I Carried the WORD in, I Carried the WORD Out, Now I Carry the WORD to You.
 Be blessed by the LOVE these little creatures can provide.  

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Topics of Interest

The following topics will be presented at the Westside Mini Expo on June 7th, 2008.  We would love to have you.  This will be a fun filled day where you will gain a wealth of information, meet new friends, and F-E-A-S-T on some fabulous food.  If your interested all you need to do is fill out the form provided for all the details.

FORM

QUALITY LIVESTOCK
There are many reasons for purchasing miniature donkeys.  For many of us our first mini is just a pet.  What I have found as a mini owner is that once you have one you tend to want more.  Our pets then become our breeding stock.  Before you purchase a donkey or begin breeding donkeys it is important to know how to identify quality animals from those that should remain strictly pets.  If you are interested in breeding or showing then this information may be of some help.  By attending our annual conference you will receive hands on experience selecting donkeys and be able to preview all  suggested materials, websites etc. 

REPRODUCTION    
All donkeys are different as to how long they carry their foal and what signs to look for.  There are many steps that you can take, however, to ensure that your donkey has a healthy pregnancy and delivery.  If you live in areas where fescue is prominent then there are precautions you will want to take.  Also, the weight and conformation of your donkey is important if you want to get them bred.  If you are breeding your own then their are steps you must take to ensure your animals will be registered in a timely manor.  Should you have your breeding stock genetically tested?  Why should I microchip?  What if one of my donkeys does not have a pedigree can the foal be registered? Now that the foal is here what should I do?  These are some of the questions that will be answered during this session.  

TRAINING
Donkeys are not horses and react differently.  Positive reinforcement is the key.  Know that there are adverse effects when using force to get what you want.  They do not move from pressure as easily as a horse and can actually lock up if pressured too much.  The more positive attention they have the easier they will train.  Contrary to what you may think you can not over imprint a donkey foal.  To many the donkey is just a pet, but for their safety they need to know how to walk, trot, and back at your command.  If you are interested in showing the minimum your donkey will be asked  to do is walk, trot, show his/her teeth, and stand patiently.  This is expected for all halter classes.  Judges for performance classes look for a great deal more which mean additional training hours for you and your donkey.  From experience it is well worth the time.  These animals will absolutely amaze you with what they know and are able to do.  You will learn how to prepare your donkey to perform in the most common NMDA classes and become familiar with some of the classes offered.       

PREPARING TO SHOW
There is much to consider as you prepare to show your animals.  Some things can not be done at the last minute.  You will need to plan ahead and make sure that your paper work for your donkeys is current and that you have their pedigrees in hand.  Also, you will need to make sure that you have a current coggins, and health papers for traveling (intrastate or interstate depending on the location).  You will need to know the rules for NMDA classes and have the proper attire for both you and your animal.  There are items that you will need to take along with you that will make the experience go more smoothly for both you and your animal.  You will learn the secrets to all of this and more.          

CLIPPING AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS
This can be the most frustrating part of preparing your donkey to show.  Many choose not to show because of this.  The answer to successfully grooming your donkey for the show is in the equipment that you use.  No matter what, be prepared to learn what it means to be patient.  You will learn lots of tricks to making your donkey look and feel the best.  The workshop will provide hands on training in this as well as a live demonstration.  Whether you attend the training or not just remember one thing.  If you make this a pleasant experience for your donkey they will return the favor the next time they need their hair clipped.