trailering a donkey

Question
I have a 3 year old large standard donkey, she will not load on a trailer, I have tried everything!!! My husband and I have to drag her on it, and she is getting too heavy for this. I have even tried a cattle prod and she still would not budge!! I need help!!  I would love to take places, but she is adament not to get on that trailer. she has never had a bad experience with getting on a trailer, I have had her since she was 1yr. She will even lay down not to get on the trailer. Is there anything I can do to calm her down and want to get on the trailer?
Denise

Answer
Hi - First off, you say she has not had any bad experiences getting on a trailer.....actually, from what you describe, a horse (equine) would consider being forced on as a bad experience.  I have a mare that would not, under any circumstances, get on a trailer either.....after a LOT of work with a good trainer (She was there for saddle training too), I still have the occasional problem, but have actually been able to tell her 'LOAD UP' and she has jumped on. If I had the time myself, I would have worked with her more - but working full time and being a new Mom didn't give me that luxury (hence the trainer).

Anyway - What I would do is to start making getting on a trailer a 'positive' experience.  If you can, set the trailer up in a small area, and feed her in it (trailer) - I should also ask, is this a stock-type, straight load or slant? If you can make it into a box or stock type, this is better.  Get her used to just being around the trailer without actually trying to put her on it - then, in steps, start placing her feed first at the back of the trailer so she can eat off the back, let her get used to that, and slowly start moving the food back into the trailer.  When I say slowly - give her time to adjust - could take a few days, a week or more.....I'd let her get used to just being in the trailer, and hopefully she will start to relate getting in there to getting food.

I do have to warn you, these critters are SMART!  My mare would be in the trailer just hanging out, but as soon as I arrived she would hop back out and not get back in.  I'd leave, she'd be back in there.  So, if this happens, spend some time just hanging out with her when you feed, let her know you are not a threat and that just because you are there doesn't mean that she is going somewhere.

I hope this helps you out - as you see, there isn't a 'quick fix' to this type of problem.  Please let me know how you make out - Lisa