Welcome To The World
"Ashington Park Little Mr Sparky"
You can see the full story about our
International Star Sparky
at the following link -
The Herald Sun
Who We Are
The Loveridge Family started Ashington Park in 1998. Initially located east of Canberra, the Loveridge’s relocated with their donkeys to the West Gippsland Region of Victoria in 2003. Named after a town near Newcastle in England where Donkeys were used in every day life, Ashington Park is committed to the conservation of the Irish Donkey in Australia. It is our aim to ensure that this endearing, loyal and useful animal and it contribution to Australian History is not forgotten. The high rainfall, excellent pasture and mild climate provides the ideal environment for our Donkeys to thrive.
Why an Irish Donkey ?
Irish donkeys are renowned for their versatility, endurance, pleasant demeanour and ability to form close bonds with people. Queen Victoria was a donkey owner and regularly used them in her country estates for work and companionship. The donkey is the oldest domesticated animal in the world and has faithfully served man for over 5 000 years. Donkeys are ideal animals for children as they are solid stable mounts, are easily trained and their fright reaction is to stop and stand still. Donkeys will never knowingly head into dangerous situations, and you never have to “fear the rear” with a donkey. Donkeys are used for riding, driving, working on small acreages and hauling loads. Donkeys are also used as pets and mounts for children with disabilities. These wise and gentle creatures just seem to know when someone is that little bit special.
Donkeys also appear to be “Hypo Allergenic” Georgina – our daughter has chronic eczema / psoriasis, when she comes in contact with ponies she breaks out in a horrific reaction all over her body. When she comes in contact with donkeys, she can play, groom and kiss without any effects on her body at all. They are simply the ideal pet for the allergic owner.
What is a Miniature Donkey?
People often ask us “are the Irish Donkeys miniatures”? The answer to this question is no. Donkeys that are of Irish phenotype are not bred down; they are a naturally small breed. The upper height limit for the Irish breed standard is 44”.
The miniature donkey is any breed of donkey that matures below 36” (class A) and 38" (class B) in height. If the donkey is above 38” in height regardless of breed it is NOT a miniature and most societies will not register the animal as such. The same applies to ponies and horses throughout the world.
Ashington Park breeds both Irish and Miniature Donkeys. Some of our Donkeys do not mature over 36”and therefore are registered as Miniature Donkeys. However this usually only occurs when both the Jack and/or Jenny are below this height. Most Miniature Donkeys in Australia have some element of Mediterranean bloodline.
How much does a Donkey cost to buy?
Ashington Park is committed to our breeding programs to produce pure Irish Donkeys as well as Miniature Donkeys of impeccable breeding and temperament. One of our main aims is to ensure that these animals are affordable for the average family. Ashington Park’s Donkeys are priced according to temperament, bloodlines and conformation, and whether the Donkey is to be sold for breeding or as a pet.
For Further Information Regarding Prices Please Call or Email Us.
Buyer Beware
When purchasing a donkey, buyers should decide; what kind of donkey do they want? are they going to breed? what will the donkey be used for? and what is their preferred price range? Whilst bloodlines are extremely important, temperament is paramount. When visiting a stud consider the following points: is the donkey approachable? does it appear shy or nervous? does it tolerate handling of head, ears, feet and tail? does it approach you? does it tolerate the often loud and unpredictable attentions of children? Can you easily approach with a lead and headstall and fit this to the donkey without fussing? Does the donkey lead and follow basic commands?
At Ashington Park we pride ourselves on our bloodlines, but we pride ourselves more on the temperament of all our donkeys. We believe in our donkeys and we also believe that our donkeys meet all of the above and more. Here at Ashington Park you will not only find safe donkeys but affordable ones as well. We believe that you should not have to take out a bank loan to afford one of these delightful creatures. Unfortunately some breeders sell donkeys to make money, these are the breeders charging far too much for a donkey. Ask yourself this, if it sounds way too much money, then it probably is. We do not offer "breeding packages" nor do we sell entire males (except to DSV/ADMS registered breeders) as even "quiet" jacks (stallions) can be unpredictable and dangerous around in-season jennies (mares), and should only be handled by strong, confident and experienced handlers.
Ashington Park breeds Irish Donkeys and Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. Some breeders in Australia use the term "American Miniature Mediterranean Donkey" - this is misleading. We have asked the American Donkey and Mule Society for clarification on this term, please see below for their interpretation of the term.
Hi Sarah - there is no "American Miniature Mediterranean". There is Miniature Mediterranean, the official breed name, for donkeys previously registered with Miniature Donkey Registry, or those who have both parents already registered as Miniature Mediterranean’s.
All others are American (or French, or Canadian, or English/Irish, whatever) Miniature Donkeys.
Thanks,
Leah Patton, Office manager, ADMS
Ashington Park abides by the ethics and guidelines as stated in the constitution of The American Donkey and Mule Society.
"Happiness is a Hearty Bray"!
Please email us for more information
apdonkey@bigpond.net.au
Contact
The Loveridge Family
Longwarry North, Gippsland
Victoria, Australia
Ph - 03 5629 9377
email - apdonkey@bigpond.net.au
Visitors Welcome By Arrangement
ã Ashington Park 2006
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