The donkeys have a simple system for dealing with me. If they don’t want to do something, they refuse to move or pretend I don’t exist. If they want a snack – 3 p.m. is usually the time – they come to gate and stare at me if I am outside, or  bray loudly if I am inside. They have learned if they do this long enough and loudly enough I will come outside and give them a cookie or a carrot. Simon is the relative newcomer to the farm, but he has this down. He knows that once he sees me, it’s all over.