"Teaspoon", a molly mule, and Crystal 
Ward winning the Ladies Side-Saddle
Mule Class at Mule Days, Bishop,
California. May 1993

DONKEY & MULE TRAINING

Training is available to donkeys of all sizes, from miniatures up to mammoths at The Ass-Pen Ranch.  Whether your weanling needs halter training, or your mature donkey is ready for saddle training or cart training, consider sending it to The Ass-Pen Ranch.   Here in the heart of the gold country of Northern California, we proudly speak “donkey”.  

The 54-acre Ass-Pen Ranch is located on a ridgetop above Placerville, California, with incredible views of the Sacramento Valley to the west, and the magnificent snow covered Sierra mountains to the east.  We pride ourselves with a safe, clean environment for your donkey should you leave it here for either breeding or training.  Covered pipe paddocks are cleaned daily, and facilities include a covered arena, an outdoor arena, a 50’ round pen and a hot walker. 

One unusual component to having any equine trained is to also encourage the owner to observe or participate in a weekly session with their donkey.  This makes for a happier transition when the donkey returns home.   Crystal has a lifetime of equine experience, getting her first horse back in 1962.  Since that time, she has owned many horses, ponies, mules and donkeys, with a variety of accomplishments over the last four decades.

Predominately a western rider, she has also competed in English (hunt seat), driving, both English and western side-saddle riding, and has competed in literally hundreds of parades throughout the United States.  These parades included the 1989 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., Oregon’s Rose Festival Parade, Arizona’s Fiesta Bowl Parade, and fifteen (15) Tournament of Roses Parades in Pasadena, California.

In 1981 Crystal purchased her first mammoth jack donkey (“Cocky Doodle” from Montana) and shortly afterwards her second donkey (“Dry Gulch Michelle” from Oregon). 

"Radar", 14.3 hand mammoth donkey jennet
 and Crystal Ward. Mule Days, Bishop,
 California

After that she started gradually trading in her horses for the longears.   Crystal has been competing in equine events since 1969.   But why  donkeys…one might ask.   These intelligent equines are fun to have around, comical, and sometimes challenging to get into their mind.  To better understand a donkey, one must think like a donkey. 

Most horse trainers would never consider taking in a donkey to train.  The average donkey will not willingly work in a round pen for more than a couple of laps around.  Most donkeys are not too fond of water crossings.  Knowing a donkey’s limitations, yet training a donkey to perform to the best of its abilities is what intrigues Crystal.

Crystal getting "Patience My Ass" warmed up for the rainy, cold 2006 Pasadena Rose Parade (R), Crystal's 17th time to appear in this prestigious "Grand-daddy of them all" (R) parade