Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main goals of the corral and VI Donkey Rescue, Inc.
* The horseback rides generate the most income for everyone at the corral, but they have to take place around the time it takes to care for all the other rescues. On St. John afternoons are cooler, so I’m offering two, one hour rides at 3pm and 5pm, Monday – Saturday. I can accommodate 5 adults with the weight limit of one person at #240. Age limit is 8 on up with no double riding. Closed toed shoes and long pants or capris are recommended to aid in the protection from the saddle and brush. I have a variety of pants to borrow from, if needed.
* I hope to provide you with a memorable experience while on the trail, but also while interacting with the animals who call the Carolina Corral home. Particularly the island horses, goats and sheep who were either born on the islands or imported from the states. As well as donkeys who were born at the corral after their mothers came in as rescues.
* Other young donkeys were separated from their mothers in the wild or were sick and injured. The adults are brought in and later released if possible after their injuries are treated. But, they know where to come for water and food if they need it during our dry times.
* Animals including deer, iguanas, dogs, chickens, hogs and ducks have been assisted as well with my willingness and know-how in providing for their care. Few options exist for these wild and domestic animals in need on this tiny Caribbean island.
* Help with the morning feed at 8:30 or book a tour of the corral at 10am Monday – Saturday. Optional taxi ride out with a drop off at a North Shore beach for an additional $35, total $55. Please note the corral tours are not horseback rides. 11am is the Daily Donkey, which is comprised of brushing the older donkeys and walking the younger girls and boys down the road for some great pictures along the water.
* If coming by barge from St. Thomas for the horseback rides, please don’t take the Big Red Barge who sells tickets online. Their last run is too early for us to get back from the ride with another half hour to Cruz Bay. The odd hour barge from Red Hook run by Love City Car Ferry is the best with their last run being 6:15pm.
* If driving, stay on Route 10 or Centerline half hour across island and downhill into Coral Bay. You’ll see a road on the right called 107 to Salt Pond, but stay on Centerline. I’m exactly half mile on the right past the firestation, shops and a pond. There’s a big dirt turnaround at the end of my road with my sign on the right. I’m the first drive on the right down the dirt road. It’s best to back down my hill and park in front of the fence.
* If coming by taxi, island tours are also available, you can call one of these gentlemen to help you out. It’s best to call in the morning to make an arrangement.
Kenneth 340-513-2438
Island Vybes 340-244-0712
Fergie. 340-227-0472
* The bus is an easy way to get around, as well. It leaves 20 minutes after every even hour in the morning and 20 minutes after every odd hour in the afternoons for two dollars, exact change required. They depart from the public restrooms in Cruz Bay which are to the left coming off the ferry dock, past the gazebo. Coral Bay is a half hour across island where the bus turns around at the end of my road, you’ll see my sign on the right. I’m the first drive on the right with the green gates.