leading my donkey across a bridge

Question
Hi Lisa, I recently had an additional pasture fenced for my two Sicilian donkeys and appendix quarter horse, all are well bonded together.  The donkeys did not cross the bridge, covered in thick plywood, willingly but were very happy once across.  The horse and one donkey walked easily back, however I cannot get the other little guy to go and I don't want to force him.  I tried food bribes but he is convinced that bridge is not safe (it is very solid).  Any ideas?  For now he is spending the night alone across the bridge which I don't like at all but I don't know what to do.  Thank you!!!

Cathy Dunne in Texas

Answer
The first thing you should do is make sure that your donkey leads well. Put a web halter on your donkey and attach a 6 foot long cotton lead rope to it. Lead him as close to the bridgeas he will go and then praise him and give him a treat. Do this a few times. Next, put pressure on the rope and as soon as he shifts his weight to his front feet and takes a step, then praise him. Keep doing this until he is at the bridge, let him take his time to smell it. Then put oneof his front feet on the bridge and give him a treat. As long as he keeps his feet on the bridge, you will give him treat, it he removes them then stop the praise and the treats. When he keeps his feet on without trying to take them off, then end the lesson. The next day, repeat the above. Do the same as above but now you want him to put all four feet on the bridge, you do not give him any treats untl all four feet are on and stay on the bridge. Let him take his time to take it all in then ask him to lead across the bridge, Again for any step he takes, you will praise and treat him. Do this for a few days, and he should cross the bridge on his own.

Lisa