Breeder of Registered Miniature                 Donkeys, Quality Breeding Stock, and Lovable Pets

Meet Pete & Carolyn

MEET PETE & CAROLYN

In 1991, Pete and I moved to our ranch in central Texas from Houston.  We had enough of big city living and wanted to slow down to a more peaceful lifestyle.  I was Senior Development Director for Homart Development, the commercial development arm of Sears Roebuck & Company.  Pete was in commercial construction and still works in that field today.  Shortly after the move to the ranch, a relative of ours showed us a photo of a miniature donkey and her foal.  That did it.  We fell in love with miniature donkeys instantly.  When we saw them in person, we both decided that this was a business and an animal in which we wanted to invest our time, money and our hearts.

After 2 decades of breeding and loving miniature donkeys, we have never regretted that decision.  There is no other animal on earth like a miniature donkey.  Their comical ways, their loyalty, their intelligence, their affection for humans, and their eyes that look into your soul…all are infectious.  They will give you back tenfold what you give to them.  After all these years, every birth is still a miracle and every donkey is a one of a kind on this earth.  This isn't a business to us.  It's a love affair!  Stop by and let us share our family with you. 

OUR RANCH PHILOSOPHY

God has blessed Pete and I by permitting us to live our lives with these precious animals, but He also expects us to be good caretakers.  Pete and I take that responsibility very seriously.  We feel an obligation not only for our own donkeys' health, safety, and welfare, but for the welfare and protection of the breed itself.  That's why I spend many hours answering questions from new and established owners and breeders.  If I can help to make you a better caretaker of your animals, I am helping the breed.  You will pass that on to your herd and others then all of our miniature donkeys will prosper. 

 I have written articles for the ASSET, BRAYER and other trade publications both in the U.S. and Europe on such topics as good animal husbandry, the miniature donkey market, getting started in the business, the show ring and much more. Click here if you would like to read a few of those articles. We also believe in honesty as a breeder and good sportsmanship in the show ring.  We have worked hard to earn a good reputation in the industry and will not sacrifice that for a sale or a ribbon.  We place the right donkey with the right owner so that the match works well for both of you and so there will be many happy years ahead for you and your donkey.  We breeders are responsible for bringing that foal into this earth; therefore, it is our responsibility to make sure he or she will be provided for in the way they deserve. 

THE FOCUS OF OUR BREEDING PROGRAM

Every breeder has a different focus to their breeding program.  Some breed for a specific color, height, and/or body type as well as a certain phenotype (visible characteristics).  All breeders SHOULD be breeding for good conformation because it effects the health and future of the breed.  We breed for conformation first.  Color and height are secondary.  The following is what we like for people to see in a Quarter Moon Ranch donkey.  We don't always get there, but we try.

• A well socialized, healthy and happy donkey

• Heavy bone

• Balance meaning everything is in proportion to the other body parts

• Width between the front and rear legs

• A short wide head that is in proportion to the rest of the body

• Good tracking meaning that all feet face forward and there is little to no toe-in or toe-out

• Straight legs and overall good conformation

• Mature heights from 30" to 33.5"  

• All colors with an emphasis on dark sorrels, rich browns, blacks, and dark spots

To accomplish the above, we only keep the very best jacks and jennets as brood stock and are continually striving to upgrade our quality.  Emphasis on top quality brood jennets has always been a part of our program.  The maternal influence the jennet brings to the foal is just as important if not more so than that of the sire.  The success of any breeding program is the in quality of the foals being produced.  In other words, “The Proof is in the Progeny."

PARTING COMMENTS

Pete and I hope that you will stop by for a visit or email us at anytime with any questions you may have.  If you do not own miniature donkeys now, let us show you these precious, precious animals and help you define your goals.  If you are only interested in pets, let us show you our most lovable ones who want nothing more than to go through life by your side.  If you want quality breeding stock or donkeys with show potential, we always have that available.  Thank you so much for viewing our website.  Our hope is that a miniature donkey is in your pasture now or soon will be.  You don't know how wonderful life can be when miniature donkeys are in it.