Kenny getting ready for a leadline class with Dumpling, (above). Dad helping Kenny in a leadline class with Dumpling, (right).

Dumpling has done just about everything that can be done with a good horse. Of course, due to her size she wasn’t used for roping, but she was used for Goat-Tying, competed in timed Hurdle Races which required that she be able to jump, and even took part in Broom Polo which was our club’s version of cowboy polo. Kimberly made headlines by competing with Dumpling in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending at Little Britches Rodeos. She had a mule and a big palomino Quarter Horse at this time, but her mount of choice was always Dumpling, even at the rodeos. Dumpling was also a repeat winner of the Texas Zoo’s “Most Beautiful Burro in South Texas” beauty pageant for donkeys.
 

Dumpling shown with the first six saddles she won for either High Point Donkey or High Point Junior Donkey, none of which she could wear, (above).  Dumpling with saddle number seven, (right).

Arturo and Kimberly both showed Dumpling at our area Carriage Association’s driving events. Dumpling competed in the Pony Division which was for any equine under 14.2 hands, or 58 inches. That meant that Dumpling was usually competing against small Arabians, Welsh Cobs, and Haflingers. And she won!! She won numerous Timed Obstacle Driving classes that had only a two inch clearance of the wheels between the pylons topped with tennis balls. The slightest bobble and the tennis balls were off resulting in penalties. With Dumpling, you just pointed her and there you went. Her training for Trail classes had perfected her handle. She had pivoting and turns on forehand and haunches, as well as sidepasses, down pat. This gave her an edge in competitive driving. She also competed in and placed in Mini-Marathons at driving events. Kimberly and Kenny also showed Dumpling at open horse shows, and they never came away without winning or placing in their classes.
 

Arturo driving Dumpling and Louise (Louise was owned by the Jones family) in a Multiple Hitch Obstacle Driving class in Pasadena, Texas, (above). Arturo driving Dumpling in an Obstacle Driving class.  Dumpling was hard to beat in this class, (left).

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