This is the story of our
gelding, Boxcar, aka Dusty. I had never seen such a sad little donkey
when he was born. He could hardly stand, his legs were so crooked, but
they did straighten out, and he grew up to be a very straight and sturdy
young man.
We made the decision to geld him early on and were planning on using him
as our show gelding. I started working with him and felt pretty
confident because he did everything I asked of him, at home that is. We
took him to his first show and planned on showing him in halter class,
which we did, but he wouldn’t even walk in! I had to back him in and he
still placed third. The judge then told me I needed to teach my donkey
to lead...what!! He was always three steps ahead of me at home!! I told
her it was his first show and he was nervous. I then tried to take him
through trail class...ha! How was I supposed to do that when he wouldn’t
even walk!! The judge asked if that was the same donkey that wouldn’t
lead. I told her yes sheepishly, and then she asked me to leave the
arena!!
I was so embarrassed but determined to keep trying with him. I took him
to a trainer and she worked with him for three weeks and when he
returned he was much improved, but he still does not like showing. He is
so very smart and willing to do whatever I ask him, but not at a show!
When I take him in lead line trail he always balks at the obstacles, but
usually goes through with a lot of persuasion from me. I have retired
him and I’m sure the last laugh is on me when he sees us pull out in the
big red trailer. He’s getting to do just what he wants to do, which is
stay home with his girls and the foals. He loves all the babies and is
always playing with them.
But, I’m not letting him get away with not earning his keep around here.
We took him to one of Wayne Lyon’s driving clinics where we learned the
basics of driving, and now that is what I love to do, hook up Dusty and
take off down the road!! I just hope he grows to love it as much as I do
!!
SDMS June
2003 in Corsicana - Halter Geldings - 3rd place
NMDA Hotter N Hell
Show - July 2003 - Halter Geldings - 3rd place
2003 Dallas State Fair
- Halter Geldings - 4th place
SDMS in Corsicana - May 2004 - Halter
Geldings - 1st place
July, 2004 SDMS in Lampasas - Halter Geldings -
4th place
2004 SDMS Corsicana, Texas Show - Halter Geldings - 5th
place
News flash!!!
November Fall Spectacular show at Corsicana, 2006.
We decided to try taking Dusty to one more show and he surprised us! He
went through trail class for the very first time in his life without one
balk!! He did every thing I asked him to do and stayed right by my side.
There was a gate that you had to go through when you entered the ring
and that was the last thing you did when you exited and I opened the
gate wrong. We still placed fifth and that was a big accomplishment for
Dusty. I was so proud of him. I guess it's back on the road again for
Boxcar Willie!!
