|
 One can only mention Sue King's name and you should know what
all she has done for the mule and donkey industry. That would be my
vote for this year!
Sue was nominated five separate times this
year! Sue and her husband, Jim Joling, Brayer
Hill Farm, started in 1985 in Missouri. The farm moved to Boyd, Texas
in 1989.They are committed to the promotion of the saddle mule as the
equine of choice for trail riding, showing, ranch work and family
activities. In 1992, Sue started The SADDLE MULE NEWS, a magazine
devoted to the mules used under saddle and in light harness.
Jim, a retired executive in the telecommunications field, has served
NASMA as Ways and Means Chair.
They helped found the North American Saddle Mule Association as Charter
Members. Sue served as Executive Secretary for the first five years of NASMA's existence and, then again, in 2005 to 2008. It has been an
honor for Sue to see the Association grow to include, not only saddle mules,
but also donkeys and draft mules.
The philosophy of Brayer Hill Farm includes the belief that mules bred
from quality mares and jacks are the best saddle equine one can have.
When bred from quality donkeys and mares, their conformation and
attractiveness is comparable to horses. When raised and trained
properly, their temperaments are generous. Mules are unquestionably
superior trail mounts with their surefootedness and donkey
intelligence and sense. Mules are fast proving they are competitive in
shows and competitions. But, most important, mules share a very
special bond with their owners, one of mutual respect and cooperation
rather than dominance. For this reason, mules endear themselves to a
very special kind of owner and rider.
Brayer Hill Farm also believes that the time has come for the old
stereotypes of the "stubborn" mule to end. It is now time for the mule
to overcome the image of a work animal and move into the twenty-first
century as a leisure and companion equine. |
