There is nothing wrong with buying a donkey at a horse auction IF you know what you are looking for, looking at (conformationally speaking) and have the opportunity to look at the animal up close before the auction begins. Beware of people who look down on donkeys at a horse auction, but can't wait for the next Wild Horse and Wild Burro Auction.....the difference is????? Both are a 'shot in the dark' to some degree.