Get Your Ass to Work!

With certain rare books character and authenticity emanate off the page almost as something tangible that you can feel the way you can feel hand-worn leather driving lines slide easy over your palms. Such a book is Get your Ass to Work. And as you may guess by the title, this sage tome has a healthy dose of hard-won humor, too. The author has the wizened carved aspect of an old cowboy. And like many a cowboy of old, Dick Courteau is as erudite and knowledgeable about history, literature and philosophy as he is about the ins and outs of training donkeys. One thing is certain though, whether you are a green novice or a veteran teamster, whatever your predilection regards working equines, this book is a font of practical how-to information for raising, training, working and thoroughly caring for all needs of the venerable donkey. Generously illustrated with photos and drawings-this book is also a visual delight. -Stephen Leslie, author of The New Horse-Powered Farm and Horse-Powered Farming for the 21st Century There are few books in the world that provide such a comprehensive wealth of useful and detailed information on a topic they may be labeled indispensable reading. Dick Courteau has put together just such a book regarding keeping and training donkeys. It is densely packed with thoughtful, clear and concise instructions, advice, and cautions, combining a plain-spoken wisdom with a plethora of photographs and illustrations. It is a must-have for the donkey owner and would make a useful addition to the library of a mule or horse owner. -Joe Mischka, Editor & Publisher, Rural Heritage [T]here's a charm that goes well beyond practical animal husbandry... Even the non-donkey-devotee can see that this is, at its core, a lifework. It's a book that's informed by both life experience...and extensive reading on the subject..... It's a book from someone who's given more thought to donkeys and their training than most people give to anything at all. - Arkansas Life Magazine I'm very happy to see this book on the market now. Donkeys are overlooked, and Get Your Ass to Work very sensibly points out all of the great ways that donkeys can contribute on the homestead. All of the training advice is practical and easy to follow, and the book can be used as a single source for beginning teamsters. I hope this book inspires a new generation of donkeys and people working together. Great job, and best of luck! -Charlie Tennessen, donkey teamster and contributor to Rural Heritage As the owner of two donkeys, I need a neighbor like Dick Courteau, a wise and compassionate old timer who has spent a lifetime working with equines. Fortunately, reading his book turns out to be the next best thing, since he is a natural born teacher of humans and animals. His love for long-ears is clear on every page, and he reminds us that a well-trained animal is far less likely to suffer neglect. There's enough about care, feeding and equipment to get the new owner started, and the lively, folksy style of writing will make this book a pleasure to read even for those who enjoy donkeys only vicariously. Great drawings and photos, lots of wisdom, and a suggested reading list. - Bonnie Jo Campbell, prize-winning author of Once Upon a River and Mother, Tell Your Daughters