donkeys

MAMMOTH DONKEYS! These are not your small donkeys you think of when hearing bible stories. These are BIG. they were used to cross with draft horses to create the huge draft mules of 17 hands or so . BUT they are also used for adults to ride! They are less spooky than horses (much less) they have smooth gaits, they love people. they are gentle giants. The "livestock conservation" considers them an endangered species. For more information you can look up the ADMS (american Donkey and Mule association) . This page will read oldest to newest, so scroll down for new information and photos.

Obie was my first experience with a donkey. He could test my patience! But we had many SAFE adventures and stories together. We did the 10 mile St Judes trial rides, and went to horse shows..many time the FIRST donkey they had seen in a horse show! He could never win anything against horses, except he was great at trail classes. Obie LOVED parades and especially to get up close to who ever was in front of us, even if it was the noisy fire truck or bands. I tried everythin with Obie. We went to the Virginia State fair one year and tried Pole bending and barrel racing against the mules. while there he won the donkey "cart " class.

At te same time we bought OBIE, we also Bought "Lisa" from Hollyfield Farm in VA. she was a 16 yr old bred jenny. Lisa foaled a brown Jack for us we named Sunbriar Rufus. I broke him to ride and after he sired a foal we gelded him. I bought Rosie in Ohio, she was bred to Rufus and they gave me "Sunbriar Daisy" who I broke to ride . When we moved to PA I sold Rufus and Rosie together. When we moved i took Obie and Daisy with us.

Daisy was sired by Sunbriar Rufus and out of Sunbriar Rosie. She grew to be much bigger than either parent. she was about 14.2 but also very heavy and sturdy. She had a true mane which was very un-donkey like. people would tell me she had to be 'part mule" . Daisy did a 3hr trail ride in the mountains of WV the third time she was ever saddled. She was long legged and had no trouble keeping up with the horses. She was bred to "IAN" (see below) and was due to foal around Christmas 2008, when (we think) she got a virus and was found dead in the pasture on dec 21st 2008 at age 9 yrs. I miss her . I had alot of plans for her and her foal and then suddenly they are gone...

When OBIE died, Paul wanted to go out and buy me a new donkey. But I didnt want to, so instead we went out and bought PAUL his own donkey.. It was Hollyfield Ian. He was 2 yrs old and already 14.2 hands tall. We brought him home as a jack and didnt geld him till spring. IAN also got the virus that killed daisy and was very sick this winter, but has made a great recovery and can now continue his training. We were just up to saddleing and sitting on him before he got sick. I dont have a measuring stick, but id guess hes about 15.2 now and not done growing. hes also massively big, big legs, big head, and he has an attitude.. Im hoping to be able to start light riding this spring and then next year he will be for paul to ride.

TESS: when Daisy died my plans of trail riding with Paul on a pair of donkeys was gone. Ian was so lonely, The barn seemed empty. I started a search for another donkey and after much thought, chose TESS. Now she isnt even HERE YET. but Im so anxious to get her home. She is a 13 yr old green broke jenny of 14 hands tall and quite sturdy build. Shes never had a saddle on, only ridden bareback. So I have some work to do. But Im hoping to have her going good in a short time and even take her to horse shows..

"ACORN RIDGE TESS" arrived today , January 24th 2009. Heres photos of IAN and TESS' first meeting! Ian wants to play and tess wants to explore her new field. Tess let Ian know who was gonna be the boss!