Burro OUT

You might feel like either of these pictures at the finish line. We guarantee nothing but memories!

📷WPBA PHOTOGRAPHERS

⚠️Attention Runners ⚠️

Greenland Pack B***o Race has been cancelled this weekend. Temperatures are too high for the largely unshaded course. While it was an incredibly difficult decision the organizers had to make, Joe and Kim Polonsky have to put the welfare of the donkeys first, and we commend them for making the tough call. All renters will receive an email shortly on next steps.

We love our renters! It makes us so happy to see them enjoying themselves with their b***o buddies. Last year Sarah Lanci had a slower than anticipated race in Fairplay. None the less, she was still hooked and returned for round 2 at Naturita. This time she linked up with experienced runner, Michelle Stolz and together they came in #1- Michelle and Charleston and #2 Sarah and Dylan in the short course!!

Congratulations ladies!!

If there's one race you need to put on your calendar, it's Naturita. What a gem! Just ask Adam and Dixie ❤️

Happy World Donkey Day from our ranch to yours ❤️

Bogart placed 6th in his very first pack b***o race! It takes a strong runner to make that happen, thanks Rickey Gates!

For those looking to get their b***o to their first race, we recommend working on "driving" aka leading from behind during your training session. Once you're feeling comfortable, taking it to a single track trail can help them keep on trail and start to understand switchbacks and the flow of a trail. Always end with a nice snack at the trailer. In an emergency release, we've had great luck with them waiting at the trailer for their post run treat.

📷pictures are not taken by us, we are happy to credit the photographers if they wish!

We are so proud to have Dylan run with Genna Mosher! B***o Racing isn't just for us "adults" (if that's what we can be considered)

I won't lie, it takes some courage and often some support from parents to make it happen, but this duo is proof that it's worth it! Her confidence has grown immensely, and I could see that she was taking a lot more control of the situation and watching our for her B***o, Dylan. Genna and Dylan won the youngest Ass award, as a combined age of 11 years old! Congratulations!

Training run was a success and 8 little b***os are rolling around getting extra dusty for tomorrow!

Dylan is waiting for his runner, Gemma!

We are on the road!
Destination: Cerillos, NM and The Weigand Ranch

Getting ready to leave in 2 days for the Turquoise Pack B***o Race in Cerillos, NM
✅ 8 pack saddles with all required gear
✅ 8+ lead ropes
✅4 bales of hay in hay bags
✅Solar electric fencing in case 💩 🪭
✅ Picks, brushes, halters, treats, electrolytes
✅ Coggins, health certs, brands
✅ Roadside assistance for equine renewed
I'm sure there's so much more packed in the trailer, but 8 little b***os are awaiting their travel date.

We will see our runners Friday at noon for a training run!

Schooner, formerly Fiona and most recently Greta, found herself in paradise. Fairplay of course! She is now home and looking forward to new adventures. She is the daughter of Fiddle, and be sure to say hello to this cute face when you see her crossing finish lines

The best kind of views

Check out the sweet awards for the Turquoise Pack B***o Race!

Figaro hates his new boots 🤣

One wintry day last year I made my way to help rehome 5 donkeys. The plan? Take all 5 to Wellington to Hee Haw Halfway House to find their forever homes! What actually happened was that I fell in love with Fiddle, who was formerly named Jack. He riled everyone up and made us chase after him until we finally got him on a 25' lead. He was anchored by myself and the brand inspector on one end, or so we thought. We sent us skating across the snow like we were leaves in the wind. He then proceeded to run up and down the staging area trying to get everyone else to join in his antics. The only one to comply was his daughter. Then there were two naughty donkeys running amuck. A few hundred treats later and we got Fiona in the trailer with the other 3 who were patiently waiting. The final donkey, Fiddle, thought he was so clever but he was working up an appetite. We eventually got ahold of his lead and began winching him in the trailer. His feet were slipping around too much, and with little hesitation I decided to crawl underneath him to see if I could get a quick trim so that his hooves could brace better on the floor.

The catch was that I PROMISED Kathleen I wouldn't take anyone home except Fiona, who was going to get some training and head to her new home. So I very reluctantly drove all 4 to Wellington, although I might have told Rachel to hide Fiddle for me. It took a few months, or maybe weeks, of begging and a Spotify playlist of Fiddle instruments before she finally agreed. I had to drive the 4.5 hours one way to go get him, and he's been dragging me around and outsmarting me for 366 days since. Happy adoptiversary to the donkey that teaches me that my opinions are irrelevant and 3 minute miles can gain you freedom ❤️

8 little b***os all received their annuals with health checks and Coggins. We can't wait to travel next month for Cerillos and be with our friends, New Mexico Pack B***os

Highly recommend trainer and opportunity for your long ears!!

⭐Donkey Care and Training Demo⭐
May 28th 5-7 pm at Laughing Buck Farm in North Fort Collins. Demo led by Author of the Starting The Donkey Book Series Rachel Ann of Hee-Haw Halfway House Donkey Rescue and Education.

$45/participant.

Bring your questions, hands on presentation with live donkeys. Demo will be audience driven depending on questions. Will discuss donkey evolution, psychology, training, care and keeping needs, and audience questions.

To register: email [email protected] to receive registration information and payment information. Only 15 slots available so register NOW; this filled up quickly last year!

Load up your donkey, or your neighbors donkey and come join the fun!

It looks like we had a visit from the Easter Bunny (b***o) - Ellis

Thanks for the cute picture Sloane!

Fit as a Fiddle describes this boy well. Rickey Gates, professional runner and adventurous soul, will soon discover at the Turquoise Pack B***o Race on May 4th in Cerillos, NM

-Fiddle

Bogart is getting ready for his first season of pack b***o racing. With a few more tweaks, his look will be complete. Big debut will be at the Turquoise Trail B***o Race in Cerillos, NM

Team USA B***o bandits (not an official or even approved name) flew 7,000 miles to run in the streets of France. Once again showing that Donkeys shine bright in athleticism and spirit. Expert donkey trainer, Fleur, owns Jonquille the b***o and trained her in addition to organizing the entire event! Joe Polonsky was carefully selected as Jonquille's partner. Joe is a Coloradoan and owner of Double Rainbow Ranch, and alongside his talented donkey Jonquille, they crossed the finish line first with no hairs left to spare, as he tested the possibility of carrying her across the line!

In a close mad dash, Stephan from Belgium pushed the pace and placed second behind Joe Polonsky.

Just a flick of the tail in third place was Honorary Coloradoan, and Wisconsin Native, Roger Pedretti with Stephan the donkey, not to be confused with second place finisher Belgium Stephan.

When it came to strategic maneuvers, these three knew the plan to stick together and make their break at the start. It's a good thing they executed that well, because a 4:37 min/mile starting pace is not for the faint of heart.

Roland Brodeur, fellow Coloradoan and Double Rainbow Ranch Runner, travelled with his family to this historic event, and as the crowds lined the busy streets of France, he was well supported with their cheers as they rounded out our American representatives crossing the finish line.

Congratulations to our Western Pack B***o Team mates, and enjoy the rest of your time in the beautiful French countryside!!

I wear this season well

-Bogart

Race season is approaching, don't forget to eat your greens

-Dixie

We're back! We've been hibernating, but let's get this page active again with the B***o OUT babies- Figaro says "hi!" Bogart says "kiss my @$$"

Courting behaviors are so beautiful and sweet

Donkeys: hold my beer

Naturita Pack B***o Race was a success! Absolutely stunning scenery and a perfect course. Everyone is excited to return and I have a feeling their little town is going to be overrun with asses next year!

Dylan earned the "munchie man" nickname from his runner Michelle, who probably gave him that after his 6th millionth buffet snack. So it looks like Dylan is back in training and there will be no snacking!

Charleston and Ellis ran with Val and Heidi from Montrose and in true brotherly fashion, they always have each other's backs!

Addie ran with Vicki who traveled all the way from Seattle to join her! It seems like a perfect match as Addie always deserves extra love as the sweetest girl in the herd.

Fiddle had his first b***o race!!! I knew from the moment I met him that he was special and after several months of begging, Kathleen gave in 😆 He proved it this weekend as he finished in 2nd place and only a nose length behind Figaro and I. Roger Pedretti flew all the way in from Wisconsin to run him for his first race, and I think he was pleasantly surprised with his running buddy.

And if you've read this far, say hello to Cricket! She is the mother of Lisa Kazmar's newest donkey, Snitch! They are lovingly called the chocolate chips as they prance around in unison. It will be sad to split them up, but they will be reunited often at races!