Join
FNAR
Becoming a Member
Understanding FNAR’s Work
Heard of FNAR but not sure what it’s about? The following lines should give you a clearer idea of who we are.
Pioneers of donkey trekking
FNAR was founded in 1990 by the pioneers of donkey trekking — just ten people across France at a time when the activity was still very niche. Today, it brings together around 60 professional handlers who have chosen to unite under a flexible, non-profit structure to protect and promote the pack donkey and the practice of donkey trekking. The federation welcomes handlers of all scales and all types of treks.
Raise awareness of donkeys, promote their breeding and highlight their qualities as pack or draft animals.
Encourage their use as pack animals for hiking.
Promote studies, initiatives, and research about donkeys, as well as training in breeding and practical use.
PROMOTION to the general public
Promoting awareness of donkey treks:
- Development of the website www.ane-et-rando.com showcasing donkeys, trekking, trip options, and all FNAR-affiliated handlers,
- Social media communication to promote the website, members, and national campaigns
- Publication of shared promotional materials
- Organization of National Donkeys and Disability Days to promote animal-assisted therapy and inclusion of diverse audiences
- Participation in trade shows in France and abroad
- Publication of announcements and articles in both consumer and professional magazines
- Enabling discussion and knowledge-sharing between handlers through meetups and a members-only online forum
- Publishing various documents related to the profession (posters, guidebooks, etc.)
Through professional discussions and resources on insurance, legal status, taxation, as well as sharing tips and practices between professionals...
Publishing a donkey trekking advice guide
Studying and developing equipment adapted for donkeys and trekking
Compiling handlers’ experiences with new uses for donkeys (working with children, transporting people with physical disabilities, guiding the visually impaired, etc.) in a dedicated forum
Financial: funded by member contributions and generous donors
Organization: decisions are made collectively during the annual general assembly. After the AG, work is divided among committees, where members register to contribute throughout the year — topics include: breeding/health, web, communication, new members, accessibility/therapy, and external relations.
Administration: The General Assembly annually elects a Coordinating Committee of around 12 members — composed of commission leaders (elected by each group), one or two treasurers, and members who take on specific missions or are more actively involved in the organization.
THIS IS WHAT MAKES FNAR RICH IN QUALITY AND VALUE
The general assembly is a major moment in the association’s life. Held over three days at a member’s location (rotating each year), it’s a time for everyone to connect and speak freely. During the AG, key strategic decisions for the coming year are made, and extensive knowledge-sharing takes place on donkeys, breeding, and hiking.
Between general assemblies, FNAR remains active: the members-only forum on ane-et-rando.com allows everyone to share thoughts on ongoing projects, express challenges or share insights on all aspects (breeding, health, nutrition, legal matters, equipment, hiking, etc.).
In conclusion, a lot of goodwill and volunteer work ensure the smooth running of our federation.
The FNAR atmosphere is intended to be friendly and relaxed, marked by relationships of trust and solidarity, and filled with many lively discussions.
Types of Membership
For donkey lovers, former members... anyone wishing to support the goals of FNAR in rehabilitating and promoting the value of donkeys.
€60 / yearThis is for project initiators and non-member donkey handlers who want to discover FNAR and how it works.
€60 / yearBoth these options allow you to participate in online discussions, attend the FNAR general assembly (without voting rights), and receive reports on the association’s activities.
FNAR offers new donkey handlers with at least one year of professional experience a reduced membership fee, as a welcome gesture and to support the launch of their activity. They enjoy all the benefits and services of full membership.
In return, they commit to respecting FNAR’s entry requirements:
- Have a sponsor within FNAR to guide them during their first steps and receive a visit from that sponsor before the General Assembly where their application will be voted on.
- Attend the General Assembly within 2 years of joining, to introduce themselves and present their activity.
- Have started a professional donkey trekking business for at least one season.
- Comply with the FNAR charter.
Admission as a professional member is voted on by the General Assembly.
€200 / yearFor donkey handlers organizing treks professionally and actively participating in FNAR’s activities.
This membership requires adherence to entry rules and active involvement in FNAR, including attendance at the annual autumn general assembly.
€340 / yearHow to Join FNAR?
For information about joining FNAR:
06 09 93 32 65
Pauline CHEVILLOT, La Belle Ânerie
06 75 79 40 94 or 05 46 74 72 21
Aude PATRY, Les Ânes de la Rêverie
To confirm your membership, you can download the following files:
Information sheetFNAR presentation sheet
Please note that applications submitted between March and September will only be processed in September.