Educational Seminars

I want to be the very best owner, breeder, showman, and performance handler I can be. To that end, my best friend Cathline Oliveira, of Sierra View Ranch, and I created a series of educational seminars for 2005. This began as a pursuit for our own knowledge. We started small, but the seminars have been very well supported so we will continue to hold them as long as this is true. Below is a list of the seminars we have had.

Watch for upcoming seminars - we would love to have you join us!

Wayne Lyon Driving Seminar

Below is a list of our 2005 seminars:

February 5, 2005
10:00 to 5:00
Judging Miniature Donkey Conformation
Taught by NMDA Judge Nancy Luck

There is no perfect donkey, and learning to be a good judge of conformation is critical to a responsible breeding program. We critiqued 40 donkeys in this seminar, head to toe, and learned lots. This was a dynamite seminar, and gave Cathline and I the courage to host more of them.


March 12, 2005
6:00 to 9:00
Understanding Miniature Donkey Genetics
Taught by Dr Kimberly Rasmussen/Pioneer Equine Clinic

We learned about dominant and recessive traits and attempting to predict color and conformation traits. We learned the difference between line breeding and in-breeding, it’s dangers and benefits, and how to figure parentage percentages in pedigrees.

April 2, 2005
10:00 to 5:00
Showmanship and Trail Skill Building
Taught by NMDA Judge Crystal Ward

We spent two hours learning the skills necessary to show in a Showmanship class. The balance of the day was spent practicing and judging how to execute a trail pattern.


May 21, 22, and 23, 2005
Wayne Lyon Driving Seminar
Taught by Mr. Wayne Lyon

This was our biggie. We had twelve donkeys, each with a team of handlers. We worked HARD for two and a half days. We served breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks every day. We had a tremendous, cohesive group, and it was amazing what we learned. It was a diverse group consisting of both beginners and experienced drivers, and we all felt fortunate to be part of this seminar. This ranch is a great place to hold an event like this; the weather was perfect and the ranch was beautiful. Mr. Lyon has agreed to return for a second seminar May 2007. Would you like to join us?


October 29, 2005
10:00 to 5:00
Judging Miniature Donkey Conformation
Taught by NMDA Judge Nancy Luck

This seminar reviewed the skills learned in the first seminar, and then took it much further. We learned some finer points, and practiced judging. We used many of the Sierra View Ranch donkeys, as well as participant’s donkeys. This seminar was even better than the first conformation seminar. Ms. Luck is a very skilled instructor. I recommend her highly!