At the beginning of the 20th century, many small farms in Lower Normandy used the Cotentin donkey (Equus asinus) as a pack animal for farm work and for transporting vegetables crates or milk cans after milking the cows. The Domaine d’Esthine perpetuates the Cotentin donkey breed, officially recognised by the French Ministry of Agriculture in August 1997. Given its docility and small size, the Cotentin donkey is perfectly suited to hiking and harnessing.