By: Richard

We just returned from the Tennessee  State Fair NMDA Miniature Donkey Show and we are thrilled and humbled beyond belief. Katrina, Kandi and I are still in shock.

We have just completed our first full year in showing miniature donkeys and will have a difficult time having more fun than we have had this year. These little four legged friends are the best medicine.

The State Fair NMDA Show saw competitors from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and as far away as Michigan. The Judge said at the conclusion of the show that it was the best collection of miniature donkeys he had seen anywhere in the Country in the past two years!

Katrina and Kandi did all of the showing while I kept the animals happy that were not in the ring. Both Katrina and Kandi showed animals in the Halter class, and Kandi showed in the In Hand Trail class.

When all was said and done “Stroker” KKR Stroke of Midnight received a 2nd Place ribbon in the Weanlings/Yearlings Gelding and Jack class, “Hottie” Legendary’s Hearts Wide Open received a 4th Place in the Weanlings/Yearlings Jennet class, “Macy Lee” Designer Donkeys Macy Lee (shown by Katrina) was selected as the Grand Champion Jennet and “Lexus” Hill Country’s Lexus (shown by Kandi) was judged as the Reserve Grand Champion! Unbelievable and a very good day to say the least!

Kandi went back into the show ring and got a fourth place finish behind some excellent competition in the In Hand Trail class. This was only the second time Kandi and her less than two year old Hottie have ever been in the ring for this class. Now she is really motivated to work hard this winter on training Hottie for next season.

Technorati Tags: Tennessee State Fair

By Richard

A few days ago we told you about the wonderful Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition (CMSA) in Murfreesboro, TN over the Labor Day Weekend; now, on this September 11th anniversary we encourage you to take a look at the video below of the patriotic opening ceremony.

I hope you enjoy it.

Technorati Tags: CMSA, cowboy mounted shooting association, Murfreesboro

By Richard

There is an event that comes to town once a year that Katrina and I try to never miss, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) competition in Murfreesboro, TN every Labor Day weekend. We just stumbled onto it and have been big fans ever since our first event.

Not only is it extremely close competition, lively, action packed and fun; it is free. Unfortunately, very few people know about it and attendance is very low.

Basically, cowboys and cowgirls ride horse back through a course and try to burst as many balloons in the shortest time possible. Typically there are 10 to 12 balloons and they manage this in 10 to 12 seconds or less usually without missing a single balloon. If that is not enough of a challenge they must also change guns during their run. So that means they have to cock the gun and shoot 5 or 6 rounds, holster their gun, pull out the second gun and cock and shoot 5 to 6 more balloons all at full speed on a horse running a strange course. Now, to make it even better, in one class the second weapon is a riffle!

All riders also wear vintage style gear and use period correct style weapons. One of the most interesting classes has all the riders in authentic Civil War attire. If you ever get the opportunity to see one of these events please do yourself a favor and attend. If you like horses or shooting you will love this unusual event.

Here is a sample of the kind of action you will see. We will also have a video of a portion of the opening ceremony in a few days.

Technorati Tags: CMSA, cowboy mounted shooting association, cowgirl, horse, Murfreesboro