25 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026

Donkeys are different! A bray-mazing course for vets and nurses!

Learn the key differences between donkeys and horses, and gain practical skills in handling, nursing, and clinical care. Perfect for vets and nurses who want confidence working with donkeys in both ambulatory and hospital settings.

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Course dates

25 Jun 2026 08:30 - 26 Jun 2026 17:00

The Donkey Sanctuary Veterinary Hospital, Brookfield Farm, EX14 9SU

We're just putting the finishing touches to this course. To be the first to find out when more information is available, please complete our register interest form.

Register interest

Hands-on donkey skills every vet and nurse needs

Donkeys aren’t just small horses with big ears. This practical, hands-on course is designed to give vets and nurses the confidence, knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively with donkeys, whether in ambulatory practice, clinics, or hospitals.

On the course you will learn the key differences in physiology, behaviour, nutrition, and drug metabolism, plus top tips in handling, nursing, and managing common clinical cases.

With two dedicated streams (one for vets, one for nurses) this course combines lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions to give you actionable skills you can use straight away.

Join us at the Donkey Sanctuary, the UK’s hub of donkey expertise, for a unique CPD experience that hasn’t been offered for a long time!

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for vets, nurses, and students who may encounter donkeys in practice and want practical, confidence-building skills. Suitable for all levels of experience, from those new to donkeys to more established professionals who want to refresh or expand their knowledge.

Programme highlights

• Donkey behaviour, handling, and moving techniques
• Drug doses, top-up timing, and metabolism differences compared with horse.
• Clinical procedures including taking bloods and nursing post-surgery.
• Hoof and foot care for donkeys.
• Body condition scoring and weight management strategies.
• Nutrition, common presenting problems, and top practical tips.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course you will:

• Understand the key differences between donkeys, and horses and ponies and what this means in clinical practice?,
• Understand when and how to take bloods, and what to be aware of.?
• Know differences in drug doses, metabolism and injection.
• Be confident in knowledge on donkey feet.?
• Confidently body condition score a thin or obese donkey and be able to formulate a management plan to correct the weight.?
• Know how to nurse donkeys in clinic or hospital situations, including where they have required surgery.?

Our speakers

• Emily Buckley REVN
• Marie Rippingale Bsc (Hons), REVN, G-SQP, DipHE CVN, DipAVN (Equine), IQA
• Marta Ferrari PhD MRCVS
• Hannah Boocock BVMSci MRCVS
• Vicky Grove BVSc MRCVS
• Ellie McGoldrick BVSc MRCVS
• Chris Platts
• Amy Cornforth BVSc MRCVS
• Curtis Goding BVSc MRCVS
• Jamie Forest BVSc MRCVS



Terms and conditions

By registering for this course you agree to the following terms and conditions:

• All payments must be made in pound sterling. Your place on the course is not guaranteed until full payment has been made.
• Booked places can be transferred to another person free of charge if requested two weeks before the start of the course. If the transferee is not a BEVA member, they will be liable for the difference between the member and non-member rate. If a transfer is requested less than two weeks prior to the start date a 10% administration charge will apply.
• A full refund will be made, less a 10% administration charge, if cancellation is more than six weeks before the start of the course.
• A refund cannot be guaranteed if cancellation is less than six weeks before the start of the course. A full refund will be made if we are able to resell the place, less a 20% administration charge.
• In the unlikely event that we are required to cancel or postpone the course you can opt to receive a full refund or receive a CPD credit. The CPD credit is valid for one year from the date of issue and can be used on any BEVA CPD event.
• You must have appropriate liability and professional indemnity insurance to attend BEVA courses.
• You must bring appropriate safety wear (for example coveralls, hard hats and boots) to courses that involve practical sessions. When relevant an equipment list will be provided to you via your course page.
• Unless you actively specify otherwise, we may share your contact details with course organisers and sponsors.
• At the point of booking you self-certify that you are suitably qualified to attend the course and qualified to undertake the procedures being taught. If you are in training for such a qualification BEVA must be made aware of your training status at the time of booking.
• Photography and videography may take place during the event. All photographs may be used for marketing purposes by BEVA. Please inform the course organiser if you do not wish to be included in photography. All images become the property of BEVA.
• Whilst the course programme is correct at time of print, BEVA reserves the right to change details of the event without notice. All best endeavours will be made to present the programme as publicised however alterations may occasionally be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.
• Where there is an online aspect to the course you will receive 12 months access to the course materials. Recordings of live aspects of the course will be made available as soon as possible after the live date.
• You are required to be a BEVA member at the time of the event to be eligible for a BEVA member price. If you do not have a current membership at the time of the event you will be charged the difference between the member and non-member rates.