HHAA Valiant Diego Makes the Honor Roll

HHAA Valiant Diego has earned another Versatility Hall of Fame award. He attends many shows in Tennessee each year and was named the TN Donkey Association’s 2010 High Point Harness winner and 2010 Reserve In-Hand winner. Not only is Diego a good show donkey, he loves to attend pleasure drives as well as pet days/exhibitions in our area. He is a great ambassador for the breed. And, most importantly to his owner, he is a best friend. Diego and Lydia Spears live in Hohenwald TN and are proud members of the TN Donkey Association. 

Lightfoot’s ASSpect

    Parades and Birthdays

 

Wow!  Fourth of July!  What a great day to be born!  I was so excited when I overheard Mom and Aunt Dayle talking about the 4th of July parade in Lewisburg.  What a way to celebrate my birthday.  Sure it was going to be hot but parades mean bands.  And bands mean music. Who doesn’t just love a band right?  And, the theme of the parade was “Happy Birthday America”, so appropriate on this, my special day.  I was singing “Happy Birthday to me, Lightfoot Lee”.

Well, Monday morning finally arrived and as we unloaded and began to suit up. I was searching the grounds for the band. WHAT? NO BAND? NO STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER? NO HAPPY BIRTHDAY?? Are you kidding me? How does one celebrate the 4th of July, a parade and my birthday with no band? What a let down.

I saw no need for walking the parade route when the entire lineup proceeded out of the parking lot right in front of us. But, the three of us… or should I say the six of us plodded along, last in the parade with a cop right on our tail!  Like I was planning on speeding or something.  I walked so slow I became my own parade; at least a half mile behind the last entry.  When we dropped out (as the last big hill came into view), that cop whizzed right past us as if a Krispy Krème was at the end of this 2 mile hike.  

From now on I prefer to celebrate my birthday in the pasture, with my friends. Oh, and don’t forget the band! 

‘Til Next Time,

Lightfoot

 

July 2011

A few thoughts……

• July is a busy month for many of TDA's members. To start with Lewisburg has invited members to participate in their Fourth of July Parade. Then it is on to the Great Celebration Mule and Donkey show which runs from the 7th thru 9th.  Then back to Shelbyville on the 23rd to the Bedford County Fair Donkey show. If you don't want to participate come and cheer the rest of us on. For more info on these events go to http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html

• Former member, Heidi Trusler passed away on June 4, 2011. Heidi was a wonderful person and she had one of those smiles that was contagious. She loved her donkeys and enjoyed taking them to visit nursing homes and schools. She will be sadly missed.  

• Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) - FINAL Situation Report June 23, 2011. There are no new cases and no new premises affected. Disease spread in connection with this incident has been contained and no further situation reports will be generated.

A Great Time Was Had By All At The Novice Day & Mock Show!

 WOW, what an event!  There were close to 40 members in attendance with a couple coming all the way from Indiana.  We arrived early to see if there was anything we could help with before the day started and found that everything was perfect. It was obvious that Joe and Dayle had been hard at work for weeks, the ring was in fantastic shape, there were tents set up for extra shade, it was wonderful.  As the members started to arrive we were so excited to see the number of youth that we had in attendance, and there were plenty of novice adults also. There were a few that had never worked with a donkey before. For the day to work the way we had planned, we also needed a large number of veteran show people and donkeys to aid in making this teaching event a success, and they didn’t let us down.

 Each class in the mock show was demonstrated by a veteran, then that veteran would judge that class. Each novice person or donkey in that class was then paired with a veteran show person to help them with that class.  We would like to thank each and every one of the veterans that braved the heat to come out and help

these novices learn how to show and play with their donkeys.  Joe designed a challenging trail class which left even some of the veterans scratching their heads in disbelief. Lunch came and it was a welcome break, giving everyone a chance to duck in the house, grab a piece of pizza and suck in a little air conditioning.  After lunch everyone was excited to get back to the fun because driving was next on the docket. Many could hardly wait to get their hands on a set of reins. We started the driving portion with again a very tough obstacle course! We were so impressed that one of our youth members (Shyanne) stepped up

to play her part as a veteran, helping a very green youth snake her way through the course.  Next on deck was pleasure driving, where each novice learned proper seat position along with rein and whip placement.  It maybe a while before some of the novice get comfortable with reins and a whip at the same time. The only way to finish off this wonderful day was of course every ones favorite, the panty race. If you would like to see the results from the mock show check out our web site at  http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/TDAFunShow2011.html .

This day is what many of our founding members had in mind for this organization when it was conceived back in 2002. Helping others learn about these wonderful long eared creatures that we all love so much. I would like to share with you a quote from Travis Henderson about this event “That was one of the greatest days that I have had as a member of the TDA. I just loved seeing all those kids who had never worked with donkeys having a time of their lives.” Again I need to thank everyone involved in making this a wonderful event. Also a great big thank you to Joe and Dayle for opening up their home to us and working so hard to make everything perfect!  Everyone seemed to have had a blast, well maybe not all the donkeys.

Lightfoot’s ASSpect

TDA Novice Show

Joe Haworth is my mortal enemy!  I loathe the sight of him smugly crossing his yard.  And, it all began Saturday, June 11th on what should have been my best day ever.  Why, you ask??  Well, let me tell you.  Apparently, he took my last column as a personal affront and challenge.  Or maybe he just likes trying to make us donkeys look bad.  When I said I could do an “easy trail course with my hooves tied behind my back and blindfolded," I guess it did sound a little like I was bragging, but…. I didn’t know he was gonna put large flying bats in a mailbox or clanging cannons in what I thought at first was a feed bag only to have it start making loud popping sounds as my mom threw it over my back.  I showed her right fast where those bags of cans belonged.  But, then she picked them right back up and put them on me again.  I was forced to walk about 15 feet with them clanging on my legs.  I have never been so scared in all my 23 months.  I’m scarred for life.

The rest of the day wasn’t so bad though.  I got to hang out with my buddies, munch on some delicious Bermuda and meet a couple of new chicks. Here I am with my favorite one. None of us minded all the affection, attention or picture taking either. But, the kids seemed to have the most fun of all.  This shindig only needed a band to help soothe my nerves after Joe’s fiasco and it would have been close (Yes, CLOSE – remember the trail class) to perfect.

Next year, if Joe is in charge of ANYTHING, I want to know beforehand.  Then maybe TDA should consider renaming the Novice Show something like Joe’s Rodeo Fun Day.

'Til Next Time,

Lightfoot Lee

JUNE 2011

A few thoughts…….

•  I would like to thank Diana for her hard work and dedication to TDA during her time as President. Join me in giving her a great big thumbs up! I ask that you all be patient with me as I assume the responsibilities as editor of your newsletter. I welcome any suggestion you may have.

•  Come one come all to the first annual mock show and novice day on June 11^th. It will be a day of fun, thrills and excitement with something for everyone. Bring your donkeys and play with them or come and use one of the many that will be available. Lunch will be provided. This event is at Dayle and Joe Haworth’s in Chapel Hill, TN. For driving directions & layout of the day click this link, http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html. You must have a negative coggins to participate. Direct any questions to Theresa Puckett 615-230-7260, ccrdonkeys@comcast.net or Dayle Haworth 615-504-4536,  minidonks@united.net.

•  The 3^rd annual Donkey Day Expo turned out to be a fun and informative day. Dawn Ware gave a series of informative training sessions. Lydia grilled us a great lunch complete with desserts. Dayle did a wonderful clipping demonstration, and I ended up with a body clipped donkey, pretty cool. Thanks to all for a great day.  

• The TDA Calendars are here and go on sale immediately!!! They are $12.00 each.

   New members

Please welcome our new members.

·         Sam Alexander, Madison, AL, samalexx1@gmail.com

·         Donald Griffin, Fine Ass Acres, Rock Island, TN, justduckie1@aol.com

Current Events

For updates on current events please visit the TDA web site at www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Events.html

Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1)

At this point everyone in the equine community has at least heard that there has been an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus EHV-1. You may think to yourself, don’t I vaccinate for that, and you do. This is a new strain for which at this point there is no vaccine. In a brochure published by the USDA they tell us “ EHV-1: Can cause four manifestations of disease in horses, including a neurological form, respiratory disease, abortion, and neonatal death. EHM is most often due to mutant or neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1, so called because of a particular mutation in the genome.” They go on to define EHM as “Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is another name for the neurologic disease associated with equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections. Neurological signs appear as a result of damage to blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord associated with EHV infection. Interference with the blood supply leads to tissue damage and a subsequent loss in normal function of areas in the brain and spinal cord.” You all recently received an email from Katrina with a link in to TDA’s health page where you can read this very informative piece of literature in its entirety. Please take the time to read this, here is the link again http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/Health/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf . If you have further questions about this strain or any other equine diseases please contact your Veterinarian.  

Marines' Iraqi donkey headed for Nebraska

By Jessica Gresko 

 5/14/2011

It took 37 days and a group of determined animal lovers, but a donkey from Iraq is now a U.S. resident. 

Smoke The Donkey, who became a friend and mascot to a group of U.S. Marines living in Iraq's Anbar Province nearly three years ago, arrived in New York this week aboard a cargo jet from Turkey. After being quarantined for two days, he was released Saturday and began a road trip to Omaha, Neb., where he is destined to become a therapy animal.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International announced Smoke's arrival in New York on Thursday.

By Saturday afternoon the trailer carrying Smoke, named for its color, had driven through Baltimore and was on its way to Warrenton, Va., for a meet-and-greet with some fans.

The donkey will live and help Wounded Warriors Family Support, an organization founded by Ret. Marine Col. John Folsom, commandant of Camp Taqaddam when Smoke showed up, the SPCA said.

"Marines aren't all tough guys with hard hearts — we're suckers for kids and animals," Folsom told reporters in December amid efforts to transport the equine.

Smoke was handed over to another Marine unit when Folsom's unit left. When the last of the Marines left Iraq last fall, they gave Smoke to the Army unit replacing them. An Army major immediately gave Smoke away, the Indo Asian News Service reported.

"The Army wanted nothing to do with him," Folsom had said.

Folsom used to walk Smoke daily and had formed a bond with the animal. It didn't seem right that Smoke was left behind, he said in a telephone interview Saturday.

The donkey, which once snatched and ate a cigarette from a careless Marine, was such a part of the unit that he received his own care packages and cards from children who grew up with the movie "Shrek," featuring a talking donkey. 

A major had given the donkey to a Fallujah sheik who reportedly passed it along to a family but offered to get it back, at first for $30,000. The sheik later dropped the charge, but logistical problems in getting the animal back the states ensued. 

There was the bureaucracy of getting Smoke nearly 7,000 miles around the world: blood tests, health certifications and forms from customs, agriculture and airline officials.

To cut through the red tape, Folsom got help from the SPCA, which has a project that transports dogs and cats from Iraq to the United States. 

The group, however, had never attempted airlifting a donkey, which is more complicated because equines can't be transported on traditional commercial aircraft and must go by cargo plane. 

The donkey's journey has provided laughter — and head scratching — along the way.

"People just couldn't believe we were going to these great lengths to help a donkey because donkeys in that part of the world are so low down on the totem pole," said the society's Terri Crisp, who negotiated the donkey's passage from Iraq to the United States. "Donkeys are not viewed as a companion animal. They're viewed as a work animal."

As frustrating as the journey sometimes was for those involved, including a week-long delay getting Smoke in to Turkey and another three weeks to get out, the donkey found friends and supporters along the way, Crisp said. They included the U.S. ambassador in Turkey, who at one point was getting daily updates.

"I think people did finally come to realize that this is one of these out-of-the-ordinary situations. Once you met him and saw what a unique donkey he was, it was hard to say no to him," Crisp said, describing Smoke as "gentle" and "mischievous" as well as a food-lover — carrots and apples in particular. 

The journey, which started April 5, wasn't cheap.

The society estimates it cost between $30,000 to $40,000 from start to finish, with expenses such as $150 to ship Smoke's blood from Turkey to a U.S. Department of Agriculture lab in Iowa, $18,890 for a Lufthansa flight through Frankfurt, Germany and $400 a day for quarantine in New York. Folsom says he recognizes some people may be critical of the expense, which was paid for through donations, but he says he considers it payback for the donkey that was such a friend to Marines. 

"Why do we spend billions of dollars of pet food in this country? Why do we do that?" Folsom said. "We love our animals. That's why." 

Folsom saw the donkey for the first time in years Saturday when he arrived in New York to transport him to his new home in Omaha. The journey to Omaha is expected to take two days, and Folsom said Smoke is already getting used to seeing big, green trees instead of desert.

"He's an American donkey now," Folsom said.

Update: Iraq donkey named Smoke now at home in Nebraska                                                          By Margery A. Beck, Associated Press    

                

Smoke The Donkey is now at his new home in an eastern Nebraska pasture after a more than 6,000-mile journey.

Retired Marine Col. John Folsom says Smoke "was a battle buddy, and you don't leave your battle buddy behind.

Smoke arrived Wednesday at Miracle Hills Ranch, where he will live out the rest of his life as a therapy animal.

Reprinted with permission of the Associated Press 2011

WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR

by Diana Poole

Make sure to mark your calendars for Sunday August 7^th for the Williamson County (Franklin, TN) Fair Donkey Show. This show does have some Open classes. For those members that have Mammoth donkeys, there is a Mammoth show also (see link below.)

This fair show is run differently than the other county fairs we currently show at. So, I wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to enter if they were wanting to.

Here are some of their General Rules & Regulations. This is not the entire list; please check the Premium Catalog or website for a full list:

1. The Donkey Show is open to all residents of Tennessee and to members of the Tennessee Donkey Association.
2. Proof of negative Coggins will be required on donkeys 6 months and older.
3. Entry fees are $5 per class
4. The 2011 LIVESTOCK ENTRY FORM must be completed and postmarked along with entry fees by 7/22/2011. Entries postmarked after this date will not be entered in the show. (They will also have online entry available at some point in June – check their website at www.williamsoncountyfair.org)
5. Fair premium checks will be mailed to winners the week after the fair. Checks must be cashed 60 days afterwards or they are void.
6. No alcohol, firearms, illegal drugs or fireworks will be allowed on the fairgrounds.
7. No pets except service animals will be allowed on the fairgrounds.
8. Livestock exhibitors are admitted at no charge with their livestock at the livestock interest.
9. TDA Show rules apply.
   

We have a new class at this show! Class # 13 is GREEN In-Hand Trail! This class is for anybody that has a young or inexperienced donkey for them to get their “hooves” wet! I think this will be a very popular and fun class!

Our show will be set up – under cover – in what is called the WARM UP ARENA. It is outside, but attached, on the west-side of the main building.

The Judge for this show is Mr. Lee Little from Clarkrange, TN. Some of you may remember him from Mini Mania 2010. Mr. Little was very professional and exhibitors really enjoyed and respected him.

I will submit more information as I get it, along with a map of the fairgrounds as we get closer to the event.

Here is a link to entry forms and the class sheet:

ENTRY FORM: http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/events/WilliamsonCountyFair2011Entry.pdf

CLASS SHEET: http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/events/WilliamsonCountyFair2011.pdf

MAMMOTH SHOW: http://www.williamsoncountyfair.org/competitions/livestock/jack- jennetmulesmule-pull

Lightfoot’s ASSpect

Donkey Day Expo

May 2011

Okay……I get that my owner is excited about miniature donkeys; especially me. And, for good reason I might add. I spoiled her by being the genius donkey of her dreams. If I had it to do all over again I would pretend to be difficult on that obstacle course and I would NEVER allow videos to be filmed let alone posted for all to see. But I could do an easy course with my hooves tied behind my back while blindfolded.

So, she goes to your little club function, Donkey Day Expo,...puullleeaase. Are you kidding me? I didn’t even get to go. Then, she comes home with all your grand ideas on how to train. (I overheard her mention the name ‘Dawn Ware’ to Dayle. Who is she anyway?) Doesn’t matter, I’m not happy about any of it. She seems to think, NOW, that she can “LOOK” at my hip and I should move away. Plus, she is talking about Snigging and I thought I had her convinced about “No harness allowed”. Look! What are you doing? You are creating a nightjennet for me! Can you people get a life?

I’m minding my own business, eating in the pasture with my friends when she appears out of nowhere expecting me to do her bidding. And, she’s way more persistent than she used to be. She actually waits until I give in. It’s ridiculous!! I forbid her to attend any more training seminars presented by the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation. Got it?

'Til Next Time,

Lightfoot Lee

May 2011

A few thoughts....

• An update on our members that were in the most effected storm areas. As of today, I have only heard of minimal  damage and/or no utilities. What a miracle! Bill (my hubby) was in Tuscaloosa, AL last week and he said that photo's and video just can not tell the real story. 
• The 2012 TDA Fundraiser calendar is complete! A great big thank you goes out to all the members that participated in the contest and to Theresa Puckett, Dayle Haworth and Kay Allen for your hard work getting it all laid-out and to the printer!
• There are no new additions to the event calendar this month. Lydia Spears is putting together the day's agenda for Donkey Day Expo (Saturday, May 21st,) so keep an eye out in you email for it. We can use some volunteers for the day - if you would like to volunteer your time, contact Lydia Spears at miniacre@yahoo.com

NEW MEMBERS

Please Welcome/Welcome back these new members:

• Larry & Beth Walker, Volunteer Miniature Donkey Farm of Van Lear, KY
  lwalker_621@yahoo.com
• Julie Murphy, The Funny Farm of Hartselle, AL
  jmurphy@regalemployment.com

Since this will be my final installment of the ALL-EARS as President, I just want to thank all of you once again for your support and participation of this club that comes together for the love of the donkey! I will be seeing you around!

~Diana Poole


.

May Storms - We Were Lucky!

by Jeff & Donna Langston, J & D Little Acres

We were lucky. We only got 1" hail stones, a little wind and heavy rains. Biggest issues here in the valley was that the creeks came out of their banks. We were better off this time than the last time.


The donkeys are truly being watched over. The night before, I had all the yearling's in the lower two lots down near the creek and lower shed. I got up that morning and drove 45 minutes into work. By noon the local streets near work had begun to flood with water. I never dream'd that the small creek running through the lower lots would ever flood. In 25 years of living there, it never had before. Upon turning down our street, I began to worry as I drove through flood roadways near the creek. As I rounded the corner, I could see that both lower donkey lots were 100% covered in water. As I pulled into the drive, I noticed that all the herd, including the yearlings, were standing in the doorway of the upper barn. The lower gate standing wide open. When I fed the evening before, I forgotten to latch the lower gate. Luckily, my forgetfulness had provided the girls with an escape route from the rising waters. The attached pictures are after the water had falling six to eight inches.

Calendar and Photo Contest Winners

by Theresa Puckett, Reporter

The calendar has been sent to the printer and it looks great. Thanks to all who have participated in this fund raiser thus far. I would like to congratulate the winners of the photo contest. We had so many wonderful photos to choose from.

Monthly winners were:   

Blessed Assurance Farm – Kay Allen, 

Crooked Creek Ranch – Brian, Theresa and Zach Puckett, 

Half Ass Acres – Joe and Dayle Haworth, 

J and M Farm – Jacqueline and Martha Brown, 

JKV Designs – Julia Vaughn, 

Legendary Farms – Richard and Katrina Fleener, 

Little Miracles Farm – Jeff, Maria and Katie Randall, 

Mini Acres – Lydia Spears, 

Red Pines Mountain –  Sara Kellogg, 

Rocking 615 Ranch – Dena Wilson, 

ThomAS’S JACKstock – Joe Thomas and, 

Wit’s End Farm – Bob and Sandy Dorris.   

The winner of the cover and our “Ahh” photo is Half Ass Acres with HHAA Smalls.

With the calendar at the printers it is time to turn our attention to the sales of the calendars. We are hoping that you, our members will support your club by purchasing a calendar. The officers have looked around at other donkey calendars, in an attempt to price our calendar competitively and we have decided to price the calendar at $12.00. We have also found two feed stores that are willing to help us sell our calendar, one Vet and a couple other places that are considering. This is turning out to be a wonderful project, one that I hope each member will be proud of. 

APRIL 2011

A few thoughts…….

Shyanne Lopp

What a busy, fun time the TDA members can be experiencing over the next few months….. many of our members participated at Columbia’s Mini Mania – either as exhibitors or cheerleaders – this past weekend, and what a fun time we all had! As quoted by Dayle Haworth (who has not shown in several years), “All the classes were full with some great competitors from our donkey club. It was the most fun we have ever had at a donkey show and a great way for Joe and I to jump back into showing once again.  The judging was fair, and the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie. ...Even with the cold weather the atmosphere at this show really warmed my heart. If all shows could be like this one we would never stop showing again!”

The show results have been posted on the TDA website at: http://www.tennessee-donkeys.com/MuleDayMiniManiaShowResults2011.html

NEW MEMBERS

Please welcome/welcome back these new members:

• Emily Grace Lewis (youth)   Lewisburg, TN            dad’s email: scottlewis2@charter.net
• The Willis Family (Steve, Treva, Breanna, Cammie, & Deedra) of Mt. Juliet, TN trevas5kids@yahoo.com
• Martha Brown    J&M Farm of Smiths Grove, KY  mflbro@aol.com
• Joe Thomas  ThomAss Jackstock of Readyville, TN jgthomas@mtsu.edu
• Julia & Donnie Vaughn of Nashville, TN jkvaughn45@gmail.com
• Sara Kellog   Red Pine Mountain Farm of Danville, VT  redpinemountain@gmail.com

In this months ALL EARS:
Spring Meeting
Trail Ride
Cheers for Ears
Donkey Day Expo
Novice Day
Cicada's?
Bedford County Fair Show
New Show!
Mission Statement

We will chat again soon!

Diana

Spring Meeting

Attendance was low at this years Spring Meeting, which can only mean one thing…. The TDA is taking care of the memberships wants and needs - or probably, it was just a beauty of a day and everyone wanted to enjoy it!   

If you would like to review the Meeting Minutes, they can be found in the Members Only area at www.tennessee-donkeys.com  The next scheduled business meeting will be the Annual Meeting & Elections. It will be held on Saturday, November 5^th at 4pm.

Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail Ride - April 16th

Lets go on a trail ride!
This coming Saturday, April 16^th bring your donkeys and carts out for a beautiful trail-ride in Ashland City, TN. This trail is maintained by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the scenery is awesome. Bill and I drove out there this past week to check-it-out. The website states the entire trail is paved or gravel.  The area that is for equine travel is gravel, but is PERFECT for driving, walking and biking.  It is a 2.5 mile flat pathway from the Eagle-Pass trailhead to the Cheatham dam. If you would like me to email the flyer (I sent it out a few weeks ago) to you, just let me know. Please RSVP by Wednesday April 13^th. 

Photo I took of the trail. Looks like this the entire trail!

Cheers for Ears Pet Day – Saturday 5/7

On May 7^th, Hohenwald, TN will play host to Cheers for Ears, showcasing and exhibiting the area’s beloved pets. If you would like more information about the event, contact Lydia Spears at miniacre@bellsouth.net

Donkey Day Expo - May 21st

This year’s DDE will not be a public event. It will be held for TDA members only at the Skillington Barn at Maury County Park in Columbia, TN on Saturday, May 21^st. The morning will be dedicated to basic clinics (body clipping, hoof care, basic training of your donkey, etc) and the afternoon will focus on advanced training and guidance. Judge Dawn Ware will be on-hand in the afternoon to offer opinions and advice to the donkey-handlers. Watch your email, we will have full details out soon!