Kyle Davidson
Posts by Kyle Davidson:
Meet the Heart Behind the Work
The following is from All About Equine Animal Rescue:
Behind every horse story is a group of individuals who chose to show up and help make it possible. Our volunteers are at the heart of that work, bringing compassion, consistency, and care to everything they do. As the saying goes, “Volunteers are love in motion.”
In this spotlight, we’re celebrating three of those people whose time, heart, and dedication are making a real difference.
Meet Lisa M.!
AAE Volunteer for 8 years!
What do you do as an AAE Volunteer?
I have been volunteering on the Saturday morning Barn shift, helping out with orientation, tours, and bar duties at Boots and Bling. My husband, Charlie, and I have helped out with a few special project days when the property was first being developed.
What do you love about AAE and/or volunteering at AAE?
There are many things I love about AAE, I treasure all the friends I have made and the happiness I feel when a rescue goes to their forever home. I also love my Saturday peeps!!
Who is your favorite AAE horse and why?
My favorite is Wylie. I also loved all of Sophia’s sweet kisses. Wylie is such a goof, and his green slobber is the best 
. He reminds me of Barney.
Meet Angela F.!
AAE Volunteer for 9 years!
What do you do as an AAE Volunteer?
I’m part of the Saturday morning crew; I feed, give meds, do plenty of mucking, and sometimes groom, too. I often help with treatments and wound care, and occasionally do small repairs on damaged fences and hoses. For my day job, I’m an architect, so I’ve also worked on the permit drawings for each new structure, most recently the new barn.
What do you love about AAE and/or volunteering at AAE?
Getting to know many of the horses, learning bits of their personalities and watching them hang out in the pastures. Caring for each of them is always interesting and a little different each time, and I usually learn something new. We also have some wonderful people, and it’s reassuring to see how much energy and time everyone is willing to put in here – at the end of the shift, I’m always glad I came out.
Who is your favorite AAE horse and why?
Danny was my favorite – he gave the best hugs by resting his chin on my shoulder and just staying there a while; he really enjoyed the attention and he’d give his special hugs to anyone who spent much time with him. I liked Sophia a lot too, glad she recently found a good home. Now I’m partial to Jengo – he’s mellow, playful, and such a handsome fellow.
Meet Tiffany M.!
What do you do as an AAE Volunteer?
Saturday AM barn duties and occasional shift lead.
What do you love about AAE and/or volunteering at AAE?
I love seeing the transformation of these beautiful creatures. When we help them trust us and our love for them, it’s just truly amazing. It’s always bittersweet to see the adoptions. On the one hand I love them and want to see them each week, but on the other it’s very fulfilling to see them go to a loving forever home too.
Who is your favorite AAE horse and why?
That’s a hard question, I love them all, even the difficult ones! Right now, I do have a soft spot for Abbie, the mini donkey. Every week, I threaten my husband that I’m sure she’d fit in my little car, and I’m bringing her home to live in the backyard!
LTR Training Tip #11: The Importance of Good Posture
Your horse, mule or donkey isn’t born with good posture–so Meredith has some tips on how you can ensure he’s moving his body properly as you train.
MULE TALK! PODCAST: The Risk of Neglecting Good Posture
The Risk of Neglecting Good Posture —
- We don’t usually pay close enough attention to our Good Posture and often take it for granted.
- Important for both two-legged humans and four-legged equines.
- We get used to working in Comfortable Environments and don’t realize the importance of how we are traveling until we are challenged with different situations.
- When we are in Good Posture and pay attention to it throughout all that we do, our daily tasks become Beneficial Postural Exercises.
- Core Elements are strengthened in an Ideal Balance and performance is enhanced.
- Soreness and Compromised Movement are no longer at risk.
And follow along. Read the transcript.
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
For more training info: www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com and click on the Training tab.
Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl’s Dream production – www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com
Chilly Pepper – MORE MATCHING FUNDS AVAILABLE!!! Donkeys are coming!!!
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
ANOTHER UPDATE – GREAT NEWS!! – We now only need $2480 for the 2nd part of this fundraiser to do the first repairs on the truck. Thanks to y’all coming up with enough funds for the initial $2500 match, the Donkeys are coming and our beautiful Angel is keeping her word and matching the next $2500 that is donated.
Our donor said if y’all can get the Mama’s home, she is willing to MATCH UP TO ANOTHER $2500 so I can get the initial truck repair done. We still need to fix the nursery barn roof and one of the hay barns from the storm damage. Our vet bill is most likely going to be about $2000. All 6 Colts are gelded!!! Woohoo!! Sadly, we incurred some unexpected costs with Grandma Gracie.
| As always, unexpected medical related expenses pop up when you least expect them. We had some excitement/drama as one of the colts, the beautiful Cochise, ended up with some complications from his gelding. He is expected to heal completely, although it was quite scary. |
Our beautiful Grandma Gracie is now running free in Heaven. Although this hit me even harder than I ever thought possible, I am so grateful to All of you, and to God for giving her the time she had with us.
She spent her last weeks wandering free in the front acres in the yard with the donkeys, Feather and the miniatures. They all were a big pain in the butt as they followed us everywhere and did their best to HELP with each and every project. She ACTUALLY TROTTED around with Feather 3 different times. She was so proud and oh so fast, (not really fast – but she certainly thought so), and definitely oh so proud. She was the happiest and most “at peace” animal I have ever had the privilege to care for. I still can’t stop crying.
So Gracie’s last weeks were the happiest she had been in I don’t know how long. Sadly there are always “end of life” costs, and laying her to rest was another unexpected cost, but again I am beyond grateful we had her.
Look at her “before” photo. She was so sad and in so much pain. You can clearly see how much better she was doing and feeling. She never really did “feel bad”, her organs simply started failing from her age and the horrors she had survived. When she left, her coat was soft and shiny and she had the most peaceful look in her eyes. Her body was just exhausted and Doc said she was like a thousand years old and it happens. She laid down and quietly left this earth to fly free in heaven. THANK YOU for giving her that love and joy in her last few months!!!
|
Millions of donkeys slaughtered for the trade in hides for China Thursday, 26 June 2025 By The Brussels Times with Belga Millions of donkeys slaughtered for the trade in hides for China © Wikimedia Commons.
| Almost 6 million donkeys are slaughtered each year for their hides, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine, and the figure could rise to 7 million by 2027, according to the NGO Donkey Sanctuary. The British NGO is calling for a ‘moratorium’ on this trade, which is decimating the species in Africa in particular. Donkey hides are exported to China to make a traditional remedy known as ejiao, used to improve blood circulation, slow down ageing, and stimulate libido and fertility. Once reserved for emperors, this product is now popular with the Chinese middle class and represents a market worth more than $5 billion (about €4.5 billion). To fuel this trade, some 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year, and this figure could reach 6.8 million by 2027.
Angel Donor stated that if we can raise enough funds for the matching $2500 donation she is willing to do, once this is finished and the Pregnant Mamas and their babies are safe, SHE WILL DO ANOTHER MATCH so we can have enough funds to fix the truck and start the barn repairs.
|
Please help and share far and wide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LTR Training Tip #47: Side Passing the T
Side passing the “T” is an advanced move, and a good challenge for testing your equine’s lateral abilities.
LTR Training Tip #14: Teaching Good Manners When Training
Meredith explains the lifelong benefits of teaching your equine to behave with good manners.
Lucky Three Ranch Impressions
(Page 48) Excerpted from: Touring Lucky Three Ranch with Meredith Hodges: Unexpected, Free-wheeling, Fun!
By Nell Wade
It’s not just a ranch—it’s an experience! Nestled on 127 sprawling acres that snuggle up to the edge of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain foothills, Lucky Three Ranch is the name that world-renown mule and donkey expert and equestrian star, Meredith Hodges, chose to christen what has become the heart and soul of her ongoing commitment to the preservation and welfare of mules and donkeys everywhere.
What strikes you first is her huge but inviting house. It’s a fairy castle built by someone who dreams like a child but thinks like an engineer. The front door flies open and out strides a tall, attractive and very vibrant woman. Her vivacious energy belies her age, and makes the statement that she is mistress of her domain but all friends are welcome and strangers can count on becoming friends. Meredith Hodges is off and running, multi-tasking like a house on fire with the same spirit and sense of adventure she attributes to her favorite creatures on earth.
The nearby barns erupt with a raucous chorus of honks, brays, chirps, snorts, and a bunch of other noises. These are the happy cheers of a bunch of kids who’ve been waiting for their mom to come out and play with them. These are Meredith’s mules!
As everyone piles into a very cute but surprisingly souped-up golf cart, Meredith takes the helm. The wind blows through your hair and you hang onto your hat as she drives around her huge property. Slowing the cart at the mule and donkey stalls, Meredith calls to each of her “kids” and out they come; some trotting, some sauntering, some prancing—but all full of tossing heads, inquisitive looks, sniffing nostrils and lots of of “mule talk.” A thrill runs down your spine as you respond in a very unexpected but wonderful way to this primal communication.
A trip to Lucky Three Ranch gives you a chance to savor the real meaning of “ranch lifestyle.” You’ll get to meet people who are so genuine and down-to-earth, you’ll want to hang out until you really have to go, as you wonder where the day went. Most of all, you’re going to discover why the Lucky Three Ranch experience is “all about the mules.” The fun and spontaneity generated by these people-loving creatures is something you’ll laugh about for a long time, and their intelligence and sensitivity will touch your heart. Witnessing these unique and amazing animals up close, you can’t help but feel that the fun and adventure of being around Meredith and her mules has just begun!
Get in Sync With Your Equine
(3-13-15) Lucky Three Vindicator and I are in perfect sync with each other and happy throughout all activities…even smiling for the camera and opening and closing gates! After training in multiple equine disciplines, I firmly believe that a well-adjusted and welltrained equine needs the same ideal attention that children need to help them prepare for adulthood. Ideal training involves not only Classical Dressage for physical development, Behavior Modification for character development and natural horsemanship for playful yet productive bonding, but also building core muscle strength in good posture to prepare them to carry a rider efficiently to prevent injury. Good posture is not automatically attained without a structured groundwork program that is both challenging AND fun…just like we structure for grades K-12! And nothing can replace the instillation of mutual respect and good manners in all living creatures! Learn more about our comprehensive training program at www.luckythreeranch.com.
Chilly Pepper – 911 for 10 Donkey Lives: Can You Help? Approx 48 hours left
The following is from Chilly Pepper – Miracle Mustang:
UPDATE – So Far we have raised $825 towards the matching $2500. We ONLY NEED another $1175 to procure the matching funds. I have until Sunday a.m. at 9 to commit to these precious lives. (Not the ones above – I still do not have any photos of the new Mamas whose lives are at risk.)
|
Millions of donkeys slaughtered for the trade in hides for China Thursday, 26 June 2025 By The Brussels Times with Belga Millions of donkeys slaughtered for the trade in hides for China © Wikimedia Commons.
Almost 6 million donkeys are slaughtered each year for their hides, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine, and the figure could rise to 7 million by 2027, according to the NGO Donkey Sanctuary. The British NGO is calling for a ‘moratorium’ on this trade, which is decimating the species in Africa in particular. Donkey hides are exported to China to make a traditional remedy known as ejiao, used to improve blood circulation, slow down ageing, and stimulate libido and fertility. Once reserved for emperors, this product is now popular with the Chinese middle class and represents a market worth more than $5 billion (about €4.5 billion). To fuel this trade, some 5.9 million donkeys are slaughtered globally each year, and this figure could reach 6.8 million by 2027. Angel Donor stated that if we can raise enough funds for the matching $2500 donation she is willing to do, once this is finished and the Pregnant Mamas and their babies are safe, SHE WILL DO ANOTHER MATCH so we can have enough funds to fix the truck and start the barn repairs.
On a MUCH HAPPIER note, our Angel Donor said if we can get the 1st funds matched, she will do another $2500 matching funds to help get the truck and trailer repaired and possible the barns fixed as well. So once step at a time, and I am praying we get the 1st Match!
| Truck still needs 2 MAJOR repairs. So as of now it is sitting in the driveway. The parts for the first repair are ordered, and the estimate is $1940. This is absolutely critical as it is the Charge Air Cooler that needs replaced. Without this repair, the turbo will overheat and destroy the engine.
6. The 2nd Repair is the most expensive, but I have a bit of time to get that done. 7. The stock trailer decided to not raise or lower, and I need to take it in as soon as the 1st truck repair is finished. We will have to find a way to get it up on the truck, most likely with a tractor.
|
Due to a typo, we are short $1090 to finish matching funds and the new $500 matching funds for the extra $1000 needed to purchase these kids.
We are short $590 for the matching funds, which means we are basically short $1180 for the fund raiser. This means we can only get 1/2 a load of hay. We definitely need a whole load.
| THE BAD NEWS – When I was contacted about these 3 boys, there was a typo in the amount of the bail. The total was $2950, NOT the $1950 we fundraised for. |
| The $5000 was $2000 for the horses, $1000 for vetting and gelding these 3 and $2000 for a load of hay. |
So we still need the $590 for the 1st matching funds.
We have ANOTHER Angel who stepped up and is offering to match $500 to raise the additional $1000 I had to pay to save these kids. When you add up bail, paperwork and transporting with these hideous fuel prices, it is still not an unreasonable amount to spend to save 3 horses.
So the total needed altogether for 1 load of hay, bail and transport for these 3 studs, vetting and getting them gelded is $1090. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to save these precious lives. This has been one for the books with the additional stress, and I am so grateful they will not face being butchered alive.
| For those of you are skeptical, like I am, I actually did see the invoice for these horses and the total was supposed to be $2950. |
Please help now and share far and wide!!’
THANK YOU from all the critters!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Training the Jumping Donkey
(Page 45) Donkeys have been labeled stubborn for centuries, but with the right approach, they are every bit as trainable and tractable as horses, mules and ponies. Donkeys just demand more consideration and respect to really want to perform for you. If you want to jump any equine, it is not advisable to just go out and start jumping. As with any equine athlete, the animal first needs to have gone through extensive ground work that addresses core muscle strength in good equine posture using intensive leading lessons on flat ground and through obstacles, lunging, ground-driving and basic under saddle work. This takes a lot of patience, time and symmetrical body-building through postural core exercises that address core strength in the elements around the bones.
When he is finally able to sustain his own balance with adequate core strength, he should be worked over 6-inch ground rails and cavalletti to develop bulk muscle and strength in the hind quarters that will be used to propel him over the jumps. Working over raised cavalletti will increase the power from behind and will begin to add much more suspension to his gaits. Once the four raised cavalletti are easy for him, he can move to jumping single cavalletti with ground rails on both sides to help him sustain good posture throughout the jump.
Finally, he can begin gymnastics through a line of simple ground rails, cross rails, vertical jumps and an oxer appropriately spaced with all rails first just lying on the ground. Raise the jumps in 3-inch increments on each jump as the line becomes easy for him beginning with the first rail. It won’t be long before he can jump the whole gymnastic line and all jumps that have been gradually raised appropriately to more formidable heights.
To learn more details about jumping, look in the various sections under TRAINING on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com. Particular videos about jumping can be found under TRAINING/TRAINING TIPS (#98 through #108).
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I.
Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I. –
- Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (N.I.) A life-threatening condition that is more common in mule foals.
- Learn how to prevent it.
- Clinical signs recognized in the first few days of the foal’s life and perhaps up to 12 days of age include: a) Weakness and lethargy, b) Decrease in suckling the mare c) Rapid breathing, d) Pale or yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes. e) Red color to the urine f) In severe cases collapse and death can occur.
- 1 in 10 mule foals is at risk for this disease.
- How to determine if the foal is at risk for N.I.
- Learn how N.I. can be prevented.
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
For more training info: www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com and click on the Training tab.
Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl’s Dream production – www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Jasper The Mule
Jasper The Mule –
- How Jasper the mule was created and his purpose.
- Educating children about working with animals.
- Jasper books that are appropriate for children of all ages.
- Learn about Jasper going to Bishop Mule Days.
- Jasper the mule on tour and more!
And follow along. Read the transcript.
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
For more training info: www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com and click on the Training tab.
Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl’s Dream production – www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com