Showing was not given any consideration when we entered into the world of miniature donkeys. The donkeys were purchased strictly  for pets.  However, It did not take too long to get donkey show fever! So we now plan our vacations around donkey shows and fairs. It is a wonderful environment in which to be involved, the people you meet, the donkeys you get to see and the experiences you have are all priceless. You may start out just wanting a pet donkey, as we did, but keep an open mind about someday showing your miniature donkey. It is much more fun and  affordable than showing horses. It is a great environment for kids and adults.

The thought of showing does intimidate some people. I have found not understanding the object of the classes  is the main reason people are hesitant to participate. The following explanations are meant to give a brief explanation of the main classes in which we show our miniature donkeys.

Halter: Halter classes are split into several different categories. You generally have classes for jennets, jacks and geldings. Some shows lump all age categories together while others separate the different age groups. You may have classes for Weanlings, Yearlings, 2 Year Olds and then 3 Year Olds and Older.

Judging the Halter Class

The judge is considering  each animal based on the breed type, quality, style and finally the judges individual preference. Typically you walk your donkey in a straight line towards the judge and then trot your donkey away from the judge. Then the judge will ask to have the donkeys lined up head to tail so the donkey can be assessed for conformation correctness. The judge is required to check the donkey's bite, 1/4 inch over or under is allowed. The judge then looks at head, neck, topline, hip and legs.

Showmanship: Showmanship is an event that judges the individual on how well they show their donkey. Your animal should respond to cues when asked to walk, trot, whoa, back and turn or pivot. The better an animal is shown the better the judge can assess the animal. Showmanship is often divided into Adult and Youth categories.

Judging the Showmanship Class

The judge is considering the exhibitor's show skills. How the handler responds to the judge's position while assessing the animal's level of grooming and fitness. The handler's appearance is also considered. The handler should be dressed in the proper Western Attire. Western Hat, Western Boots, a Collared, Long Sleeve Shirt or a Jacket worn with Jeans or Dress Western Slacks or Pants. The more groomed the handler and donkey appear the more points are earned. The donkey needs to stand square, walk, trot, back and pivot on the hindquarters in a 360* turn. Conformation of the donkey is not judged.

In Hand Trail:  In Hand Trail is a really fun event. You are asked to navigate your donkey through a series of obstacles and perform various tasks designed to challenge even the most experience donkey. Most In Hand Trail classes include  crossing a wooden bridge, jumping a bale of straw or a small jump, walking over logs, trotting in between a group of cones, opening a gate or a mailbox, shaking a raincoat or opening an umbrella. The more creative the course the more fun.

Judging the In Hand Trail Class

Donkeys are asked to maneuver through a series of obstacles. The donkey should approach each obstacle willingly. Points are deducted for refusing an obstacle or hesitating and obstacle. This is often the easiest class to judge or the hardest class to judge.  Often if there are many entries in the class they will add an additional obstacle requiring a higher level of skill or training from the donkey.

You do not need fancy show halters or clothes. Your donkey does not need to have a long pedigree of champions in order to compete. Many classes are not judged on conformation. All  you need to show your miniature donkey is a well mannered, clipped and  clean animal. A plain leather halter with a leather leadstrap that has a chain, silver is not required. Your dress should be western including jeans, long sleeved shirt or jacket, western boots and a western hat. You will see all degrees of show dress at every event.

If you are interested in attending a show to learn about showing, my recommendation is The Great Mule and Donkey Celebration in Shelbyville, TN. The 2005 dates are July 7-9th. I have added a hyperlink below to the web site with all the show details.

In 2008 our show schedule is:

The NMDA National Show, Waco, TX

The Great Mule and Donkey Celebration, Shelbyville, TN

The Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, IN

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