Registered as 'Yurrah Kate', Kate is currently in her 20's, stands at 12:1 hh and weighs approx. 300kg. She is trained for riding, harness, farm work & packing.
Our 'herd boss', Kate is very calm & placid although at times she is distinctly strong-willed and opinionated. At an alternative farming expo she attended, Kate merely turned an ear when a helicopter landed close by. She is happy to sniff noses with camels, step over film cables, go on harness club outings or hover over wheelchairs so people can pat her. If Kate brays, I go & check the donkeys are OK as she will let us know if there is a problem. Kate is an extremely versatile donkey!
Kate stayed at the Collingwood Children's Farm for 3 months in 2002 after their donkey died. When she came home, it was with a glowing report of how good she'd been with visitors, especially children. But we missed her too much to leave her there!
Kate is the donkey I choose as a mount for children, beginner adults or nervous riders. She is very patient with beginners learning to pick hooves or bridle a donkey. Being quiet, she doesn't startle or do sudden moves, so is much favoured by small children with whom she is especially gentle. She will go steadily and willingly all day & is very trustworthy. I enjoy riding Kate if I want a calm ride to enjoy scenery & birdlife along the way, or simply want to spend contented time in her company. Speed is not usually Kate's favourite topic!
Ross enjoys taking Kate 'cross-country' with the cart, and Kate rises to the challenge like a small bulldozer! We also use Kate a lot around 'Half Moon Ridge' for snigging fencing wire, posts & poles, sledding rocks or bricks, collecting firewood, carrying water, harrowing and scooping gravel or dirt. Kate puts her heart into pulling and will stand still unattended while being unloaded. No matter what noise her load makes, she remains steady and will ease her load around obstacles or stand while it is untangled!
Kate's passions are food & her paddock-mate Mary & more food.
Although not big on cuddles (it interrupts eating), Kate enjoys having company nearby & approves of outings and work, especially if accompanied by other donkeys. She is a real 'gold star' donkey to us!
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