Garcon is the product of our Champion Jennet, Bridget and our Outstanding sorrel Herd Sire, Frank Sinatra. Garcon was Bridget's 1st foal and arrive a month late, on Mother 's Day! He was a tiny boy, but full of spunk and personality! He was a sweet, friendly little foal, always ready for scratches and loves. When he was about 5mos old, I took him for a walk off our property on unfamilar ground. We went over ditches, trampled through brush and jumped over logs. Garcon clearly was an adventurous and willing little boy! When he was 11 mos old, I decided to take him to an "Extreme Trail" event in Eugene, Oregon, attended primarily by horses. Although donkeys were welcome, we were very much the minority. Especially Miniature Donkeys! I entered him in 9 novice classes and the "Big Time" class, where points were accumulated for Championship. Mind you, Garcon was competing against full size horses, mules and donkeys. He placed 8 of 9 of his Novice classes, 4 which were 1st place! I'm sure he would have done alot better scoring in the "Big Time" trail class if his handler hadn't gone off course! But, under the circumstances, with a "handicapped handler" and being the tinest animal entered (27 1/2"), we think he was awsome!
At just over a year old, he entered his first NMDA show (the Nationals). He came in 3rd place in a very large trail class. The same evening, there was a beneifit trail class held in which they enhanced the Open Class. We decided to enter and he came in a whopping 5th place with much older seasoned donkeys! Again, we were very proud of him.
Our last NMDA show of 2007, he won 1st place in halter and 1st place in trail! It was a great way to end the show year.
Garcon & "Snuggles" at the Spring Challenge Mountain Trail Event Eugene, Oregon
Garcon at his 1st NMDA Miniature Donkey Shows
1st Place Halter
1st Place Trail
2007 No. Calif. Miniature Donkey Show
2007 NMDA National Miniature Donkey Show
3rd Place Trail (out of 26)
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In November of 2007, Garcon competed in the Champion Trail Challenge in Eugene, Oregon. This was a bit more challenging than the event in the spring. Many of the obstacles were very tough for the horses as well. Garcon placed in all eight of his novice classes, four beinging 1st place. Unfortunately, his handler was plaqued with CRS in one class and missed two obstacles! But he still got a 3rd and could have won the class....! Garcon won the Championship in the 2 & Under class and came in 4th in the Silverado Championship which is the "big time" arena as shown in the pictures below. Again, he did awsome and people were so amazed at what these little donkeys can and will do!
A big "Thank You!" to Tiana McVay for taking some awsome pictures!
April of 2008 rolled around for The Oregon Spring Mountain Trail Challenge. Garcon had a long lazy winter, but after acclimating himself to the Oregon Horse Center again, he was ready! He grew a whole inch since last spring....28 1/2" !!! It didn't hurt, because he was better than ever! Garcon won RESERVE CHAMPION! He missed the Championship by a mear 2 1/4 pts!
We were soooo proud!
April 2008
Garcon's 1st Donkey show of 2008 was the Pacific Crest Classic held in Eugene, Oregon. He won 2nd place, missing a tie by one point in his Trail Class. They also had a non-sanctioned "Extreme Mtn.Trail" class you could enter. Of course, Garcon said "YES!" and WON!
Garcon also showed in a "new to him" Trail class. He was shown by our 5 1/2 yr old Granddaughter, Johnna in Youth Trail. And guess what? They WON!!!
Calling the Press!!!
November 2008
National Mountain Trail Championship
We arrived in Eugene, Oregon ready for a weekend full of competition and adventure! In the Challenge arena, which is the smaller of the two, Garcon was entered in four divisions. Three were competing against all size equine and one which was strictly for minis. As Garcon matures, he constantly surprises me with his bravery! He faced new obstacles and old ones he had refused in the past with vigor! Garcon won the Championships in all four divisions! He has shown me that he has surpassed the challenges offered in this arena!!!
The Championship Arena, however is something you don't want to under estimate! Throughout the 3 day competition, the course is changed and becomes more difficult. Garcon was entered in the Miniature Equine Division. There he met with seasoned competition and a course to be face with REAL challenge! He seemed to take it all in stride and pretty much was very willing to do whatever I asked. The last day of the competition he was beginning to show the strain of it all. He needed to be asked more than once to jump into a water bog full of water, mud and brush! But he did it none the less! The points were accumulated over the 3 days. A maximum of 300 possible per day. On Sunday morning the top five were posted for each division for the Championship Arena. Garcon was listed, so we got ready for the Awards Ceremony. We figured it would be close..... Garcon received 545 pts. total. GARCON WON THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP for the Miniature Equine Division!!! We were so proud of our awesome little gelding!
Champion Course
Challenge Course
AWARDS CEREMONY
Now all this makes me a little nervous.... Garcon has shown me he needs to be constantly challenged.... The only division left that he is eligible for is the In Hand Open division where he would be competing against FULL SIZE EQUINE! Is a little 29" donkey up for the task???
STAY TUNED!!!
Wannabe Ranch Petit Garcon
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