In addition to pigs and several other types of animals, John has miniature donkeys and participates in Pack Burro Racing. Pack Burro Racing is a sport in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico that is rooted in the various western state's mining histories. In the early days of the mining industry in Colorado, miners would take donkeys (burros in Spanish) through the mountains of Colorado while prospecting. Because the burros were carrying supplies, the miners could not ride the animals and so they would walk, leading the donkey. Burro Races are held throughout small towns in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico to commemorate the miners and their burros. In 2012, Pack Burro Racing was recognized as the official "summer heritage sport" in Colorado. In a typical Burro Race, a runner and a burro travel a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a rope. Riding the burro is not allowed, though the human may carry the burro. The burro must be on a lead rope, which is limited to 15 feet (4.6 m). Runners must maintain control of their animals at all times. Like horse racing, Burro Racing has its own "Triple Crown," consisting of three races. In addition to the Colorado Triple Crown Races, other mining towns throughout Colorado are adding Burro Races to their event schedule, usually as part of an existing town festival. For a video and additional info, click here

Below are photos from some of John’s races. Click photos to enlarge, then you can click the arrows at bottom of photos to advance to next photo

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In addition to pigs and several other types of animals, John has miniature donkeys and participates in Pack Burro Racing. Pack Burro Racing is a sport in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico that is rooted in the various western state's mining histories. In the early days of the mining industry in Colorado, miners would take donkeys (burros in Spanish) through the mountains of Colorado while prospecting. Because the burros were carrying supplies, the miners could not ride the animals and so they would walk, leading the donkey. Burro Races are held throughout small towns in Colorado, Arizona, California, and New Mexico to commemorate the miners and their burros. In 2012, Pack Burro Racing was recognized as the official "summer heritage sport" in Colorado. In a typical Burro Race, a runner and a burro travel a prescribed course together, with the runner leading the burro on a rope. Riding the burro is not allowed, though the human may carry the burro. The burro must be on a lead rope, which is limited to 15 feet (4.6 m). Runners must maintain control of their animals at all times. Like horse racing, Burro Racing has its own "Triple Crown," consisting of three races. In addition to the Colorado Triple Crown Races, other mining towns throughout Colorado are adding Burro Races to their event schedule, usually as part of an existing town festival. For a video and additional info, click here

Below are photos from some of John’s races. Click photos to enlarge, then you can click the arrows at bottom of photos to advance to next photo

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