08/18/2026
Life on the farm with a mini donkey in Alaska.
Donkeys are very different than horses, as I am coming to learn through experience. I always wanted a wild b***o with my Curly mustangs. The BLM said that curly b***os are rare, but do exist. For about 10 years I kept scanning and waiting for a BLM Curly b***o, no success.
When my dear friend Marlene offered Gus to me, I really was not interested; I didn't jump on the offer. After chewing on the idea for a while and discussions with Marlene assuring me that she would take him back if it didn't work out, I agreed to bring Gus to Arctic Curly Farm.
Here we are 2 years later. Gus has become the center of attraction on the farm. From my dad's birthday party where he walked through socializing with all the guests, to greeting the contractors who replaced my barn roof, and being an ambassador, befriending all the horses who come here for training, Gus commands attention and brings a happy social atmosphere.
As cute as he is, he does have the donkey stubborn streak. He teaches people to respect his space when they try to push into his bubble with crazy energy. He is a calming animal, very therapeutic. He seems to know when a human needs a hug, some snuggling, or to just stroke him in peace. He is our therapy donkey!
These two half-Friesian mares have come for regular training for most of their young lives. Gus took a liking to them on day one. He seems to help new arrivals settle in.
Donkeys are not designed to survive in Alaska. Keeping a donkey in the arctic means being very aware of their health. I check on him several times per day. Gus quickly realized that he loves his blankets. When the winds come, he will signal me, blanket please. When the temperatures drop to the negatives, he is excited to see his insulated blanket. And if I try to take it off and he is not ready, he is not going to let me touch a buckle. He has been right 100% of the time, the weather wasn't going to get better despite the weatherman's predictions.
Donkeys are sensitive to high sugar hay and get obese easily. I have had to learn to feed to keep weight off and to keep him from chewing my barn framing. Straw- yes, straw was the answer. It gives fiber and something to chew with very low calories. Gus receives a soaked low-carb alfalfa mash with a little vitamin E, chia seeds, and a cup of senior horse feed. He gets 1/2 pound of Orchard Grass twice a day and keeps his weight on in the winter. Donkeys are desert animals who survive off dry weeds.
As of now, I can't imagine the farm without Gus! He brings a life force that is joyful. We all thank Marlene for sharing Gus with us at Arctic Curly Farm.
The article below describes many donkey breeds, very fun read!!
