Our client for the month of September is Wes and Nancy Thedford. The couple lives in Weatherford and have raised miniature donkeys for approximately six years. They have a specially made barn to accommodate the donkeys’ needs. They follow Dr. Seale’s recommendations for routine vaccines, coggins, and yearly deworming schedule as well as farrier service every 6-8 weeks.
The Thedfords started out with a very young stock of Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. They are a breed all their own and are not bred down from the Standard Donkey. Wes and Nancy enjoy showing them at events throughout Texas including the Texas Shoot-Out in Bryan, TX. This show can be challenging because of the heat in June when the temperatures can soar.
The herd sire is Designer Donkey’s Red Snapper. He has done very well in the show ring all around Texas. His awards include 2010 NMDA State Fair of Texas Reserve Champion Halter Donkey, 2011 Fort Worth Stock Show Reserve Champion Non-Driving Green Class, and his most recent first place, Jacks at Halter 5 Years and Older at the 2013 Fort Worth Stock Show. Red Snapper’s sire, Circle-C Obsession, has earned many awards including World Champion Halter Donkey.
The family’s herd is registered through the American Donkey and Mule Society. Nancy is a member of the National Miniature Donkey Association, Southwest Donkey and Mule Society, as well as the Gulf Coast Donkey and Mule Association.
Nancy says “If you’ve never kissed a donkey on the muzzle, you don’t know what you’re missing. They have a muzzle like velvet and have the best personalities. They are very curious and will follow you around like a big dog.”
