Hee Haw – The mules and donkeys will be here soon!

Jumping, Driving, Trail, Pack Scramble, Big T, and Log Skidding are just some of the events that one can enter, or watch, at the upcoming Bear Valley Springs Mule and Horse Show on Aug. 3, 4 and 5. There are plenty of horse classes, youth classes and fun donkey and mule classes. It's sure to entertain. Ever see a donkey jump? They do it a bit differently, but they do it. And mules can be as elegant as horses, or can decide to have a "mule moment" and do whatever they please.

Driving is new to the show this year, for both horses, minis, ponies, donkeys and mules. Bear Valley Springs has a natural trail course, realistic and challenging. Never know when a deer, coyote, or person may walk by. The Big T is a gymkhana speed event new to the mule world. The Pack Scramble, imagine an arena of loose horses and mules running, bucking and rolling. The whistle blows and contestants "scramble" to catch their stock, saddle, bridle and pack them, then race to the finish line. Yes, it can get a little wild. Log Skidding takes a step back in time to serious uses. This is the art and skill of driving a mule or team pulling a 250 - 300-pound log through a serpentine course, simulating getting a downed tree out of the forest. It is still done by mules in some parts of the country.

The Bear Valley Springs Pony Club, who is sponsoring this show, is a branch of the United States Pony Club, Inc. It is the largest equestrian educational organization in the world. The cornerstones are education, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship and FUN. The program develops character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches the care of equines, riding and mounted sports. Life-long habits, skills and values are learned. The American Mule Association is proud too be partnering with the Pony Club in hosting this show.

The BVS Mule and Horse show hopes to encourage first time adult exhibitors, as well as all youth riders, to join with the seasoned mule exhibitors in having fun with their equine friends. The show offers a wide selection of classes appropriate for beginners. Showing can be intimidating and our goals are to make this a fun experience for all. There is no one more encouraging than a mule exhibitor as our mules and donkeys teach us that. As the song goes, they keep us humble and kind.

So put Aug. 3, 4 and 5 on your calendar to come support this great show. Entry information can be found in our ad in the paper. Coming as a spectator, contact us for a gate pass, the show is free to watch. We guarantee you a good time, fun, educational and entertaining. Hope to see you there.