The donkey is a more affordable and lightweight version of the traditional swillers mare. The piece of split wood sits on top of the plank which is pressed down by your body weight (the end sits in your lower belly) and a simple tilt of your pelvis will release the work for you to turn it or test it. It is easy to maintain a good lower back position while you shave making for comfortable working. For extra comfort you can add leather or some cushioned fabric to the end of the plank, but I haven’t needed to do this yet.

If you’re familiar with working on a shavehorse or mare it takes a while to stop your legs being involved!

When you’ve finished shaving the burro is also a bench to sit on and weave, cutting out the need for an additional bench.

I sometimes use it side saddle too, if I’m sat weaving and need to shave a little more.

There’s options of attaching told holders or drilling holes into the bench base to keep your bodkin and secateurs handy. I’ve found the top of the head very useful for nailing hoops and frames too.

I’m really pleased to be working with a local furniture maker to provide these donkeys. The larch comes from local woodlands and is part of essential work to prevent the spread of disease, it is milled in a co-operative sawmill. Grown and made within the South Lakes.

Having made and tested out various iterations this is my interpretation of the design seen in many old videos. Thanks to Carlos Fontales in Spain for his help.