Our Training Program
Each donkey that enters LSDP moves through a considered, welfare-based training pathway:
1. Settling & Assessment
• Quarantine on arrival
• Worming, hoof trimming, dental checks, tetanus/strangles vaccinations
• Behavioural assessment and baseline temperament scoring
2. Foundation Handling
We spend extensive time desensitising donkeys to:
• Human touch
• Leg and body handling
• Haltering, tying, leading
• New environments, sounds, and pressure
This sets the groundwork for donkeys to cope with children, farm visitors, livestock movements, and unexpected “paddock chaos.”
3. Guardian Skills Development
Donkeys are exposed to controlled livestock situations including:
• Goats, sheep, cattle, and calves
• Moving mobs
• Paddock changes
• Boundary-testing scenarios
We watch carefully for natural guardian behaviours, such as:
• Alert postures
• Protective positioning
• Confidence without aggression
• Calm problem-solving
• Strong flock or herd bonding
Only donkeys that demonstrate consistent, appropriate behaviours progress.
4. Property Matching
No two donkeys — or properties — are the same.
We match donkeys to landholders based on:
• Land size and layout
• Predator pressure
• Livestock type
• Existing guardian animals
• Paddock design, fencing, and water access
• Family environment (kids, visitors, working dogs, etc.)
This ensures the best possible long-term outcome for both the donkey and the livestock they protect.
Donkey Handling & Education Course
Register your interest in attending a donkey handling and education day in Murrurundi. This course is suitable for teens and adults who have an interest in building their donkey handling skillset or just simply love Donkey’s and want to interact with them and I’m sure by the end of it you will have a favourite donkey from our herd! We also offer personalised days where a family can attend together, please ask Brooke about what is available and we will try to accommodate the best way we can.
The course has you interacting with our donkeys, they are all at varying stages of their education and you are able to see each stage and how we approach their education and trick and tips we have learned!
If you’re like me and have always loved donkeys, but your familiar with horses, don’t be mistaken, donkeys are totally different, however, once you understand what works for them it’s easy to apply other livestock handling skills, balanced with the best way to approach getting the most out of your donkey. You will find out that TRUST is the thing that will get results!
This course is offered at Heath & Brooke’s property “Splitters Ridge” near the beautiful country town of Murrurundi. Being only 10 mins from town allows the best of both worlds. We have found that most people that are attending tend to make a weekend trip out of it. There has also been some lovely friendships established from couple’s attending the course and staying at the same place and interacting throughout the course. There is such a wide variety of things to see and explore makes for an awesome holiday! If you are needing to book accomodation please reach out we can link you up with the best options in town. We are also available to help if you are flying in. We have had people from SA, QLD and boarder towns of NSW.
If you would like to be contacted when the next dates are released please fill in the form.