Why are Donkeys Walking on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail?

If you were on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on Sunday and saw a group of donkeys don't worry, you weren't still recovering from Halloween. The donkeys were supposed to be there.

The donkey walk was part of an online meetup for a "Hudson Valley Walk With Donkeys" group. According to their online page, the group is open to anyone who would like to add an "interesting dimension" to their hiking by bringing along a miniature donkey from a crew of therapy donkeys.

Walkers are accompanied by a herd of 10 miniature donkeys that are a part of the "Little Brays of Sunshine." The donkeys serve as donkey "ambassadors" visiting schools, nursing homes and outdoor events. Here's what Sunday's walk looked like for those who didn't get to see it on the Rail Trail.

If you're interested in being a part of a "donkey walk," the meetups are open to anyone who is interested. The group warns that the miniature donkeys are "too small to be ridden by adults," so you'll have to do some leg work. Walkers will help lead the donkeys on easy to moderate walks that last from two to three hours.

The meetup website shows that another walk is scheduled for November 14. The holiday-themed event will offer hot chocolate and egg nog before setting out for a short walk with the donkeys, which will alol be dressed in "holiday attire." Another walk is scheduled for the Orange County Rail Trail on November 22.