Burros’ legendary kindness serves us all

Humility

PHOTOS BY RUTH BOURGEOIS

Hope is a horse that came to ESS as a rescue when she was just a week old, orphaned after her mother was hit by a car. She is a very special horse, says Ruth Bourgeois, Equine Spirit Sanctuary founder and director. O NE of our favorite animals linked to Christmas is the humble little donkey. It has been said that the donkey is the animal most closely connected than any other to the Christian faith and that donkeys, longtime beasts of burden, are referenced more in the Bible than any other animals. There is no actual proof that Mary rode a donkey to the little town of Bethlehem, or that a donkey was stabled nearby where the baby Jesus lay in a manger, but these legends are a part of the mysticism and attraction that we have with these gentle, adorable animals.

Donkeys hold a special place in our hearts. They are gentle, smart and lovable, popular as pets and companions to horses, providing a calming influence with their gentle dispositions. They can be fiercely protective and often serve as guardians of herds of sheep, goats or other livestock, chasing away predators like coyotes. In many parts of the world, donkeys are still used as beasts of burden, as pack animals, pulling carts, carrying heavy loads and for riding.

Legend has it that the donkey that carried Jesus on Palm Sunday followed him to Calvary. The donkey wanted to help him carry the cross, but he was pushed away. The donkey grieved when Jesus was placed upon the cross. When the cross was raised and the donkey turned to leave, the shadow from the cross fell upon his back and shoulders where it remains today, a testament to the love and loyalty of this little donkey.

As we celebrate Christmas and enjoy the many traditions and inspirations of the season, we are blessed with feelings of good will. We wish that the sentiments of the holiday — hope, compassion, gratitude, generosity and good will towards all — will continue after the holiday has passed. Perhaps we should take a lesson from the enduring, humble little donkeys. They have much to teach us, if we are open to their wisdom. Christmas can last all year long in our hearts and souls.

Excerpt from ‘Beasts of Burden, Beasts of Christmas’ by Ruth Bourgeois, Taos Aglow 2016.

FROM LEFT: BB, Rosie and Oreo, three miniature horses at Equine Spirit Sanctuary pictured during the October 2020 snowstorm. Burro Bindy is ready for the holidays at Equine Spirit Sanctuary of Taos. Marley is all decked out for the holidays at Equine Spirit Sanctuary. See equinespiritsanctuary.org.