The Alberta Donkey and Mule Club

Twyla Daly and partner Blayne Johnson joined the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club in 1992. This was shortly after they had purchased their first mule.

The couple had spent many years going on pack trips into the Ya Ha Tinda, Nordegg, Ram, Clearwater, and Panther areas of the Eastern Slopes. There was an 8 year stint where the couple would go annually on four 10 day pack trips per summer. They also sprinkled in several 2-4 day short excursions, amongst these longer trips. Each summer through that time frame they had attended Keith Kendrew’s “camp outs,” in the Cut Off Creek and Ram River areas.

The couple has owned both mules and horses.

Twyla was recognized by the Alberta Equestrian Foundation for achieving the 3000 hour Milestone, in their Ride and Drive campaign.

Over the years, the pack trips became less frequent and shorter in duration.

Blayne and Twyla were together for 30 years. Twyla taught school and was involved with community endeavours. Blayne was a plumber-type. He had two careers. On the Paying Side, he installed and maintained industrial milking parlors for Surge Dairy Equipment. On the Interests Side, Blayne was an inventor, engineer, designer, welder, carpenter, fabricator and electrician

 By Hans Kollewyn

navigate. A couple of riders had indicated they had not attempted natural obstacles before but were able to navigate them successfully with some help. It was a great confidence booster for those riders and their horses. Play days are meant for and setup so rider and horse (the team) have fun, a positive experience and advance the team’s skill level.

The first picture is Greg and Sonny navigating a natural water obstacle in a small field, outside of an outdoor arena. The second picture is Denton and Bender navigating a water box and bridge combination in an outdoor arena. Hosts and course designers have the opportunity to be creative in designing courses in an arena and/or a field and they are only limited to the facility provided.

This play day provided a great opportunity for the attending teams to start the Challenge season in a positive manner. Riders worked on their riding skills and ability to navigate obstacles. The host and those who rode indicated it was a successful and enjoyable weekend. Have fun and enjoy the ride!

– The All Round Handy Man. He was a man with experience, practicality and wisdom. In the fall of 2020 Blayne passed away, following a lingering illness.

At club meetings, over the decades, both of these members were recognized for their “voices of reason.” The club benefited from their involvement, participation and recommendations.

Twyla has always been an active member with the club events, assisting annually at the Mane Event and Spruce Meadows, handling booth responsibilities. She has assisted at Long Ears Days, filling various roles as the Ring Steward, participant and coordinator. Her days as a recognized volunteer within the club go back to when the ADMC worked Bingos as fundraisers (2000)! Following the Bingos, she then had the easy job of recruiting volunteers for the newly acquired Casino License Opportunity, which began in 2005. That was a test and she found out just how helpful neighbours can be! Twyla looked after all aspects of coordinating the casino requirements for two of the fundraisers.

From 2002-2006 she held the Treasurer position for two terms.

Twyla Daly has participated at every Bingo and Casino fundraiser held in support of the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club beginning in 2002. Along with her participation and contribution with club events over the 31 years, she has set a fine example as a contributing member to the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club.

On April 29, 2023 Twyla Daly was the recipient of a Life Membership from the members of the club.