far away - I so enjoyed meeting Sarah that this might be an interesting experience? Masses of donkeys! Different colour donkeys!

XXX

[CHAZ]

If any of you saw the film Nanny Macfee with Emma Thompson, there was a nice moemnt when the donkey is dressed up with a hat and other garments.....

[J.R.]

Back into the garden in rubber trousers today and dig! dig! dig!

I'm sure there must be some specialist magazines dedicated to this practice which may well be provided in a plain brown wrapper !

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

I have to say that I dis-approve of dressing up animals to amuse humans.
The ghastly pictures which one sees in the Tabloid Press, of little terrier as a pretty baby are insulting to the animals --- if it is a half-decent Jack Russell --- it will have your finger off !
Apropos Melton Mowbray, I married the 1951 Festival Year Leicestershire Beauty Queen --- mistake -- forever in "Defensive Mode" with other Males !
As to Horses ---- In my present age and condition, I may have to ride Side-Saddle !.
Don't laugh --- there used to be a Noble Lady who rode to Hounds, side-saddle, with the Quorn, and was always a couple of lengths behind the Master, --a fabulous and formidable little Lady !

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Since we seem to have strayed onto " Wildlife in General " --- I am experiencing a Problem !
A pair of Robins seem determined to nest in my Garage.
This has a, controlled, up-and-over door, do we leave it open, and invite any "Casual Caller" to nick my Tools, Paints and other Goodies ?
Or do I just close it down and let the little blighters and their offspring -- if any-- Starve ?

As you may imagine, I am under some pressure from the Commandant !