Name: Taquito
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Standard Donkey
Birth: 1995
Status: With Blue Rider since: 1996
Taquito came to Blue Rider as a very young donkey in 1995. He was born during a tornado and orphaned by his mother. He has been an integral part of life here — in lessons, in the herd, in our hearts — for twenty-nine years! Which is a very long time, and not nearly enough time. Taquito was an excellent therapy “horse” (he likes to think he’s a horse, not a donkey), and used to be a favorite for the instructors, because of his athleticism and sense of humor. These days, he is retired and spends his time sunbathing, hanging out with Billy Boy and Arlo, supervising the instructors, and occasionally joining a lesson of his own accord.
In 2023 we learned that Taquito has severe arthritis in his spine, at the base of his neck. Keeping Taquito comfortable and happy means several medications, several times a day, as well as daily attention and hands-on care. We can’t know how long we can keep him feeling good, so we cherish every day with him.
