Ichabod is a 6-year-old Mammoth donkey from Connecticut. He came directly from his breeder, and other than going to competitions this is his first new home. After the first few days, he started settling in and I decided to give him a tour. I walked him on lead around the 7-9 acre pasture. He looked around and seemed quite happy with the place.Later that day the herd (pony and two donkeys), crossed the stream to graze on the far pasture. That night I went to feed them and Ichabod was missing. I asked him where he was and got the reply "lost".
Did you break through the fence? "No".
Good, I thought, he is still in the pasture. I went out into the pitch dark field looking for a black donkey. It felt a bit hopeless. I called out his name but got no response.
It was really dark, but I heard a little rustle. Ichabod came up next to me. He was so scared. He gladly followed me back over the stream and once he oriented he took off sprinting for the barn.I gave my pony, Mallory, a stern talk. "How could you leave him alone in the pasture? From now on all friends must stay together." She told me she understood.
The next day I called them in before dark, and the two came running across the stream without Ichabod. Then Mallory turned around, went to the bridge and gave the big guy an encouraging whinny. She waited for him to cross before continuing on to the barn. I could hardly believe my eyes! She is such a special pony.
Postscript: The three never left each other for the next 8 years. Mallory died on the far side of the brook in October 2021. She could not be buried until the next day. Ichabod refused to leave her alone that night. He stayed on the far side of the brook. Burrito had come back to the barn and was braying for his friends.
I begged Ichabod to come home and be with Burrito. He refused.
After we buried Mallory the donkeys took a few days to normalize their bond and once again they always come home together.