What's going on at the Pooles Paradise Hill MM-Donkey Farm?

Happy Asses report for Friday, April 1st

2011-04-01T09:55:00.001-05:00

WATCH THE HAPPY ASSES LIVE ON CAM AT: http://www.marestare.com/fcam.php?alias=pphfarm

Hello All from Poole's Paradise Hill Farm! Todays Happy Asses Report will be full detail of each Ass from left to right....

"Linzi Beth" (Windcrest Linzi) is a light red jenny that is due on May 15th. As you can tell from the photo, Linzi is a well-seasoned momma-to-be, she knows how to get the "slender" look for photo's by moving that back leg up towards her shoulder.
"Pweshus" (WhyNameIt's Precious) is a 6 year old jenny, who is not with child at this time. I have her in this paddock for a few days to keep an eye on her niece, Boop (read below).
"Boop" (PPHFarm's Step Asside Girls) is our 18 month old little rotten, teenager jennet. She is going to charm & etiquette school right now, so we have to keep her close to the barn so she will get up in time to make the bus.
"Destiny" (LUA John's Destiny) .....what can I say? She is a wide-load for sure! Destiny is due on May 10th. She has a very active foal and can be seen getting knocked off-balance when she is walking. Let's everybody give her a great big "Bless Your Heart!"
"Katie-bug" (Turnpike Creek Katie) is the other half of the bookend buddies. She and Linzi Beth are BFF's and look like book-ends. Katie is due on May 28th.

Stay tuned for the next installment..... however, if you catch something on the cam to post about, gimme an email "ring at diana@pphfarm.com. I will make sure to include it!

2011-02-20T05:45:00.000-06:00

Want donkey manure to add to your compost?

It's better than cow or horse and breaks down fast to mix in to your flower beds and veggie garden! If you would like to schedule a time to "scoop some poop" from our ever-growing poop-pile, call us at 615.807.3848 to schedule it. First come, first get - with more to come. :)

Follow us on Twitter

2011-02-07T13:11:00.001-06:00

We will be doing more updating via Twitter as we move in to spring. I do not "over-tweet"..... but if you would like to stay up-to-date, follow us at:

http://twitter.com/#!/PPHFarmDonkeys

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Leipers Fork Christmas Parade 2010

2010-12-20T08:55:00.000-06:00

Legend of the Cross

2010-12-17T06:39:00.002-06:00

"Just A Little Donkey"
By: Rita S. Beer

Just a little donkey, but on my back I bore,
the one and only Savior, the world was waiting for.
Just a little donkey, but I was strong & proud -
I gladly carried Mary through the
chaos of the crowd.
I brought her to a stable where she made a tiny bed...
A place for Baby Jesus to lay His little head.
I pray the world remembers that special Christmas night
when just
a little donkey carried Heaven's Precious Light.

It's Parade Time!

2010-12-01T11:09:00.000-06:00

If you will be in the College Grove, TN area this next Sunday 12/5 at 2pm, make sure to stop and watch the parade! You will see us and a few of our donkeys!

Then on Saturday, 12/11, we will be in the Leipers Fork Village for their annual parade! This parade also starts at 2pm.

If you are in the crowd, make sure to yell to us when you see us!

Also, we have updated our FOR SALE page, if you are looking for some great gifts, think donkeys!

PRODUCT(s) OF THE MONTH: Basic-H and Basic-G by Shaklee

2010-10-08T06:20:00.023-05:00

I have been using these products practically my whole life. They were "green" decades before "green" was "cool". I love them for all sorts of things around the farm and I don't worry about them harming our animals.

BASIC-H

If you would like to order some, just click on the link provided throughout the posting. You can feel safe ordering from the link - it's my parents! They will take good care of you! :)

Here are a few uses - as I remember or hear about more, I will add to the list:

• Cuts & scrapes Apply Basic-H directly on the wound. This will stop infections and help heal.
• Fly Spray 1 quart of Basic-H 4 quarts water Spray where it is needed.
• Fly Spray for fogger: 3 quarts linseed oil [use very light oil] 1 quart Basic-H 1 tbsp Basic-G where this is needed. This mixture will not harm your livestock.

• Pet Baths –

To kill ticks, fleas and mange add 3 pints Basic H and 6oz. Basic G to 50 gallons of water in large tub or kiddie pool and dip dog. DO NOT GET INTO EYES!
For regular washing 1/2 tsp Basic-H to one gallon water or apply full strength directly to wet fur and rub well to get into skin starting at top of head and ears and working toward the tail. Do not get into eyes.
For equine and tack wash with 1 to 2 tablespoon(s) Basic-H to 5 gallons of water, more if you are dealing with hard water and rinse. Reduces fly problem,won’t itch or take natural oils out of skin, keeps coat and tail clean without residue.

• Skunk Odor Removal – 1 T. Basic H² in gallon of water
• Equine skin fungi or mange, a bath with Basic-G works great!!!! Mix a couple of teaspoons into a gallon of water. Sponge on and leave on the skin for a few minutes, then rinse well. Wash all the brushes in the Basic-G too.

• THRUSH: (My personal favorite use for Basic G) – during thrush “season”, use a 4 to 1 mixture of water & Basic G to spray on hooves each time you clean hooves out. Basic G is not as harsh as the more traditional use of bleach water. Other benefits, any overspray of Basic-G does not bleach out your clothes and it does not erode the squirter mechanism of the sprayer like bleach will.

• Basic G is great at deep cleaning barns and stalls. Pour it into a “Ortho hose sprayer” and spray down your walls and floors.

• Basic H works great in deterring spiders.

• TREES & LAWN CARE

Basic-H with one gallon of water. Spray on the whole seedling & around the entire trunk. Apply once every ten days.
Trees - nursery stock Small seedlings or seed beds Mix 1 ounce of
Sick trees 3-4 feet tall Mix 1 quart of Basic- H with 8 quarts of water. Then, of this mixture, feed at the base of the tree one cup of solution twice a day for the first day, then once each day until the mixture is gone. Feedings are of mixed solution. Do this feeding three times a year.
Sick trees 4-8 feet tall Mix 1 quart Basic-H with 6 quarts of water. Feed at the base of the tree. Use 1 pint of the mixture twice a day for 2 days and 1 pint a day thereafter until the solution is gone. This must be done three times a year.

Our junior Herdsire - PPHFarm's Assk Me No Questions (Q) is a daddy! x2!

2010-09-30T14:21:00.002-05:00

PPHFarm's I'll TellYou No Lies

The last ten days have been quite the whirlwind! We did the usual waiting, and waiting for POKEY (real name is Lady Panther) to get on with the birth of her foal - we think she holds her legs together for days! We were especially exited as this was to be "Q"'s first foal! This pairing did not disappoint! On 9.21.10 a little after 5 in the morning, Pokey & Q had a compact beautiful little jack we appropriately named.... PPHFarm's I'll TellYou No Lies (we call him "T")!

PPHFarm's Boyhowdee

Imagine our surprise when Starr, who was not due until October 8th, goes in to labor this past Saturday and delivers practically a mirror image of "T" - this is "Q"s 2nd foal. Since all five foals born this year have been jack-boys, we feel that Starr & "Q"'s foals name is quite suitable to end our foaling year. Introducing PPHFarm's Boyhowdee!

Boyhowdee had to be bottle fed for the first few days as Starr didn't have enough milk to keep up with the meals. Today we think we are over the "hump" and mom and baby are doing great! (and we can get some sleep!)

The sweet disposition of the Windcrest Little Red Man lineage is passing on and I must say they we are very pleased with both these little ones!

PPHFarm's Duly Noted, born 9.2.10 -

2010-09-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

Bill took this cute video of Noelle & Kings baby jack born on 9.2.10. Enjoy!

Light Red Herdsire for sale - New Photo's!

2010-08-27T17:07:00.000-05:00

Our junior herdsire, PPHFarm's Assk Me No Questions, is for sale. Enjoy a wonderful pedigree - including his grandsire, Little Red Man!

If you would like more information, give us a call at 615.807.3848

Happy First Birthday to STEP ASSIDE GIRLS (aka "Boop")

2010-08-09T06:15:00.000-05:00

Last year on my birthday, I had to cancel plans for a party because our jennet Mia was showing signs of labor. Sure enough, I got a birthday baby!

Her name still fits her to this day..... HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to our "Step Asside Girls" (I'm coming thru!)

2 Days Old

At the Bedford Show in July

BEDFORD COUNTY FAIR DONKEY SHOW - 7.24.2010

2010-07-25T07:28:00.002-05:00

Sing it with me..... "hot, hot, hot!" - at 1130am it was announced that the Heat Index was 105 degrees! But, the show had a GREAT turn-out and everyone made sure that we were all drinking lots of water and standing in the shade as much as possible.

My sister, Melissa, came up from Florida to help show donkeys and our little neighbor, Sky, did too!

Bill showed Rocky in several classes (I didn't get any flicks, too busy getting other donkeys ready - sorry honey!) and brought home some ribbons! YEAH DUDES!

Here are some flicks - Enjoy!

Below, Diana & Tipper in their first Snigging contest. Tipper has only been in harness for a few weeks, so this was just for experience..... we came in last - but he did GREAT! I was tired!

Melissa exibited our weanling jennet, Step Asside Girls, in the weanling/yearling halter class. This little girl was perfect, but didn't stand a chance in a class of 9 other donkeys - all over a year old and 6 of them were jacks. She just hasnt matured enough! That's ok, she was the only donkey that trotted for the judge without outside encouragement. :)

Sky exibited our beautiful sorrel jennet, Turnpike Creek Katie (who is 3 months pregnant) in Mature Jennets Halter. I don't know who enjoyed "showing off" more, Katie or Sky! They both did so well, and we thought Sky did "AWESOME" for her first experience in the show ring! And, she brought home a ribbon too!

Melissa took Rocky in (along with Travis Henderson and his donkey, Dan) to the BEST MATCHED PAIR class and won second place. Can you tell the donkeys were "impressed"? HAHA!

The last class of the day was to be Mature Jacks and Geldings. The class was so large that the judge split the class up with Geldings going in to the ring first. Melissa took Rocky and I decided to take Good Tipper in though we had not practiced halter work at all. There were some beautiful boys in that class (including a son of our herdsire that is the spitting-image clone of him!) - so imagine my absolute surprise when the blue ribbon went to GOOD TIPPER! My jaw dropped and I had to look around to get confirmation that I had heard correctly! I am so proud of this young gelding!

Waiting to go in to the class.....

And I just have to add a special "thanks sis" - this has been a great time and lots of flashbacks from when we were kids getting ready for shows.....

What a great day spending it with family and friends - two legged and four!

TDA's Newsblog

2010-07-07T14:51:00.002-05:00

The Tennessee Donkey Association publishes an (almost) monthly newsletter/blog. Take a peek at ALL EARS!

Celebration Mule and Donkey Show

2010-07-07T06:15:00.000-05:00

Beginning tomorrow, Thursday July 8th thru Saturday July 10th, is the Celebration Mule and Donkey Show in Shelbyville, TN. Since this is such a large show, farms from all over the country will be there.

PPHFarm is not showing any donkeys at this show however Diana and Bill will be helping another farm show their donkeys.

Come on out, we love cheerleaders!

Weather....again

2010-06-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

Seems like the donkeys are handling this weather better than the humans on the farm..... today's heat index is 105 degrees.

Crazy, crazy!

Record cases of equine Botulism reported after recent floods in Tennessee

2010-05-29T05:24:00.004-05:00

Please take a moment and educate yourself about the signs of equine Botulism. Though this disease is very rare, Tennessee is reporting record number of cases - most likely from the recent flooding.

Rowdy running in the rain....

2010-05-04T17:22:00.001-05:00

There was a small lull in the rain on Saturday afternoon (before all the gravel was washed from the baby lot) and the babes wanted to get a run in the rain.... Enjoy!

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Video of our place 12 hours after the rain quit....

2010-05-04T17:04:00.002-05:00

12 hours after the rains, water was still barreling down the hill - though not nearly with the gusto it had over the weekend. These videos don't tell that story, but will give you an idea.....

Middle Tennessee hit with record rainfall!

2010-05-02T09:55:00.002-05:00

It has been a tretchorous and unnerving weekend here in Middle Tennessee! Many roads are closed due to flooding - including several area's of interstates. The cities of Franklin (we are 10 minutes away) and Gallatin have been extremely hard hit due to their close proximites to rivers.

Below is a video of a portable building from an area school floating down I-24 in Nashville yesterday.

We will have some clean-up here at PPH, but so far no damage that we can't easily overcome. Our driveway is trashed with ruts averaging 12-14" deep and about the same width all over. We also lost one tree beside the house. But so far, no other problems and all people and animals are doing fine.

The weather is not over it is still pouring.... below are a few flicks I took this morning

New Flicks of "Shooter"!

2010-05-01T20:42:00.000-05:00

Just had to show off some flicks that show just how tiny this little guy is! More pics are on his webpage too!

My thumb on his hoof!

Shooters little head in my hand

Saying hello to his "aunties"! (count the fence squares!)

Texas has her foal on her due date!

2010-04-27T14:33:00.001-05:00

Well this is a first! Texas was due on Monday with her very first foal. We have been watching her closely as signs can be subtle - maidens don't always follow the "rules. Well, that is putting it lightly! No signs, zip, nadda! I went down to the stalls at 840pm last night to do a final tidying up - and as soon as she saw me, Texas laid down and started pushing! A few minutes later, the smallest foal we have had at PPHFarm was out and taking in the world! Texas is a great mom!

Here is a teaser picture that I took at 4am. We are having rain today so pictures for our web site probably are a few days out.

First foal of 2010 has a name ----- finally!

2010-04-23T06:27:00.001-05:00

Check out our Newborn page!

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Remember the TV ad, "WeAdaBabeeEatsABoy"?

2010-04-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

Well..... Precious made us crazy with the white milk, not white, white again and finally 6 days later....... He is here!

The little guy is un named at this time, but wanted to get a picture out. He weighed 20 pounds and is 22-1/4" tall.

Precious Update

2010-04-19T06:06:00.000-05:00

Can you see the egg on my face? HAHA! Still no baby outta Precious. False alarm ...... but keep watching! Full Moon is April 28th and it is the PINK Moon this month! :)

FOAL WATCH! - Precious to foal first!

2010-04-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

Precious Penelope Poole (PPP) has decided to take the lead and is on foal watch today. As of 630am today Precious had 2%+ milk. The baby is not in position yet so I think we may still 24 hours or so - but who knows! Mother Nature has her plans!

If you would like to keep watch, go to: http://www.marestare.com/fcam.php?alias=pphfarm

Barn Cams - foal time getting closer! - and new feature.... Twitter!

2010-03-30T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well, the barn cam is back up and running! We have 2 jennets due this spring - Little Texas (maiden jennet) and Precious (foaled Tennessee Tornado last spring).

Texas has had lots of time logged in the "momma-to-be" suite - as she got to be several jennets "buddy" last year during the 2009 foalings. But this is her first time thru it as a momma-to-be. She is a sweet girl and everything seems to be moving along on schedule. Texas is due on April 26th and King is the sire.

Precious is due on May 5th and King is the sire. She looks like she could spit this baby out early, but she was the same way last year. Time will tell!

New feature: we are now on Twitter! If you want to recieve the most up-to-date info on our foalings, sign up to receive "tweets". To sign up: click here to join our Twitter page. There is even an option to receive updates via text on your cell phone.

Welcome to our barn - click to "come on in"!

EDUCATIONAL: Placenta Previa aka "Red Bag" Foaling

2010-03-12T06:28:00.000-06:00

It's nearly spring-time and farms are birthing out foals everywhere (PPHFarm has two foals due this spring)! From time to time we find a good article or video that really teaches us and helps better prepare us for the "out of the ordinary" situation.

Let me give a little background on RED BAG FOALING before watching the video: As its name implies, a red bag appears at the jennet/mare starts into active labor. Of course we are expecting a white bubble. Instead, the placenta has detached from the uterus prematurely. Without the placenta attached to the uterus, the foal has no source of oxygen. This is a critical situation for the foal. There is no time to wait. It is imperative that the placenta be broken when it protrudes from the vulva and the foal is given assistance to be born immediately. Oxygen deprivation occurs in a very few minutes and unless the vet happened to be driving up your driveway, there probably isn't any use making a call if you want to have any chance of saving the life of the foal.

The people in the video did it right (including the praying)

Here are some notes to hold on to if you are ever have a Red Bag foaling:

Break the placenta with your hand. The water will probably gush out.
Chances are that the foal is in normal position just behind the placenta, either tear the amniotic sac or hold onto the foal's legs and assist with the extraction of the foal from the mare.
The foal needs to breath very soon! If the foal does not start breathing on it's own when it is born, straighten out its head /neck to make an air way and give the foal mouth to NOSE breathing. If you are successful getting air to the lungs, you should be able to see the foal's chest rise with each breath.

A big thanks to Painted Sun Miniature Horses for putting this video out on the interenet to help others!

Chicken Tender

2010-03-02T07:45:00.000-06:00

This weekend we aquired 4 laying hens for fresh eggs. Our labrador retriever, Jake, has been protecting them ever since they were placed in the coop. Jake has no intentions of harming them - just making sure that they are okay. Too cute..... he is our "Chicken Tender"!

Tennessee Donkey ASSociation Officers Elected 2010

2010-02-24T06:40:00.000-06:00

Elections for the TDA Officers for 2010 were elected this past Saturday at the TDA's Annual Meeting. (Officers are pictured below) As the new President for 2010 I plan on focussing on lots of fun and education! If you are not currently a member of TDA - visit our TDA Website. You can also find us on Facebook!

New Officers elected for 2010: (L to R) Katrina Fleener TDA-Vice President; Teresa Puckett – Reporter & Show Awards Committee;
Dayle Haworth – Show Awards Committee; Maria Randall – Middle TN Vice President; Lydia Spears – Treasurer;
Diana Poole – President; Shirley Price – East TN Vice President; Kay Allen – Show Awards Committee

Wow, did it snow!

2010-01-31T19:16:00.003-06:00

Been an interesting last few days....

On Friday, Bill took three hours to get home in what would normally be a 20 minute drive and just as he got to our little road he slid his truck in to the ditch. Neither he or the truck were hurt - but here it is Sunday night and no one is leaving our little valley still. It is very, very slick and slippery and very dangerous on our hills and road.

We had just shy of 8" of snow by 9pm on Friday and guess what - it started raining! By the time we got up Saturday morning, we had almost 2" of ice on top of the snow. Wild, I tell ya! Just wild! LOL!

Today was a beautiful day to be stuck on the farm! Just a gorgeous day! All the animals - 2-legged and 4 - had the solar panels flaired for maximum exposure! Below are some flicks I took today...

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Memories of Squeeky 1978?-2010

2010-01-20T06:32:00.002-06:00

(taken 2009)

For the first time ever at Poole's Paradise Hill Farm, we wake up and look out the windows and we don't see Squeeky.....

Back in 1999, we had just bought our property and got a call from a friend. She was helping someone in Rutherford County find a home for some abandoned donkeys (they had lived wild for at least 18 months) and we agreed to take them in. Squeeky was one of them. We weren't told ahead of time of her physical maladies - it didn't matter, one look in her eyes, Squeeky KNEW she had sucked us in!

Squeeky quickly became Bill's "girl". It all started with a Ham sandwich....with spicy mustard! We were out at the farm one weekend clearing more land (for our house site) and taking a lunch break. Bill didn't notice that he had something sneaking up behind him. But, he did... Squeeky put her head over Bill's shoulder and stole his sandwich right out of his hand! Ate it all, and then begged for more. That was it for Bill! His "Girl"!

Always a hit during farm visits, Squeeky loved people and we loved to tell her story. Children were especially impressed how well she did getting around with only 3 good legs (and in the last year or so, just two, some days.) But, this past year was just too much for her and with all she had going against her- and her age - (the vet estimated her to be between 30-33 years old) yesterday she asked us to let go....

Squeeky is running like the wind in the greenest of pastures, braying and kicking her heels with glee. In pain no more.

Thank you ol' gal for starting it all!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T16:24:00.000-06:00

Now that the hectic and wonderful days of Christmas and New Years have settled down a bit, Bill and I wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY 2010! We hope that this year brings you all your wants and dreams.

Over the holiday we had three of our grandchildren visit us at the farm for the first time (we have traveled to them for the last few years) and I have to say - they are donkey magnets! I have attached a couple of "brag" pictures.

Thinking about getting a Mini-Donkey or mini-horse?

2009-12-16T11:17:00.001-06:00

Thinking about making a purchase of either a miniature donkey or a miniature horse? They are both very cute animals and each has its own very distinct personality traits; upkeep and feeding needs.

Most often donkeys are treated as horses with long ears. These unique creatures have distinctive behaviors when compared to horses. I have listed a few “spotlights” –

EATING: Donkeys are browsers. They nibble for a while on whatever is available, then nap, conserving their energy. They are so efficient in metabolizing their food that they can easily become obese. Feed recommendations for horses is not the way to feed a donkey. (We recommend lots of pasture/hay & minimal amounts of high quality feed. Please discuss with your veterinarian.)

Horses are grazers. They have a high metabolic rate and will graze 18 to 20 hours a day to maintain their body weight.

SICK OR PAIN: Donkey’s have a high pain threshold and can easily hide their pain. Usually by the time that the donkey is showing signs of a health problem it has already reached a chronic – and sometimes a terminal – stage. Unlike a horse, the donkey will continue to eat when they are dehydrated or sick. This is good for an animal that is a native to the desert, but not good for the owner who may not realize their donkey is sick because it continues to eat.

WHEN STARTLED: Donkeys are not easily startled. They have a keen sense of curiosity and will usually stop dead in their tracks and assess. If they run, they only go a short distance, then stop and turn to face whatever scared them before they make a decision whether to stand still or continue fleeing.

Nature provided horses with a strong flight instinct and long legs so they could run to escape predators. Horses easily startle. Horses run blind and will jump over and through any obstacle in their path.

TRAINING: Donkeys think and reason. They make decisions based on their safety. And they can learn what it is we would like for them to do if we take the time to explain it to them. The strongest instinct in a donkey is survival. Training a donkey relies on showing him through actions and words that he can trust you to protect him from harm.

Most horse training methods rely on a horse's reaction to a pecking order in the herd. The horse trainer becomes the boss horse of the herd to teach a horse to react to a cue for a particular action.

In our journeys with these wonderful animals that we care for, we have had many people exclaim they cannot believe their child just walked right up to a donkey to pet it; talk to it; or hug it (or all three!).... As if the donkey asked the child to. We have discovered that most children that are afraid or intimidated by other animals (dogs; horses (mini or large); cows...) will walk right up to a miniature donkey without a thought or hesitation. (We call it “kid-whispering” HA!)

Donkey or Horse? That is a personal decision. It is our hope that this has helped you on your decision making journey.

Pictures of the Christmas Parades!

2009-12-08T17:06:00.000-06:00

The Leipers Fork Parade was an absolutely beautiful sunny COLD, COLD day! Just like a Christmas Parade should be. We got so wrapped up in the fun - that we didn't take pictures..... except this one that a friend snapped right before the parade started. We took Rocky (driving Bill in the cart); Tipper and Toto to represent the donkeys.

Diana & Toto (our 28" Ambassador donkey)

The COLLEGE GROVE Christmas Parade was a Tennessee Donkey ASSociation function with only a few members attending (it is so hard to get to everything going on at this time of year). The clouds didn't cooperate but we had a blast. We had not been in this parade before and were pleasantly surprised at how large it is.

Group picture before the parade started

Our little neighbor filled in as official "Candy Thrower" as our grandson was sick.

FUN FUN FUN!

Toto loaded with toys

This is Christmas Parade Weekend!

2009-12-03T06:29:00.001-06:00

This weekend donkeys and their people from Pooles Paradise Hill Farm will be participating in two parades.

On Saturday (12/5) at 2pm we will be at the Village of Liepers Fork Christmas Parade. This is favorite parade of a lot of people and we love that we were invited to participate again this year (this picture is from last years parade.)

On Sunday (12/6) don't miss the College Grove Christmas Parade - it also begins at 2pm. We hope to have several members from the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation join us at this parade to help make a big showing . This will be the first time our little donkeys have been in this parade.

I do want to mention the Spring Hill Parade.... though we will be unable to participate in this one (due to scheduling of the Liepers Fork parade) our friends from ASS ME Y Farm will be participating in their very first parade that day and would love cheerleaders! This parade is on Saturday 12/5 at 5pm.

Hope to see you!!!!

Watch our Babies!

2009-11-22T18:07:00.001-06:00

I was in the kitchen at 630 this morning pouring myself a cup of coffee and I looked out the window and there was quite a show going on..... I grabbed the video cam and ran out on the deck (Brrr!!!) and this video is what I got. (BIG SMILE!)

Hope you enjoy as much as I have.... CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

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Tennessee Donkey ASSociation Awards Banquet 2009 - Sat 11.14.09

2009-11-15T07:25:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful day for fellowship with members of the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation. We met at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin for a wonderful meal catered by one of our members and had our awards banquet.

The awards were spread out thru members of the club - as we had new members that participated in the programs that TDA offers. (to see a list of all winners, go to the TDA website)

Bill and his buddy ROCKY (Engmans Rocky Rococco) took home two awards! Both for driving. Bill and Rocky spend a lot of time together driving at show competitions; in parades or just on the back roads around our farm. Bill was very surprised!

2009 TDA CHAMPION HARNESS DONKEY

2009 RESERVE CHAMPION

MARTHA WILHOIT MEMORIAL DRIVING AWARD
(award presented to Bill by TDA President Lydia Spears)

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: The Cabin at Cedar Run Farm

2009-11-14T06:51:00.001-06:00

Want a place to get away for a few days?

New friends of ours (and donkey lovers) are the proprieters of a great getaway cabin in the beautiful hills of Liepers Fork - just outside Franklin, TN.

The cabin is a fully restored log home that was originally built around 1840. You can find letters written during the Civil War by the cabin's original owner hanging on the wall of the cabin, along with other documents that trace the familys history back to building the original cabin.

Visit their website at: http://www.cabinatcedarrunfarm.com/

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Thank You Veterans!

2009-11-11T07:56:00.003-06:00

Our family is full of veterans - husband, dad, grandfather, uncles, cousins and sons! Couldn't let the day slip by with out sending a big THANK YOU to all that have served our country.

THANK YOU!!!

A Quiet Sun, a Cold Winter

2009-11-06T12:08:00.001-06:00

(from the Old Farmer's Almanac)...

...is calling for a colder-than-normal winter. One contributing factor is sunspots—or the lack of them!

This year and next, sunspot activity will be very, very light. Whenever this phenomenon has occurred in the past, the result has been a cooling influence on Earth. Solar experts believe that the Sun will remain calm for another year.See sunspot activity for 2009.

Robert B. Thomas, who founded this Almanac in 1792, believed that weather on Earth was influenced by sunspots and solar radiation. Sunspots are magnetic storms on the surface of the Sun. Click here to read “What Are Sunspots?”

To this day, the Almanac uses three disciplines to predict the weather: meteorology, climatology, and solar activity. (See How We Predict the Weather.)

If you’re interested in learning more about the Sun’s effect on our climate, read “The Influence of Solar Activity on the Weather.”

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-01T14:59:00.004-06:00

Living out on the farm, we aren't used to seeing trick-or-treaters. What a cute surprise to have a visit from Shrek & Donkey!

A cute Video

2009-10-31T19:31:00.000-05:00

OPEN FARM 2009

2009-10-22T05:39:00.003-05:00

What a day! The weather was gorgeous, the hayrides were fun and the donkeys all behaved! Add a ton of friends (and new friends) to share the day with - and wow!

Thanks to everyone that has sent pictures to us - keep them coming. I will update the slideshow as I get them. Special thanks to our friend Lynn for spending the day away from her family to capture images of our day. Great friend!

In addition to enjoying s'mores; hayrides ( hosted by neighbors Pete & Jack); visiting with others and playing with donkeys, we asked a few of our friends to "show off"....

Heidi & Rod Trusler of Rolling Hills Farm told folks about their farm - specializing in pasture based products, including all natural grass-fed beef. Heidi has also published an adorable donkey-themed childrens book and had them ready for purchase.

Lucy Hatcher of Hatcher Family Dairy (Hatchers even does the processing) gave out samples of their yummy milk (even one of our cats got some!) and told about their farm tours.

And, Bonnie of Bonnies Barnyard walked around handing out Moon-pies and answering questions about her business (the best feed-store!)

To top off the day, the donkeys dressed-up (with lots of helpers) and held a parade to show off their cotour. It was truly a "catwalk" .....er, donkeywalk - like no other.

And finally, lest we forget... The Braying Contest! Though we did not have many takers - every single one did a superlative impression of a HEE-HAW! Great going!

....and we are blessed!

Wasting Hay?

2009-10-08T06:36:00.003-05:00

Are you tired of wasting hay? We were! Last year Bill & I went on a "quest" to find a better way. We watched our donkeys pull hay out of the mangers on to the ground, tromp on on it, poop on it.... you get the picture. Seemed to waste more than ever went in their mouths.

Came across a website that is a spin-off from a "natural horse" site, discussing SLOW FEEDERS. Peeked our interest! Wanting to try something without having to do much experimenting, we ordered small mesh hay bags. OH MY GOSH! These things are the bomb! The openings in the mesh are 1"x1" (versus 4" of a regular hay bag).

We have been using the bags for almost a year now, and the donkeys prefer the bags over any other - even loose on the ground!

The process of filling the bags is a little time consuming. We have been reading up on ways to add the bags to the bottom of barrels, etc to make "feeders" out of them. If we try anything successfully, will post it here later.

You can purchase the bags on the Internet. We get ours at Smith Brothers and they have held up very well.

Need more donkeys? There is always room for more!

2009-10-04T08:56:00.004-05:00

We just updated our FOR SALE page to include some "buddy" pairings at discounted pricing.

We are offering PAINT ME FLASHY and her little sister IT'S ALL ABOUT ME together and also SHEA BAHA BURRO and her foal KICK THE HABIT together. Give them a look and feel free to call us for a visit!

What a temperature change!

2009-09-29T06:29:00.003-05:00

Bill and I were JUST chatting that it was going to be a cool fall and cold winter because the donkeys are already fuzzy-wuzzys! Sure enough...... it is 44 degree's this morning! Woo-Wee!

HA! Out of control around here!

2009-09-22T07:21:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was a crazy work day and we didn't get home until almost 7. With it being premier night of so many tv programs we NEEDED to enjoy a couple of them to unwind. So..... the donkeys said it would be okay to wait 30 minutes or so to feed them. (they're the best, I tell ya!)

We use one of our stalls as a "creep" feed stall for the babies and I had re-filled their feed pans and had gone out to do the rest of the chores. Stopped by to check on our fuzzies and apparently they have added a new "fuzzy" to their gang!

The picture below was taken in terrible light with my blackberry - but as you can see, our barn cat, Bella Boo-Boo kitty has now joined the "Fuzzy Gang"! HA! We have caught her sneaking a morsel or two before, but apparently she even has her own pan now.

Crazy around here I tell ya! Just wild! Hope your day begins as happy as ours ended watching this scene!

The "purpose" of the ADMS Registry

2009-09-21T09:50:00.004-05:00

(reprinted from THE BRAYER Vol #42 10/2009 by ADMS Staff)

What does "registered" mean? The work of a registry is multi-faceted Horses are registered so that there are pedigrees - a verifiable record - of the parentage of an animal. Reviewing a pedigree can allow the breeder and future purchasers of an animal's offspring to avoid inbreeding (which in itself can lead to severe genetic defects) to see what colors and sizes were in an animal's background (heights being essential in any breed that uses height limits as a criteria) and for owners/breeders/buyer to make intelligent decisions when planning future breedings. If you are planning on breeding Miniatures with heights averaging 32", it makes no sense to use animals that are over 35", with four generations of 35" tall animals in their background.

Working with breeders, a registry also has a goal of making sure that animals in the registry are an improvement on their breed.

Recording such things as known color, mature heights, animals which have bite issues, and lines with certain conformation aspects (long backs, swaybacks, dwarfism) can build a picture of the breed as a whole.

Some registries (such as some warmblood breeds, and even the Poitevin/Mulassier) have approval procedures (inspections) where all horses of both genders must be inspected for conformation and even ability (such as jumping, form in-hand) before they are given a breeding license and some also require that the foals must be inspected for registration. These registries may give a provisional or temporary number to the offspring, then advance them once they have passed their testing. This means that weanling foals are presented alongside their mothers. They are evaluated on conformation and the way they move. If they don't have the right paperwork to even start the process (id, parent verified with DNA) they might not be able to have foal evaluation and therefore never have a chance to make it as far as the Breeding Studbook. Complicated? Absolutely.

ADMS as a registry keeps track of pedigrees, of heights and colors, and requires minimal inspection of donkeys. Geldings and mules are exempt from inspection since they are non-reproducing animals. While ADMS (as do most registries) allows animals with BOTH registered parents to be admitted into the book without inspection, it is asked that the bite of teeth and the status of testicles be reported in breeding age jacks. NO registry will accept cryptorchid or monorchid breeding males - nor should they. These are inherited defects, and males will pass it along to their offspring, they should not be used even for breeding mules, as it can lead to more prolonged and complicated surgery in their male offspring. The bite of the teeth is also an inherited factor, and it can be traced through lines where a jack sired offspring with bad bites.

In short, a registry can help the owners with a vast amount of information about the animals they are purchasing and breeding. Each time an animal is sold without being registered, another piece of important genetic information is lost.

Please register your foals as soon as they are born, instead of waiting until they are several months old (and awaiting export, or going to a show, or already sold to a new buyer). This helps keep paperwork running smoothly, and the numbers current.

Members may not be aware that statistical data about the horse industry (which includes donkeys and mules) is taken from direct polling of registries. The USDA and other agencies discount unregistered numbers. While we know that there are 4-5 unregistered animals for each that is in the ADMS books, the numbers we are polled on in general (how many total in your registry, how many new registered last year) show only those that actually have papers. If there is budget involved for farmers, ranchers, breeders, etc, it's based only on actual, not projected numbers.

Do you have Pets, Types, Landrace, or BREED? What do your record books look like? Could your family or children find your paperwork?

Registered is not just a piece of paper. It's a history of your breed, of your animal in specific, and part of a network of family and genetic records. While the paper itself is of marginal importance -it's a title, like a car title— it's the information that is holds that is vital. If you sell your animals as "Registered", be sure you already have that paper. This means your donkey(s) or mules will already have been added into the ever-growing database of information. Help your breed, keep their future possible, and support your registry with accurate, timely paperwork.

Miniature Donkey Show at the Tennessee State Fair!

2009-09-14T19:01:00.003-05:00

This Saturday, September 19th, is the NMDA Miniature Donkey Show at the Tennessee State Fair. The show will be held in the "Mule Pulling Shed" Starts at 9am!

Bill and I will be showing a couple of our donkeys in several different classes.

Here is a link to the Fair's website. http://www.tennesseestatefair.org/general/index.asp

We love cheerleaders! Hope to see you there!

Firecracker The Miniature Donkey Makes A Marvelous Choice

2009-09-04T06:32:00.003-05:00

Our friends over at Rolling Hill's Farm have just written and published a wonderful childrens book! Visit their website to learn more!

It's a light sorrel boy - last foal for 2009!

2009-08-30T15:10:00.002-05:00

Read our BABY page to get all the details!

Last foal for 2009 getting close!

2009-08-25T09:08:00.003-05:00

Loretta, our mystery due date jennet, has cloudy+ milk this morning. What that means is (usually, haha) anytime in the next 2 days she should foal.

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago, she has been just miserable.

As always, we invite you to our barn via webcam to help us watch. Loretta will have access to her paddock and stall during the day, unless I think things are progressing. You will also see TEXAS coming and going in the back stall. She is in a separate paddock, but she and Loretta can keep each other company. Click here to view the birthing stall.

To read the most up to date information about Loretta, make sure to visit and read her thread on Marestare.com. Because people from all over the world help watch our jennets via the webcam, it is better for me to post on this message board. Click here to read her thread.

Donkeys trained to pack for the Marines!

2009-08-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: Shoo fly, don't bother me!

2009-08-14T06:20:00.004-05:00

If you have animals.... you have flies! In the past, we have spent time every day during the summer spraying our donkeys with spray to keep the biting flies away from them.

Last winter, I read an article about FLY PREDATORS and both Bill and I were intrigued. Decided to try them out for a few months, somewhat skeptical that they worked. WOW, do they work!

Click here to view Spalding Labs website. It is very informative and explains how the non-stinging wasps take care of the pesty flies.

Also, if you have animals that are not shown on the website, call them. They were very helpful to me in assessing the best quanity of flies and the schedule of mailing them to us.

Step Asside Girls.... she's comin' thru!

2009-08-11T07:16:00.004-05:00

Well, Mia is our "drama queen" of the year! She had folks from all over watching her barncam for 2 days! But finally, her little one said..... "it's time!" And it was my birthday donkey! A cute little smoky black girl!

I took this video on my blackberry, so the quality isn't the best. But at 30 hours old, you can see she is not a "fainting flower"!

To see pictures and get her stats, Click Here!

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Mia on foal watch!

2009-08-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

Mia (PPHFarm's Ketch Me if You Kan) is on foal watch. When checked at 730am this morning she had white milk. At the moment (945am CT) she is not showing any imminent signs so she still has free access to her paddock. I will not close her in the stall until she looks like she is in early labor as she really dislikes being locked in.

To watch the barn cam, go to: http://www.marestare.com/slcam.php?alias=pphfarm

The most up-to-date information on Mia is at: http://latigo.marestare.com/forum/index.php?topic=18767.60

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Williamson County Fair starts this weekend!

2009-08-05T07:32:00.003-05:00

The fair starts this weekend and POOLES PARADISE HILL FARM's Miniature Donkeys will be there! A few months ago we were contacted by the 4-H department. They wanted Miniature Donkeys represented in the "Childrens Barnyard" for the duration of the fair. The barnyard is more than a petting zoo, its an educational area too! We are so excited to help out.

Come on by and support the barnyard and give our donkeys a pet when you come thru! We will be there a couple times per day to check in - but the 4-H club is taking care of all their needs, so we don't have to be there the whole time. Such a great set-up!

Click Here to visit the Williamson County Fair's website.

It's a tyger-spotted boy!

2009-08-02T06:12:00.004-05:00

Well, it happened again! These July babies just "shoot" out - no drama at all - except watching Bill and I try to get our "catchers-mitt" on fast enough! HA!

Introducing PPHFarm's Kick the Habit, born 7.31.09 at 2:38pm!

Kicks has his dam's personality and has been so comical to watch at this early age. Take a look on our barn-cam! Do it quick, as we will be moving donkeys around this week with another jennet due next weekend.

Kicks and his mom (Shea Baha Burro) are offered for sale as a package deal. We may change our mind, so if you are looking for some cuties to add to your pasture, call us quick! 615.807.3848

This picture is one I snapped with my phone - hope to get some great pics later today and they will be posted on our farm website.

Shea Baha Burro (aka Burgerdoodle) on foal watch!

2009-07-31T13:08:00.003-05:00

Burgerdoodle had cloudy to 2% milk at 11:30am today. She is a maiden jennet so she may not go by the rules..... but she is should be about 24-30 hours out from foaling. We are excited to see if this will be a spotted baby like her!

Burgerdoodle and her foal are for sale, so if you want a ready-made pet package, this is a good one! You can even name the foal!

To watch the barncam, go to: http://www.marestare.com/slcam.php?alias=pphfarm

Equine "Passports" Now Available in Tennessee

2009-07-29T17:14:00.001-05:00

To help ease the current health certificate restrictions on moving equine out of state for fairs, exhibitions and trail rides, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture recently approved our state's participation in a voluntary regional "passport" program. To read more about the program, go to: http://www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/regulatory/equinepassport.html

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Bedford County Fair - Miniature Donkey Show 7.25.09

2009-07-27T16:23:00.001-05:00

Had a blast at the show this past Saturday. It was sunny and very warm.... but had a great breeze so it was easily tolerable!

"Burgerdoodle" in front stall

2009-07-24T06:45:00.003-05:00

Comical "Burgerdoodle (PPHFarm's Shea Baha Burro) is now in the front stall under the barn cam. She is due this next week and all signs point to her foaling on time. But, only time will tell won't it?

In case you don't look at our website, Burgerdoodle and her foal are for sale! If you would like to raise a baby - this is a great deal! As soon as the foal is 2 weeks old, Burger and baby can travel "home" and can be enjoyed by the family. If interested, give us a call at 615.807.3848!

It's a Boy!

2009-07-21T18:18:00.003-05:00

Born 7.20.2009 at 9:30pm! Click here to learn more!

On foaling watch: Turnpike Creek "Katie"

2009-07-20T07:01:00.002-05:00

Katie has cloudy milk and the baby is moving down and back. She is getting close! Help us watch:

http://www.marestare.com/slcam.php?alias=pphfarm

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WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: Marestare.com!

2009-07-16T13:05:00.004-05:00

If you have been watching our barncam then you already know this service. Marestare.com was created to provide people with a window into the magical and exciting world of equine birth.

Marestare.com has been a God-send to so many farms all over the world! As farm owners, we can hook our barn cams up and feed them thru Marestare.com to the internet ...to be viewed by anyone. Many people have become such great barnsitters by keeping cams in the corner of their computer screen and peeking in from time to time. This allows the owner to rest a little easier knowing that others are watching the beloved animal.

I personally have experienced the wonderful help of Marestare - either by allowing me to get a little much needed rest (many people in Europe watch during their daytime) and last summer I had a foal saved by someone watching!

Though the name is MARESTARE, this service is used by farms and breeders of all sorts of animals - donkeys; dogs; goats and sheep to name a few! Check them out, maybe you can help watch for someone..... or use the service yourself!

Barn cam is back - it's foaling marathon time!

2009-07-15T07:25:00.007-05:00

Well it is time for our farm's "marathon"! Over the next 3-1/2 weeks we have three jennets due.

First up is Katie, our beautiful light sorrel. She is bred to a gorgeous red jack and is due 7.25.09. She has a pretty good bag going and looks like she will be pretty timely. Katie will be closed up in the front "birthing" stall at night, and will usually have free access to the paddock area during the day, until she bears a closer watch.

We have some finish work to do on the new "back" stall. It doesn't have a light or the doors on it yet, but by the weekend, Shea Baha Burro (aka BurgerDoodle)will also be shut in at night as she is due 7.30 and is a maiden. She is a spot and has more white on her than the other spot you will see. . She is a maiden jennet and is bred to our solid black herdsire PMF King Coal.

For reference, the other jennets you will see "sashaying" thru the back stall are: Ketch Me if You Kan (aka Mia) a beautiful grey jennet bred to our black herdsire. She is due 8.10. And the mostly gray spot is Loretta. She was aquired from a farm that pasture bred. We believe she is due around late September or early October. Time will tell with her.

Thank you so much for visiting our barn! We really do appreciate any help you give! Never, ever hesitate to call us if you question something that doesn't look "right" to you. We will never be upset for a false alarm. (Marestarers saved a foal for me last year!!!!)

This is the link to the barncam: http://www.marestare.com/slcam.php?alias=pphfarm alias=pphfarm

I will be keeping the barncam messageboard updated, to view (and post) on it, go to: http://latigo.marestare.com/forum/index.php?topic=18608.0

We are recovering!

2009-07-12T11:02:00.010-05:00

Bill and I have not done anything except one-day shows since owning our miniature donkeys. So, "the Celebration" was quite an experience! This is a three day event and classes were held for donkeys of all sized and for mules.

Rocky and Bill put in a great showing in driving classes. Bill was most thrilled with his 5th place winning in Reinsmanship. This is a class where the driver (Bill) is the one judged - not the donkey. Bill has never exhibited in reinsmanship prior to this.... and he decides to give it a try at the National level. (Never say Bill is a wilted flower! HAHA) He beat a couple of pro's in this class and has been on cloud nine ever since! Way to go Bill!

This is a picture of Diana & Diva (PPHfarm's Paint Me Flashy) in her first ACOSA (American Council of Spotted Asses) 3-year old and under halter class. Judge placed her 7th out of 11. Not what we had hoped for, but there were only 2 weanling's in the class - so, we chalk it up to experience and fun!

Why our cams are down

2009-07-05T09:12:00.004-05:00

I have gotten several emails in the last week asking about our barn cam. We are in the midst of a major project of renovating our maternity ward.

Up to now, our jennets foaling dates were spaced out enough that we never needed to watch more than one at a time. However, this year, we have 3 jennets due to foal in the same week!

So, we are making changes to "the ward" to be able to better watch them on the cam. It has taken us longer than anticipated as the weather has been extremely hot and this week we are readying a few of our donkeys for the Celebration show at the end of next week.

The cam will be back up and working on the internet as soon as possible. I will notify everyone when it is and will really appreciate any help in watching that you are able to do!

For Sale Page is Updated

2009-07-05T08:52:00.003-05:00

If you have been waiting and wanting for a miniature donkey - now is a great time to buy! Poole's Paradise Hill Farm has several sweet donkeys for sale and we are about to be swamped with more babies this next month. We are out of room!

This is your good fortune as we have lowered our asking price for several donkeys to get them in happy homes quickly! Give us a call at 615.807.3848 to schedule a visit soon!

Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show - July 7-9

2009-07-03T08:44:00.003-05:00

Thursday July 7th through Saturday July 9th is the NMDA (National Miniature Donkey ASSociation) and the ACOSA (American Council of Spotted Asses) NATIONAL CELEBRATION Show in Shelbyville, TN.

We will be showing a few of our donkeys each day and will have some of our babies on display. Come see us, we are in Barn 9!

Here is a link to all the class information and directions to the venue: http://www.twhnc.com/muleshow.htm

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Permanent ID for Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys

2009-06-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

We have been receiving quite a few phone calls and emails about different ways to prepare for the new identification requirement for registering miniature donkeys with ADMS. Below is the information taken straight from the ADMS website. At the end of the info. I will describe what Poole's Paradise Hill Farm is doing.

from ADMS... Please note the wording for the MDR registration requirements as of JAN 2010 reads:Donkeys will be required to have some form of PERMANENT ID (Microchip, tattoo, freeze brand, DNA on file) by this date. Microchips are strongly suggested. Freeze brands, such as angle brand used by the BLM, are a more visible alternative. ADMS wishes to remind breeders and owners that when the MDR was founded by Mrs. Langfeld in the 1950s, a Lip Tattoo or Brand was REQUIRED for registration of animals. This ruling was later phased out as people did not wish to Hot-brand their animals, and it was found that lip tattoos faded and became illegible over time.

The Registry realizes that not every person, breeders, vet, nor sale barn has a microchip reader. This is one reason that microchips are not being specified as the only form of acceptable ID. However, the cost of readers has decreased substantially over the past ten years. ADMS will not recommend any one brand of chips, as there are already multiple types in use.

What is required is that the brand, location, and individual ID number be stated on the registration papers. Normal locations are: Left nuchal ligament. Back base left ear. Front base left ear. Back base right ear. Right luchal ligament. The first three listed are the preferred areas, as they are the most commonly used. Multi-chip readers can be found on the internet, and your vet may also be able to receive one at a discounted price.

PPHfarm has chosen to use micro-chipping as its form of permanent ID on its donkeys. Though the requirement does not go in to effect until 2010, we are already chipping our herd. We have chosen to use the AVID pre-loaded micro-chip system and have found it to be working very well.

After speaking to our personal veterinarian and others outside the area. We are also placing our microchip in the left nuchal ligament. There has been much discussion about this in our local club, with members concerned that during breeding that the herdsire may bite the jennet in the area of the chip and cause issues. When I discussed this with these vets, all of them stated the same thing:

1) That once the chip is placed in the nuchal ligament, it will form a scar tissue. And that the ligament is so dense that it is virtually impossible to cause an issue.

2) When the chip is placed in this area, it will not move due to the density of the ligament.

3) One other note is that virtually all horse registries require the chip in the left nuchal ligamant. So, by chance a donkey is lost/ goes on a walkabout or is stolen, most vets are going to scan the left nuchal ligament and may not find the chip if it has been placed in a different area.

We don't want to state our way is the only way and the correct way. Please educate yourself as we did and do what you feel is right for your program.

Nothing much to report, just checking in

2009-06-19T11:29:00.003-05:00

Bill and I somehow or another figured out how to take almost a week off and leave the farm for the beautiful weather of Green Bay, WI this past week. It was just what we needed... and we celebrated a 50th birthday of Bill's buddy from the navy! What fun!

However, here we are back and temperatures are soaring! It is 92 degrees as I write this! I think we need a big fan from WI to blow their temps down this way. But all the creatures except the humans are tolerating it well.

Donkey Day Expo 2009 - Good turn-out!

2009-06-08T06:36:00.015-05:00

Donkey Day Expo was held 6.06.09 at the Maury County Park in Columbia Tennessee. What a beautiful day to hold a function!

The crowds were a little down from what we expected, but all in all, GREAT DAY!

There were very informative clinics to with information on "WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MINIATURE DONKEY?" to MICROCHIPPING and Teaching Your Donkey to drive a Cart!

We also had about 30 craft and flea market vendors to help you spend your money!

Bill and I decided that we should have become a dealer for the Carri-lite Corrals (see the picture.) We purchased ours last year and several of the farms showed up with them this year! :-)

Below are some snaps of the day! Thanks again for everyones hard work!

2nd Annual TDA Donkey Day Expo - Sat. 6.06.09

2009-05-29T11:16:00.007-05:00

The Tennessee Donkey ASSociation will be hosting its:

2nd Annual Donkey Day Expo

Saturday 6.06.09
10am - 5pm

Activities for the kids - Bring the family!

Clinics

Crafts & Flea Market

FREE

This is a great event to bring the whole family to! It is held at the Maury County Park in Columbia, TN (watch for our signs)

We will also have food concessions!

MORE INFO

PMF King Coal (son of Bo Jackson)

2009-05-24T07:56:00.002-05:00

Our herdsire, PMF King Coal, is offered for limited outside breeding to qualified jennets. We have just a few spots left for this fall.

We are going to do what??

2009-05-21T06:52:00.006-05:00

A few months ago I overheard Bill and a neighbor talking about baling the neighbors field for hay. I didn't think a thing about it as this conversation has happened many times over the last 5 years.

Well, the next thing I know, equipment starts showing up finding happy places to park in our barnyard and the neighbors too. Could this really be happening? Could my hubby REALLY be doing this? The hubby who prefers his clothes to be starched and pressed with the best of military creasing? The man who said to me before we ever were married that he couldn't see himself living more than 5 minutes from a grocery store (he has since decided he will NEVER live in town again)..... YEP! After many hours of all the typical "never done this before" OTJ training........ we have fresh, square bales of hay in the field!

Will wonders never cease?

(I hope not!)

Can you say rain? I mean.... RAIN!

2009-05-12T06:36:00.003-05:00

2009 will definitely be the year of many weather discussions! First, it was the long, drawn out, colder than (bleep) winter.... now it is rain! I know, I know..... Our farm is supplied only by a spring for water - so we are very thankful for the rain. But, it has been raining or has looked like rain for the last 10 days! Since April 26, PPH has had 9.07 inches of rain!

All the hay fields (including ours... which is REALLY our front yard!) are waiting rather impatiently to be mowed. The first cutting is going to be pretty stalky, as the rain has shot the seed stalks up to over 5 feet! Crazy isn't it?

We have a reprieve today from any rain. But tonight and for the next 5 days, we have at least a 40% chance of rain. Anybody want to go mud-bogging? :-)

Our website has been updated

2009-05-08T14:22:00.002-05:00

Our website has been updated - including the donkeys offered for sale. Hope you enjoy the video's (I am JUST learning how to do the video's so they are a little elementary)!

If you catch any typo's or bad links, please shoot me an email at diana@pphfarm.com

Thank you for (virtually) visiting our farm!

FRANKLIN RODEO PARADE this Saturday!

2009-05-04T14:11:00.003-05:00

This Saturday, May 9th at NOON in downtown Franklin is the 60th annual Franklin Rodeo Parade! This is a great family event and is the pre-curser to the Franklin Rodeo which begins on Thursday 5.14.09.

Many members of the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation will be driving or walking their donkeys in the event. So come on out and cheer us on!

If I can answer any questions about the event, I will! Just give me a call!

Subscribe to our blog

2009-05-03T08:56:00.002-05:00

I just added a new "gadget" to our blog page..... Sign up to receive an email whenever the blog has been updated.

It just takes a sec.... look at the top of the right column and fill in your email address. Easy, peasy!

Watch our babies play!

2009-05-01T20:18:00.002-05:00

Since our next foals are not due until July, we have moved the cam outside. Enjoy a few laughs by watching the babies play....

CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

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It's a Jennet!

2009-04-27T14:23:00.004-05:00

Finally at 11:28pm on Sunday night, Linzi laid down and delivered the cutest fur-baby!

Visit the nursery!

Thanks to everyone that has sent us well wishes over the last few days.

Foaling is done for a couple of months, the next baby due is Turnpike Creek Katie at the end of July. In a few days we will move the barncam outside on the baby paddock so you can watch them play.

LOW ALERT for Linzi!

2009-04-24T10:55:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let the followers now that we have a LOW ALERT on Linzi. She is showing us signs of early labor - including small contractions.

DIRECT LINK TO BARN CAM

Keep up-to-date on the message board.

Linzi is on foal watch!

2009-04-22T16:01:00.004-05:00

Miz Linzi is showing us signs of impending birth. One of the things that we watch on our donkeys is milk change. At 2:30pm today, Linzi's milk has started to take on a cloudy-ish tone. "Usually" that translates to 'between now and Friday"..... but with any birth, one never knows.

We have strawed her stall and we will be watching her from now until she foals. We would love it if you would join us in our barn, via our barn cam!

Also, to get the most up to date information on Linzi, check out her message board.

Thanks for staring!

Farm animal believed to have killed alligator

2009-04-15T19:25:00.003-05:00

The following article was forwarded to me from a TDA member...

By Dennis ShererStaff Writer
Published: Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 3:30 a.m. Last Modified: Friday, April 10, 2009 at 10:49 p.m.

ROGERSVILLE - Jay Cornelius knew his family's donkeys and mules are fearless when it comes to protecting the horses they share a pasture with, but he never dreamed they would take on an alligator.
AC = -->More Photos:
Alligator in Rogersville

Cornelius found a dead 6-foot alligator beneath the fence of a horse pasture Thursday afternoon. He suspects one or more of the three mules or three donkeys that live in the pasture killed the reptile.

A man spreading fertilizer on a nearby field found the alligator and called Cornelius. By Friday morning, the dead gator was the talk of community. Numerous friends and relatives visited the Cornelius family's farm to photograph the beast.

"Based on the way it was halfway under the fence with its head inside the pasture, I would say one of the mules or donkeys killed it," Cornelius said. "I've seen them chase coyotes out of the pasture, but never even thought about what they would do if an alligator came into the pasture."
Chris Thornton, whose family owns the adjoining property, suspects the alligator came from the Tennessee River, which is less than a mile away. Thornton said the gator might have been living in a pond on his family's property and was attempting to make its way back to the river when it encountered the mules and donkeys.

The pond is about 150 yards from where the alligator was found.

The fence the alligator was found under separates the Cornelius and Thornton properties.

"Evidently, that alligator didn't know how mean a mule or donkey can be when they are protecting their herd," Thornton said.

Jeane Grace, CEO of the Missouri-based International Mule and Donkey Association, said she has never heard of donkeys or mules attacking an alligator, but was not surprised to hear one had.

"Donkeys are very protective. Some people use them to protect sheep from coyotes," Grace said. "It was the donkeys that killed that alligator. They are meaner than the mules when it comes to protecting other animals.

"The old donkeys evidently got mad when the alligator tried to come into their pasture."
Thornton's father, D.C. Thornton, said when he and his son went to eat breakfast at a Rogersville restaurant Friday, people bombarded them with questions about the alligator. "Everybody was talking about it. It's highly unusual to have an alligator around here."

While rare, alligators live in the Shoals, said Vinny Groso, director of Florence Animal Control.
"We get reports from time to time about alligators being seen on the Tennessee River. I've seen them out there myself. There was one seen last year in the Elk River, not too far from where this one was found.

"There are several living over at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, but there are probably fewer than 200 in all of north Alabama." Grosso said there is no reason to fear the alligators. "They are very reclusive animals. Typically, unless someone is harassing them or the alligator is protecting its nest, they are not going to attack a human. Instead, they are going to do everything they can to try and get away when they see a human."

Chris Thornton doesn't plan on taking any chances the next time he and his 6-year-old daughter go fishing in the pond where he suspects the alligator had been living. "I'm going to check the pond out real close to look for alligators before we start fishing. The dead one could have a mate that's still here. I never thought I would have to worry about running into an alligator when we go fishing."

Linzi is due April 21st

2009-04-14T06:37:00.003-05:00

Sweet Linzi is now on the barncam and closed in the birthing stall at night.

This jennet is the most affectionate donkey! She loves to hug - no joke! If she can catch you the least bit bent over, she will put her head on you (full weight) and lift one of her front legs to embrace you. It is the sweetest thing!

Linzi is the dam of ASSK ME NO QUESTIONS - our junior herdsire. She passes her wonderful disposition on to her offspring.

Can't wait to see this new little one - a buddy for Twist!

Sooo, anytime you have a few minutes - or can't sleep at night - take a peek at Linzi and don't hesitate to call if you see anything suspicious. Click here to go to the BARNCAM.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-09T17:07:00.004-05:00

Click the image above to see a larger picture!

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: Hatcher Family Dairy!

2009-04-07T07:02:00.005-05:00

Hatcher Family Dairy got its start in 1831 and has had 5 generations of Hatchers running it. Bill and I have known the Hatchers for a lot of years thru their other vocation..... their veterinary practice.

A few years back, the family decided to open their farm to tours which have just been great fun. Located just 8 minutes from our farm and 15 minutes from Franklin, TN, if you are in the area, you must schedule a visit!

Check out their website - don't miss
the "Cow of the Month"!

Mini Mania was a blast....

2009-04-05T18:50:00.003-05:00

.... but we are glad it is over! LOL! If you aren't from around here, you don't know how big MULE DAY is every year in Columbia, TN. The weather cooperated (a special treat in itself!) this weekend and crowds came out in droves. I heard on the news this morning that there had been 250,000 people thru the gates already - not counting Sunday. WOW!

We had a huge exibiter turnout for Mini Mania as well. Lots of new faces and a few that haven't been seen in a while!

We took Engmans Rocky Rococco and PPHfarm's Paint Me Flashy. Rocky enjoyed all his driving classes and even got a YELLOW ribbon in Pole Bending - a speed event!

Diva (Paint Me Flashy) was a little overwhelmed by the long day and all the new things. She finally had a meltdown and after that she was great. She exhibited in two classes (for experience) we were so proud of her.

We never laughed so hard watching the popular PANTY RACE. In this class, exhibitors run with their donkey to the line, grab a pair of (huge granny) panty's and proceed to put them on the donkey... then, you run like heck back to the finish line! There were 15 participants this year - and fellow TDA member, Heidi Trusler and her donkey Rhett, took home the BLUE with ease. What a riot!

We are so proud of our donkeys - and their ambassadorship - and all the fun we had at the show.

New Baby born 4.02.09 during the storms!

2009-04-03T20:16:00.003-05:00

Check out our website to see the new baby jack at Poole's Paradise Hill Farm! He's a cutie!

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For Sale

2009-03-31T15:11:00.002-05:00

We have just updated our FOR SALE page. Have a look at: http://www.pphfarm.com/Donkeys_For_Sale.html

Mini Mania at Mule Days - Columbia, TN

2009-03-29T18:27:00.003-05:00

Our first show of the season is next Saturday at the Maury County Park in Columbia, TN. It is one of the many shows and exhibits that will be going on during the world-famous MULE DAYS.

The show starts at 6:30pm and will take place in the Walking Horse Arena. This is a fun show, only TDA rules apply. If you don't want to show, we could sure use cheerleaders! Come on out and bring the family!

For more information about Mule Days, go to: www.muleday.com

Meet Bella Boo-Boo!

2009-03-28T07:31:00.002-05:00

We recently have a client that was unable to keep their beloved kitty due to severe allergies by a family member. Bella Boo-Boo (no, I didn't name her - can you believe it? haha) has been with us for a few weeks now. However, she walked in the door on day one as if she has been here forever.

Bella can be seen from time to time on the barn cam. She stops by the stall to visit the donkeys.

Precious update

2009-03-19T14:47:00.002-05:00

Well, I am calling myself "Mrs. Wolf" now! I have had our followers on stall-watch for almost 2 weeks now. I am sorry for all the false alarms - I am not usually this wrong with labor signs. It's the nervousness of not knowing when she is due and that she is a maiden jennet that has done it to me.......... honest!

Precious is showing classic signs now - so, hopefully we will have a beautiful foal for Precious to love (and she will finally know why she is so big) and for all of us to enjoy, in the next couple days.

Read: http://latigo.marestare.com/forum/index.php?topic=13881.0 for the most up to date information.

Dung Beetles are back!

2009-03-17T12:45:00.006-05:00

I was out doing my morning rounds of "scoop the poop" and I yelled across the pasture to hubby, "They're back!".... of course he just rolled his eyes at me. But, those little insects are amazing little creatures and are just great for pasture management!

Did you know that Dung beetles help control internal and external parasites of equine and cattle? The beetles' activity can reduce nematodes (internal parasitic worms) by as much as 90% and horn flies by 95%. The Dung beetles do not actually kill the parasites. It's their dissipation of a poop pile. They disrupt or bury the parasites so they cannot complete their life cycle. Pretty cool stuff! (ok, I admit, I am a little wierd!)

There are several species of Dung Beetle in North America. The type we see around here most of the year are a tunneler. The adults make a tunnel under the poop pile and lay their eggs. Though we still have to clean the barn stalls, we have tried to create a "dung beetle friendly" environment by rotating our wormers, etc. This past year, (during spring, summer and fall) the manure accumulation in our pens and pastures were greatly reduced. We hope the dung beetles stay happy with us again this year!

PMF King Coal - Standing at Stud 2009

2009-03-14T07:05:00.006-05:00

Our solid black herdsire, PMF King Coal, has a few bookings left for the 2009 breeding season. To learn more about him and his get, click here.

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: Bambooya!

2009-03-07T07:15:00.008-06:00

BAMBOOYA is owned and operated by our neighbor.... Wonderful products! Read on....

As one of the oldest renewable and sustainable natural resources, and more than 1,500 species, bamboo has been used as a staple in every day life for three thousand years in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, as well as Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean (and many other countries), and is said to have one thousand and one uses! Here in the United States, we have only just begun to put bamboo to good use, and the contemporary uses are awesome—such as ultra-soft, organic bamboo fabrics and yarns—used for baby clothes, t-shirts, and towels, etc.; bath and body products—rich with bamboo mineral salts and silica; "green", biodegradable, disposable plates; hand-finished kitchen utensils, and so much more.

As avid bamboo lovers, we at Bambooya look forward to discovering, creating, and offering you the most unique, eco-friendly bamboo products and gifts, made in the U.S.A, and from around the world. We hope you are inspired by the wonders of this life-sustaining grass, and in the spirit of friendship, we welcome you to our bamboo community!

Visit Bambooya!

Progress with Precious

2009-03-06T10:40:00.003-06:00

If you are interested in keeping up-to-date on Precious (she is getting close!) follow our MareStare message board....

http://latigo.marestare.com/forum/index.php?topic=13881.0

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Barn Cam is on

2009-03-02T12:35:00.005-06:00

We have two jennets due in the next 45 days. We have turned the barn cam back on to start monitoring them.

Precious (dark gray) is due first - we think. We aquired her already bred and all we were told is she is due in the "spring". Precious is a maiden (meaning she has not had a foal before) and she is showing lots of signs. So we want to keep a good eye on her.

You will also see Linzi (sorrel), she is not due until mid-April but a lone donkey is a sad donkey. So Linzi has graciously agreed to be her buddy and help her through all this. (smile)

To watch the cam: click on barn cam on our website OR go to: http://www.marestare.com/slcam.php?alias=pphfarm

We will start a thread on Marestare.com soon. Their message board will be the most up-to-date, as people all around the world who are watching our cam will post. I will let you know when that gets started.

2009 Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Donkey ASSociation

2009-03-01T15:31:00.011-06:00

What a nice meeting we had yesterday in Shelbyville. Our fellow club member, Maria Randall catered the meal and we all decided that she by far was better than any restaurant!! Thank you Maria.

Officers were elected: (left to right) LJ Mix (Wee Ones Farm - Gallatin, TN); Lydia Spears (Miniacre Farm - Hohenwald, TN); Bill Poole (Poole's Paradise Hill Farm - College Grove, TN); Dayle Haworth (Half-Ass Acres - Chapel Hill, TN); Maria Randall (Little Miracles Farm - Wartrace, TN); Theresa Puckett (Crooked Creek Ranch - Gallatin, TN) and Kay Allen (Blessed Assurance Farm - Lewisburg, TN). Not pictured were: Dennis Vonderfecht (Appalachian Farmstead - Jonesboro, TN) and Joe Haworth (Half-Ass Acres - Chapel Hill, TN)

As many of our followers know, we love to show off our donkeys and really have fun participating in parades and other functions with them. Imagine our surprise yesterday when we were presented with the Tennessee Donkey ASSociations "Kerry Little Memorial Rookie Award"! Very special to us! We can't wait to present next year's "rookie" with their award!

Bill was surprised again when he was also presented with the Tennessee Donkey ASSociations "Martha Wilhoit Memorial Driving Program" 2008 RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION Award for his donkey "Rocky"! Bill told Rocky all about it as soon as we got home, and Rocky was very happy.... and looking for a little extra grain! haha!