This is a triumph. (For me, personally…)
Many months ago, our management at Halter Ranch Winery asked us for ideas on how to connect with the community, social media ideas, promotional ideas…
So… I suggested we adopt some wild horses and let them do weed abatement on the 2000+ acres here. Fire is a big deal here in California. I thought it would be a win-win.
Our GM said he loved the idea… but ‘how about donkeys instead’.
I said that was a GREAT idea and I could facilitate.
Well, that was months ago… it is tough to turn a corporate ship… but we did it!
Today, the first of many donkeys (we hope) landed at Halter Ranch Winery.
Many, huge thanks to Bryce, our GM, for allowing this.
And many huge thanks to All Seated In a Barn for hanging in there with me through all the ups and downs along the way. I had asked Skydog to let me know about any bunches of donkeys needing homes and she introduced me to All Seated in a Barn.
Small World story… Tahlia from All Seated in a Barn, was a wine distributor in Paso Robles a while back. She knew Halter Ranch well, and was praying, crossing fingers and toes that this would work out because she loves our property. She held onto these donkeys, just for the chance that they would be released at Halter Ranch. Today, she and the donkeys WON BIG.
These 4, formerly wild BLM donkeys (we don’t yet know where they came from because their brands are not legible – yet) who were found in a kill pen in Texas, are now free again on 750 acres of safe and glorious, pristine California ranch lands.
Sigh. A good day.
We guided the truck and trailer with precious cargo, onto the ranch and up to the 750 acres designate for these lucky donkeys.
Here they are… just off the trailer. They have 750 acres to roam.
Stopping to look at me and Bryce, the GM, who is standing with a bale of forage that he hauled up by himself. He opened it next to their trough, so they would know where to find the water.
So pretty. The dark one is a male. The other three are ladies. We do not know if the girls are pregnant or not.
After their release, they parked their truck in front of our admin buildings.
And Bryce, our GM, invited them into the Tasting Room to get some wine. He was so generous and the ladies who work so hard from All Seated in a Barn were treated to gift wine. (The TR is closed due to Covid restrictions in CA.)
HERE IS THE VIDEO OF THEIR RELEASE
Click here to watch the video.
Click image to watch the video.
Absolutely an incredibly heartwarming tale!! Chalk one up for the good guys and good donks!!
Thank you!
AGREED!!
I really hope that a grazing policy (goats and donkeys) can be instituted at more wild and partly-wild areas especially the “urban wildland boundaries” where fire is so much worse in terms of safety of lives and property. This is an incredibly cost-effective solution for helping prevent the spread of wildfires. So-called “civilization” ignored so much indigenous people’s wildland management knowledge, knowledge in place fot literally centuries, leaving much of the western half of the US in dire danger. That is beginning to change! The old ways really were the most effective ways.
Congratulations, Dawn!! What a deal! Outstanding!
Okay I just had a thrilling total goosebump moment reading this!! CONGRATULATIONS ALL AROUND. I’m thrilled for the safety of these longears and those in future to make it to in essence a permanent sanctuary. I have always loved donkeys (my first stuffed toy, worn to shreds like the “Velveteen Rabbit” before I hit the age of ten, was a donkey with a “real leather” saddle and bitless bridle). Unfortunately I cannot have a donkey at this time, my elderly gelding is so frightened of donkeys that I wouldn’t put him through that. So I’ll just cheer from the sidelines. Especially a great shout out to All Seated in a Barn for continuing to shelter these donkeys until they got their wonderful new home.
If we can catch glimpses of them, we will! They are free on 750 acres… but we are feeding them a bit of hay by the waterer, so we hope to have lots of updates!
How wonderful for all concerned, and a great way to start a new year. I hope you’ll keep us updated on donkey adventures!
Wow- what awesome news! How satisfying it must be to be a part of improving the lives of these donkeys and any lucky future ones! Congratulations to everyone involved.