A Testimony from Mass Ass Acres

In October of 2008 Mas Ass Acres donkey ranch took a call from a woman seeking a safe home for two standard donkeys. Both donkeys were destined for the Olympic Game Farm where they were to be slaughtered. MAA intervened and brought both donkeys to their ranch. Both donkeys were in good health and the older donkey named "Tuba" was socialized and interpersonal. The younger donkey "Obo" was only three years old and was frightened and unsocialized.

After a few months at MAA both donkeys were placed with a young woman who wanted them for family companions. She was determined to rehabilitate Obo through time and commitment. Unfortunately, after several months, she asked to return both donkeys because Obo frightened her and threatened her numerous times. Both donkeys returned to MAA.

Several weeks later, we called in Melody to help us with both Obo and Tuba. Obo was now angry, belligerent and acting out. He could not be haltered or handled in any way. He was essentially untouchable and had learned that he could intimidate humans. Melody began working with Obo on a weekly basis. In a very short period of time, Obo was coming to Melody and was able to be haltered and handled.

Simply stated, Melody appears to have an innate gift for equine communication because Obo learned quickly to communicate with her, trust her and respect her. She was loving, but firm; strong, but soft. She established her place immediately in the hierarchy, and for the first time Obo felt safe. She communicated clearly, so he knew what she wanted. Within 4 months, Obo was able to be haltered, was socializing more with humans, and was having his feet trimmed on a regular farrier schedule. When an equine cannot be handled their destiny is grim, with this in mind, we feel Melody saved Obo's life.

Melody's gifts include, but are not limited to, a deep personal understanding of Natural Horsemanship and Parelli techniques, and a wellspring of equine knowledge.

It is a joy to watch Melody in action with both donkeys and horses and we have been witness to some wonderful results.

Kelly Probst
Barn Manager
Mas Ass Acres