About Prairie Brae Farm

Karl & Grace Krautt are thrilled to share their passion for Miniature Performance Donkeys with you!

Whether you’re planning on purchasing a pet, performance or breeding stock donkey from us, we’re sure you’d like to know a little more about us and about our breeding program and philosophy.

About Karl and Grace

Many years ago Karl and Grace thought they were beginning a retirement project. Little did they know, opening the door to the world of Miniature Donkeys turned their lives into a full-time adventure!

Their passion for Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys was set in motion in 1993 when they visited their first Miniature Donkey farm. The owners’ toddlers were roaming amongst the donkeys as the animals gathered around. Donkeys are very curious by nature and strive to be first to receive your affection. As they researched more, and visited established breeders, it became obvious donkeys attract a very special kind of people.

"Not likely" was their immediate answer when first asked if they would ever show their Miniature Donkeys. Little did they know, they would go on to become very involved in the sport. Having spent his life with animals, the natural progression for Karl seemed to be in training for performance, be it driving, jumping, or doing obstacle courses. As a result, many of their animals have competed and won Champion Awards at many shows, both at halter and performance. (Visit Karl and Grace’s Miniature Performance Donkey photo gallery to see some of the fun they’ve been having!)

Prairie Brae Farm has a fine breeding program and their donkeys have been successful in the show ring on many occasions. Their latest achievement is being awarded the ‘Breeding Farm of the 2009 NMDA High Point Gelding’. Satisfied owners and other successes of Prairie Brae donkeys include:

• PB Klinger and PB Salty Bear were both ‘Gelding Champions at Halter’ and Klinger in ‘Performance’ as well.
• Prairie Brae Sunsation has gone on to win many top ribbons with Vicki Sherman of Missouri as his handler.

Over the years there have been too many achievements to mention. (Visit Karl and Grace’s Miniature Performance Donkey photo gallery to see some of the fun they’ve been having!)

Karl and Grace’s philosophy and industry ethics are best illustrated by the fact that they were honoured with the first annual Rod Grant Memorial Award.

The Rod Grant Memorial Award was established in 2000. This award is in memory of a fine young gentleman who was admired by, and a friend to, all in our donkey family of friends. The trophy is awarded to those who show the spirit of camaraderie towards all competitors; show genuine respect for the donkeys and fellow exhibitors; are helpful and pleasant; support multiple donkey show events; enter a variety of classes - both performance and halter; enjoy showing donkeys and have FUN!

About the Breeding Program and Training Philosophy

At Prairie Brae the target is to breed and train Miniature Donkeys for the fun side of the industry.

The Prairie Brae breeding program was established on the "4C" premise:

• Conformation - The first consideration in our breeding program
• Character - Gentle disposition with an original and unique charisma
• Colour - Breeding for brown/black and sorrel
• Customer Satisfaction - We view every customer as the beginning of a new friendship. It is important to us that each customer be happy, whether they are established breeders or someone purchasing their first Miniature Donkey

Throughout their Web pages it will be evident that Karl and Grace strongly encourage the practise of gelding male donkeys, unless they have perfect conformation and can be sold into a breeding program. That being their philosophy, one might ask, “What do they do with the gelded animals?” Gelded Miniature Donkeys make perfect pets and Miniature Donkeys are a great way to “wind down” in the world of equine. Karl and Grace have such fun with the mix of their grandchildren and donkeys.

Miniature Donkeys are wonderfully gentle animals with seniors, children, and the handicapped, if they have the proper initial behavioural training. Donkeys are very clever and once they get a routine it is stored for a lifetime. They also remember cruelty and abuse so they need to be handled with a kind but firm hand. A donkey is a very trusting animal but you must work to gain that trust. Geldings are very easily trained to lead, load into a stock trailer for hauling, have their hooves trimmed without struggle, drive with harness and cart, attempt obstacle courses, and for obstacle and coon jumping.

It is important to consider that, just like when buying any animal, the purchase of Miniature Donkeys is a “Buyer Beware” market. If donkeys don’t ‘flock to you eagerly’ when visiting a Donkey farm, this signals a lack of human contact. The scenario at some local auction barns indicates neglect and lack of handling. Conformation is always important. We all want to be proud to exhibit our pets, even if it is in the back yard.

Prairie Brae Miniature Donkeys can provide a lifetime of joy, companionship and entertainment! Karl and Grace are devoted to the correct handling and proper training of Miniature Donkeys. They look forward to helping you purchase the best Miniature Donkey for your needs!

(Visit Karl and Grace’s Miniature Performance Donkey photo gallery to see some of the fun they’ve been having with their grandchildren and donkeys!)

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