 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.
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Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Baling & Stacking Hay 6-21-13
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: Farrier & Grooming 4-24-13
“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: Surcingles and Obstacles 1-24-13
“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: 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! Haw means go ...
Another Augie & Spuds Adventure: Learning to Ground Drive 6-12-12
"Augie, come with me while she’s not looking!" "I really like it when she works at OUR level!" "You have to be really still when she’s punching holes!" "Leading as a team is easy if you have done your homework!" "What’s with the stick?!" "Walk on?...oh, I remember that!" "I think she wants us to pass her!" "Oh, I get it…she wants us to walk beside her now!" "WOW! Cool! We get to be in front now!" To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training ...
Another Augie & Spuds Adventure: Castration 4-20-12
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? “Oh, boy…another big adventure!” “Hey, Spuds, what’s she doing?!” “I don’t know Augie, but it sure tickles and my hair is falling off!” “Hey, Mom, how come Augie’s not ...
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Mini Mania 1-10-12
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! Yippee! It’s another adventure day! Whoa…who’s this?!!! Augie, Spuds, I would like you to meet Frances, Franklin and Mirage! Hey, Augie, ...
