Some of the best surprises in Florida hide at the end of quiet country roads, far from the theme parks and beach crowds. You expect a plain little farm, maybe a few animals grazing, and then a pair of fuzzy long ears pops up at the fence and changes your whole afternoon.
These pint-sized animals are curious, sweet, and a little bit mischievous, and the small family operation raising them has quietly won a loyal following. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to bring home a tiny four-legged friend, this is a story worth reading.
A Donkey Farm Tucked Into Southeast Ocala
Marion County is famous for its sprawling horse farms, but one of its most charming animal spots is much smaller. Broke Azz Ranch Mini Donkeys sits at 109 Locust Run in Ocala, FL 34472, in the quiet southeast part of the area.
The setting is rural, relaxed, and refreshingly free of tourist traffic.
So what exactly is it? The ranch is a working farm that raises miniature donkeys, with a strong focus on the babies born there.
Families from near and far come here when they want a well-raised mini donkey to join their own homes or pastures.
That makes it a little different from a petting zoo or a roadside attraction. It is a family-run breeding farm first, which means the animals are the heart of everything that happens on the property.
For Floridians who love discovering places that most neighbors drive right past, this one fits the bill nicely. Ocala gets plenty of attention for its thoroughbreds, yet the long-eared residents on Locust Run have built a fan club of their own.
It is the kind of spot you learn about from a friend of a friend, and then you cannot stop telling people about it.
The Story Behind a Name That Makes People Grin
Let’s be honest, a name like Broke Azz Ranch tends to get a laugh before anyone even sees a donkey. That cheeky sense of humor tells you right away that this is not a stuffy, buttoned-up operation.
Fans have pointed out that a farm with this much personality naturally raises donkeys with plenty of personality too.
Behind the playful name is a family that clearly takes the work seriously. Larry, who runs the ranch, is the person buyers talk about most, and his family is often thanked right alongside him.
People describe them as kind-hearted folks who take real pride in raising these animals.
Many fans first found the ranch through Facebook, where updates about new babies keep followers watching and waiting. Some people say they followed along for quite a while before the right little donkey came along.
Fun fact: in the donkey world, a male is called a jack and a female is called a jenny. Those words pop up constantly around here, so it helps to learn them early.
Once you know them, the conversations about new arrivals start making a lot more sense.
Miniature Donkeys, Not Miniature Horses
Quick confession: from a distance, a mini donkey can absolutely pass for a tiny horse. The size is similar, the fence-side curiosity is similar, and both will happily wander over to see who has arrived.
Look a little closer, though, and those famous long ears give the secret away.
The animals at this Ocala ranch are miniature donkeys, and they have a charm all their own. Their ears are oversized and expressive, their faces are soft and fuzzy, and their eyes seem to follow every move you make.
People who meet them often describe them as the cutest minis around.
Donkeys also have a reputation for being thoughtful animals. They tend to size up a situation before jumping in, which is part of why they bond so closely with the people and animals around them.
Here is a small history bit worth knowing. Miniature donkeys trace their roots to the Mediterranean region, especially the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, where they were once valued as small working animals.
Today they are mostly loved as companions, and Florida pastures suit them beautifully. So if the title promised horses, consider this a happy upgrade with bigger ears.
Babies at the Center of It All
Ask anyone who knows this ranch what stands out, and the word babies comes up again and again. The young donkeys raised here are the main attraction, and they draw a lot of attention online and in person.
Buyers regularly describe them as beautiful, sweet, and absolutely adorable.
Watching for a new baby can become a bit of a hobby. Some people check the ranch’s Facebook page for months, hoping the perfect little jack or jenny will show up.
When the right one arrives, the excitement is easy to understand.
The coloring varies, which adds to the fun. One family brought home a little white jack along with a dark brown jenny, a pairing that shows how different two donkeys from the same farm can look.
Each baby seems to have its own look and its own attitude.
Fans also note that Larry does not take shortcuts with his young animals. That kind of care in the early weeks and months matters, since it shapes how comfortable a donkey becomes around people.
The result is a crop of babies that settle into new homes with surprising ease, often becoming the sweetest members of the household within just a few days.
Larry’s Hands-On Guidance for First-Timers
Buying your first donkey can feel a little like adopting a puppy and a pony at the same time. There are questions about feeding, space, companionship, and daily care, and it is easy to feel unsure.
That is where Larry’s reputation really shines.
First-time owners say he took the time to educate them about donkeys before and after the sale. Instead of simply handing over an animal, he explains what to expect and helps people feel ready.
For newcomers, that kind of patient teaching is worth a lot.
His advice goes beyond the basics too. One family described how he helped them choose the best young jack to keep their eight-month-old donkey company.
Their first donkey had been lonely, and the match Larry recommended turned out to be just right.
That detail says something important about donkeys in general. They are social animals and usually do best with a buddy, so pairing them thoughtfully can make a big difference in their happiness.
Many people describe their experience as excellent advice from start to finish. When trust is a concern with any pet purchase, having a knowledgeable guide on your side can make the whole process feel calm and simple.
Temperaments That Win Hearts at the Fence
Friendly is the word that keeps surfacing whenever people describe these donkeys. They are known for being well tempered, easy to handle, and happy to be around people.
That is exactly the kind of animal most families hope for.
One owner shared that the jennies she brought home became favorites on her farm almost instantly. Their calm manners and social nature helped them fit right in with daily life.
Another buyer described their new babies as the sweetest after only a couple of days.
Of course, a little mischief comes with the package. One fan affectionately called them little troublemakers, which anyone who has spent time with donkeys will understand.
They are curious, they like to investigate, and they sometimes test the rules just to see what happens.
That playful streak is part of their charm. A donkey that walks right up to the fence to nuzzle a hand is a donkey that trusts people, and that trust usually comes from careful raising.
For families thinking about kids, grandkids, or other animals on the property, an even-keeled donkey can be a wonderful fit. The good manners these minis are known for reflect the time and attention they receive while growing up on the ranch.
Jacks, Jennies, and Matched Pairs
Deciding between a jack and a jenny is one of the first fun choices a new owner makes. Some families want boys, some want girls, and others go for one of each.
The ranch has helped buyers with all of those combinations.
One family chose a white jack and a dark brown jenny, a pairing that looks lovely together in a pasture. Another family has collected several little boys over time.
Meanwhile, a different owner brought home a pair of girls who quickly became farm favorites.
Because donkeys enjoy company, getting two at once is a popular choice. Several buyers mention bringing home their first two donkeys together, which helps the animals adjust to a new place with a familiar friend nearby.
Matching personalities can matter as much as matching looks. That is why Larry’s input on which donkeys might pair well gets so much appreciation.
When a lonely young donkey gets the right companion, both animals tend to settle in more happily.
A good tip for anyone shopping is to think about your space, your current animals, and your long-term plans before choosing. Then talk it through with the ranch, since they have plenty of practice helping families find the right fit.
Quick Replies and Thoughtful Updates
Good communication might not sound exciting, but it is one of the things people praise most about this ranch. Buyers describe Larry as prompt, professional, and quick to respond to every question.
Some even say he picked up the phone whenever they called.
That level of attention helps a lot during a process that can feel nerve-wracking. When you are waiting on a new animal, it is comforting to know someone is available to explain what is happening.
People often describe the whole experience as super easy to work with.
A sweet example involves transport day. When a transport company arrived to pick up two babies headed to their new home, Larry sent the new owner a picture to let her know they were on their way.
Small touches like that make a big impression.
It shows the ranch understands how much these animals mean to the people buying them. Nobody wants to wonder whether their new family member is safe and on schedule.
For anyone outside the Ocala area, this kind of follow-through is especially helpful. Even if you cannot drive over yourself, the ranch works to keep buyers informed every step of the way.
Families Who Keep Coming Back
Here is a telling sign about any animal farm: people return for more. At this ranch, it happens a lot.
Several families have bought more than one donkey, and some have come back again and again.
A couple of different households mention owning three donkeys from Larry already. Both were planning to add a fourth, with one expecting the new arrival in December and another hoping to bring one home over the winter.
That kind of loyalty speaks louder than any advertisement.
Other owners say they will definitely get future donkeys from the same ranch. Once people find a source they trust, they tend to stick with it.
Why do people come back? The common threads are healthy, well-cared-for animals, friendly temperaments, and an easy, honest buying process.
Fans say these donkeys are worth every penny, which suggests buyers feel they got real value.
Fans also love recommending the ranch to friends. Some buyers even found it through a personal recommendation, and they now pass the word along to anyone thinking about becoming a donkey parent.
In a small community of animal lovers, that word of mouth keeps the ranch busy and well loved.
Who This Little Ranch Suits Best
Not every Florida outing is about a day trip, and this ranch is a perfect example. It is best suited for people who are seriously thinking about bringing a miniature donkey into their lives.
Hobby farmers, families with acreage, and animal lovers ready for a new companion will feel right at home here.
First-time owners are a particularly good match. Since Larry is known for teaching newcomers about donkey care, beginners can ask questions without feeling silly.
That guidance can turn a big decision into a confident one.
Folks who already own a donkey and need a companion for it will also find help here. Pairing a lonely animal with the right buddy is something the ranch has done successfully.
It also suits retirees and small-property owners who love the slower pace of Old Florida country life. Mini donkeys are smaller than full-size equines, which can make them feel more manageable for some households.
Always check local rules for your own property before buying.
Casual sightseers hoping for a petting zoo should keep in mind that this is a working breeding farm. Calling ahead is the respectful way to learn whether a visit makes sense.
Hours, Phone Calls, and Planning Ahead
Good news for busy schedules: the ranch lists hours seven days a week. It operates from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, Monday through Sunday.
That gives plenty of flexibility for weekday or weekend planning.
The best first step is picking up the phone. You can reach the ranch at 772-807-2345 to ask about available babies, timing, and whether a visit can be arranged.
Since this is a family-run farm, calling before you drive over is simply good manners.
One fan even suggested calling in the morning for more information, which seems like a smart approach. Early in the day, the schedule may be a little more open for questions.
The address is 109 Locust Run, Ocala, FL 34472. The ranch sits in a rural part of Marion County, so give yourself extra time and follow your navigation carefully on country roads.
Specific prices are not listed publicly, so ask directly about costs when you call. Facebook is another helpful tool, since many followers watch the ranch’s page for updates on new babies.
If you live farther away, ask about transport, since the ranch has coordinated pickups with transport companies before.
A Small Farm With an Outsized Personality
Some places earn their charm with fancy signs and big crowds. Broke Azz Ranch Mini Donkeys earns it with fuzzy babies, honest advice, and a name that makes you smile.
It is small, unassuming, and easy to overlook, which is exactly what makes discovering it so fun.
Across the board, people describe a ranch where the animals are healthy, friendly, and clearly well loved. The communication is quick, the guidance is generous, and the follow-through is thoughtful.
Those qualities are a big reason so many families return for a second, third, or even fourth donkey.
Is it the right stop for everyone? Probably not if you only want a quick photo op.
As a working farm, it is best for people ready to welcome a long-eared friend, or at least learn what that would take.
For those people, though, this little corner of Ocala may be just the place to start. Call ahead, ask your questions, and prepare to fall for a pair of oversized ears peeking over the fence.
In a county known worldwide for horses, these tiny donkeys might just steal the show.
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