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Adventures of Augie & Spuds

Miniature horses, donkeys and mules all have one thing in common; everyone else is taller than they are! That makes eye contact with the trainer very difficult if not impossible for them. As the saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul so it is understandable that they would become anxious if they are unable to look into a person’s eyes to decide whether they are friend or foe. Read their whole story below.


Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Mini Mania

Spuds and Augie had a very special adventure this week. Though the two mini donkeys have been getting along with each other and the mules in the neighboring stalls, they’d never met the other “minis” on the ranch—Frances, Franklin and Mirage. That changed today when they all came out for a playdate in the indoor arena. Seeing all these little guys working together really proves that size doesn’t matter! ...

Another Augie & Spuds Adventure: Castration

It’s a special time in any young equine’s life, when he makes the transition from boy to… gelding. Our brave mini donkeys Spuds and Augie recently made the switch, thanks to the steady hand of our trusted veterinarian and a little something to encourage their naptime. When they woke up, the procedure was already done… perhaps it was only a dream? ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: More Ground Driving 8-20-12

“Hey, Augie! Vacuuming isn’t scary when Mom is the same size as us!”  “That is so true! And she is really careful not to hurt us!”   “Say Spuds, what are the long lines for?”...”Who cares, Augie, when there’s oats on the floor?!” “Okay Augie, you get to go first! Walk on!”   “I get it! This is why she wanted us to go ahead of her the last lesson!  “And Gee means go right! Wow! This is easy and even kinda fun!”   “I see what you mean, Augie! ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Surcingles and Obstacles

“Hurry up, Augie…we get to go to the indoor arena and play with the obstacles today!” “Can’t we just go around this way, Augie?” I think we’re supposed to go over, Spuds, but she’s so tall I can’t tell by her face!” “Oh good, now she’s at our level!” “Turning around in a tractor tire is kinda cool.” “Doing a serpentine through the cones is easy as pie!” “A little tricky through the tires, but she’s supportive! Hey, Spuds, whatcha doin’ back there?” It’s okay, Augie…just take it one step at ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Farrier & Grooming

“Hey, Augie…watcha doin’?! “I’m practicing my halter stance…you know, four-square!” “Good idea, Augie! I guess I’ll practice my halter stance right here!” “And I will wait for my turn at the hitch rail…I wonder what’s up today.” “Hey Augie, you’ve got some pretty dirty feet down there!” “Cut with the wise cracks, Spuds!” “I sure like it when they come down to our eye level, Augie.” “Yeah, it’s not as scary as it is when all you see is their legs…whatcha doin’ back there, Dean?” ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Baling & Stacking Hay

It's summer time, and there are tons of adventures to be had for two mini donkeys on a bustling ranch like Lucky Three. Today, Spuds and Augie explore the hay field with Meredith and test their bravery against a fearsome, loud machine. Hey, Spuds! I hear Meredith calling…what’s up? She’s kinda silly, Augie. Who ever heard of saying “how do you do” to a swather, Augie? Whoa….look what’s coming!!! WOW!!! That’s super noisy and REALLY BIG! Oh look, Spuds, it’s not so scary. This is how ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: The Dirt Piles

There's a lot of construction going on at the ranch, but Spuds and Augie sense the opportunity for adventure! "Hey, Spuds, what’s with all this junk? It looks a little iffy to me!" “Just chill, Augie! It’s just another great adventure…no sweat!” “Oh wow, Spuds! We have our own Rocky Mountains in the driveway!” “Hmmm…I don’t know about this, Augie!” “You were right, Spuds…no sweat!” “Wait a minute, Spuds, this doesn’t look so easy!” “Can’t stop now…I’ll see you at the bottom, Augie!” “I think ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Pulling a Drag – Round Pen

Mini donkeys Spuds and Augie are always up for a new challenge--like adding a new element to their round pen workout routine! “Hey, Spuds! What do you think she has in mind to do today with all these straps?” “Oomph! She told me to go forward just like we did before, but something is holding me back…oh, now it is coming behind me! What’s happening?!” “You’re attached to a tire! Here, follow me!” “Oh boy, now it’s my turn, Augie!” “Don’t worry, Spuds. I’m right behind ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Pulling A Drag – Arena

“Hey, we haven’t seen you guys in a while! How have you been?! We get to go for another adventure with Meredith today!” “What do you suppose she has in mind for us today, Spuds?” “I don’t know, Augie, but we’ll find out soon enough! Let’s just stand still while she gets the gate…just like we always do!” “Going through the gate is always easier when you do it the same way every time!” “Uh, what’s this, Spuds? I’ve seen this somewhere else before…oh, yeah, in ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Bathing with Roll

“Oh, look Augie... it’s Roll!” “Hi, Spuds, Hi, Augie! Fancy meeting you here!” “Hey, Roll! Why are ya all wet?” “You’ll see soon enough!” “Uh, hey you guys, I’m over here! Oats, please?! “Hey, Spuds, where’d she go?” “She’s giving Roll some oats. You know she never plays favorites, Augie!” “Oh, no, it’s bath time again!” “So soon? It’s already been a year, Augie!” “If I can just bury my head into the fanny pack…” “Augie, maybe if I get into the act she’ll ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Hourglass Pattern

"What do you suppose we’re doing today down here in the dressage arena…hmmmm?!" "Whatever it is, Spuds, I get to go first!!" “Hey, Spuds, this is really easy and lots of fun!” “Look Spuds, I finally learned the rein back!” “And…I did it perfectly!” “Your turn now, Spuds!” "Like you said, Augie, this is a breeze!" “Can we trot yet?” "Now we get to do the hourglass pattern together, Spuds! Whoohoo! What fun!" “Don’t forget to stay in sync, Augie! ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Hitch to Cart

Hey, Spuds, where are we going today?!” “Well Spuds, we’re in the grass. Maybe we get to graze?!” “Not likely, Augie!”    “Here comes the cart, Augie!” “I knew she had something up her sleeve, Spuds! At least we’re not going forward and back in the Tack Barn again!” “Hey Spuds, do you think she know she’s supposed to release the brake?!” “I’m glad she finally figured THAT out! We’re really goin’ now, Augie!”         “Tee hee! This isn’t so hard! We just have to ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: 2nd Hitch to Cart

“Here we go again, Spuds, but something feels really different and strange.” “Did you say strange, Augie? Well, I’m outta here!” “I think she said “Whoa,” Spuds! “Whew! I’m glad she switched the lines back BEHIND the terrets instead of in front of them! It was putting a kink in my neck, Spuds!” “Me, too, Augie! Besides, I like it much better when I can really FEEL her hands.” “I’m sure glad she took the time to review ground driving before hitching us up again!” ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Obstacles

“What’s up today, Augie?” “Not a clue, Spuds, but it’s not the carriage.” “Whoa!” What’s this, Augie?” “Spuds, quit runnin’ into me! I can’t see it!” “REALLY, Spuds?!” Quit being so dramatic…it’s just the tarp!” “Okay! I get it. You want me to lead this time!” “Hey, Spuds! We’re playing follow the leader and I get to be the leader!” “It’s no sweat, Spuds!” “Hmmmm…there’s grass in here!” “Uh, do we really have to stop right here?!” “We’re working on core strength, ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Mini Grooming

“Well, Augie, it finally stopped raining! I wonder what we are doing today?” “Ooh La La! Isn’t SHE lovely? Augie, check HER out! Nice socks, Honey!” “She doesn’t look all that impressed with you, Spuds!” “Maybe she’ll like ME better! She really IS kinda cute!” “Hmmm! Stealin’ my action eh, Augie?! Well, she doesn’t look all that impressed with you either! “Let’s just play hard to get and maybe she will change her tune, Spuds!” “I guess two can play that game, Augie…now she’s ...
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