Miss Sippi’s Secret Gardens is an eclectic farm located just outside of the Quad Cities, in Port Byron Illinois and Rock Island County. This ranch and family are committed to promoting a healthy and optimistic future for the Miniature Donkey. I am dedicated to upholding and improving the national breed standards by breeding top quality proven bloodlines and adhering to an ethical breeding program. We breed and show healthy miniature donkeys that are stocky, small and unique. We are proud to carry the Future Link, Red Lightening, Little Motown, Circle C Desperado, Fireman, and Circle C Obsession lines in our herd.

If you are traveling to visit us, we have a list of personally recommended hotels or bed and breakfast, a few local shops and of course some fine dining only a few miles from the farm. If you are interested in purchasing, breeding, or learning about Miniature Donkeys please call for an appointment so I may give you my undivided attention.

I have fallen in love with Miniature Donkeys for many reasons. As a mother and wife, I find peace in the chores outside of the home each morning and afternoon. I’m blessed to get out for a breath of fresh air and start the day caring for my donkeys. It’s rewarding to work with such cooperative and loving creatures! Whether their affectionate personalities, training abilities, or the “cute” factor wins you over Miniature Donkeys touch everyone they meet. They teach us patience, humility, and can give us a break from the stress of everyday life. We have a gallery of spectacular animals for you to meet and interact with here at “The Gardens”.

My husband and I had been spending some quality time on weekend trips to visit alpaca farms near Chicago when I saw Rachael Ray’s show featuring the miniature donkey. I was searching for an animal that would bring interest, fun, and responsibility to our growing family. The donkeys won my heart. I have been drawn to horses for as long as I can remember, but alas, those darn allergies! I worked as a veterinary technician for 6 years with large animals, trained for equine massage therapy, rescued two horses but just couldn’t handle them without an inhaler in one hand and Kleenex in the other. When I discovered I wasn’t allergic to the donkeys it was a born again experience! Further investigation uncovered they were easier to train, handle, and maintain than a horse. I have never looked back- a pure devotion to the Miniature Donkey.

When I started this journey I was fortunate to find Bill and Sue Hill of Hill’s Haven” in Fort Madison, Iowa whom gave me a great foundation. They answered my hundreds of questions and welcomed my multiple visits, and I came home with my first donkeys! The Hill’s impression confirmed my passion for the donkey world and landed me where I am today.

I have found great farms in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.  I have spent the weekend in Oregon with Cindy Benson and observed and handled generations of incredible donkeys. Travels to Tennessee have proven addicting as I went three times the summer of 2010 alone!  Half Ass Acres, Wits End Farm, the Tennessee State Fair were all wonderful experiences and I have gained some wonderful friends and donkeys from there.

In deciding to commit my energy and investments in Miniature Donkeys I had to revisit my history as a veterinary technician. I had witnessed a lot of mistreated animals and unethical breeding practices. My clear and stated goal is to add phenomenal donkeys to the population and focus on quality, not quantity. We aim to put two foals on the ground in the spring and two in the winter.  I am committed to resting my jennets a year between breedings unless special circumstances prevail. Young jennets are evaluated at three years of age and given the benefit of waiting four years before breeding if they are smaller or not mentally mature to mother. I learned these important values while comparing jennets on the many farm visits I accumulated when putting my herd together.  Dayle Haworth impressed me with her consideration for the jennets in resting them after a baby. The absence of swayed backs and presence of great toplines of the elder jennets was apparent that it works.  In this economy it will serve us all well as breeders to rest a jennet.

I traveled far and wide finding lines I was impressed with and purchased most of my donkeys as yearlings.  I have watched the different bloodlines mature at different rates, noted my likes and dislikes and have evolved my herd in pursuit of impeccable conformation and temperaments.  It will continue to evolve as I visit more outstanding farms across the country and I will adjust accordingly. Every donkey I currently own is of top quality in my educated opinion and I’m very proud of all of them.

When choosing a breeding pair the genetic tool box we accumulate with proven bloodlines serves valuable in predicting size, substance, color, and temperament in the offspring. Using these tools from my research will empower me to adhere to the National Breed Standards and improve the future of the Miniature Donkey. I have learned that a strong pedigree is the building block of my program. Strong conformation, and an eye catching quality are requirements for my herd. I strive to promote performance and halter show quality animals that will move and perform the work they were meant to do.

The Desperado bloodlines are a foundation for my breeding program.  I have been impressed with generations of research that inspired me to start off with a Desperado grandson as my Herdsire. “BR Raise the Bar” is a fine example of what I will be producing here at the farm. He has the stocky features and outstanding conformation I adore.  His face is expressive and his temperament is that of a gelding. 

Obsidian provides me with more refinement and grace to use in the show ring. He is well balanced with a petite head, balanced chest and hips and legs to die for.  He is a “pretty boy” jack.  Obsidian has an inquisitive personality and loves to show off to his jennets.  His Motown and Future Link bloodlines prove him an asset to the industry and I’m very proud to offer his performance style foals.

If you are interested in Miniature Donkeys as a sound investment or as a hobby it’s a rewarding relationship. They are a treat to train and show around the country. Look to your local or state fair’s to inquire about American Donkey and Mule Association events in your state. Children enjoy showing in 4H programs, participating in parades and fairs. The donkey people around the world are a friendly bunch. I guarantee you will learn something from each farm you visit. Anyone can benefit from the easy relationship with a Miniature Donkey.

We stand behind our animals and will offer a lasting relationship to grow on when you purchase a donkey. If there becomes a reason you cannot keep your donkey I will be here to help find a new home or take the animal back into my herd. I will help you find a place for donkeys in your life!

Farm visits are always welcome or you may take a look at our “Calendar of Events” schedule to see the donkeys in action and visit our booth at the shows.

Happy trails,
Jenny Eastep