June 26-28, 2026
Located at Non-Pareil Ranch, just outside Bakersfield, CA.
Donkey Days at Non-Pareil Ranch was created to bring people together who appreciate donkeys and want a place to show, use, and enjoy their animals.
It’s built to help preserve the heritage of donkeys while giving folks a place to step in and participate. Whether you’ve got a seasoned donkey or one you’ve been working with at home, you’re welcome here.
It’s a family-oriented weekend with a variety of classes and good company. A chance to get your donkey out, have some fun, and be around folks doing the same.
Food vendors and shopping will be available during the event.
Donkey Competition Classes
Classes are designed to highlight a range of skills, from groundwork to practical use. Divisions are organized by age group to keep things fair and straightforward.
Entry Fee per class, per animal
Special Division: No entry fee
PeeWee Division: $10.00
Youth Division: $15.00
Adult Division: $20.00
Senior Division: $20.00
Lead In Divisions
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PeeWee
Obstacle
Keyhole
Pack Race
Costume
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Youth
Obstacle
Keyhole
Pack Race
Costume
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Adults
Obstacle
Keyhole
Pack Race
Costume
-
Senior
Obstacle
Keyhole
Pack Race
Costume
-
Special Division
Obstacle
Keyhole
Pack Race
Costume
Jumping Divisions
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Mini
36 inches or less at the withers
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Standard
37 to 53 inches at the withers
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Mammoth
54 inches and over at the withers
Saddle Donkey Divisions-Standard
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PeeWee-Standard Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
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Youth-Standard Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
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Adults-Standard Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
-
Senior-Standard Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
-
Special Division-Standard Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
Saddle Donkey Divisions-Mammoth
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PeeWee-Mammoth Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
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Youth-Mammoth Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
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Adults-Mammoth Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
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Senior-Mammoth Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
-
Special Division-Mammoth Donkey
Trail Obstacle Course
Keyhole
Barrel Racing
Age Divisions
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PeeWee
7 years and under
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Youth
8-17 years old
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Adult
18-49 years old
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Senior
50 years and up
-
Special Division
No Age Limit
Schedule of Events
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Friday
Competitors may arrive anytime
7:00 PM – Costume Contest -
Saturday
Lead-In Division Competition Day
6:00–7:15 AM – Check In
8:00 AM – Obstacle Course
30-minute break following classRemaining Classes:
JumpingPack Race
Keyhole10–15 minute break between each class
Awards
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Sunday
Saddle Donkey Events
6:00–7:15 AM – Check In
7:00-7:30 AM-Cowboy Church
8:00 AM – Trail Obstacle Course
Followed by:
KeyholeBarrel Racing
10–15 minute break between each class
Awards
Schedules may adjust as needed throughout the weekend, but we’ll do our best to stay on track.
Most guests will depart Sunday afternoon. Out-of-town guests are welcome to stay overnight and depart by 10:00 AM Monday morning.
Food vendors will conclude service and depart by 3:00 PM on Sunday.
Entry Forms
Entries close on June 10th so we have time to finalize class lists, awards, and event details.
Late entries may be accepted after June 10th as space allows, with a $25.00 late fee per exhibitor.
Please click on your desired age division below to access the correct entry form.
The Camping Entry Form should only be filled out if you are not exhibiting a donkey and are attending as a spectator only.
Come Out for the Day
You don’t have to be showing to be part of it. Come out, watch the classes, visit vendors, and enjoy the ranch alongside exhibitors and their donkeys.
Spectator passes are available for Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Putting on an event like Donkey Days takes a lot behind the scenes, and we’re grateful for the businesses, families, and individuals who choose to stand behind it.
As we get this show off the ground, our goal is to build something people look forward to year after year—one of the best donkey shows around, with competitive classes, good awards, and a weekend folks enjoy being part of.
This section highlights our current sponsors and provides a way for anyone interested to get involved.
If you or your business would like to support the Non-Pareil Ranch Donkey Days Show, please click the button below to complete the sponsorship form. We’ll follow up with you to visit about options and next steps.
Rules & FAQ's
Rules
General
- Must wear jeans and close toed shoes inside showring
- No dress code for special division/handicap
- Excessive force or harsh handling used to make a donkey compete is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
- All jacks are required to be handled with a stud chain and halter at all times.
- Special Division/Handicap exhibitors are allowed to compete with regular exhibitors in their age group if they want to, instead of their own individual class. This choice will be made at show staffs discretion
Lead-In Obstacle/Saddle Donkey Obstacle
- The fastest time wins.
- If you do not complete an obstacle and have to go around or forfeit a particular obstacle a penalty of 5 seconds will be added to your time.
Off-Course is defined as:
- Taking an obstacle in the wrong direction
- Negotiating an obstacle from the wrong side
- Negotiating obstacles in the wrong sequence
Incomplete Obstacle:
If an obstacle is only partially completed, a 5-second penalty will be added.
Note: Off course will result in elimination.
Saddle Donkey Obstacle Course (Pee Wee & Special Divisions):
- This is a trail-style course. Each participant must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the class. The adult may either ride alongside on another horse, mule, or donkey, or walk the course with the participant on foot.
Lead-In Pole Bending/Saddle Donkey Pole Bending
- Contestants allowed a running start within the arena.
- The pattern is to be run around 6 poles set in a straight line.
- Pattern may start either to the right or left of the first pole.
- The contestant will run to the far end of the line of poles before starting to weave the poles back toward the start, turn and weave the poles back to the far end, then run to the finish line.
- Knocking over a pole will carry a 5 second penalty.
- Riders may touch a pole with no penalty.
- Breaking pattern will result in disqualification.
Lead-In Keyhole/Saddle Donkey Keyhole
- Contestant crosses timing line, enters lane, turns animal around in keyhole circle in either direction, and returns back down the lane and across the timing line.
- Stepping on or out of any of the lines results in disqualification. All limed lines must be kept visible for all entries.
Coon Hunters Jumping
- Two attempts may be made at each height
- A blanket or cover may be used over the jump if the handler desires and provides.
- Each attempt must be started at a complete standstill, no jogging or running towards jump is allowed.
- Should two or more animals tie for a height, the animal which clears the jump in one attempt will be the winner
Costume
- Does not count towards all around points
- Exhibitors are allowed to share donkeys in this event as long as its a new costume per exhibitor
- NO JACKS ALLOWED
- Costume to be judged on originality, authenticity and audience appeal
- Each entry in this class MUST be accompanied by a typed or legibly written description to be read by the announcer
- 2 minute time limit for description
- Descriptions are due at check in time so that staff has time to prepare for class
Pack Race
- Fastest time wins
- Exhibitors must provide their own pack equipment (saddle, blanket, ropes etc)
- Exhibitors will be required to gather the supplies placed in the arena, load or “pack” them as directed, and return across the finish line to complete the class. A 5-second penalty will be added for each item dropped or lost between the saddling area and the finish line.
When do entries close, and are late entries accepted?
Entries close on June 10th so we have time to finalize class lists, awards, and event details.
Late entries are accepted after June 1st as space allows, with a $25.00 late fee per exhibitor.
How are entry fees calculated and when do I pay?
Entry fees are based on the classes you select for each donkey, along with any camping or pen reservations.
After you submit your entry form, we’ll review your entries along with your camping and pen requests, calculate your total, and contact you with the amount due.
Payment is due at check-in and is payable in cash.
Can one donkey be shown by more than one exhibitor?
Yes, donkeys can be entered under multiple exhibitor names.
What do I need to bring for my donkey during the weekend?
Please plan to bring your own feed, buckets, tack, and any equipment needed for your setup.
Water is available onsite, but you’ll need to haul it to your area using your own containers.
You’re welcome to bring your own hay, shavings, and portable panel pens if you prefer. Alfalfa and bermuda hay, as well as shavings, will also be available for purchase onsite.
Panel pens are available to rent for an additional fee.
Vendors will be on hand with select supplies.
What happens if my donkey needs veterinary care during the event?
If veterinary care is needed, we will supply you with a list of local veterinarians.
All veterinary services and associated costs are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
Non-Pareil Ranch is not responsible for the outcome of any veterinary care provided.
What are the camping options at the ranch?
Dry camping is available onsite. There are no hookups, but there is plenty of space for RVs, living quarters, trailers, tents, and to park your vehicle.
The ranch is made up of rolling hills and some steep ridges. Plan accordingly when setting up and moving around the property.
Water is available onsite to fill your own containers or trailers; please bring your own drinking water.
Showers are available for $10.00 for 30 minutes and are payable onsite as needed. Handicap-accessible restrooms are available.
Generators are welcome.
Food vendors will be onsite throughout the weekend, with water and beverages available for purchase.
We have a covered meeting area with tables and chairs available for shared use. Please bring your own camp chairs for your individual setup.
There are no shade trees, so canopies or shade structures are encouraged. Expect warm to hot weather, including evenings, and plan accordingly.
Cell service is limited and will vary depending on your carrier.
Campfires or fires of any kind are not permitted. Charcoal and propane only.
If you plan to camp or reserve panel pens, please complete the camping and panel pen rental form in advance so we can get you placed accordingly.
If you are having an RV delivered, please contact us ahead of time so we can help with directions and coordination. All overnight guests are required to pay the Non-Pareil Ranch camping fee.
RV rental arrangements and fees are handled directly through the rental company and are separate from ranch fees. While we’re happy to help coordinate delivery, Non-Pareil Ranch is not responsible for any aspect of the rental itself.
We keep it simple and spread out so everyone has room and can enjoy their stay.
What are the food options during the event?
Food vendors will be onsite throughout the weekend, with meals available for purchase.
Water and beverages will also be available for sale, but we recommend bringing your own drinking water and ice so you’re fully prepared.
Please plan to bring cash for food vendors, as there is no ATM onsite and cell service is limited.
Town is 15-20 minutes away, several local restaurants close.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Dogs are allowed but all dogs must be kept on a leash or in a kennel at all times and should not interfere with livestock, exhibitors, or other guests.
Owners are responsible for their dogs and any damage or disruption they may cause.
What happens after I submit my entry form?
Once your entry form is submitted, we’ll review your entries along with your camping and panel pen requests, calculate your total, and contact you with the amount due.
Payment is due at check-in and is payable in cash.
All participants and guests will be required to sign a Ranch Rules and Release of Liability waiver upon arrival at the ranch.