The 2012 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Donkey and Mule show was held on February 19th and 20th. Youth exhibitors had the opportunity to show donkeys, mules, and miniature donkeys in a variety of classes ranging from showmanship, pleasure driving, western pleasure, in-hand jumping and trail.

The High Point winner, Shanna Cruse, showing “Lil Angels Axelle,” was the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship. Cruse refers to her donkey as “Axelle,” and said “He is a beautiful and loyal little donkey. I couldn’t have asked for a better pet and friend.”

Cruse, 17, is from Roanoke, Texas and plans on majoring in Animal Science at Texas A&M University. Aside from showing donkeys, Cruse shadows an equine veterinarian. “I work at Mustard Seed Ranch, which is a school for children with autism, as the assistant therapist in the horse riding therapy program,” Cruse said.

She was very excited to win the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship. Cruse said, “I have trained and practiced for this show and now to finally win this scholarship means the world to me. My excitement is overwhelming and now my dreams of college are more of a reality.” “I would like to thank my wonderful parents for being so very supportive of me throughout everything. I love y’all so much. I would also like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for blessing and giving me the opportunities that he has,” Cruse said.

This year the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has committed over $9 million to education. The amount represents scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, western art auction funds, Calf Scramble programs, and show premiums paid to youth in the state of Texas. This brings the total amount that the organization has committed since inception to $113 million.

For more information, visit www.sarodeo.com or call 210-225-5851.