Northern California Miniature Donkey Breeders

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THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MINIATURE DONKEY BREEDERS
NEWSLETTER FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008

Before our meeting was called to order at 1:07 P.M. by our President Gail Heaney, 22 members visited, ate lunch, shared new foals, seen pictures of Dot’s new standard donkey that she is riding now, and met Lisa and Ron Bell new members that came to the club meeting. They have 2 donkeys from the Austin’s Farm, the same amount Richard and I had 5 years ago and said we’d only have 2 and now have 16. I guess we’ve all been there, right. Ernie and Sue Odell came to our meeting, Ernie is doing very well, he is still progressing in his therapy. Ernie was wearing his hat that everyone signed at the Pacific Crest Oregon Show. He and Sue received the DVD of the in hand trail benefit for Ernie. Tiana McVay videoed and edited the DVD for them. They laughed and cried, Ernie said it was GREAT!
Raffle items were a belt buckle from Beaver’s which was won by Sue Odell, Eeyore pull toy from Jerry Burch which was won by Gail, and a hand crafted Donkey necklace from Nancy Shelton which was won by Sharon Fudge
OLD BUSINESS
We talked about the ad in the West Coast Horsemen, 1 issue full page ad is $410.00, ½ page, $275.00, and our club account will pay for one ad. Gail passed around ideas for ads, she was hoping for an e-mail from club members of a donkey with a horse, not one response, so Gail had some good pictures that she put in the ad with Leo driving Pomadero, and children around donkeys, trying to give an idea of what we do with our donkeys. Gail and Jack’s ad layout was great and all members liked their ideas. Thank you for all your efforts. The object is to try and educate horse people about what a little donkey can do and how interesting and smart they are. Gail will e-mail every member for a vote, there will be a few ad ideas to vote on, we will go with the majority vote.
The Pet Expo is coming April 5th, contact Cheryl Austin 530-347-4457, if you want to drive in the drill team which will be at 12:30 and 3:00 or dress up you or your donkey for the pet parade which will be at 8:30 A.M., there will also be a jumping demo and a packing demo, all pets are welcomed, contact Cheryl. Anyone who wants to help set up portable stalls for the donkeys please meet at the Anderson Fair Grounds at 2:00 p.m. Friday morning.
Dennis Robertson reported, he received information from the Asset Magazine that they agree with ADMS, the DNA will be our future. Possibly micro chipping also, they don’t like branding or tattooing. We need to think about DNA and possibly micro chipping our donkeys. If the board votes this in, you will not be able to register your donkey with out this completed. We discussed the pros and cons of what this will mean for all of us.
Will this ruin the registry? Will breeders put out the expense of this?
More paper work for the breeders.
There are so many questions and opinions on this subject. We all agreed DNA was good, but what micro chipping proved was nothing except the donkey’s number and name it doesn’t prove the Jack or Jennet parents of a foal. DNA is proof.
April 13th at 10:00 A.M. is the club beginners driving classes, advanced club members will be there to help train. There will be donkeys, carts and harnesses available for you or you may bring your own. The advanced drivers can share with you what they have learned over the years. If you thought about driving and can’t make up your mind come out and try. Spectator club members are welcomed also. The admission is a side dish to share. There will be tri-tip bar-be-cue and pot luck side dishes, call Gail at 530-384-1318 and she will organize the side dishes so we don’t have too many of the same dish. And remember desserts are always welcomed. Club has all the fixins to put your food on. Bring what you want to drink. This will be at Sue and Ernie Odell’s, 11379 Rainbow Lake Road, Igo. E-mail Sue for directions at sueo@snowcrest.net .
Sue Odell reported the minerals order was not correct and she had to send it back for the company to correct. The company had to follow California’s recommended dose for some of the ingredients but with a prescription from a veterinary they can make the selenium minerals according to the veterinary recommended dose. The order should be here soon. Call Sue at 530-396-2719 if you need minerals.
Renee Smith asked Sue, if the research was an extra cost for her and Ernie, why not charge more for the minerals to cover the cost because we all benefit from the research. Thank you Sue, there is a lot involved on your part for this research and we appreciate all that you are doing for the health of our donkeys. The cost fro the minerals is $18 per bag.
NEW BUSINESS
Dennis requested a club name change, since half of the members are not breeders. To "Northern California Miniature Donkey Club" This discussion and decision will be discussed at the next meeting.  We also discussed and decided to specify in the brochure who were the breeders.

Next Club meeting will be posted on the club web site. Have a beautiful spring which will be here soon.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:26 P.M.
 

N.C.M.D.B NEWSLETTER
MEETING February 10, 2008

We had a beautiful day on Sunday which may explain why our turn out for the club meeting was low. Everyone must have been enjoying their day in the sun. We had 23 members joined together having lunch, visiting and on with the N.C.M.D.B meeting, Gail Heaney called our meeting to order at 1:06 P.M. She read the minutes of our last meeting in November. Ernie Odell thanked everyone again for the fund raisers to help with their medical and therapy bills, he showed us how therapy was helping by raising his left hand above his head which he could not do well in November, and showing us how well the finger therapy was going. He mentioned how you must be able to make your fingers work when reining your donkey in cart. His goal is to drive in the King City Show, go Ernie because we’d like to see that happen.
We love your humor Ernie.
Our President welcomed new members to our club, Meredith and Diane from Weed, they have Legacy Acres. Meredith was the photographer for the Northern California Miniature Donkey Show, she and her helpers did a great job with all the beautiful pictures of the participants. Judy and Bob Fox of Tinfox Ranch in Red Bluff, I must mention Tractor, their mammoth donkey is a star with many club members. Sal Rhymes from Two Mule Ranch in Los Molinos, Ron and Bee Fossell of Fossell Ranch in Sebastopol, James and Dori Johnson of Top Notch Miniatures in Sebastopol.
We welcome you all.
Treasure Cheryl Austin reported $1,248.97 in our club account, not including the monies she was receiving at the meeting for renewal of memberships for 2008, if you have not renewed your membership for the new year of $15.00, just drop a check in the mail made out to N.C.M.D.B. Address, Cheryl Austin Treasure, and 17100 Austin Lane, Cottonwood, CA 96022

OLD BUSINESS
We talked about the raffle that we will have at every club meeting. Dennis Robertson brought the gift for this meeting. Pam and Bill Beaver brought a beautiful belt buckle for our next raffle, club meeting on March 9, 2008.
The driving clinic at the Austin’s Ranch in November was a great success, new drivers learned how to get started on ground training, how to harness and hitch up their cart. Experienced drivers worked with club members who were interested in learning. Everyone agreed the tri tip that George bar- be-qued was absolutely delicious. Thank you George for contributing your talent for the grill. I will say it won’t end there now that everyone knows how good you are.
Gail talked about the minerals everyone feeds their donkeys, last meeting we discussed the club taking over the ordering and distribution from Sue Odell. Sue said she can continue the job, she said it was not a burden, she likes to follow in the research of selenium, the Odell’s have their vet select randomly 5 or 6 donkeys, he draws their blood and follows their selenium and mineral levels, she will continue ordering the mineral bags and you can contact Sue Odell, recently she has ordered two tons, 530-396-2719. Sue does not have a price until the order comes in. Gail said she went on the U.S.G.S web-site to find a mineral level for Redding area and they did not have normal levels posted, she did find out that selenium levels are higher in areas of volcanic rock. Sue mentioned, her vet said the whole valley is very low in selenium. Dot mentioned when she ran out of minerals she supplemented with her selenium salt blocks and her donkeys would not lick the block, Sue said in her research the donkeys would have to eat the entire salt lick to get enough selenium. Renee mentioned she gave her donkeys both and Sue said U.C. Davis told her not to offer both. The mineral mixture is enough. We all agreed donkeys are going to do what they want to do and if they don’t want to lick they won’t also they don’t get enough minerals from the block alone.
We talked last meeting about putting an ad in the West Coast Horseman, this is still in research. Gail could not find this magazine in her area, she called the company and left message trying to find out where they distribute. This is ad will be a club advertisement, the ad will refer to the club web-site where all the ranches are listed, we’re trying to attract the horse world to miniature donkeys. Gail passed around some prices for advertising in other magazines. We all agreed the ad should be in a horse magazine. We talked about putting a picture in the ad with a donkey and a horse together. If anyone has a good picture please e-mail this to our President Gail Heaney at gail@minidonkeys.com . At the meeting in November, we voted to run an ad, we just need to decide which magazine, when Gail finishes her research she will e-mail everyone and take votes by e-mail on which ad format you like best. Gail passed around a sample ad to show everyone an idea for our ad.

NEW BUSINESS
First on our Presidents list of business was a new Ferrier by the name of Jim Hall, he contacted Gail and left some cards at our meeting. If any one is interested, call Gail at 530-384-1318. Linda Baker and Dennis Robertson did use him and were happy, he doesn’t charge more than $20.00 and the more donkeys the cheaper he is.

Gail announced it was time for new officers for the club, asked if anyone had a nomination or would like to be and officer and replace the former officers and no suggestions were made, it was voted to keep the same leader which are: President Gail Heaney, Vice President Sue Odell, Treasury Cheryl Austin, Secretary Renee Smith. These positions will be held for two years. Our new Librarian/Photo keeper will be Sharon Fudge
We discussed our clinics that we would like to see this year. Pam Beaver mentioned she and others would like to have a grooming clinic maybe in May or June before the show season starts. Sue and Ernie Odell will have the beginning driving clinic hopefully in March. One of these clinics will have a showmanship clinic. All will be posted on the club web-site as soon as a date is picked. The clinic will be run by the experienced members of our club.
There is and article in the Brayer this month for those of you who have received one, about micro chipping our donkeys. The article is suggesting it mandatory because of some problems in the past with registering animals of wrong parents. It is suggesting this would prevent some of the mistakes. Dennis Robertson spoke at the meeting of micro chipping his donkeys, he spent $10.00 a chip doing it himself. The machine to read the micro chip varies from $199.99 and $299.99. Thank you Dennis for sharing your experience in micro chipping your donkeys. Some discussed DNA would be more accurate in determining blood lines of the donkey, some mentioned tattooing, etc. Some members think if this becomes mandatory it would stop people from registering their donkeys. We all agreed it is a topic for thought and discussion.
The Pet Expo is April 5th this year; call Cheryl if you are interested in participating. We talked about doing a Drill Team demonstration, also in hand jumping, etc. to show the public what these little ones can do.
The web-site is www.loveyourpetexpo.com  for more information. It will be at the Anderson Fairgrounds, they will supply portable stalls for you to set up. Red Bluff Parade April 19th. July 4th Los Molinos Parade. These are dates to remember.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DOROTHY PENCOAST, she will be 90 this year and there is a celebration about to happen at the Ono Grange, Platina Road in Redding on March 15th at 1:00 P.M, so come join in the fun, anyone who knows Sue Odell’s mom Dorothy also knows she doesn’t come close to looking or acting her age. You are a roll model for all of us Dorothy. Our glasses are raised to you. Congratulations!
Anglia Razembalh, Hee Haw for winning the club raffle on Sunday. We know you will enjoy those beautiful pictures. We also made $16.00 for our club from the raffle.
We adjourned our meeting at 2:46, woo, we had a bunch to discuss.
Enjoy the wonderful weather while it lasts and hope to see everyone at our next meeting on March 9, 2008 at Round Table Pizza in Red Bluff.
 

NCMDB  NEWSLETTER   MEETING NOVEMBER 4, 2007

 I don’t know about everyone else but it was good to see all the club members who came to Round Table Pizza in Red Bluff. Another great turn out. It was a surprise to see Sue and Ernie Odell, Ernie looked GREAT! His since of humor made us all chuckle a few times; you still got it Ernie and you’re looking gooood..

 After all the visiting our President Gail Heaney called our meeting to order at 1:10 P.M., she read the minutes from our July 29^th meeting because our little minute reader Meggan  was a little late.

 Cheryl gave our treasury report of, $857.41; we spent $75.00 for camping at the Tehama County Fair, two batches of brochures for the breeders list of the NCMDC, $29.97 for the parmesan cheese for the Ernie Odell benefit, $60.00 for the new rule books from the NMDA. The new logo looks nice, so if you want an updated Tour of the Ranches breeders list contact Cheryl Austin 530-347-4457.

 Gail  welcomed new members to our club, Louie and Lynn Podesta of Jackson, Ca. L bar L Ranch and Ron and Lisa Bell of Hayfork, Ca. ranch name unknown, they haven’t decided what to call their ranch. We welcome you and as you will find out for yourselves it is a great club, with really good people that are willing to share information and help with what ever you may need, except scooping poop. I have seen some of that going on.

 OLD BUSINESS

Chrys Anderson donated a hoof care video to our club and any member is welcome to check it out, contact Carole Murrer 530- 529-6628.

Northern California Miniature Donkey Show went very well; Cheryl said she feels everyone had a good time and enjoyed themselves, felt like less pressure on participants adding the third day to the show. It was a relaxing show for all. Of course we all missed Sue and Ernie Odell performing in the ring, there’s always next year. Ernie thanked everyone for dedicating the drill team performance to him and the wonderful evening they had.

 The benefits; Spaghetti feed and Auction brought in $4,100.00

                     Gelding Raffle Pace brought in $1,460.00

                     50/50 raffle $1,716.00, half $858.00 and Jane won the other half and donated $500.00 back to Sue and Ernie for expenses of Ernie’s medical care. Sue said the benefit helps with Ernie’s rehab, etc. and thanks everyone for helping Ernie made a few jokes that tickled our funny bone about his venture with his brain, and soon they will be putting his skull back in place.  We all had an education on how the brain works. We think Ernie’s brain is working well, after spending an hour laughing with him. They still have a long road to travel but they are making good progress. We love you two, you are our hero’s.

 Tehama District Fair went well, members of our club took their donkeys and talked with a lot of people educating them about our little ones. The fair is a great place for our club to advertise and get the word out about the miniature donkeys, and the public loves visiting with them

 NEW BUSINESS

Lynn Podesta of L bar L Ranch suggested our club advertise in some of the horse magazines. West Coast Horseman is one she suggested, it  would get the word out to a different source. Gail and Lynn designed an ad that would refer to the NCMDB Web page and the breeders list.  Gail  passed a paper around for interested persons to sign, she suggest the club pay for the first ad and if  we receive any contacts and like this form of advertising the club members who want to advertise could split the cost of the next ad. We all agreed the market is down, in donkeys as well as everything else. Some members are still getting calls for donkeys.We would like to have some pictures of what the donkeys can do to add to the website. So if anyone has any that they would like posted please contact gail@minidonkeys.com

Dennis recommended that we do a small raffle at each meeting to help raise money. We all agreed and it will start in January 2008.

 We talked about the club taking over the mineral ordering, that would be one less thing Sue Odell would have to do, everyone was in agreement to that idea, Sue still has 10 bags left for anyone who needs minerals. The next order will be done by the club in the spring. There will be members to contact that will have the minerals for sale come spring. We discussed how important minerals are to our donkey’s diet. Grass hay or grain supplement do not have all their minerals they do need a supplement.

 On Sunday, November 11, 2007 there will be a beginner driving clinic for anyone interested in learning to drive their minis at Cheryl and Rich Austin, 17100 Austin Lane, Cottonwood. Call Cheryl at 347-4457 for more information. There will be experienced members to help the beginners, bring your donkey and a dish to share also what ever you want to drink, show up at 10:00 in the morning bring money for a raffle. Bring raffle items if you have any. Bar-be-que tri-tip, is the main menu and what ever else you bring to go with it. There will be some carts and harnesses available if you don’t have one yet. Information will be available to explain the harness and how it goes on the donkey. Bring your camera for pictures of your adventure. FUN FUN FUN!

The Igo parade will be in December--Whoever is interested in attending should contact Cheryl Austin

 We thank you Dennis Robertson, for the papers on record keeping for us to copy.  And Dennis will be on channel 7” news on Friday not to talk about donkeys but the road in front of his house, his street is a dead end with a fence at the end that speeders keep running into.  Go get them Dennis, give em hell!   

 Next meeting will be in January, to be announced on our club web site.

By Rene Smith

NCMDB NEWSLETTER
MEETING July 29, 2007

Great turn out for our July meeting, 35 to 40 members and volunteers for the Northern California Miniature Donkey Show. Pizza and drinks were provided by Cheryl and Rich Austin & Sue and Ernie Odell (could not be there) who put this show on every year, thank you for the show and the delicious pizza as always at Round Table Pizza.
Meeting was called to order by our President Gail Heaney at 1:00 p.m. and the minutes from our March 4, 2007 meeting were read by Meggan Baker, of course she had to take some hecklings from some of the adults in the room, I guess we never stop picking on the little person no matter how old we get. Meggan did a great job.
Cheryl Austin gave our treasury report of $1,151.43 in our club account includes monies made in April of $570.20 profit on the clinic after all expenses for sponsoring of the clinic were paid.
Next on our Presidents agenda was to welcome four new members into the club, Miniagerie Ranch, Ron and Candy Jolliff from Igo.
Rock Creek Ranch, John and Cheryl Swanson from Shingletown.
We all welcome you and the club is a good place for information and help with training your donkeys. We have a great group of people who are always willing to help.
Next on the agenda, Gail showed or new logo that we voted for to put on our NCMD breeder booklet. She talked briefly about the success of the clinic at the Odell’s ranch in April. Everyone went home wet and full of great information on conformation, driving and showmanship. The Odell’s did another job well done.
Gail discussed the Cottonwood Parade, our club won first place trophy, thanks to all the members who participated in representing our club in the parade. Dot forgot to bring the trophy to the meeting but we forgave her.
Next topic was the Pet Expo, April 14th , we were invited back next year, the crowd enjoyed the donkeys. Next year they would like the club to organize a demonstration of what we do with our donkeys. Cheryl suggested, in hand trail or maybe a driving drill team demonstration.

Gail announced that in a couple of weeks we are printing some new NCMD breeders booklets, so any one who would like to make a change in the new booklet contact Marilyn Clark at 530-347-6439 or e-mail maryl2424@aol.com , you must do this in the next week she is printing soon, they want to hand out booklets at the Tehama County District Fair, October 20th-24th 2007. Oh yes, got a little gossip, speaking of the fair, our wonderful president Gail and Sue Odell left the fair to early last year on Sunday of 2006. The fair is four days and the donkey exhibits must stay the full four days of the fair. Gail had to apologize to the fair manager for leaving early and she explained nicely how important, our donkey’s are to the fair, they are a big draw for the fair, using her magical way with words, our club was invited back for the 2007 fair.
Butttttt we can’t leave early! You must stay until 7:00 p.m. of October 24th. Gail is asking for volunteers to sit at the booth to hand out information and talk about the miniature donkey, if you have donkeys you would like to bring, contact Gail Heaney at 530-384-1318 or e-mail gail@minidonkeys.com . Quoting Cheryl Austin “where else can you go and talk about donkeys for four days”.

NEW BUSINESS
Longears Celebraytion, October 13th and 14th at Tehama County Fairgrounds. This is a fun play day, not a sanctioned show. Great show for beginners if you want to get a feel for showing your donkey. There are fun events like the out house races, pancake races, gold panning, the donkey small and large and even pony’s and miniature horses participate. Contact Ginny and Dave Freeman at wildzone@pulsarco.com  for more information.
Corning Festival Parade August 24th, if you are interested contact Gail Heaney 530-384-1318.
Northern California Miniature Donkey Show, September 7th, 8th & 9th Cheryl and Gail talked about the show and where the volunteers were needed and they passed around a sign up sheet for members. If you want to volunteer at the show contact Cheryl Austin 530-347-4457 or
e-mail LiLLongears@msn.com .
Gail gave a caution to all member about the Red Maple Tree, the leaves are toxic to equines only. Resulting in death, 50 to 75% of affected equines die or are euthanized. The ingestion of wilted or fallen leaves cause massive destruction of red blood cells and the blood can no longer carry sufficient oxygen. Ingestion of 1.5 lbs of leaves is toxic, and ingestion of 3lbs. is lethal. Wilted or dry leaves remain toxic for about a month. Fresh and undamaged leaves have not been implicated, but ingestion is still not advised.
Clinical signs develop within one or two days and can include depression, lethargy, increased rate and depth of breathing, increased heart rate, jaundice, dark brown urine, coma and death. Gail knows of someone whom donkeys have been affected by this. Also black walnut trees are fatal to donkeys.
Dennis Robertson asked what happened to our idea of video tapes of hoof trimming etc. that the club was suppose to be able to check out for information and education, Gail says we will get going on this, we’ve been lagging.
So contact Carole Murrer at 530-529-6628 if you have any educating video’s on donkeys to donate to our video collection.
The next topic is hard for everyone to talk about, Ernie and Sue Odell and the life changing experience they are going through right now. Good news is Ernie will be released July 31st to start his trip home. They will take it slow, but in a few days they will be home, Ernie is progressing with Sue by his side all the way. He still has a lot of work to do on his recovery but as we all know, Ernie doesn’t give up and he is a hard worker. During his recovery stay in Washington, Dorothy, Sue’s mother, has been running the Ranch, everything looks GREAT thanks to everyone who volunteered over the eleven weeks Sue and Ernie have been away. Sue is excited to see her new foals for this year. Mom has been birthing mother while Sue is away and several people have sent pictures to Ernie and Sue but it’s not the same as being there.
It shows you are truly loved and missed by all your family and friends. Welcome home.
For information on several different benefits for Ernie Odell please see the club home page.
Wishing everyone who is participating in the National Show coming up in Central Point Oregon August 10th, 11th, & 12th, a safe trip and good luck in your performances.

 

NCMDB Event--Conformation & Driving Clinic  April 21-22, 2007

Rain didn’t stop the N.C.M.D.B, members from having a GREAT clinic.
Saturday was wet, we all stood under a big oak tree and Ernie had a nice fire going as Nancy Luck explained how to critique our donkeys on conformation. She did an excellent job in teaching us what everything was suppose to look like to have the perfect donkey. Of course no one had the perfect donkey, but, a few were very close. We know now what the Judge is looking for in our beautiful animals.
Sunday we all loaded up and headed out for the covered arena a few miles from the Odell’s home. Very nice arena, we drove our donkeys, Nancy showed us different techniques, and training methods that would help us. It was easy to understand Nancy. She is a knowledgeable teacher and the clinic was money well spent with the information we came away with. We had time on Sunday to do some showmanship training. Nancy told us what a Judge is looking for in showmanship and what not to do that will put you out of the competition.

Thank you to Meredith Seawell, who came out and took photos. She did a wonderful job and was very much appreciated by all.

I must mention the wonderful food.
Mornings were fruit, muffins, bagels & cream cheese, and of course coffee. Lunch we had luncheon meats, cheese, rolls, salads, fruit, and desserts, there was so much food we couldn’t eat it all but we tried.  

Another wonderful clinic, everyone had a good time and thank you Sue & Ernie for the hospitality, you are great hosts.
 

NCMDB NEWSLETTER
MEETING MARCH 4, 2007

Another beautiful day for a meeting at Round Table Pizza, we have all been lucky so far as the weather goes this year, the donkeys love it because we can all get out often to play and train.
Our President, Gail Heaney opened the meeting at 1:00pm, and our treasure Cheryl Austin gave the financial report of $852.00 in our account. Those who haven’t paid their dues for the year, please contact Cheryl Austin. We have a total of 22 members in our club this year. We are updating the NCMDB BREEDERS BOOK, if you want to change anything please contact: Marilyn Clark, 530-347-6439, mary12424@aol.com

Gail e-mailed everyone to suggest what they would like as the presentation for our clinic, the responses were good and we went with the majority,  The club will pay for the food and the port-a-potty.
The good news is we are having another clinic on April 21-22, starting at 9am, Saturday. The clinic will be Saturday, Conformation and Breeding Standards and Sunday, Beginning and Advanced Driving.
It will be held at Sue and Ernie Odell’s Ranch in Ono. There will be a professional judge, Nancy Luck, lunch will be provided, camping with no hook ups, in door arena facilities, bring the family for a fun two days. There will also be a sale pen if you have any donkeys you want to sale, or if you are looking for a donkey. There will be a raffle table, books available for sale.
The cost is: Adults $30.00 per day, Participating youths in driving $15.00. Children free, please pay for tickets in advance.
For more information or any questions contact: Our club president Gail Heaney: 530-384-1318, gail@minidonkeys.com
Contact Sue Odell for camping, directions & to bringing donkeys,530-396-2719, sueo@snowcrest.net 
To purchase tickets for the clinic, contact: Cheryl Austin
530-347-4457, LiLLongears@msn.com  We voted that all donkeys small and large can come to the clinic. We had some inquiry from the public. We hope to see everyone at the clinic for two days of good times, good friends, good food, and lots of important information.

There were about eight members of the club that went to Sacramento for the CADAMA meeting, it was a good time and a good lunch, some of the NCMDB are members of the CADAMA. They are a good organization and have a great newsletter, they have several clinics through out the year and they have a play day in the spring.

Our GREAT President Gail Heaney, presented pictures to go on our club logo and we voted for a donkey that Dennis Robertson submitted, a cute little donkey and thank you Marilyn for suggesting to change our little pet quality donkey to one that has great conformation…We will vote on samples that will be posted on our website www.minidonkeyclub.com

We talked about the Northern California Miniature Donkey Show. Pam Beaver suggested our club working on a way to Sale our best quality donkeys at the show, advertising to the public that they will be there at the show for sale. Renee Smith agreed with Pam. The two are to work out a plan on what would be the best way to present our beautiful best of the breed donkeys. We are interested in ideas and suggestions, if you have any please
e-mail either:
Pam Beaver: bbeaver@compulog.com
Renee Smith: Rhummingbirdhill@aol.com
I should mention that Bear Shelton our new member suggested he would be willing to man a kissing booth at the show to raise money for our club, nice Bear, I’m sure you will have several volunteers that would give you a break from all the kissing. Ha

Cheryl Austin talked about the LOVE YOUR PET EXPO.
At the Anderson Fairgrounds, Sat. April 14, there will be all kinds of pets and you are welcomed to bring your donkey. Dress your pet up if you’d like for the parade. All starts at 9:30am. Contact Cheryl Austin for more information 530-347-4457.

If you are not going to the clinic and would like to be in the Round Up Parade which is going on the same week-end, Gail Heaney has the entry form, contact her at 530-384-1318.

Also gail mentioned that there would be the Redding Rodeo Parade- May 20.

There will be a free clinic, grooming & clipping by Cheryl & Rich Austin, hoof trimming demonstration by Jack Heaney, Gail Heaney will demonstrate how to give vaccinations, on Memorial Day Week- end, Sun. May 27th starting at 10.00am, pot luck so bring a dish to share, bring your donkeys and lets play! Contact: Cheryl Austin 530-547-4457  This has been postponed, due to the holiday weekend being a problem. it will be rescheduled at a later date. Although Rich and Cheryl are still going to clip their donkeys and would like anyone who is interested to come on up.

Our next meeting TBA at Round Table Pizza 1:00pm. Please come and join in.

Our meeting was adjourned by Gail Heaney at 2:02pm.

The newsletter will end with a special thank you to all that work so hard in the club to make sure we all benefit from each others knowledge and to those who bring new ideas and information. Our club has great communication between the members and we all work together well. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!
 

 N.C.M.D.B NEWSLETTER
Meeting date, January 21, 2007

What a beautiful day for a club meeting, and we had a pretty good turn out, it’s especially nice when new members come and we would like to extend our welcome from the club to, George and Sharon Fudge, from Sugar Pines Donkey Farms in Shingletown, also Bear and Nancy Shelton from Rancho Del Oso in Weed, and Stephanie Peterson of Redding, she was not there but we still want to welcome her, and might I add you couldn’t of joined a better club, our members are the best for help and information, all you have to do is call any one of them and you will find the information you need. Members attending were: Jack & Gail, Sue & Ernie, Dorothy, Renee & Richard, Cheryl & Rich, Lou (Rich's Mom), Carole & Leo, Linda, Eric & Meggan, Shannon, Sharon & George, Bear & Nancy, and Chrys.

The meeting was called to order by our President Gail Heaney at 1:00 P.M. and our treasurer Cheryl Austin reported $681.11 in our account.

OLD BUSINESS
Gail mentioned, at our last meeting, that Marilyn thought we should change the donkey on our club logo to a donkey that had nice conformation. Gail brought a donkey that Dennis had sent her and asked for anyone to please e-mail her if they have a nice donkey that could go on our California logo. Gail’s e-mail is gail@minidonkeys.com .

Rich and Cheryl Austin had a driving clinic last year and 17 members came, there was 80 acres of driving through B.L.M land, experienced drivers helped out where they were needed, and there was a harnessing demonstration clinic, the pot luck was the yummiest! Everyone learned something and all had a GREAT TIME!

NEW BUSINESS
Now we are through the Holidays, and we hope everyone got what they wished for; the serious stuff has to start, especially for the club members who are showing their Donkeys this year.

The show season starts off with the Coastal Oaks Show in King City, California this year, June 15th, 16th & 17th, the Paso Robles fair grounds is no longer available to us, so Alex and Louis Woolworth after investigating decided on King City. Rich and Cheryl went by the arena while they were on their trip down south and they said it was really nice.
Next show is the BIG ONE, the 2007 “NATIONALS” are coming to the West coast, Pacific Crest Classic Miniature Donkey Show, August 10, 11 & 12th in Central Pointe, Oregon, so we have to be ready, the competition will be from all over the United States and Canada. Then we have our own, the Northern California Miniature Donkey Show at Red Bluff, California, September 7th, 8th & 9th. All shows are going three days this year because there are so many classes and competitors.

 We talked about another clinic in April, this time on driving and showmanship, our club made some money from the last clinic. Gail thought Sue and Cheryl should work on the idea as to who we can get to do the clinic and where and bring their information to the next meeting, Sunday, March 4th 2007, there were several ideas discussed.

We talked about the Trinity County Fair, they would like donkeys to participate, also the Red Bluff Round-up Parade, April 20th& 21st.

Jack suggested that we do a Donkey sale/auction, we decided to talk about that at the nest meeting.

Sue made a motion that Rich & Cheryl be paid back $75.00 for their camping at the Tehama County fair grounds September 19th trough the 23rd, the club participates in promoting donkeys and the club should pay for the camping at the fair grounds. It was discussed to ask the fair grounds if one ranch could bring their donkeys one day and e another ranch on a different day so that one person is not there all the time. Leo offered to help out, he said he enjoys visiting with the visitors and informing them about the miniature donkey

C.A.D.A.M.A., California Donkey and Mule Association has been established since 1985 is having their one and only meeting of the year on February 24th in Sacramento at Cocoa’s Restaurant on Arden Way, they are looking for new active members and members who would like to run for office. Their web site is: www.cadama.org  for more information on the meeting. Membership is $25.00 and they have a wonderful newsletter.
We talked about car pooling to the C.A.D.A.M.A meeting, so contact Sue Odell if you are interested in going to the meeting

Mule Days are May 22nd through 27th Richard and Renee Smith are going to be in Bishop on February 1st when tickets go on sale and there are several club members that are going, if anyone is interested in attending Mule Days with the group,( we have a great time) contact Richard and Renee at 530-692-0122 or www.Rhummingbirdhill@aol.com . The cost for camping for the week is $105.00, no hook-ups and Grandstand seating $90.00 per person for the week. More information on Mule Days go to there web-site at www.muledays.org .

Gail called the meeting to and end at 2:00 P.M. and don’t forget the next meeting on March 4th, 1:00 P.M. Round Table Pizza in Red Bluff. Wish everyone the best in the training process this year, the weather has certainly been in our favor this year so no excuses..
 

NCMDB JULY 23, 2006 MEETING.

On Sunday the temperature was 113 degrees in Red Bluff but inside Round Table Pizza we all stayed cool and it was a wonderful meeting room and good pizza. Everyone enjoyed seeing each other but it was down to business as Gail (notice I spelled it right this time), called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.

Gail read the minutes and Cheryl Austin read the treasurers report, $834.75 in our account, $265.00 profit from the clinic held on April 30^th at Misty Meadows, Ernie and Sue Odell’s. 

OLD DONKEY BUSINESS:

There was not a negative word said about the critiquing clinic held at Misty Meadows, the ranch was a perfect place and saved the club a bunch on renting an arena, our President Gail Heaney thanked Sue and Ernie Odell from all of us in their hard work in hosting the clinic, everyone enjoyed themselves, the pot luck was GREAT! Thank you everyone for the good food.

NEW DONKEY BUSINESS:

On the new business side, everyone commented ,we would like to see more clinics, maybe twice a year, and we need to charge more for the clinics, $10.00 is pretty cheep!

The feed-back is having a clinic on beginning driving, ground work. The experienced ones could direct the clinic, they have learned from there mistakes and can share their research of books and videos, also their driving experience to help anyone who wants to learn. This time the Austin’s have invited everyone to their ranch in Cottonwood. Date to be announced, everyone was in favor of first or second week in November.

Sue Odell mentioned somehow getting a donkey rescue, there has been a few calls to club members for donkeys whom owners have lost interest in, or just neglected, that need homes if anyone has good ideas please share.

Gail announced the Corning parade on August 25^th, if you’re interested Gail Heaney has the entry form, call her at 530-384-1318 or e-mail her at gail@minidonkeys.com.

Hayfork Fairground play day, in August also, we would be competing with the big boys, and it sounds like fun web site for entry form is www.hayforkmuleshow.info .

There is the Pacific Crest Classic Miniature Donkey Show on August 11^th, 12^th & 13^th. Entries must be in by August 1^st. E-mail Marilane Jorgenson refarm1@earthlink.net for an entry form.

Don’t forget the Northern California Miniature Donkey Show on September 9^th & 10^th. It was mentioned at our meeting, some club members volunteered to help, if anyone would like to volunteer to help with the show please contact Cheryl & Rich Austin, they still need help in the arena with setting up the courses. Any donations you can get for the raffle table would be appreciated. This year the show will have classes for oversize donkeys up to 38”, if you have a miniature that went oversize bring him out of the pasture and show him.

Sue Odell announced she is getting evolved in the selenium research, she is hoping a number of donkey owners across the nation will be able to pull all their information they have  gathered to be able to come up with the correct amount of selenium that donkeys should have, we all know the selenium is higher than horses but we need to know a figure. Sue has been blood testing her donkeys and talking to Marshlyn Reed of Ass-Pirin Acres and she has been in contact with owners whom have been doing their own research. It would be nice to stop playing this guessing game and to have a mineral that has the absolute correct amount of minerals for our donkeys in our area. Donkeys and foals are dying from lack of selenium

Next club meeting will be announced on our web-site it will be after all the showing is over…. Have a GREAT summer, stay cool..

Newsletter For March 26, 2006

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY.

At this point I think we’re all singing this tune. That was the topic of conversation, plus new foals.

Is this spring?

We were all meeting on the patio at Luigi’s Pizza; they had a nice patio heater, and we needed it, and great food.

Meeting was called at 1:10 P.M., by our President Gail Heaney.

The treasury report by Cheryl Austin was $463.21.

$223.08 was spent on our new brochures for the Northern California Miniature Donkey Breeders. $240.00 was spent for the new rule books which we will put back into our account as we sell them. Great job Cheryl, and thank you. She paid for 150 brochures to pass out; everyone at the meeting took home 5 each. Contact Cheryl Austin if you did not receive any.

Attending the meeting were, Jack & Gail Heaney, Cheryl Austin, Sue Odell, Dorothy Pancoast, June Skarr, Richard & Renee Smith,  Ray & Dot Lanham, Linda Baker & Erica Besana,  Dennis Robertson, Leo & Carol Murrer, Marilyn Clark, we all WELCOMED our new members Dwayne & Sonja Merrill of Anderson, Ca., they have a gelding &  jennet and we all know they’re have more, you just can’t stop at two

.OLD DONKEY BUSINESS:

The good news is we are having a Clinic on Sunday April 30^th from,  9A.M to 4P.M., at Sue and Ernie Odell’s, Misty Meadows Ranch, Crystal Ward will be there critiquing donkeys, teaching us what a Judge looks for in conformation, in the afternoon there will be some information on showmanship. The raffle table with great items, plus a 50/50 raffle, will be managed by Dorothy Pancoast with June Skarr”s help. Flyers will be posted to advertise our clinic, which is open to the public. Club members will bring their own drinks and a dish to share for the pot luck luncheon. Table service and bottled water and a port-a-potty, will be provided by the club. Please, please bring donkey’s we need a lot of donkeys, not just Ernie and Sue’s. Carole Murrer suggested everyone bring Jacks, we all know Sue needs more Jacks, (just kidding)  for Crystal to critique. Call Sue 530-396-2719, and let her know which donkeys, Jack or Jennet, and how many so she can arrange for the lodging.

If you are planning to attend the clinic, the cost is $10.00 per person and children under 12 are free. You may send your fee too:

Cheryl Austin

17100 Austin Lane

Cottonwood, Ca. 95022

530-347-445

NEW DONKEY BUSINESS:

Sue Odell announced, as a club if we are interested in driving in the Rose Bowl Parade next year Crystal Ward has some pull because she rides in the Parade every year. So if you feel you’re ready to face the action and the noise of the Rose Bowl Parade, (you better have a talk with your donkey first, to see if he or she is ready), our donkeys said NOOOOO WAYYYYY….

 The Red Bluff Round-up parade is Saturday April 22. Cheryl Austin has entry forms for the Cottonwood Parade on May 13^th.

There is an annual play day and schooling show, sponsored by the California Donkey and Mule Association, (CADAMA) the date has been moved from April 8^th, because of our lovely weather to May 7^th, at the Horsemen’s Association Arena in North Highland, Ca., or as I say it Sacramento, Ca. Contact aspen@cwnet.com for more information.

 Eric & Meggan Baker celebrated their 11^th birthday on March 26^th, at Luigi’s and we all helped them because there was CAKE and it was good, also the twins really helped out at the Northern California Miniature Donkey Show last year, we wanted to thank them by giving each a certificate of appreciation, and a ribbon for their great job of volunteered work we asked for a speech but they declined, they are great kids… Thank you again Meggan & Eric.

NEXT MEETING:

Will be at the Austin’s place when the bad weather breaks, we will post the date on our club web site, it will be a pot luck play day. Stay dry, sunny days are in the future.

GOT A JOKE FER YA:

A man went to town to purchase a cart & donkey for his travels, he asked how do I make the donkey stop, the preacher said say “Amen!” and the donkey will stop, well how do I make him go. The preacher said shout “Hallelujah!”. So the man got in the cart and immediately tried out the preacher’s instructions. “Hallelujah!”, shouted the man. The donkey began to trot. “Amen!”, shouted the man. The donkey stopped immediately. “This is great!” He drove off very proud of his purchase. They traveled for a long time through some mountains. Soon he was heading towards a cliff. He could not remember the word to make the donkey stop. “Stop”, said the man. “Halt!”, he cried. The donkey just kept going. “Oh, no…Bible….Church…Please Stop!!”, shouted the man. The man just began to pray….”Please, dear Lord. Please make this donkey stop before I go off the end of this mountain, In Jesus name, Amen”. The donkey came to an abrupt stop just one step from the edge of the cliff. “HALLELUJAH!”, shouted the man.

Newsletter For January 15, 2006

First Meeting of 2006
Our first meeting of the New Year was held at at Good Time Pizza in Anderson on Sunday, January 15th. Attending club members were:
Gail & Jack Heaney, Sue & Ernie O'dell, Cheryl & Rich Austin, Pam & Bill Beaver, Marilyn Clark, Dorothy (Sue's Mom), Shannon Bushnell, Carole & Leo Murrer, Renee & Richard Smith.
Meeting was called at 1:09 P.M. by President Gail Heaney, Minutes of our last meeting was read by Gail. Cheryl Austin gave the treasury report of $776.29.

OLD BUSINESS
Pam Beaver asked about the Breeders booklet and whom she should contact with her information. It was decided to call Marilyn Clark 530-347-6439, for any changes that anyone wants to make in the Northern California Miniature Donkey Breeders booklet.
Dues were discussed, and a reminder if you haven't paid your dues by February 1, 2006, your ranch will not be in the Breeders booklet. The new updated booklet will be ready sometime in March. We talked about what we wanted for a cover page club statement. Shannon suggested to publish what we stand for as handlers and breeders.

 
NEW BUSINESS
Our club will be sponsoring a clinic on Sunday April 30, 2006. Crystal Ward will be there to critique our donkeys and tell us what a judge is looking for in Conformation, which will be most of the day and Showmanship in the afternoon. Sue and Ernie O'dell has offered their Ranch for the clinic which saves the club a bunch, and thank you Sue and Ernie for being so gracious. We can bring donkeys for Crystal to critique. There will be a potluck, so bring something to share and your own drinks, water will be provided, a raffle, also a 50/50 raffle, WOW could go home with some bucks in you pocket. We are asking Crystal to bring her videos, and we will have available 20 breed standard books. Clinic will start at 9:00am and cost will be $10.00 per person. There will be flyers posted and it will be posted on our club web page: www.minidonkeyclub.com Contact Sue O'dell 530-396-2719. Sounds like fun and knowledge all in one day.......
Carole Murrer brought a new album to show for all the pictures of our club members, so please send her some fun stuff to put in the album.
19845 Quercus Lobata, Red Bluff, Ca. 96080 or call her at: 530-529-6628.
Gail announced it was her Birthday on Jan 6th, the young 53th and she's still kick'n.
Pam Beaver mentioned a future goal of driving in the Rose Parade for our club.

Next meeting, Sunday March 26, at Luigi's Pizza in Red Bluff. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 P.M.

NEWSLETTER, NOVEMBER, 2005

CHRISTMAS   PARADES: Calendars were passed out, (thank you Gail) at the meeting to keep track of events going on in the 2006. Saturday, November 26, 2005, Red Bluff Xmas parade, application turned in by November 18^th, check in 4:30 p.m., parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Contact Dot Lanham at 530-347-3465, she has the application.

Reminder: Dues are due January 1, 2006, later after, February 1, 2006, send them to:

Northern California Miniature Donkeys Breeders is a non-profit organization.

This page last updated May 7, 2008

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 Gails Mini-Donkey Ranch