ADMS, PO Box 1210, Lewisville TX 75067 (972) 219-0781
1. Does my donkey or mule have to be registered to participate in classes at a show?
Not usually. There are exceptions - if the class list states that only registered animals may participate, or if you are showing in an ADMS Registered class, then the animal must carry legitimate registration papers. If you are showing Miniature Donkeys in an NMDA approved show, your donkey must be registered with one of the ADMS registries (ADR, MDR) or in Canada (CDMR).
2. Do I have to belong to ADMS in order to register my animal?
Yes, you need to be a current member to submit a registration application. You do not need to be a member to transfer an existing ADMS registration paper into your name. Rules and applications for registration may be obtained from the ADMS office.
3. Can I register my donkeys and mules even if I don't know anything about their parents or background?
Yes, ADMS Registries are open. You will need to have the animal inspected by an ADMS Registry Inspector or your local equine veterinarian. Animals need to be serviceably breeding sound in order to be registered, unless they are sterile females or gelded males, which are accepted without inspection. Mules are also registered without inspection since they are sterile animals. (However, male mules must be gelded before the age of two.)
4. The sire of my donkey (or Mule) is now a gelding! Can I still register his offspring?
Yes. You will still need to fill out the application for the offspring as usual. We recommend that you register the sire at the same time. ADMS will need the usual breeding certificate (signed by the owner of the Jack with information about the breeding dates) and written notification of the date the jack was gelded.
5. How do I get rulebooks for showing?
Which rulebook is used will depend on the show and who is hosting it. If it is a local club show, you should check the classlist to see who is hosting, then contact that local Secretary for a copy of the rulebook. ADMS does not keep supplies of the various rulebooks on hand. Not all shows use the same set of rules - California shows are frequently run under AMA rules, NASMA rules are used at some, and in Texas, the TX rulebook is seen at some shows. ADMS does not currently have an ADMS rule book since ADMS is not a governing showing organization.
6. What is the best way to get into showing?
First, go to a local open show. Get an idea of the type of classes offered. See how many people and animals show up. What kind of dress code is enforced? What kind of halters are being used on what breeds? Are showmanship classes offered or just breed/gender halter? Next, make sure the show will welcome donkeys or mules - most will, but some will not! If not, try to find a local donkey and mule show. (Also check policy on stallions - if they won't allow stallions, they won't allow jacks).
Go home and school your animal in walking, trotting, and backing up in hand. Make sure your halter is well-fitting, and use a stud chain if necessary. Try to make your first show out a "Schooling Show" - but remember that the show ring is not the place for lessons! Doubtless your donkey or mule will act startled and amazed and forget most of the lessons you have worked on the last few weeks, but they have to start in somewhere! If you are going in for halter, try to go in last so you won't have as long to wait if your animal is fidgety. Work patiently, but listen to the judge.
7. What is the Showmanship class? Should I enter it?
Showmanship is actually judging the handler on how well they present the animal. It is not really a halter class, it is a performance class that is performed with the animal in-hand. If you do not understand the concept of Quartering (moving into the quartered zones around the animal to present the best view and safest viewing zone for the judge) then ask someone for pre-show schooling for yourself. Your donkey or mule should also stand still without moving when you so. You should observe at least 1 showmanship class and work with someone on positioning and movement before you try a class. For showmanship you will also need to make sure your outfit is up-to-date and stylish, your animal is neatly groomed, as turnout is part of the presentation.
8. Should I clip out my donkey for the show?
This depends greatly on the show and the time of year. If it is a schooling show, neatly brushed, mane trimmed, hooves blacked will often be fine. If it is a bigger show, you may want to trim a little more - Jackstock are often shown with the head and throatlatch clipped while the rest of the body is left shaggy but groomed. You can also shorten a long coat by using a long comb attachment on a clipper. If you are going to body clip, realize that if the weather turns cold, you will need to blanket the animal. Clip a little ahead of the show in order to let missed spots even out, and try to avoid "Clipper tracks"!
All of the information on this page is provided as a courtesy by the American Donkey & Mule Society. THe ADMS posts this information for your use to inform yourself as a buyer, seller, or for anyone needed project or report material. You will find that there is a lot of incorrect information about donkeys and mules in general available - ADMS wants to help make sure that accurate information is posted. All we ask is that you site ADMS as the source for your research. If possible, if the information is used in magazine or newspaper articles, we would like to have a tearsheet for our archives. Thanks, and happy surfing!
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