Читать книгу Know Your Horses - Jack Byard - Страница 5

The donkey, also known as an ass, is genetically different from a horse and is a species that includes many distinctive breeds. At one time or another in their history, these sturdy, adaptable creatures have played many roles in almost every corner of the world. Whether they pulled farmers’ plows, carried equipment for wars, were ridden or driven as a mode of transport, or were simply kept for their milk, it is difficult to imagine where we might have been without them. Burro, the Spanish word for donkey, is mainly used in the United States.

Sadly, the steady mechanization of farming from the late 19th century reduced the need for working donkeys. Today, several traditional breeds are on the verge of extinction, although breeders and governments are setting up schemes to reverse this trend. Ever versatile, the donkey has found a new vocation in the tourist industry and as valuable support in animal-assisted therapies.

A packed mule on its way up to the refuge Spilios Agapitos on Mount Olympus, Greece.