‘Legendary’ donkey dies in his 40s
A ‘legendary’ and popular donkey has died after a life spanning decades.
Much-loved Two-Stroke of Lavant House Stables in Chichester was thought to be well into his 40s when he passed away earlier this week (25 January).
The stable star came to the riding school from Ireland and had since won hundreds of fans.
“He wasn’t your average donkey,” Lucy Thomson, owner of Lavant House Stables, told H&H.
“Believed well into his 40s by our vet, he arrived via our Irish dealer and won many fans and followers from our client base of more than 400 people.
“He also became infamous amongst the local press and equestrian community.”
Ms Thomson described Two-Stroke as “highly intelligent”.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“He was able to communicate with humans through his behaviour and had free range of our entire premises, which included the club room, office and reception areas,” she said.
“He also had his own online blog.”
Two-Stroke’s Donkey Diary on the Lavant House Stables began in August 2015.
Since then his humorous entries included a variety of topics, from new arrivals and grumpy girlfriends to stealing bananas and old age.
Related articles:
- Move over thoroughbreds… donkeys to race at point-to-point
- ‘She has really fallen for Hamish’: rescued beach donkey finds new lease of life
- Runaway donkeys found thanks to social media appeal
Ms Thomson added that Two-Stroke will be greatly missed by all at the riding school.
“There has been a lot of reaction to his death because he touched so many people and he was always everywhere, but also maybe because we all just thought he would go on forever,” she said.
“He was a legendary donkey with a wise head on his shoulders and a heart of gold. We will all miss him very much and were so lucky to have such a character.”
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.