Big Ears Donkey Ranch celebrates 25 years of excellence

And just like that, 25 years have passed!

This month, Ron and Suzanne Paddock, the proud owners of Big Ears Donkey Ranch in Baldur, Manitoba, are enthusiastically celebrating a remarkable milestone.

Suzanne reminisced, “It feels like only yesterday when we welcomed our first three donkeys: a pair of Mammoth jennies named Rhoda and Penelope, alongside a registered large standard jack we affectionately called Myron, from Sundown Donkey Farm, Olds, Alberta.

Reflecting on their journey, Ron added, “We’ve navigated numerous changes, gained invaluable insights, celebrated many successes, and faced heartaches along the way. But every moment has contributed to the rewarding experience of owning Big Ears Donkey Ranch.”

Observing the couple with their donkeys is truly inspiring. The bond of trust and respect shared between them and these majestic Mammoth donkeys is evident, as these gentle giants behave more like beloved companions than the weighty creatures they are.

Mammoth donkeys have become a highly sought-after rare breed, with the exceptional animals at Big Ears receiving attention from farms around the world. To be classified as Mammoths, jennies need to stand at least 54 inches tall, while jacks must reach a minimum height of 56 inches.

As the Paddocks prepare to celebrate this significant anniversary, we were able to talk to them about their rich history over the past quarter-century and their plans for the future of Big Ears, as their animals continue to enchant farms globally.

“It’s astonishing to realize we have raised 143 Big Ears mammoth donkeys that have found new homes,” Suzanne shared, with Ron nodding in agreement.

After bringing Rhoda, Penelope, and Myron home in 2000, their herd began to expand when each jenny gave birth to a foal in 2001. Both babies, adorable little jacks named Rusty and Ruban, were cherished additions. Ruban found a new home, while Rusty remained at Big Ears, a large and robust donkey that Ron and Suzanne believed would be perfect for driving as he grew older.

In the early spring of 2002, Ron and Suzanne began harness training Myron for cart pulling at various fairs. Myron took to it effortlessly as if he had been doing it for years. His debut performance in Holland, Manitoba, was a resounding success, leaving the audience unaware that it was his first time pulling a cart. That same season, Myron also showcased his skills in the Pelican Lake Ag Society Parade and the Baldur Homecoming Parade, where he truly excelled.

This was the same year that Ron and Suzanne also found the perfect name for their ranch. Inspired by the frequent comments they received regarding their donkeys’ notably large ears, they embraced the name Big Ears Donkey Ranch.

In 2003, Rusty’s full sister was born. Being a perfect example of a Mammoth donkey, she was chosen to carry on the Big Ears bloodlines. As Rusty matured, he took over the cart-pulling duties from Myron. Like his father, Rusty adapted to the harness and cart with ease, and once Adeline was old enough, she proudly joined Rusty in parades, tied behind the cart and beautifully adorned with a sawbuck pack saddle.

Unfortunately, it was found that Adeline was unable to bear a foal, but this led to a brilliant opportunity. The decision was made for her to team with Rusty, forming a distinguished double driving team, which has flourished over time.

In 2003, Ron and Suzanne successfully returned to Alberta to acquire additional registered jennies, significantly expanding their herd. During this period, they also proudly joined Canadian and US donkey associations, establishing themselves as the only registered Mammoth donkey ranch in Manitoba.

With the demand for Big Ears animals continuing to rise, it became essential for them to expand to meet the growing requests. Given the limited number of Mammoth donkeys in Canada and their closely related bloodlines, Ron and Suzanne were on the lookout for new bloodlines, launching an extensive search for a new Mammoth jack.

Their search took them to The Hollyfield Farm in Leesburg, Virginia, where they discovered Hollyfield’s Pilgrim – affectionately known as Pilgrim – a striking young spotted jack who would be a perfect fit for the Big Ears herd. In March 2005, Pilgrim arrived at Big Ears, instantly making himself at home. Over the years, he sired 43 foals before passing away at the age of 17.

In 2007, Rusty and Adeline made their inaugural appearance at the Manitoba Royal Winter Fair in Brandon, proudly representing mammoth donkeys for Rare Breeds of Canada.

This was also the year that Big Ears first tookcenter stage at the Thresherman’s Reunion in Austin, Manitoba, after which year after year, Rusty and Adeline delighted the crowds by delivering brides to their weddings (yes, that actually happened one year), assisting in the harvest of sheaves, and joining the vibrant Vintage Parade. The team was a beloved fixture with the exception of 2011 when they were kept back at the Ranch, allowing four remarkable miracles from Big Ears to fill in for them.

In 2011, Big Ears achieved a remarkable milestone.

In April of that year, the farm welcomed an incredible pair of twins; a beautiful 32-inch red roan jenny named Ida and her brother Ivan, an impressive little black foal measuring just 26 inches tall. The occurrence of twin foals is exceptionally rare and often comes with low survival rates. Against all odds, Ida and Ivan thrived, nursing within an hour of their birth. Their mother, Dovey, carried them for an impressive span of 359 days, a noteworthy duration considering the typical gestation period for this breed is 12 months.

While the birth of one healthy set of twins is extraordinary, the likelihood of having two sets in a single year is unheard of. Big Ears Chloe defied all the odds, and in June of the same year, after a gestation period of 349 days, she gave birth to another remarkable pair of twins: Prudence, a stunning 30-inch frosted white spotted foal, and her brother Sherman, a delightful 27.5-inch black jack. Like their older counterparts, this new duo arrived healthy and full of life.

With two sets of exceptional twins, Ron and Suzanne were overjoyed, sharing their excitement at the Thresherman’s Reunion. The charming foals quickly became the center of attention, capturing the hearts of everyone in attendance. Now, as the twins have grown into adults, they are currently in the process of being harness trained, with dreams of forming a four-in-hand team in the future.

In the spring of 2017, Ron and Suzanne acquired Siemon’s Chechotah from Garrett’s Mammoth Jackstock in Stilwell, Oklahoma. “It was a tremendous honor to bring home Siemon’s Chechotah, a striking black jack with a pedigree tracing back to the renowned Siemon line of mammoth jackstock from Ohio, USA. Chechotah was exceptionally well-mannered and easy to handle, making him a great addition to our breeding program.”

“In the spring of 2019, we also welcomed two sorrel jennies, Scarlett and Willow, from Garrett’s Mammoth Jackstock. All three animals proved to be top-notch breeding stock!”

In 2021, Townley’s Samson was imported from Townley Jackstock of Buchanan, Tennessee, USA and is currently Big Ears only jack.
“Today, our entire herd is registered, and our animals are in high demand worldwide.” It’s hard to believe that 25 years have already passed since we acquired our first three animals. Since then, we’ve received numerous invitations to participate in various fairs and festivals, including an invitation to the Calgary Stampede, although we were sadly unable to attend.”

Ron and Suzanne have had their story featured in various media outlets, including TV and radio interviews, as well as publications such as More of Our Canada in 2010 and Prairie Farm Report in 2011.

Big Ears Donkey Ranch has received notable recognition for its exceptional bloodlines and high-quality stock, along with a strong commitment to the best health and animal care practices.

“We keep meticulous health records for all our donkeys. When a donkey is sold, the buyer receives a detailed information package that includes the donkey’s health record, a veterinary report, and, when possible, photos from the animal’s early days.”

When asked about their plans for the next 25 years, they responded, “We never really know. Our plan is to continue doing what we love and enjoy ourselves while doing it!” 

PHOTO CAPTION: Three-generation photo from far right: ”Lizzy”, then her daughter, “Othaly” then Ron and “Onyx” who is “Othaly’s” daughter, and Suzanne. All three donkeys were raised at “Big Ears.” Since this photo, “Lizzy” has passed away, and “Onyx” has relocated to Quebec and now has a daughter of her own. PHOTO CREDIT TO NANCY DALMAN.