On the hoof

Lizanne Kempsell tells Caroline Lindsay of her work with an animal that has so much charisma even Jeremy Clarkson is a fan

Donkey breeding is the mane event for one Angus woman, discovers Caroline Lindsay

When Lizanne Kempsell moved up to Angus to get married, she found herself living on a property that had a field attached. An empty field needed something to occupy it and, before she knew it, she had her first donkey, Adieu.

Today Lizanne is a hobby breeder of pedigree donkeys at Kirkbuddo Scottish Donkeys, a charity in Carmyllie producing and promoting these beautiful beasts as pets and show animals.

A talented animal sculptor (who also designed the four fountain sculptures in Dundee’s City Square), her first commission after graduating was to sculpt a life-size donkey for a customer who bred donkeys.

“So, in a way, my life has come full circle,” she smiles.

When Adieu took up residence, Lizanne joined the Donkey Breed Society (the equivalent of the Kennel Club for donkeys), went to some shows and it all took off from there. Over the last 30 years she has bred, shown and driven donkeys at venues throughout Scotland and currently has five of the equines at Kirkbuddo.

“The Donkey Breed Society has a responsibility towards every donkey to ensure that it has the best quality of life possible and that means that owners need to be informed and knowledgeable,” she explains.

“This includes ensuring breeders breed to the highest standards and owners are aware of how to look after what is essentially a hot-country animal (they originate from Africa) that doesn’t have a waterproof coat and needs shelter, warmth and enough room to exercise and play.”

Liz observes that donkeys – which can regularly live into their late 30s and 40s – are quite different from horses and ponies in temperament.

“They’re much more people-focused and affectionate and form strong bonds

They’re highly intelligent and will always ask ‘why?’ when you ask them to do something new. They will then decide whether to grant your request

with other donkeys,” she says.

“You can’t keep one without a companion animal, preferably another donkey. And you need to have a sense of humour as they will constantly challenge you,” she continues.

“Contrary to the common perception, they’re not stubborn, they’re highly intelligent and will always ask ‘why?’ when you ask them to do something new. They will then decide whether to grant your request. I trained Adieu to pull a small cart and he became a great driving donkey – apart from his complete aversion to road markings. He would leap over them like a stag, which made for exciting occasions at road junctions.”

Lizanne, who is media liaison officer for the Donkey Breed Society in Scotland, is proud to have won Champion Donkey twice at the Royal Highland Show with her stallion, Commando, and Scottish Donkey Champion at Perth with her mare, Lady. Preparations for the showing season start around February with daily brushing and monthly trimming of manes and tails.

“And feeding has to be regulated so the donkeys don’t get too fat,” adds Lizanne.

Working with the charity has given her so many treasured moments.

“I’ve met so many lovely people from all walks of life over the years – even Jeremy Clarkson likes donkeys,” she smiles.

www.donkeybreedsociety.co.uk