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Children will get the chance to ride miniature donkeys at the Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show, when a national miniature donkey competition comes to town.
It is the first time there has been a donkey and mule competition at the show.
Pukekohe miniature donkey breeder and Donkey and Mule Society member, Marion van Dijk, says the Warkworth area has become one of the largest areas in the country for miniature donkeys, so they have decided to start a competition in Warkworth.
“We have sold a lot of miniatures up here,” Marion says. “They are perfect for people who have a lifestyle block and want an animal that is cute and easy on the land. They are extremely friendly animals and love their owners. The event will be a great chance to bring all the donkey people together.”
The competition will be followed by the NZ National Miniature Donkey Show, which has traditionally been held at the Royal Easter Show in Auckland.
Miniature donkeys are under nine hands (91cm) tall and are a new breed to NZ – there are only about 130 in the country.
Marion and her husband Peter have been breeding donkeys for over 40 years and imported their first two American Mediterranean miniature donkeys from Canada and the US in 2001. They now have 15 jennies (females) and three jacks (studs).
The couple has been taking the donkeys to rest homes and hospitals, and have a programme with Riding for the Disabled.
“They are so small and cute, they make people smile.”
The donkey competition includes an obstacle course and a harness class, where the donkeys pull a gig around a paddock. Both miniature and standard donkeys will compete. There is also a riding section, where children are allowed to ride the donkeys as part of the competition.
The competition will start at 10am on Saturday, January 23, in the showgrounds.
