| Congratulations! You might be a candidate for a future zebra or hybrid owner. Most people who have never been around horses do not understand that horses aren't like dogs or cats. They are large animals, and even the tamest, most kid-broke old mare will sometimes go wild and bolt without the slightest warning. Equine people, those who learn about and work with horses, donkeys and mule, know to expect the unexpected. If you have worked with a number of different breeds, understand their mentality, and are ready to work with an animal that can be tougher than the wildest mustang, you might be ready. You will need to check with regulations in your state. Zebras are considered wild or exotic animals, and you may not be ablt to have one in your state, at all, even with a Federal permit. Check first and make SURE before you invest time and money and have it end in dissapointment. Make sure you have facilities for a zebra - 8 foot wooden fences are recommended, with an open shed. Most don't like stalls, even those worked with from a young age. You can feed or work them in a stall, but they will not like being stabled for long periods. If you are looking into a breeding stallion, double your troubles. One, he's a zebra, and two, he's a stud lookin' for ladies. The mares or jennets may be frightened half to death by him, so if you are raising a youngster, teach him right from the start to treat his ladies nice and be a gentleman! If you are interested in a hybrid - you can go the "wild mule" route with a zorse - think mule + zebra and you might have a better understanding of how they think - sharp as tacks and quick as a cat. The zedonk (zonkey, zebrass) is a little more like a flash-thinking donkey - wary, but tempermental. The zebra side does show through on these animals - they are not just donkeys or horses or mules with stripes. It will take patience, hard work, and skill. This is where a background working with a lot of different breeds will come in handy. If you haven't ever raised a foal, we do strongly suggest you raise a more conventional foal (horse, donkey or mule) first before working with an exotic. Both you and your exotic longear will have a better relationship for it, as you will be more prepared for the suprises a foal can bring. Speak to other zebra owners - get to know them, observe, and then make your decision. We wish you and your future striped equine the best of luck. |