Quarter Moon Ranch - The Wonderful World of Miniature Donkeys

Rio Brazos Miniature Donkey Expo 2006
The World's Largest Celebration of Miniature Donkeys
(Endorsed by: NMDA, ADMS, CDMA, AND MMDA)
May 12-14, 2006
Camp Allen Retreat & Conference Center
Navasota, TX

So tell me more about the Expo?
For two and a half days in May of 2006, miniature donkey owners, breeders, and folks who are just becoming familiar with these wonderful little animals will be gathering at Camp Allen, a corporate retreat just northwest of Houston, Texas to experience the world's largest celebration of the miniature donkey called the Rio Brazos Miniature Donkey Expo 2006. This Expo will bring together owners, breeders, trainers, health experts, and national and international representatives of miniature donkey organizations to share in an educational forum. Informative sessions and demonstrations featuring a distinguished panel of speakers will be addressing issues related to the breeding, management, health, showing, marketing, promotion, and future of the breed.

Is the Expo held every year?
No. The last one was held in 2000. It may be many more years before you have an opportunity to attend this event again. If you have an interest in developing your breeding program, networking among miniature donkey owners and breeders, or just want to come and spend a weekend with some wonderful people who love their donkeys, you need to make plans to attend.

PHOTOS FROM RIO BRAZOS 2000

Live demonstrations and other activities will be held at the nearby Equestrian Center with adjoining stable for demonstration animals. Attendees can learn basic and advanced driving skills as well as how to train your donkey to show in performance. There will be discussions on breeding and color genetics, equine reproduction, hoof care, legal and tax issues, conformation and much, much more.

PHOTOS FROM RIO BRAZOS 2000

Attendees at the last Rio Brazos Miniature Donkey Expo held in 2000 at Camp Allen came from 22 states, Canada, England and the Netherlands. Even more countries will be represented in 2006. It is a popular event and the biggest miniature donkey event of its kind.
Camp Allen is located on FM 362, south of Texas HWY 105 between Navasota, Texas and Conroe, Texas. You can click on a map to find directions to Camp Allen if you visit their website at http://www.campallen.org. Attendees can schedule their flights so that they arrived in Houston at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport located in north Houston. For a fee, Camp Allen will provide shuttle service from and to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Camp Allen is set amidst 800 acres of a beautiful pine and oak forest and rolling hills, and is reserved EXCLUSIVELY for the Rio Brazos Miniature Donkey Expo 2006 and its attendees. Meetings will be held in the Conference Center which includes meeting rooms with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, a carpeted trade show area, a large dining room where attendees will share their meals together, and casual spaces where refreshments are provided for attendees at all times.
The event will feature a trade show where attendees have a unique opportunity to browse among vendors from around the country who supply health goods, driving equipment, art, tack, jewelry, novelty items and many other hard-to-find miniature donkey products. There will be a silent auction, raffle, and door prizes including some fabulous items donated by breeders, vendors, and various donkey organizations. A book table is available for attendees to purchase popular donkey publications and videos published by notable authors, our associations, and guest speakers.

PHOTOS FROM RIO BRAZOS 2000

The guestrooms where attendees will stay are located adjacent to the Conference Center and trade show area. Before and after meetings and socials, a fitness center and spa, satellite TV lounge, tennis courts, swimming pool and the trap shooting range are available for those staying in the beautifully appointed guestrooms.

Social activites are included as an important element of the program to enable folks to get to know others from around the country and around the world who share a love and passion for miniature donkeys. Attendees have the opportunity to attend various social and entertainment events, the purpose of which is simply to share some wonderful stories with fellow miniature donkey enthusiasts and to have a great time while in the Lone Star State.

PHOTOS FROM RIO BRAZOS 2000

Whether you own a hundred miniature donkeys or just one, the Rio Brazos Miniature Donkey Expo 2006 has something special waiting for you. Come join all of us who have discovered and fallen in love with this most precious animal. You won't be disappointed. We'll see you there!
Carolyn Christian, Expo Chairperson

COME JOIN THE SMILING FACES AT THE EXPO!

What are some of the seminars and clinics?
Breeding Genetics- What the Breeder Should Know
Selective breeding to best match the jack and jennet, dominant and recessive genes, genetic consequences of inbreeding and line breeding, the value to the breeder of understanding genetics.
Equine Reproduction- Problems and Solutions
The health of the breeding pair, causes of infertility in jacks and jennets and what to do about it, breeding cycles, methods of breeding and their effectiveness, is artificial insemination possible and economical.
Color Genetics in the Miniature Donkey
Basic color genetics and how to breed for desired results.
Judging Donkeys in Halter and Showmanship
A discussion with a donkey judge as to what judges look for and how they make their decisions, a clinic with live donkeys and practice judging.
Judging Donkeys in Pleasure Driving, Obstacle Driving, and Trail
A discussion with a donkey judge as to what judges look for and how they make their decisions, a clinic with live donkeys and practice judging.
Basic Health Care and Preventive Health Management
A discussion of vaccinations, worming, colic, skin disorders, hyperlipemia, dental care, feeding, and common health problems associated with the miniature donkey and how to prevent them.
NMDA Shows and Rules- An Open Discussion with NMDA
This seminar will discuss changes to the NMDA rules, how year end awards are calculated, and will give everyone an opportunity to discuss ideas and makes suggestions that will improve NMDA sanctioned shows.
Hoof Care and Problems Relating to the Hoof
Understanding the parts of the donkey foot, basic principles of hoof care, common problems relating to the hoof and how to treat and prevent them.
Training Your Miniature Donkey to Drive- Basic
Selection of the driving donkey, preparation for driving, equipment, bits, harnessing, basic training, and hands on driving.
Training Your Miniature Donkey To Drive- Advanced
Collection, bending, presentation, dress, bits and bitting, ADS rules, driving for trail and the show ring, and advanced driving techniques.
Basic Training for Non-Driving Events in the Show Ring
Training for halter, showmanship, obstacles, jumping, snigging, and timed events in the show ring.
Microchipping, Equine Theft, and Universal Identification
Discussion of permanent identification that is soon to be required by most federal governments worldwide for all equine, the Universal chip, live demonstration of how and where to microchip your donkey, and readers and chips available for purchase at an Expo discount.
The Pregnant Jennet, Foaling, Diseases and Care of the Newborn
Nutrition, vaccinations, parasite control, preparation for foaling, signs of foaling, complications of foaling, newborn diseases and health problems, and general health care and preventive maintenance for the pregnant jennet and newborn.
Guarantees and Contracts
What breeders should guarantee and what cannot be guaranteed, ethical practices in purchasing and selling, sample sales contracts and stud agreements.
Conformation and Anatomy of the Miniature Donkey
What is good conformation in the miniature donkey and how it differs from horses, how the parts of the donkey relate to each other, how a donkey moves, what breeders and owners should look for when purchasing breeding stock, show animals, or pets.
Taxes and Donkeys-The Advantages to Operating as a Business
Tax advice for the miniature breeder or owner in order to save money and maximize the benefit of operating a ranch as a business, current tax law regarding ranches and exemptions.
Basic Grooming and Clipping Techniques
A discussion and demonstration of clipping and grooming techniques for the show ring or just around the ranch including practice clipping.
Maintaining a Healthy Miniature Donkey Market for the Future
A discussion of the issues facing miniature donkey owners and breeders both now and in the future, geldings, DNA and NMDA's studies, promotion and protection of the breed, and updates from our national associations.
It Ain't Broke- Fix It
A presentation and demonstration of the basic skills all donkeys need to master before they are put into performance training.

Who are some of the speakers?
Jill Allen-Melvin, Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association of the UK
Wes Allison, Donkey Judge
Dr. Steve Brinsko, Associate Professor of Theriogenology, Texas A&M University
Dr. Suzy Burnham, Veterinarian, Texas A&M University, Burnham Veterinary Clinic
Diane Calderon, NMDA Show Chairman
Carolyn Christian, Breeder
Pete Christian, Breeder
Sharon Cooke, Canadian Miniature Donkey Association
Dr. Gus Cothran, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University
Butch Davis, Deputy, Walker County Sheriff's Department
Dr. Leslie Easterwood, Veterinarian, Y-7 Veterinary Services
Walter Fuermann, Farrier
Barb Grubb, Trainer/Breeder
Dr. Ron Martens, Equine Neonatal Medicine, Texas A&M University
Bill Milberger, Partner in Durst, Milberger, Nesbitt & Ask
Tom O'Carroll, Driving Master
Leah Patton, American Donkey & Mule Society
Jeannie Richards, Trainer/Breeder
Dr. Jim Sanders, Animal Science Department, Texas A&M University
Jane Savage, National Miniature Donkey Association
Dr. Tex Taylor, Trainer/Breeder, Bramoth Farm

Who are some of the vendors at the trade show?
American Donkey & Mule Society
AirLite Texas Animal Bedding (The "Healthy Option" for Bedding)
American Livestock Magazine (A Diversified Livestock Publication)
Animal House Creations (Whimsical Animal Clay Sculptures)
ASSpiring Artist, Jan Cawthon, Artist (Watercolor)
B&D Enterprises(Halters, Mini Carts, Harnesses, Driving Equipment)
Brooks Wood Studio, Charles Brooks, Artist (Pencil, Graphite Drawings, Wood Turnings)
Laura Butler, Artist (Oils)
Coufal-Prater Country Store/Purina (Selling John Deere and Purina products for Country Living)
Destiny Acres General Store (Developers of Software Tracking for Ranchers)
Donkey Duo (T-shirts, Caps, Totes, Jewelry, Note Cards, and Unique Items)
Gulf Coast Donkey and Mule Society
Great American Miniature Donkey Sale (Sale Information)
HorseBiz (Equine Management Software Program)
Horse Sense Trading Company (Mini Carts, Harnesses, Driving Equipment)
J. Payne Lara, Sculptor (Bronze)
Miniature Donkey Breeders International Directory (Miniature Donkey Directory of Breeders, Services, and Organizations)
Miniature Donkey Reference Library (Sample Reference Library for Breeders and Owners)
Missouri Miniature Donkey Breeders Association
National Miniature Donkey Association
Old Dairy Barn Soap & Candle Co. (Homemade Soaps, Lotions, Candles)
Quality Llama Products (Miniature Tack, Supplies, Books, Clothing, Gifts)
Showgirls Halters & Supply (Custom Show Halters, Nylon Halters & Leads and Unique Gifts)
Southwestern Donkey & Mules Society
Supreme Equine Design (Miniature Tack, Supplies, Driving Equipment)
The Wild Burro and Donkey Foundation of Central Texas (Rescue, Rehabilitation, Education, and Adoption Organization)

What is the schedule of seminars and events?

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2006
Conference Center
7:30-8:15am BREAKFAST
7:00-8:30am REGISTRATION
7:30am-8:00pm TRADE SHOW OPEN
8:30-9:00am WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS
9:00-9:45am GENERAL ASSEMBLY- MINIATURE DONKEYS AROUND THE WORLD
(NMDA, ADMS, CMDA, MMDA of the UK, New Zealand)
9:45-10:15am BREAK/VISIT TRADE SHOW
10:15-12:00pm GENERAL ASSEMBLY- EQUINE REPRODUCTION..PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
(Dr. Steven Brinsko, Dr. Tex Taylor, Moderator)

12:00-1:00pm LUNCH
12:00-2:00pm BREAK/VISIT TRADE SHOW

Conference Center
2:00-3:00pm BASIC HEALTH CARE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH MANAGEMENT (Dr. Suzy Burnham)
2:00-3:30pm GUARANTEES AND CONTRACTS, Roundtable Discussion (Carolyn Christian, Moderator)
4:30-5:30pm NMDA SHOWS AND RULES – AN OPEN DISCUSSION WITH NMDA (Diane Calderon, NMDA Show Chairman)

Equestrian Center
2:00-3:30pm TRAINING YOUR MINIATURE DONKEY TO DRIVE-BASIC (Barb Grubb)
2:00-3:30pm BASIC TRAINING FOR NON-DRIVING EVENTS IN THE SHOW RING (Jeannie Richards)
3:30-4:00pm PRACTICE TIME FOR STUDENTS IN BASIC TRAINING SEMINARS (Grubb, Richards)
2:00-4:00pm TRAINING YOUR MINIATURE DONKEY TO DRIVE-ADVANCED (Tom O'Carroll)
2:00-4:00pm JUDGING DONKEYS IN HALTER AND SHOWMANSHIP (Wes Allison)

6:00-7:00pm SUPPER
8:00-9:30pm DESSERT RECEPTION IN THE CONFERENCE CENTER (Cash Bar)
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2006
Conference Center
7:30-8:15am BREAKFAST
7:00-8:30am REGISTRATION
7:30am-6:00pm TRADE SHOW OPEN
8:45-10:00am GENERAL ASSEMBLY- BREEDING GENETICS...WHAT BREEDERS SHOULD KNOW
(Dr. Jim Sanders, Dr. Tex Taylor, Moderator)
10:00-10:30am BREAK/VISIT TRADE SHOW
Conference Center
10:30-11:30am HOOF CARE AND PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE HOOF (Walter Fuermann)
10:30-12:00pm THE PREGNANT JENNET, FOALING, DISEASES AND CARE OF THE NEWBORN
(Dr. Leslie Easterwood, Dr. Ron Martens)
Equestrian Center
10:30-12:00pm TRAINING YOUR MINIATURE DONKEY TO DRIVE-BASIC (Barb Grubb)
10:30-12:00pm BASIC TRAINING FOR NON-DRIVING EVENTS IN THE SHOW RING (Jeannie Richards)
10:30-11:30am CONFORMATION AND ANATOMY OF THE MINIATURE DONKEY (Dr. Suzy Burnham)
10:30-11:30am MICROCHIPPING, EQUINE THEFT, AND UNIVERSAL IDENTIFICATION (Butch Davis)
12:00-1:00pm LUNCH
12:00-2:00pm BREAK/VISIT TRADE SHOW

Conference Center
2:00-3:00pm COLOR GENETICS IN THE MINIATURE DONKEY (Leah Patton)
2:00-3:00pm TAXES AND DONKEYS - ADVANTAGES TO OPERATING AS A BUSINESS (Bill Milberger)
2:00-3:00pm BASIC HEALTH CARE AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH MANAGEMENT (Dr. Suzy Burnham)
Equestrian Center
2:00-4:00pm JUDGING DONKEYS IN PLEASURE DRIVING, OBSTACLE DRIVING, AND TRAIL (Wes Allison)
2:00-4:00pm TRAINING YOUR MINIATURE DONKEY TO DRIVE-ADVANCED (Tom O'Carroll)
3:00-4:00pm BASIC GROOMING AND CLIPPING TECHNIQUES (Pete Christian)
4:00-5:15pm IT AIN'T BROKE-FIX IT (Dr. Tex Taylor)
6:00-10:00pm CASH BAR OPEN
7:00-8:00pm BARBECUE SUPPER
8:00-10:00pm DANCE TIME IN TEXAS (Live Band)
8:30-8:45pm PERFORMANCE BY THE AGGIE WRANGLERS
SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2006
Conference Center
7:30-8:15am BREAKFAST
7:30-12:00pm TRADE SHOW OPEN
8:30-10:00am GENERAL ASSEMBLY- ISSUES FACING MINIATURE DONKEY OWNERS & BREEDERS (Panel Discussion)
10:00-10:30am PRESENTATIONS, RAFFLE DRAWING AND CLOSING REMARKS
10:30-11:00am BREAK/VISIT TRADE SHOW

Equestrian Center
11:00-12:00pm FUN WITH DONKEYS
(Games with Miniature Donkeys. Attendees may participate.)
11:00-12:00pm COMBINED DRIVING DEMONSTRATION (Tom O'Carroll)

Conference Center
12:00-1:00pm LUNCH
1:00pm EXPO OFFICIALLY CONCLUDED

NOTE: This schedule is subject to last minute changes.

What airport should I use and how do
I get to Camp Allen?
The Expo begins at 8:30am Friday morning (May 12th) and concludes after lunch on Sunday (May 14th) at 1:00pm. Some may wish to come in on Thursday and/or stay over on Sunday. You will want to schedule your flight to arrive in Houston at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) located in north Houston. All major rental car agencies are available at the airport. Camp Allen is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes from the airport. A map with directions to the camp will be mailed by Camp Allen to attendees when their reservations are received. Directions can also be found on the Camp Allen Retreat & Conference Center website. Should you prefer to not rent a vehicle, Camp Allen will be providing shuttle service from and to George Bush Intercontinental Airport at a cost of $20 per person one way with a minimum of three people per shuttle. Contact Camp Allen for more details regarding the shuttle.

What is the cost and how do I register for the Expo?
ONLINE EXPO REGISTRATION
You may register for the Expo by printing a registration form in one of the two formats below, and mailing it along with your registration fee to the address on the form.
1. Click Here to print the complete Expo information packet including the Registration Form in PDF format. (PDF format is high resolution and requires Adobe Reader 7.0.)
Click Here for a free download.
2. Click Here to print the Expo Registration Form only in PDF format.
3. Click Here to print the Expo Registration Form only in JPEG format.
$125 per person (prior to April 1, 2006)
$150 per person (after April 1, 2006)
Contact the Expo Chairperson Carolyn Christian with any questions you may have regarding registration or the Expo.

What is the cost for reservations and
meals at Camp Allen?
ONLINE RESERVATIONS
You may now make reservations at Camp Allen online by clicking Here then clicking "Online Reservations for Selected Events".

FRIDAY/SATURDAY NIGHTS
(Includes 8 meals per person)
Double Occupancy: $352.00 per couple
Single Occupancy: $236.00 per person

DAY RATE FOR THOSE NOT STAYING AT CAMP ALLEN
(Includes 3 meals per day whether eaten or not)
Per Person: $45.00 per day per person

EXTRA NIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS
THURSDAY NIGHT
(Includes dinner)
Double Occupancy: $130.00 per couple
Single Occupancy: $65.00 per person
SUNDAY NIGHT
(Includes breakfast and lunch)
Double Occupancy: $160.00 per couple
Single Occupancy: $110.00 per person
Contact Toni Christopher at Camp Allen with any questions you may have regarding reservations.

You don't want to miss this. It may be a long
time before the Expo comes again.
WE'LL SEE YOU IN MAY!

Updated: Fri Apr 28 13:09:41 2006

Quarter Moon Ranch - 4674 Bucksnort Road - Franklin, TX 77856 - (979) 279-6306
Copyright © Quarter Moon Ranch, All rights reserved.

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