In the four-valley area and probably beyond, the mocking name of the inhabitants of Steeg is known.
Earlier even more than today they were called the "Steeger donkey". This designation has nothing to do with the "stupid donkey", but comes from a previously practiced in Steeg way of working, which contributed to the work easier.
Since the vineyards were hardly accessed by roads until the 20th century, all loads (fertilizer, ground, grapes) had to be transported on the back on the vineyard paths.
From 1820 on, the peasants brought donkeys to the Steeger valley to facilitate this physically demanding work. Almost every family had acquired such an animal over the years. It was always mares, because they were better guided. On a transport rack, the loads were lashed, but also used small donkey carts.
The animals came from Bavaria, Nassau and France.
Because of the constantly rising purchase prices, the local council decided in 1862 to buy a donkey stallion for the breeding of the animals. The submission was to take place in the bull barn built a year earlier.
Although this transport solution was praised in 1871 in the "Journal of the Agricultural Association" No. 3, but Steeg remained the only community in a wide radius, which used these animals in the manner described.
A cattle counting in the year 1900 determined still 23 donkeys. Until about 1920, the donkeys were used as load carriers and draft animals.