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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 3, 2014)
8 community july3 2014 Training a Burro for 100 Days people selected as a trainer to work with After the competition, the a burro. trained burros are made available for At ‘The Great Burro Turn- adoption via a competitive bid process around,’ Seeburger and Cali will be to approved households. scored on handling, condition and health Seeburger sounded confident of the burro, traveling through a pattern that Cali will find a good home. “I really where Cali has to walk, trot, stop, back think she is incredible,” says Seeburg- up, side pass and turn, as well as a trail er. “She’s very smart, very loving and course with a series of ob- stacles which could include jumps, backing up and step- ping over things. Forty per- cent of the scoring is based on a Freestyle presentation where the trainer and burro have four minutes to show- case what the burro has ac- complished during their 100 day training period. See- burger says she may have Cali wear a pack and show- case her as an animal that can pack your food, beer, fire wood and other gear for Cali when she was living at the BLM camping. with her thick, rough coat. Vernonia 5:00pm at the Vernonia Fire Station National Night Out is a community appreciation night for all the first responders that help keep our community safe and healthy. Come on out, show your support & say thanks! • BBQ • Touch a truck • Family fun activities • Raffle • Demonstrations Hosted by Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District and the Vernonia Police Dept. Contact: Brandi Abney 503-429-8252 Mariolino’s Pizza & Grill Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner Daily Specials We have ice cream! Cones-Shakes-Sundaes Serving Vernonia since 1970 721 Madison Avenue, Vernonia (503) 429-5018 continued from front page she’s very kind. I’m hoping she finds a home where someone can focus on her as much as I have and really wants to be a burro trainer.” Seeburger has been actively marketing Cali, creating a flyer and a Facebook Page for her. She has also placed ads on Craig’s List inviting people to visit her on Seeburger’s farm and attend the ‘The Great Burro Turn- around.’ Seeburger says her time work- ing with Cali has not been easy. To start with, Cali’s coat was very thick, rough, unkempt and dirty after living the first four years of her life as a wild burro with almost no care. “She wasn’t very happy with her life,” says Seeburger. Seeburg- er had to wash and shave her coat. Cali looks much better now that she has been receiving regular care. Training a wild burro was also not easy says Seeburger. “She wouldn’t do anything I wanted for the first forty- five days.” Now Seeburger says Cali can work ‘at liberty’ where Seeburger can have her follow specific commands with the use of a lead or halter. Seeburg- er also showed us how Cali can jump over a barrel, step down from a platform and back up. “I’m a dog lover,” says Seeburg- er. “But I think a burro could be man’s best friend. Not only will she eat your weeds and keep your grass down, you can also use her manure as compost!” Seeburger says a burro is differ- ent than a horse in several ways. She explained that a horse is an animal of flight. It will run if it feels threatened or is attacked. “A burro is not made to be fast and they will stand their ground and fight if attacked. They’re not an animal of flight; they’re an animal of fight.” Seeburger says that burros tend to think things through and won’t get themselves into a situation they can’t get out of. “They move a lot slower and think about what they are doing. A horse is actually easier to train, because a burro will think and fight you.” Seeburger says a burro’s eyes sit more on the side of their head where a horse’s are more forward look- ing. It gives the burro better peripheral vision, which makes them a good pack and trail animal. Seeburger also noted that although a burro can run, they are really designed to walk. “Their favorite speed is a walk. They’re not an animal that is fast. They just want to do their job and do it slow.” Seeburger had an interesting perspective on her time working with Cali over the last three months. “I think every school student, before they gradu- ate, should have to train a burro,” says Seeburger. “It would teach them pa- tience, understanding and give them confidence in themselves and the ani- mals they work with. Cali has taught me more in my life than anything else.” For more information about Cali Girl you can reach Leslie Seeburger at 503- 429-5402.
