Gulf Coast Donkey and Mule ASSociation

Special moment

How do you spell fun? With capitol letters, and that’s just what we all had this weekend, at the Texas State Championship Miniature Donkey Show! From the time we began to arrive we could see by the smiles on everyone’s faces that they came to have a good time, and that’s what they did! This show has proven for the third time to be a favorite with everyone, with 83 miniature donkeys in attendance.

One thing about the Conroe facility we can always count on is the hospitality and service. Boy those guys on those gaters are there in a hurry when you need them. They don’t waste any time getting shavings delivered, or whatever else you need. Besides the courtesy extended by the Conroe staff, they also have an outstanding facility. The stalls are always clean and ready to bed down with fresh shavings. The water supply is convenient and the wash racks are large with a tie rail all the way around to accommodate plenty of donkeys. The drive in is very easy with the arena being situated in the middle of a large spacious parking area. Easy in – easy out. The arena is always extremely well rolled and groomed. We just couldn’t ask for much more. Oh, and the overnight RV area is very nice as well.

With so many quality donkeys at this show, it’s really very competitive, and that’s what made it fun and exciting. Even better was the exhibitor’s support of each other and the camaraderie. Even the judge noticed it and commented about how positive the people were towards one another. THANK YOU exhibitors for making this such a fun and rewarding event. We would also like to comment on the excellent job our judge, Jennifer Jernee did throughout the show, and we commend her for her professionalism. Jennifer has never judged a miniature donkey show here in Texas, so it was a real treat to see a new face in the ring.

GCDMA also had some new faces on board, and would like to thank the following folks for their help. Sue and Gerald Morton did all the entries and helped around the show with obstacles and other tasks. And they did it with smiles on their faces! Sue is also our newest GCDMA officer, and is doing a fantastic job. Kathy Schmitt made the sponsor packets, and all the lists for the show announcer and advertising. Kathy said she had a great time doing it, which is wonderful since we hope she will do it again! Marion Sohl also did a great job of coordinating arrivals, unlocking and assigning stalls and measuring donkeys. A special thanks to these folks for their help and support. But there were many others who deserve recognition and thanks. Rose Jones has always been the glue that bonds everything together at the GCDMA shows, and without her we would all be lost. Thank you Rose! Mary Merriwether is always ready and willing to help with the entry desk and other duties, and ALWAYS smiles! Thank you Mary! Diane Smith is one of the most knowledgeable people around, and seems to know what to do when we are all scratching our heads. Without her this show would not be possible. And a special thanks to Jessica Scoggins for her help all weekend as ring steward. Ken and Jeannie Richards were also available on Sunday for ring support, and a big THANKS to Tex Taylor for working the gate ALL WEEKEND! And how wonderful it was to have FREE FOOD provided by Gulf Coast members and served by Jimmy and Dorothy Sessum both days. What a crew!

The awards at this show were beautiful silver and gold belt buckles by Yellow Hair, with onyx stones in them. A favorite with everyone were the small key chain buckles for Reserve Champions, and of course everyone loved the NMDA Champion Rosettes and other beautiful rosettes given for top awards. Even the photographer commented on how beautiful the awards were. And speaking of the photographer, Sarah Hall knows what it takes to get a good win shot, and did an outstanding job! What a gorgeous backdrop! This wonderful lady was so patient with the winners and their animals! Be sure to visit her website at www.sarahhallimages.photoreflect.com to view and order photos from the show, and also the Gulf Coast website at GCDMA.org for show results and photos. And now for the results……

Owned by: Sisu Morris & Barbara Hilliard, Stock Market’s Miniature Donkeys LLC