Читать книгу Know Your Horses - Jack Byard - Страница 9

Characteristics

Size: 9–16 hands (91–162 cm). Colour: Any, patched with white.

It is important to clarify the coat colour of the American Spotted donkey. It is widely believed that this breed originated when the American donkey crossbred with the Mexican burro. Prior to this, the American donkey was dark brown, black, and/or roan. The Mexican burro had a much larger range of colours that included grey-dun and spotted. Today, the American Spotted can be any donkey colour as long as the main body colour is broken with white patches that cover anywhere from 5–99 percent of its body.

This animal has been grazing fields in America since the 1700s. In those early days it was used exclusively as a work animal as it was considered unsuitable for any other purpose. While its use as a working animal continues today, the American Spotted is also used in harness, under saddle, and to sire colourful mules. The American Spotted has an aversion to intruders and can be put to good use guarding sheep and cattle.