Improving Noddy’s confidence

Twenty-one-year-old mule Noddy first came into our care in 2007 with a group of five other donkeys and mules from Ireland. 

Following her arrival to the UK, she moved to Town Barton Farm in Devon, which specialises in training plans and behaviour shaping for mules with complex behavioural needs.  

Soon after arriving at the farm, Noddy’s grooms noticed that she was demonstrating nervous behaviour when being handled.   

Groom Helen Cleverton began to work closely with Noddy on a thoughtful training plan to start building her confidence with regular handling. 

With each session, Noddy’s confidence began to grow and her true personality started to shine. With her improved confidence, Noddy was considered suitable to join our Rehoming Scheme. 

In 2015, Noddy was matched with Nicky, who already had lots of experience caring for equines as she already owned three horses and two donkeys.  

Thanks to the time and dedication spent improving Noddy’s confidence, the foundations had been laid for Nicky to continue building positive handling experiences for her. 

A new home for Noddy 

Noddy thrived in her Guardian home, enjoying a beautiful environment that offered a rich mix of browsing and grazing. 

Nicky was keen to continue working on Noddy’s confidence and over time, they explored long-reining and even free-rein agility. 

Long-reining is a method of exercising which uses long reins to guide an equine from the ground, whereas free-rein agility focuses on guiding an equine through an agility course with minimal or no reliance on reins. 

As the years went by, Nicky’s confidence blossomed alongside Noddy’s. They enjoyed many peaceful walks together along local bridle paths. 

Nicky described Noddy as a joy to work with and says she learned so much from her about the importance of patience and knowing when to pause during training. 

In July 2024, due to a change in personal circumstances, Nicky felt that Noddy would benefit from moving back into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary. With support from our Donkey Welfare Advisers, Noddy was moved to our New Arrivals Unit before re-joining the herd at Town Barton Farm.  

After a wonderful nine years together, Nicky feels incredibly lucky and honoured to have spent many years with such a special mule. 

The team at Town Barton Farm keep Nicky updated with regular news on Noddy and her continued training.

Noddy returns to Town Barton Farm 

Since Noddy’s arrival back at Town Barton Farm, Groom Maisie Green took over her handling and describes her as a sweet and gentle soul who actively seeks out attention. 

To help Noddy settle, Maisie has been working on getting her accustomed to her new environment.  

Although Noddy is now a generally confident mule, Maisie knew her behaviour could change in new or unfamiliar surroundings.  

With this in mind, she began preparing Noddy ahead of scheduled procedures to ensure she was in the best possible position to meet the vet and feel comfortable in her new environment. 

Maisie says: “When I was first asked to work with Noddy, it was important to take the time to understand her comfort zones and really get to know her character. 

“We spent many hours together, gradually reintroducing her to our training area and stocks, where we prepare mules for veterinary procedures.” 

She adds: “These new environments can be challenging, but with slow, deliberate steps and plenty of positive reinforcement, Noddy’s training has gone from strength to strength.” 

Maisie has been working alongside Lead Equine Behaviourist Kayna Prescott to continue to grow Noddy’s confidence in her new surroundings, and to prepare her for her upcoming routine vaccinations and dental examinations. 

Maisie adds: “I’m incredibly proud of how far she’s come and how happy and relaxed she is to be handled. Progress like this is what makes Town Barton such a special place, and I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received from Kayna.” 

Noddy’s confidence continues to grow, and she has now settled back into life at Town Barton Farm, enjoying the company of several mule friends, including her best friend Marvin.