Mark Ineson, who operates donkey rides on Blackpool beach, says he has loved the animals since he first visited the resort on holiday aged six. He has just started his 31st season offering rides on Blackpool’s Golden Mile and the beach.
Ineson, owner of The Real Donkeys, says it has always been his “dream job”. He says the donkeys are caring and all have their own unique character. However, he acknowledges downsides such as the Blackpool weather and endless paperwork.
Traditional donkey rides have returned to the resort for the season, which usually runs between April and October.
Childhood Dream on Blackpool Beach
Originally from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, Ineson said he spent all his childhood holidays at the resort. He helped donkey operators, except on Fridays when he would go to the Pleasure Beach because it was the donkeys’ day off.
He says his parents would sit on the beach for hours while he helped Martin and Norman Patchett, who ran some of the donkey rides.
Ineson says he loved everything about donkeys. “They’re so caring and if you have a bad day a cuddle from them makes it all better,” he added.
The family visited the resort twice a year until Ineson was 18. He then discovered a pitch and some donkeys were for sale. He took the plunge and has never looked back.
Challenges and Joys of Donkey Rides
Ineson says the popularity of donkey rides is declining since he started out. The Real Donkeys is now one of three licensed donkey operators on Blackpool beach, a drop from 18 since he has been in business.
As the season starts, his donkeys have recently returned from their annual three-month holidays. They “chill out” in pairs at farms across the country. Some were recently involved in Palm Sunday services at local churches.
Some of his donkeys have even been involved in weddings, which Ineson described as “surreal”.
Blackpool’s Donkey Charter
Blackpool Council has a donkey charter that licensed donkey operators must adhere to. This charter limits the number of hours donkeys can work.
Donkeys must not work on Fridays. Those over the age of 16, or who weight more than 8st (51kg) are not permitted to ride.
Ineson says one of the highlights of his job is seeing the smile the donkeys bring to kids faces.