Today we headed out for a new adventure, taking Rocky to a donkey & mule show to benefit Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue (SYALER). This is the great rescue that we adopted Rocky from. Rocky has been truly amazing, he taught Sonny & I the "right" way to train a donkey to trot on a leadrope. Use treats NOT force! Donkeys go absolutely no where if you pull on their heads, so we coaxed and chased and rewarded every forward step and he eventually caught on!
There were donkeys & mules in all shapes in sizes and the folks that came with them were the best! There were even some experienced donkey show people who came that were very nice and helpful to us beginners. One even lent us a crupper to keep Rocky's saddle in place for the leadline class. Having been to many many horseshows, I can tell you this crowd was the nicest bunch of exhibitors you will ever meet!
Rocky was a champ, he is so very mellow you hardly notice him at times until he brays! He was so happy to see all the other long ears and did lots of braying (loudly!). We placed second in showmanship and Emma had a great time and got third in leadline. The costume class was adorable as you can imagine and lots of creativity!
Do you think Emma will notice that her first show was on a donkey - not a pony? I think children and well behaved donkeys are a great combo! Rocky is such an easygoing little guy he took it all in stride and after arriving home, greeted his pony then laid down for a well deserved nap.
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