Hi! My name is actually Historique of Wishing Star Farms. Everybody calls me Thor for short. I am a part-bred gelding, of the rare French breed called the Baudet du Poitou. I was born at a Game Farm in New York State, and lived for a while in Connecticut. Now I belong to Chris and Leah Patton, and live in Texas. The American Donkey and Mule Society is going to take me around to shows and exhibitions to help children and adults learn more about all kinds of donkeys and mules, and about the Poitou as well.
There are only about 400 pure Poitou donkeys left in the world, and some are in America. My sire is a registered Poitou, imported from France, named Athos du Bourg. My dam's records have unfortunately been lost. Only pure-bred males may be registered, never partbreds, but the French Stud book is allowing me to be inspected for inclusion for exhibition and educational purposes (see my picture with the French inspection committee on the WELCOME page! ) . I am honored to be listed in the French Stud book.
Most Poitou donkeys are black or a dark brown called bai brun. I am black, with the white nose, eye rings, and belly that most donkeys have. One difference you see right away is my size - I am big, heavy and shaggy. I stand out against most of the other large donkeys right away. Also, most donkeys have thin, short manes that stand up straight, and no forelock of hair that falls between the ears. My mane and forelock are more like that of a horse. I am almost seven years old now, and have probably finished growing, but I may still fill out some. I am 54 1/2" tall at the withers, and have heavy bone like a good Poitou. My cannon bones measure 19.5 cm (7.75") below the knee, but my hocks are 40 cm (15.74") around! A good Poitou jack in France will have cannons greater than 26 cm!
I go to the Horse-O-Rama in Texas in March each year. I really am not a halter animal, but I go in the Parade of Breeds! I really stand out in THAT crowd. In 1998, Leah put me in the Hairiest Horse class, and believe it or not - I got beat out by a Baskir Curly Horse!! Well, he was pretty hairy himself, but it looked like he got a really tight perm, while I prefer my natural shaggy look!!!!
I have also been to the Fort Worth Stock Show (boy, that's a crowd draw!) and at a special World Of Horses Exhibit at the State Fair of Texas. I had some interesting companions - including a world Champion racing Quarter Horse, and Andalusian stallion, Caspian horses, Miniature horses, POA, Appaloosa, Paint, Arabian, Paso, Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and ME!
Right now my training is at halter, and lead-line trail. I love to do obstacle courses and get carrots when I do really good! I have gone into a big concrete-floored garage and walked around cars, and into a smaller one through the people-door - before Leah did! I'm not afraid of the obstacle and think it's fun! When I'm not doing anything else, I am taking care of the new baby calves up at our farm. I am very careful with them - they are even allowed to sleep under my belly!
Chris, Leah & Myryha drove up from Texas to Connecticut to pick me up. I want to say thank you to Debbie Hamilton and Penny de Peyer for letting me stay with their animals, and the other Poitou donkeys. Also thanks to Betsy and Paul Hutchins of the ADMS for letting me come down to live with them for several years! A big Hee-Haw to all the friends I have made along the way!
I now live with Leah's parents in Bonham at the farm. I will be on-hand to greet school kids during the Spring, Harvest, and Winter Fest tours.
Poitou Donkeys!
In 1977, there were only 44 known animals in the world. Some records say there could have been 52, but no more.
The Poitou breed has been known for at least a thousand years. Take a look at this donkey in a 15th century Flemish tapestry above (under Abraham's arm). Look at the ears, shaggy body, and mane. Tell me it's not a Poitou type donkey! The mule further in the background (with a pack) has a really long, shaggy mane too.
Poitous can never show a cross or stripe, even if they are pure-bred.
Our hair is long and silky, which is one reason it mats so badly. The coat is only part of the scoring system for a good Poitou (Bone is more important). But, Poitous without the traditional coat may have been the foundation animals shipped to the US in early times and used in the creation of Mammoth Jackstock.
A Poitou should always have a white nose, eyerings and belly, but the white cannot be extensive. There should be a fine ring of red bordering the white areas.
The old saying goes "you can tell a Purebred Poitou just by looking at the hoof" and it is much larger than those of alsmost any other donkeys, even those who are taller than we are.
