I had a donkey as a kid and a small mule some years ago, they did not require the foot care of a horse, and being smaller not as much hay not pasture either.
I dont know how some can spend so much on horse care?? I kept from 4-10 at a time and never spent near what I read some others do. It probably does cost more to keep 1 in suburbia, or if it is shown. We used to spend quite a bit in the horse show days.

OK thanks!!

I have to disagree. I have 3 miniature donkeys. They have their hooves trimmed every 8 weeks, annual vet visits, etc. Because they are miniature, they don't require as much hay as a full size horse, but everything else is the same.

They care should be about the same-but the cost of feed will be less since the donkey is smaller... same for a mini horse or pony.

What would everyone say would make the best pet? I only would want one as a pet and to ride just for fun. A horse, pony or donkey? Also, which would be best with dogs around?

I think it will just depend on the animal...they can be great (or bad too) Small equines usually eat less, but just make sure they can carry you comfortably... I don't have any experience with donkeys, but I've heard unlike horses(who might be scared of dogs), that donkeys HATE dogs and will chase them off?? (donkeys are used to protect sheep) Donkeys can be really LOUD too lol

They are herd animals and will be happiest if there is more than one animal to pal around with. (Unless you are planning to spend your life in the pasture.)

As someone else said, all animals are different.

My donkeys have been raised with my dogs. My male dog puts his head through the gates and licks the donkey's heads whenever he gets the chance, and the donkeys love it.

But I would never let my dog run with the donkeys in their pasture. Just like any other equine, when they are running for joy they are bucking and kicking and acting silly. That's a sure way to have a dog get hurt.

I love my donkeys, and I think they have easier temperments than horses. They act like big dogs following me around. I had a horse and boarded 3 other at my farm, and much prefer my donkeys.

As for cost, it really depends what you intend to do with the animal. If it's strictly as a pet/pasture ornament, you won't be spending all the money on tack and other such things. But maintenance is basically the same; they will still need their hooves trimmed (depending on the terrain in their pasture, it may be less frequently than the normal 8-week interval), and they should be having the same routine vet and coat care that you would give to a horse-- i.e., vaccinations, worming, grooming, etc.

If you intend to RIDE the donkey, a good rule of thumb for size of equine vs. size of rider is that a horse (and I would assume, donkey) can comfortably carry about 20-24% of its own body weight. For instance, if a horse weighs 1000 lbs. (a good average), it can comfortably carry a rider in the neighborhood of 200 lbs. (Of course, a lot of this depends on how well the rider rides, carries their own balance, uses their weight as an aid, etc.) As most donkeys are pretty small (500-600 lbs.?), they will not be able to accomodate most adults-- and will probably be too cantankerous for an inexperienced child.

With all that being said, I think a donkey could be a fun pet to have around, if you have the space and basic know-how (and definitely a buddy-- if not another donkey, at least some goats or cows or something)... But if you're going to care for it properly, don't count on it being all that much easier than a horse.

Thats a lot to think about. Thanks every body!!!!!