Treasurer: Jill Castle
Secretary: Amanda Wallace
Juniors Resonsibility: Hester Little
Area Representative: Jane Bruce
Regional Delegate to Council: Elizabeth Croskery
Le Trec in Northern Ireland
On August Bank Holiday Monday Robert Wallace and Hester Little took part in the 1st ever British Driving Society?s Le Trec in Northern Ireland . It was a great day and as Denis was the only donkey there was a lot of interest in whether he would be able to compete with the ponies but he held his own and was a great advert for donkeys. In the morning the competitors went on a 4 mile road drive after having harness and vehicle checked as well as the dress of whip and groom. In the afternoon they had to complete skill tasks eg: cone driving, 1 minute stop without moving and reversing along a white line for 3 meters. Click on the photo to see more photos of Robert and Hester. Royal Ulster Agricultural Show Donkey Display 2010
The Annual Donkey Display took part at the Balmoral Show on Thursday 13th May this year with 22 donkeys taking part. The display was split into three sections;
Click on the picture for more photos
The Past, The Present and The Future.
The Past contained 11 turn outs of machinery and vehicles used in the early part of the 1900s. Thomas Magill displayed a sprayer, potatoes digger, hay turner & rake, pig cart & child?s jaunting. William and Ashley Brown showed a turnip sewer which had been used on their family farm in the past. Robert Wallace drove a Norfolk trap made by his grandfather with the Parke family taking part in the display with a slip, stiff cart and square trap.
The Present was donkeys taking part in an Obstacle course containing a bridge over a river, washing on a clothes line, walking over plastic and weaving through cones with the final object being a jump. The crowd really enjoyed getting behind and cheering on their favourite donkey. The star on the day with the biggest cheer was Amy Hannah aged 5.
The display was well received by all who watched and we received a great complement form the RUAS past president who said that it was fantastic to see so many well turned out donkeys and for putting on such a great display.
Thursday 13th May
Royal Ulster Agricultural Show - A Display of Donkeys
Click on this link for more events in Northern Ireland or read on
Shows:
N.I. region events:
Robert Wallace took his British Driving Society ROAD DRIVING ASSESSMENT TEST yesterday and passed, he is the first person from the DBS in Northern Ireland to take the test. He had to drive 4 mile including a right turn at a roundabout, cross a crossroads and answer questions asked by the examiner Mr Orr. When he returned he had to re assemble a harness and explain the different reasons for each part. Jane Bruce
International turnout for Donkey Driving Clinic
Seventeen N.I. driving enthusiasts gathered at Laurel View Equestrian Centre in Templepatrick on 11th October to learn more about the art of long reining and donkey driving.
Members came from near and far with the furthest coming from Co.Meath, Southern Ireland and Switzerland!
Guest speakers on the day were the very knowledgeable drivers Mrs Elma Cunningham from Scotland and Mrs Olwen Brown from Manchester.
The day began with an assessment of members donkeys and their harness. The importance of correctly fitted safe harness was discussed and how the various pieces of harness enabled the donkey to do it's job once in draught. Other topics included the basics of long-reining, the art of show craft, how to give an individual show, the part played by a groom (ably displayed by Mr Robert Cunningham), turnout for donkey and driver as well as the various driving vehicles and the classes in which they should be entered. Tips and tricks of the show ring were also relayed to a very attentive audience.
The day concluded with a show giving handlers and drivers the opportunity to put all they had learnt into practise.The clinic proved to be most informative and was warmly received by all who attended. By the end of the day a significant improvement could be seen in the skill of the long-reiners and their young donkeys and also in the techniques taken on board by the drivers of the driven donkeys.
We are indebted to to our guest speakers Elma and Olwen for all their time and expertise, a big thank you also goes out to the DBS for providing funding for the clinic and finally thanks to Laurelview Equestrian Centre for the use of their excellent facilities.
Jane Bruce
Remembering Sarah
Sarah Andrew from Anahilt, Hillsborough long standing junior member of the Donkey Breed Society suddenly and sadly passed away at home on Christmas Eve 24th December 2008 aged 11 years old.
Sarah had battled a lifelong illness with courage and resilience and spent her final days with her parents Vivienne and Mark. Although Sarah's illness made her appear frail, she possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges.
Sarah was one of the first members of the Donkey Breed Society in Northern Ireland and will be remembered as a keen member of the junior section. With her donkey 'Son of Jacob' Sarah proved to be a wonderful ambassador for the society. Sarah was a previous recipient of the Irish Donkey Society Trophy and more recently was awarded the DBS Active Donkey Award Cup for seven years devoted commitment to promoting donkeys in a positive light. She had also successfully completed the Introductory and Bronze level DBS Test Awards and was due to complete her Silver level in January.
Sarah was a familiar face at all of the main agricultural shows for many years and despite her physical challenges competed with determination in both the ridden and in hand classes often with great success. Both in and out of the ring her humility and gentle spirit were an inspiration to all.
Sarah's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her life understood that the quality of her existence far exceed the quantity of time in which she lived. Her gentle smile, and unassuming kind nature for a child so young made her a joy to be around. She will be deeply , deeply missed by all the N.I. members and all our thoughts are with her parents Mark and Vivienne at this time.
Jane Bruce
The Donkey Breed Society AGM and Dinner took place at the Templeton Hotel on Saturday 10th November.
This was a historic occasion as this was the first ever AGM held in N.I. since the society's formation in 1967. Council members from England, Scotland and Wales deliberated on the business of the day and this proved to be both informative and gave N.I. members a better insight into the workings of the society. N.I. members travelled from all arts and parts and it was welcoming to see those who had made the special effort to attend from Enniskillen.
Several information tables were also on display during the day to give members a chance to peruse a wide range of interests. Tables included displays from the Active Donkey Award Scheme, a N.I. members photographic display, a table detailing donkey driving , as well as a display of foreign breeds and 'Smart Ass donkey rugs' kindly brought along a selection of rugs for owners to peruse. Local artist, Lorna Hamilton from Crossgar also displayed some of her beautiful donkey portraits and the art gallery Castle Upton also had a beautiful donkey painting on show. There was also a DBS merchandise table for those wishing to make early christmas related donkey purchases! Following on from the business of the AGM, members had the chance to mingle under a more informal atmosphere at the evening dinner. Donkey chat was the order of the day and many notable donkey breeders, exhibitors, judges, show representatives and society supporters enjoyed what can be only described as a thoroughly superb night. Entertainment was provided in the form of the Irish dancing group Celtic Storm from Crossgar who were simply stunning and music was kindly provided by traditional Irish musicians The Pluckin Squeezers as well as more modern music provided by Maggie Jane's. Both groups helped to keep members dancing into the early hours of the morning.
Particular mention must also go to Miss Sarah Andrews from Annahilt who was the successful recipient of the beautiful Active Donkey Award Cup. Sarah has been a tireless ambassador in promoting the positive attributes of the donkey in several activities and has been a keen supporter of the scheme for 7 years. Well done Sarah.
Finally, special thanks must go to Dr Yvonne Canavan, Hester Little, Elizabeth Croskery and Bill Tetlow for helping to organise the AGM as well as our very efficient secretary Carol Morse, our Chairperson - Carol Travell and many other individuals on the council and various committees of whom there are too many to mention. Jane Bruce DBS Area Rep N.I.
The year got off to a busy start for members with a combined training day and stud book inspections in March at Mossvale Equestrian Centre in Dromara.
This was the 2nd and final opportunity for donkey owners to present their donkeys for assessment and potential inclusion in the Stud book registrar. A good turn out of 15 donkeys were presented which helped to keep vet Mark Cubberly of Ards Equine Surgery busy. Some eyecatching donkeys presented included Clifford Parke's 'Dandy', Anne Brown's minature donkey 'Finbar' and Tom Magill's 'Jack'.
Following on from the studbook inspections which took place in the morning, members had the opportunity to practice an obstacle course which included a variety of obstacles such as a washing line, a cross pole , umbrellas , wheelie bins, etc. Most of the donkeys took the obstacles in their stride so it would appear that a lot of practicing must be taking place at home!
The day finally rounded up with a -light - dressage competition. This is the first practice session which had been held for members and the emphasis here was on fun and learning. Under the watchful eye of judge Miss Claudia Knoll members had the chance to - have a go - at dressage. For many people this was their first experience of dressage and many made a commendable effort at completing the test. The difficulty was not always persuading the donkey to walk or trot but in the handler working out were A , C and the various letters were!
Congratulations on all who took part and the excellent audience who gave rapturous applause once competitors had concluded their tests. Handlers received their test sheets back which gave valued commentary and hopefully they will be able to build on these performances next time.
In April, the rescheduled charity walk/drive/ride was held at Loughgall Country Park. Several members and their donkeys completed the route of just over 6 miles raising over £80.00 for Sathya Sai Sanctuary for donkeys in Sligo. The weather was suitably calm if slightly overcast.
Donkeys and their walkers covered pretty woodlands tracks as well as passing through a farmyard and the odd swinging golfer! ? I should explain that the park is centered around a golf course. Walkers also encountered an unexpected shooting range and well done to the handlers for encouraging their donkeys to walk past what was a rather spooky situation.
Special mention must go to junior members Sarah Andrews for adding a bit of sparkle to the occasion by dressing up ? well done! Other notable participants included Michelle Beattie with her two beautiful donkeys Spudgun and Suzie who were making their first outing of the year. Both donkeys behaved very well and were beautifully turned out. Thanks to all who supported this worthy event , it is hoped to organize another sponsored event soon.
In May , the donkey display made a much welcome return to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Show. This year the display incorporated a ?traditional theme? and both donkeys and handlers evoked memories of rural years gone by. The Irish working donkeys on display reminded the public that donkeys had at one time spent their lives as a valued part of the rural community working on farms where they carried out a multitude of tasks. In this section Hester Little and Thistle displayed the donkeys? versatility by pulling logs , Robert Wallace drove a farm cart complete with milk churns, Mr Clifford Parke drove his donkey to a tub cart and young John Hamilton displayed a donkey in fully working harness. The display also included various ridden donkeys which helped to depict the modern usage of the donkey as a pet and companion animal. Two young jockey?s Amy Hanna (3 years old) and Tristan Wallace (4 years old) skillfully guided their mounts (with the assistance of their handlers!) much to the delight of the crowds. Several foreign donkeys were also exhibited and served to show the public the many different breeds that are prevalent throughout Europe. Donkeys from Spain , France and Italy were skillfully exhibited and caused an interest amongst the spectators who witnessed donkeys in various heights ranging from the miniature Mediterranean donkey at just 32 inches to the 14.2 hands Catalonian donkey. A quick reminder of Agricultural Show dates for your diary.
All the following will be holding donkey classes:
Ballymena Show
Lurgan Show
Armagh Show
Saintfield Show
Newry Show
Castlewellan Show
Anyone having read this who would like to have a go at dressage even if only round the sitting room can obtain copies of the tests. The DBS has two tests, one for Novice and one for Intermediate levels of training - both of which can be called from the side of an arena to those who feel limited in memory capacity.
Copies of the tests are available from: ros11e@btinternet.com
2007
The new premier show for Northern Ireland - The Cultra Donkey Show took place at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and proved to be a resounding success.
Strong entries in all classes kept the judge Mrs Brit Horrocks busy and she eventually found her champion in Mr C.Parke's stallion 'Minty'. Mr Parke also took the reserve title with his gelding donkey 'Tony'.
In the Junior championship John Hamilton and Robert Wallace tied for first place and were delighted to be awarded sashes in the colours of the Donkey Breed Society. Reserve junior champion went to Tristan Wallace.
In the driven championship Mr Parke from Annalong followed on his earlier success in the hand championship by taking both Champion and Reserve driving titles. He was awarded the Old Manor Mill Cup.
The highlight for many spectators during the day however proved to be the handy donkey class which tested the skill of exhibitors to ?persuade? their donkeys to negotiate a course of obstacles. Walking under a washing line (complete with washing) and walking on a tarpaulin cover proved the most difficult tasks with many donkeys firmly digging in their hooves and refusing to budge! Cheers and rounds of applause went up from the general public as the exhibitors tackled the course.
Another class which attracted much attention was the traditional dress class which saw a very high standard of turnout of exhibitors and donkeys. In this class there were donkeys carrying creels, a donkey pulling a log, a young handler dressed as a coalman?s helper with his harnessed donkey and a traditional farmcart. Rosie McDonald from the Folk and Transport Museum was the deserved winner fully resplendent in original costume with 'Joey' who was carrying traditional creels with turf.
Special thanks go to all of the sponsors who made the day possible : The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Spillers Horse Feeds, Old Manor Mill and Kinedale Stud. Also many thanks to James and Valerie Eccles who did a sterling job of stewarding the rings.
The Annual DBS N.I. dinner
This took place this year at The Pheasant, in Annahilt, Co.Down.
Many members took the opportunity to come along for a pleasant meal and some donkey conversation.
Active Donkey Award Certificates were presented to
- Hester Little
- Robert Wallace
- Sarah Carleton Andrews.
In addition Robert and Sarah were given Easter Eggs as it was Easter Saturday.
DBS Test Award certificates were also awarded to recipients and as mentioned rosettes will be forwarded in due course once they are received by myself.
DBS Test Awards
It is hoped to hold the Bronze Level Test Award in November. Please let me know if you are interested in taking part.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Show.
Following conversations with committee members of the Balmoral Show, I was invited to produce a donkey display this year and invited several friends to take part. The display was not held under the auspices of the DBS, however some members of the DBS did take part as well as members of our sister society the IDS. The display included a wide range of donkeys from foreign breeds to working donkeys , such as a donkey carrying creels, ridden donkeys, a beautiful driven donkey to a traditional farm cart and a ploughing team. Special mention must go to Denis Feehily who traveled all the way from Sligo with his ploughing team of 'Captain' and 'Ferdia' and also his assistant handler John O'Hara. A round of applause was heard as he passed the main spectator area. There was great buzz as the donkey display took place and much media interest. BBC NI filmed parts of the display and we were very fortunate to have the presence and approval of the Chief Executive of the RUAS Mr Colin McDonald.
A big thank you to all those taking part and for putting so much effort into turning their donkeys out to such a high standard - the day would not have been a success without you! Thanks also to Elizabeth Croskery for doing such a commendable job of reading the commentary. All the feedback from spectators, Balmoral committee and other competitors has been very positive and hopefully we have been able to raise the status of the donkey and promote it in a positive manner.
Irish Donkey Society National Show
Congratulations to all members who took part in the Irish Donkey Show.
Members were rewarded with some 1st and 2nd placings in several classes after making the long trip south ? well done!
Well done to Hester Little and 'Thistle' for picking up the Championship rosette at the Ballymena Show on the 26th May. Sandra Anderson and 'Crunchie' took the Reserve title.
Further dates for your diary.
Contact the relevant show secretary as stated:
*ATTENTION* Can all members please note that all DBS Ridden classes will incorporate donkeys on/or off lead reins as per DBS recommendation for Showing Rules (4). Unless otherwise stated in the show catalogue or by a show official.
Saturday 19th June - Saintfield Show
First time affiliation for Saintfield so they would appreciate your support.
For a full list of classes and contact details go to : www.saintfield-show.co.uk
Closing date for entries 29th May - NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY
News
