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Adventures of Augie & Spuds

Miniature horses, donkeys and mules all have one thing in common; everyone else is taller than they are! That makes eye contact with the trainer very difficult if not impossible for them. As the saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul so it is understandable that they would become anxious if they are unable to look into a person’s eyes to decide whether they are friend or foe. Read their whole story below.


Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: In the Park

“Hey, Augie! Where are we going today?” "Isn’t there a better way to go than up the steps?” “Really Augie, do you always have to be so cooperative?” “Okay, what’s up now?” “Oats are always good!” “Are you kidding me? You really think that book will help?” “Augie, do you always have to be such a show-off?” “If you took the time to study, Spuds, things might be a lot easier for you!” “Maybe you’re right, Augie!” “I like how ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Bathing with Roll II

“Roll’s hogging the washrack, Augie! How are we supposed to fit?” “Is this better, Spuds?” “I suppose so, Augie…as long as he keeps his distance!” “Hey, Spuds, how’s it feel?” “It’s so hot, this feels GREAT, Augie!!!” “Oh yeah, Spuds, this is great…nice cool water!” “Uh, excuse me, is anyone listening? BIG FOOT here is getting a little too close again!” “Oh good! Thanks, Mom!” “Just you wait, Spuds!” “Hey, Augie! Did he just threaten me?” “Naw, he’s just kidding, Spuds.” ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: The Mounting Block

“Hey Augie, what’s she want us to do today?!” “I think she wants me to JUMP!” “It’s a good thing the surface is rough enough to stop, Spuds!” “I was afraid it wasn’t, so I got out of your way, Augie!” “It IS a mounting block, but…  I’m not sure you can hold me!” “I think not, so I’ll just jump down… and be careful not to clip your head!” “I’m not sure I can do this as well as you did, Augie!!!” ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Barrels in the Park

“Hey Spuds, where are we going today? What’s that over there?” “Oh, it’s just the barrels. I remember ground driving through these!” “This is my favorite part of the lessons, Augie!” “What the heck does she want now, Augie?” “Okay, I get it now Augie!” That was easy!” “Now what is she up to? I have to work by myself?!” “Spuds, I just can’t back between the barrels. I can’t see where I’m going!” “I’ll show you how, Augie! Forward around the ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Spa Day

“Hey, Augie! It sure is hot…great day for a bath don’t you think?” “Well, Roll seems pretty pleased after his bath looking in the window at himself like that! Who needs a mirror?!" "Hey, Spuds! I found a gold mine of oats AND grass!!!" “A little WET, but not too bad!” “Oooooh! That water is kinda cold, Spuds! Shocking!!!" “Don’t pout, Spuds! It isn’t THAT cold and she will be done with you in a minute! Suck it up!” “What’s up, Spuds? Eat your ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Hayfield

"Hey, Augie! The sign says, 'Beware of the Ass,' but I say, 'Beware of the Ass Trainer!' We might actually have to do some work!" "It’s nice to have a "Header" to follow right out of the Tack barn! That way we can start out on the right "feet!” "One, two, three, four…one, two, three, four…I wonder where we are headed today, Spuds?!" "Oh, WOW! We get to go to the hayfield, Spuds. Wide open spaces are FUN!" "Be sure to stay in sync, Spuds! One, two, three, four…one, two, three, ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Because It’s There

“It’s a beautiful Fall day, Augie! Where do you think we are we going this time?" “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked!” “It wasn’t really THAT bad, was it, Spuds?!" “Hey, Spuds, come look in here! It’s pretty cool!” “Has she finally lost her mind, Augie?! We can’t fit in there!" “It’s okay Fellas! We aren’t really going to try to climb in there! I was just kidding!” “Guess the joke was on us this time, eh Augie?…Hmmmm…what’s this?” “THIS is a big ditch full of water with a floating culvert, ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Hourglass Pattern with Roll

“This vacuum sure feel good, Spuds!” “Yeah, Augie, but why is Roll here with us?” “Not sure, Spuds, but she’s putting on our driving gear. We haven’t done that in a very long time! Can you tell where we are going?”” “Not really! I can see underneath, but Roll still makes a better door than a window! Is he going with us?!” “It looks more like we are going with HIM, Spuds!”  “Oh look, Spuds! It’s the hourglass pattern! It must be ground driving today!” She just got done leading Roll through ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Shenanigans in the Hayfields

6-6-18 Do you need some help with the lead ropes?    The saddle mules are headed for turnout. Where do you think we are going, Spuds? Looks like we’re headed for the hayfield, Augie! Looks like you were right, Spuds! Isn’t it beautiful, Augie?! What is that big yellow thing, Augie?! That’s Chad, Spuds...oh, you mean the swather?! How do you do, Augie? Now smile for the picture! How do you do, Spuds? Not so sure? WOW! That big thing sure makes a lot of noise! Now where are we ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Fabulous Snow Day!

10-31-19 AUGIE & SPUDS: SNOWPLAY...A FABULOUS SNOW DAY! No matter what season it is, there is always a way to turn training into fun with your equines. Usually, Augie and Spuds will just stand in their stalls when there is snow on the ground. I suppose they don’t like getting their feet wet and their stall is a nice, comfortable place with deep shavings. They do enjoy my encouragement to go exploring though, even if they have to get their feet wet! See more adventures with Augie and Spuds on ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Quality Time With Augie and Spuds

11-15-19 Miniature horses, donkeys and mules all have one thing in common; everyone else is taller than they are! As the saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul so it is understandable that they would become anxious if they are unable to look into a person’s eyes to decide whether they are friend or foe. With safety always as my first priority, I work with my minis from a lower position whenever it’s safe to do so. That way, I can make eye contact with them, and ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Boundaries at Play with Augie and Spuds

11-24-19 Getting down to your mini’s eye level so that he can make eye contact with you will foster good behavior and produce a willing relationship of trust between you. Learning how to begin the relationship with your miniature equine in a positive and natural way, and setting reasonable boundaries for behavior, discourages striking, jumping on you and other undesirable and abrupt behaviors that are common when working with miniature equines. The results of using this safe approach to miniature training have been amazing! My minis are always calm, happy ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Old Western Town Project

3-26-20 Augie and Spuds have been very patient with me for the past year when I did not have time to do anything but grooming once a week and turnout. They were so thrilled to be able to go on another ADVENTURE! Today, we are going to inspect a new project, the false-front town of ASSPEN! We thought this would be a really nice way to spruce up the big, brown boring wall behind the Lucky Three Eclipse statue and make things even more interesting for our tours! Going through the construction zone gives them ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Exploring the JASPER CAROUSEL 5-19-20

Augie and Spuds always look forward to their adventures and this would be no exception! “Where are we going this time, Augie?” “It seems we are in the backyard of the JASPER BUNKHOUSE, Spuds!” “What?! This is scary, Augie!” “Oh Spuds, you know how to go through the gate, so just cut the drama and come and get your reward!” “Oh WOW! Check this out, Spuds!” “There are ‘little guys’ just like us in here! Mom says this one is named Valentine!” “Look out there, ...

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: WE ARE NOT AFRAID! 10-5-20

“I wonder where we are off to today, Augie?” “It’s down the road to another adventure, Spuds!” “Hi, Guys! How are you all doing?” “I know they want to go with us, Augie!” “It’s another meet-the-heavy-equipment day, Spuds!” “Yeah, first the backhoe and now the skidsteer, Spuds!” “Oh, check this out, Spuds, SUPER FUN!” “Hey, Augie, wait for me! Yee Haw!” “Don’t we all look like another statue, Spuds?!” “YUP, but it’s time to go, Augie! Whoopee!” “You take ...