Chris Mackler for Out Here Magazine
During late November, I shot a story for the Spring edition of Out Here Magazine, (Tractor Supply Co.’s quarterly publication, available for free at your local store), on a dying breed of donkey, the American Mammoth Jackstock (AMJ) and the woman dedicated to keeping the breed from becoming extinct.
Deb Kidwell, owner of Lake Nowhere Mule and Donkey Farm in Martin, Tenn., breeds American Mammoth Jackstock, the only American breed of Ass, and one started by George Washington. The breed, however, is dying off with the mechanization of farm equipment. The breed typically stands at least 14.2 hands high (a hand equals 4 inches), and when mated with a female horse, produces a mule. “The AMJ is an outstanding driving and riding animal and my purpose for breeding them is to preserve this important American heritage breed and to promote their use as loving, sweet riding animals so their use isn’t just for making mules,” said Kidwell. Once we lose the genetic strain of the AMJ, “it’s gone forever,” said Jennifer Kendall, of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
~ Chris Mackler
chris@macklermedia.com
March 27th, 2011at 8:36 pm(#)
I have one of these speacial creatures. It is a jack. Was interested in knowing more about breading of the donkey. Do they need to be bread with another American Mammoth jackstock? Or just any donkey? ‘Jack’ does have two offspring but niether look like jack.
July 5th, 2011at 5:09 pm(#)
I LOVE DONKEY’s AND MULES, AND I HAVE A MINIATURE DONKEY.I AM INTERESTED IN RAISING AND BREEDING OF MULE’s AND DONKEY’s,I have 23 acres in the middle of the woods.I PROBABLY CANT AFFORD TO BUY ONE RIGHT NOW BUT I WOULD LOVE TO HELP KEEP THE BREED ALIVE.IS THERE ANY WAY I COULD GET A JACK OR A BREEDING PAIR TO HELP THE BREED SURVIVE? THANK YOU, RUSTY
October 19th, 2011at 7:25 am(#)
We have 4 of these magnificent creatures and if we had to do it all over again, I would have no horses – only American Mammoth Jackstock. They are gentle, sweet and loving creatures. I would have no hesitation putting one of my grandchildren on them to ride. Our first was a rescue (we still have her) – a 12 year old blue roan dappled Jennet whom we named Sophie Rose. She was neglected and abused but has a heart full of love. She and I bonded very closely from the beginning. We do not breed, as our Jackstock are not of breeding quality. We have the pleasure of knowing Deb Kidwell and have been to Lake Nowhere several times. She is an outstanding breeder and her AMJ are awesome.