What do a miniature donkey, a miniature horse, a quarter horse, and two standardbreds, all have in common? Why, they are all members of the equine family of course. Actually, these are all residents of The Farm. Come out to The Farm and meet JJ, Bojangles, Bob, Daisy, and Landon.
JJ, Miniature Donkey
JJ is a staple of The Farm which he has called home for several years. In the 1920s, donkeys were a valuable asset to the farm. Their loud and distinctive bray, or “ee-haw,” quickly alerted their owners to any disturbance on the farm. Donkeys are also known to stand their ground, making them a great defense for other animals against predators. Donkeys have also been used as pack animals for millennia.
Today, JJ resides with the sheep at The Farm. He is gentle with children, and he loves being a walking educational experience at The Farm. JJ is also exceptionally photogenic!
Bojangles, Mini Horse
Another character around The Farm is Bojangles, a mini horse. Bojangles, also known as “Bo”, has called The Farm home since its early days. He’s seen a lot of improvements around The Farm from new chicken coops to the recently donated and restored tenant house. But one thing that has stayed the same for Bojangles is the warm visits he gets from smiling visitors to The Farm at Prophetstown. From Trick or Treating to Christmas at The Farm, Bojangles is a highlight of any event.
Landon, Daisy, and Bob
Horseback riding was a valuable means of transportation one hundred years ago when very few people had cars. Our resident horses are great representatives of horsemanship in the 1920s—even if their riding days are behind them.
Landon, our quarter horse, is easily set apart by his white socks and muzzle. Landon is a little feisty, but he’s still a sucker for a good pet. Watch where you put your fingers though! Sometimes, horses mistake fingers for carrots. It’s best to keep and open palm and your fingers close together when handling our horses. And they prefer to be petted from the side.
Bob and Daisy were standardbred race horses in their early years. Their race history still follows them—you can look their records up by looking up their neck tattoos online. After hanging up their saddles and bridles, Bob and Daisy enjoy a peaceful life on The Farm.
Horses have a unique digestive system. Specifically, if a horse doesn’t feel very good, eats too much, or eats the wrong thing, they can’t throw-up. With that being said, Bob has to be careful about what he eats. While Landon and Daisy get a little bit of grain at the end of the day and the occasional apple from one of our farm staff, Bob sticks with hay only. He doesn’t mind though—too much.
Come meet our equine friends at The Farm at Prophetstown! Their enduring personalities are sure to warm your heart—and maybe even teach you a thing or two about living “the equid-able life.”