Hell's Canyon Mule Days 2008
Team Donk’s Presentation Show Driving Debut

Playing in the warm fall sunshine with a backdrop of amazing mountains looming overhead Team Donk was onsite for the 2008 Hells Canyon Mule Days, along with many of our friends. Even with the high fuel prices and remote location this show is well supported by exhibitors and fans alike. We are beginning to see more performance donkeys at this event, and there’s always room to squeeze in extra so make your plans to come play with us. The weather and the setting for this event were at perfection levels, and it just doesn’t get any better than that!

Our route into Oregon winds us through some fantastic scenery. This year we took time to stop, soak up the view and snap a quick photo of a small segment of highway that runs out of Rattlesnake Canyon. Gee wonder why they gave it a name like that! The far hillside is located in Washington State; we are in standing in Oregon with Idaho to the west separated from Oregon by Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America.

This was Liberty’s debut trip to Enterprise and upon arrival the first thing noticed was that he was not braced against the trailer leaving horrible rub marks on his hind end. This was a welcome sight and a good start to his weekend. Once unloaded and his padded traveling blanket was pulled many of the exhibitors were immediately drawn to this giant donkey. The first questions most draft horse and mule folks we meet hopefully ask is usually “Is he a jack or what’s your breeding fee”?

Arriving Thursday afternoon gave us time to set up fencing for the donkeys comfort and safety. Kristin, who would be showing Luc, received her schooling lesson for the day; Electric Fencing 101 from Uncle Jim. Here’s the boys settled in and show ready.

Friday, September 5th was a full day of driving classes both single and team plus four trail classes. It was Liberty’s first driving experience in classes such as obstacle where he placed second out of four. This was the team’s first presentation show driving. The boys were entered in every donkey class possible with the exception of drive and ride for Liberty. Luc was entered in twenty events with Liberty in eighteen making for a huge showing for both boys. The guys were harnessed at 7 am that first morning and went all day with only a few short breaks. It was a lot to ask but they did it! A much needed lunch was served at 5 pm when we called it a day and said, “Enough is enough”!

Saturday was halter and showmanship along with the parade and the grand entry. Riding with us, on the debut trip of Team Donk through the streets of Enterprise, was Honorary Grand Marshall Mr. Mike Brennan. Mike is the son of three time Oscar recipient Walter Brennan. This was a bona fide honor to have the opportunity to get to know this fine gentleman and to be his escort in these events honoring his contributions to the region. First place honors in the Mule or Horse Drawn Parade Division went to our own Team Donkey boys! Elane Dickenson of the Wallowa County Chieftain newspaper displayed Liberty’s photo and a write up about him next to the parade entry winners. Mas Ass Acres Liberty, the spotlight was all yours!

Saturday afternoon was a chance for us to escape the show scene and spend some quality time in picturesque Joseph, OR. This town site is nestled at the base of the breathtakingly beautiful Eagle Cap Wilderness. Life size bronze art work can be found throughout the downtown area thanks to the local artisans and foundry. www.josephoregon.com will take you on an internet trip through a portion of the area but it doesn’t hold a candle to seeing it in person. The artwork, the museum and shopping were our favorites. One must stop at Mad Mary’s downtown and order her ten dollar everything but the kitchen sink ice cream Sunday… what a treat that was, took three of us to down it!

Sunday was Western Pleasure and gaming classes. This was to be Liberty’s first show riding events. Now mind you Liberty has yet to do much loping so there was not a lot of confidence he would break into a gallop, but one could always hope. Whell it happened, he stretched his stride into an extremely pleasant gait during western pleasure. It was a huge break through for Liberty that put a big ole’ grin on Kristi’s face for sure.

His only gaming class for that day was Keyhole. Not knowing if he would be kind enough to do it, he boldly walked into the keyhole, turned and raced back. Liberty was magnificent and we are so proud of him. He’s finally wearing his big boy jeans! Yippee!

We want to thank our two youth driving exhibitors. Team donk was driven by Molly, who put them through their paces in their first team youth events and drove Liberty in classes specifically for younger drivers. Kristin held Luc’s lines in the youth classes, doing a wonderful job considering the short amount of time she has been driving. She also showed Luc in trail class where he did every obstacle without hesitation. Kristin was responsible for all of Luc’s halter, showmanship and gaming classes. This gave Kristi the opportunity to concentrate on Mr. Liberty’s performances. We really appreciated these fine young ladies and hope to see them entered in future shows with the boys.

When it was all said and done Show President Sondra Lozier plus several of the committee members made a point to thank us personally for coming. You cannot imagine how much this meant to us. This is a donkey friendly bunch and the show is improving immensely every year. For all donkey show folks and especially for those wanting to promote a jack take a serious look at the 2009 show, it’s always the weekend after Labor Day.

We wish to acknowledge all the fine sponsors who contribute so that we can come and play in your area, eat at your fine restaurants, spend our money and arrive back home with treasured mementoes. Also needing recognition are the newspapers that cover the three day event and the spectators who are out there in the stands a rootin’ for the longears, we LOVE you guys and so do the donkeys! Almost last but certainly not least is Sondra, the show committee, the announcer and all the wonderful volunteers who keep everything running smoothly.

The man behind the scenes and the camera who grabbed these wonderful shots is our own Donkey Dude, Kristin’s uncle and my wonderful husband Jim… Thanks guy, you make it happen for us girls and Team Donk!

Hope to see everyone at Hells Canyon Mule Days in 2009!
www.hellscanyonmuledays.com

With their game faces on it’s
Luc and Kristin

Look at this boy move out! Who sez big donks are not performance plus guys,
not me!

Kristi
www.teamdonk.org