The journey started in 2003, when we were asked would we take Murphy Donk, by a rescue centre. Murphey had been tied behind a van and dragged around a field, results in horrific injuries to his legs and body.

Murphey was seventeen years old when he came to us, he lived the last two years of his life with us and our lovely mare Bridie.

It was not until 2012 when Ebbs came along as company for my mare Tessa after we lost Bridie at 28 years old.

Ebbs was the one who opened the gates for abused, starved and unwanted donkeys.

Never did I think that there would be so many donkeys in need of help.

This website highlights their story, from having no hope to welcoming children and adults alike despite their sometimes-horrific past and injuries, the donkeys show no malice just grateful thanks, a trait some humans should learn.

While most of the donkeys that arrive find new forever homes, some will always stay, I call them the vulnerable ones, these donkeys have their own page, which I hope gives some understanding and insight to what they have suffered and have come out the other side as “Little long ear” hero’s.

There has been forty two donkeys re-homed in pairs and all loving and living their lives to the full, we will continue to take in and where possible re-home the donkeys

We are a small yard that concentrates on getting those donkeys that have been dumped, abused, and given up on the chance to see what their life should be like and has become. The greatest number of donkeys that have been at anyone time is twenty-one,.

It is thanks to the many visitors, nursery groups, Brownies, Rainbows, families, and individuals who come along and spend time and show the donkeys that life is in fact good, helps so much, in return the donkeys give love back.

There is no charge for visitors

The donkeys are called “Little long ears”. A name given to them by our big gentle giant Clydesdale Jazz, the name has stuck. Jazz and Maisie before her were a big integral part of the Little long ears, which can be seen in the photos.

What is also important to the Little long ears are the dogs, my Golden Retrievers, it was not until I started looking for photos for the website, and going back over the years that I realised just how important both the dogs and Little long ears are to each other.

Now back home in Cumbria I have found another brilliant farrier who has already saved the life of Blossom.

Last but not least one of the other reasons the Little long ears survive when others haven’t, is their determination to battle on, donkeys deserve their title of being Stoic