Donkey (Horse + Unicorn Variations) — Tutorial + Templates

This 'Donkey, Horse and Unicorn' tutorial is one of those really useful sets to have in your sugar modelling kit. Horse-like toppers are ordered so often — and once you have this base, you can adapt it for all sorts of characters and themes. I’ve even used the same core method to make a cow and a reindeer.

If you’ve never made a standing, four-leg animal before, this tutorial makes the process feel much less frustrating. You’re guided step by step, with templates to keep sizing, shaping, and proportions clear — so you can build a topper that’s sturdy, doesn’t sag, and has legs that attach neatly and sit in the right place. The result looks balanced — with none of that 'something is slightly off' feeling.

You will learn how to:

• create cute donkey, horse and unicorn toppers with balanced proportions and a smooth, polished finish (the same template set can be reused later for other horse-like animals)
• build a standing four-leg animal body so it stays sturdy and doesn’t sag as you work and while it dries
• shape and attach the head so it sits securely without tilting or losing its form
• finish each variation with neat manes, tails, ears and small accents for a complete, well-finished look