2008 Western Idaho Fair

They came, they played, their names are burned into the record books and their images are embedded into the hearts of those who visited the 2008 Western Idaho Fair, especially those who came into contact with one Large Standard Spotted Donkey.

Eleven year old Kristin Kaschmitter and her Aunt Kristi of Grangeville, Idaho were accompanied by a seven year old donkey known as RMS Lippyluver Luc. It was the threesome’s official debut at this popular Boise, Idaho fair.
After Luc settled into his stall and his human companions into the storage pod the first day turned into a relaxed time of driving Luc around the grounds in his show cart with a new harness addition, a sliding back band saddle. Kristin rode him around the enormous open air barn both with a saddle and then bareback which was a first for Luc. They seem to enjoy visiting with people as they traveled thru the Draft Horse Barn.

The afternoon session ended by put finishing touches on their showmanship and halter techniques. Classes began that evening with Luc picking up the Reserve Champion Halter Donkey ribbon.
Saturday morning was Kristi’s turn in the arena showing in Pleasure Driving, Driving Obstacle and their personal favorite Drive and Ride. This is where Luc is transformed from harness to under saddle with Kristin’s assistance in the center of the show pen. They held their own in these open classes and netted a few of the highly prized ribbons.

Definitely not a favorite of Luc’s is the trail classes and this was one tough set-up for this donkey boy. Being first with Kristi Luc had an opportunity to see what he was expected to do. Kristin then had two goes; the first was an open riding class followed by an in hand class. Right at the start was a rope gate surrounded by straw bales that required a tight turn making this a true obstacle for many of the contestants.

Loping to the next difficulty past a large tent was no problem. Then came a 360 degree turnaround inside a pole box again this was a breeze for the twosome as was the mailbox.

Side passing and backing thru poles were just child’s play for Kristin as Luc tried his best for her.

Luc’s nemesis has always been and continues to be bridges in trail class. Take that same bridge and lay it out in the mountains and it’s a whole different story. This bridge was plywood laid on the ground outlined in a blue tarp with a row of freshly cut white birch logs that needed to be stepped over. Kristin’s patience outlasted Luc’s and he finally gave up and put two hooves on the bridge which appeased her. It may not have been perfect but it was a step in the right direction. Picking up a front hoof concluded the class much to Luc’s relief.

The arena we competed in was called the trackside arena. During this class and many others here is what was going on. Sure didn’t bother Luc as he was pretty fascinated by the races, I believe he was thinking about doing a little off track wagering with the mules.

Saturday night was a just for fun evening. Starting at seven when the scorching daytime triple digit temperatures finally cooled down even Luc felt like running and playing games. Barrel racing, pole bending and keyhole with both Kristi and Kristin kept Luc in the arena. Competing against the quick and agile mules kept the trio out of the ribbons but knowing it was just for fun took the pressure off Mr. Luc so he could performed in his comfort level which was a pleasant change.

Sunday morning found Luc again in the show pen in perfect Western Pleasure mode competing against classes filled with mules and other donkeys.

Kristin placed Luc winning herself a nice memento for the last class of the show.

Harnessing up for a real job with Luc was Kristin’s assignment for the afternoon. It was time to haul everything from the barn to the horse trailer. Kristi loaded the cart, Kristin drove and Luc obliged her by going in the direction he was pointed without spilling out the cart’s contents. It took four hours to move out of the barn pod and pack everything back into the trailer. The last trip was planned so that Kristin could ride Luc back to his stall bareback just in time to sit and cool down with watermelon for her and Luc before the awards ceremony.

Kristin was wide-eyed when she spotted the table loaded with trophies. Even better her name was the first called to receive one of the coveted star studded statues. By the time it was over Kristin had a trophy for Reserve Model Donkey and Reserve High Point Donkey.

She also netted a red bucket filled with useful accessories one can always utilize. Congratulations Kristin and Luc on a successful trip to a big city fair.

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