Re: [Philmont]: burros

MessageThanks John, I appreciate the info and the opinions.

ps to the list... sorry about the double post. When my question didn't show up for several hours, I sent it again.

Ron Hamlin
ASM Troop 326
Athens, GA
Philmont '04 624-K4

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: John Wisinger
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 3:52 PM
  Subject: RE: [Philmont]: burros

  Burros do like treats ... I may have heard a rumor that they really like chewing tobacco, but as a scout I can neither confirm nor deny that :)

  On the other hand, remember that burros eat grass and there's lots of that at Philmont. While they really like apples, carrots, etc, if they decide it's time to stop, standing still and eating grass is always preferable to the extra 5 feet to get the carrot.

  The number one way to get them to move, is to act like a lead burro. When the lead burro stops, that's official burro code for "grass looks good here ... time to eat". If lots of people are standing behind the burro that's official burro code for "you're the leader ... we'll wait until you are ready". As much as a burro fights you, he does not want to be left alone. If you take off without him, he won't stay there long (of course he might decide to go back to where the other burros were, so I wouldn't recommend that method). Just remember that if your crew is always moving forward, the burro will usually follow. If you crew is usually behind the burro and stopping every 5 minutes, the burro will do the same.

  Also, not to start a fight, but I would take a burro over a horse any day. They are a lot sturdier and less likely to be injured or get sick. Their needs are prety minimal and they won't overwork themselves or do anything to hurt themselves. The "smarter" horses train much easier, but most of them will do things to get themselves hurt if you tell them to. The "dumb" burros know that you weigh far less than them and that walking all day long and never stopping to eat is not the best idea in the world. Burros aren't dumb, but they aren't dogs. They aren't motivated by purely by a desire to make you happy. You have to give them a reason to feel like you are their new herd and that it would be to their benefit to follow you. While many humans think a $50 dinner is better than a $5 dinner, burros would just assume save the walk and eat the "$5" grass than waste the effort on the "$50" carrot. Honestly, I can't say I blame them (but my philosophy on life is not the topic here).

  -John Wisinger

  -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-philmont@troop47.com [mailto:owner-philmont@troop47.com] On Behalf Of Ronald D. Hamlin
  Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 10:50 AM
  To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
  Subject: Re: [Philmont]: burros

    For those of us scheduled to do the burros, is there any advantage (or is it okay) to bring carrots or something that might help "encourage" them? Thanks.
    Ron Hamlin
    Troop 326
    Athens, GA
    Philmont '04 624-K4
      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Harry Fasching
      To: Multiple recipients of list philmont
      Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 9:04 AM
      Subject: Re: [Philmont]: burros

      I think the best thing is to look at burros as an unforgettable experience rather than in terms of advantages and disadvantages.

      Many great stores come from the burro experience. I've never forgotten my first experience in 82 and I doubt my son has either.

      Harry Fasching

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Received on Fri Jun 11 21:41:24 2004