People with a love of the long-eared kind of the equine species gathered once again at Tees rodeo grounds over the weekend of Aug. 15 and 16 to celebrate their affection for the animals and had fun with activities involving competitions and shows.
Ross Shandro, president of the Alberta Mule and Donkey Club, which organizes the annual gathering during the third weekend of August, said this year’s event had seen a lot of participation cancelled due to rain, which stole from the fun of the event.
“We had 28 participants this year, 21 mules and eight donkeys,” said Shandro.
Most of the donkeys were of the miniature kind and there was one what is called “mammoth” donkey doing the rounds, going through mazes and swerving through cones to show their talents of finding and taking direction from the drivers of the carts.
While the love for horses is widespread and well known, Shandro said long eared cousins of horses are no less clever and loveable. He quoted the legendary American horse trainer Tom Dorrence as saying “A mule isn’t considered stupid, he is just waiting for his handler to figure out what the handler should be doing.”
He added that, as a 33-year owner of mules, he had won competitions as a healer in team roping events riding his mule as well as earning titles in trail and obstacle competitions.
According to Shandro, the loveable nature of the long-eared animals has not gone unnoticed by people.
One example is Patrice Paisley, an MS patient, who has got a donkey just a year ago and is finding it very enjoyable to take care of her miniature donkey.
“It’s a blast,” said Paisley when asked about her ownership of Annabelle, her donkey.
“She eats very little and needs very little care,” she added.
It is noted that lovers of mules and donkeys come from all walks of life: The mammoth donkey owner at last weekend’s event is a pilot flying STARS helicopters.