CHASITYis a Large Standard, 13 year old spotted jennet that we bought in 2020 to be a companion for our Large Standard gelding donkey, Wrangler, after he lost his mule friend in March of 2020. She came to us with lots of challenging health issues, but we are no strangers to that with our past rescues. When we have a case like this, we like to share our approach and the solutions we discover while consulting with our professional team of experts. We hope these LTR website diaries can help you to find solutions to the problems that you might face with your own Longears!
Welcome to the wonderful world of mules! The mule is a product of the successful breeding of a male donkey, called a jack, and a female horse, called a mare. Mules can either be male or female, but they are unable to reproduce because of an odd number of chromosomes in their genetic makeup. When training mules, one needs to take into account the donkey half of the mule as well as the horse half. Horses can often be trained without the benefit of a personal relationship, but mules are different. The donkey is inherently a warm, affectionate and loving creature that thrives on close relationships with their humans. When this closeness is absent, the donkey or mule can seem stubborn and uncooperative. Thus, there is the old saying, “Stubborn as a mule!”
It is important when dealing with donkeys and mules to begin by establishing a bond with your animal. Think of it as cultivating a friendship. When you and your animal are introduced, give him time to get to know you and his surroundings by keeping things simple. Close friendships are best developed when positive assets are recognized and any negativity is kept to a minimum. Cultivate good feelings with positive action.
Mules and donkeys respond best when you take the time to be considerate and understanding of their needs. Before they can launch into a training program, they need to feel comfortable about their surroundings and their trainer. Feeding time is a good time to spend with your mule. This is the beginning of a long-lasting friendship with your mule. You can stroke him all over his body, talk to him, brush him and clean his feet while he is eating provided he is in an enclosure by himself, or just with his dam.
Raising mules and donkeys is much the same as raising children. They need love, guidance and understanding, coupled with a learning program that has a natural step-by-step progression and a reward system that they can easily follow. Doing too much too soon will only lead to confusion and resistance. Be patient and willing to take the time to enjoy the day-today victories that you both will achieve to make life more fun and enjoyable.
Competition is fun and exciting but can easily become a devastating experience for both of you if the focus is winning against others. Rather, the focus should be to compete against yourself. If you are doing better than the time before, then you are doing well. You don’t need a blue ribbon to mark your improvement. When you go to a show with this attitude, you gain more open communication and friendships with others who have the same interests as you do. You are able to learn from those who are more experienced; judges and officials can help you to improve. This makes the whole showing experience more enjoyable and mutually beneficial to all.
One mule-loving family wrote to me about a show they had just attended. The mother wrote that her three boys expressed devout confidence when asked how they felt about their readiness to show. They went into the show expecting to win everything they entered. They had practiced at home until there were no flaws in their performance. The show day arrived. The eldest boy was entered in a pleasure driving class and had no reason to believe that his mule would be anything but the steady mule he was. To the boy’s horror, the mule went to the rail, put his head over the rail and froze. Needless to say, they didn’t place and the boy’s pride was crushed.
The second son was in the trail class with his mule. They, too, had practiced until their performance was flawless. Strangely enough, the gate in the trail class just didn’t appear to his mule to be like the gate at home, and the mule would go nowhere near it! He, too, was humbled and left the class with nothing.
The youngest by took his mule into his class and the mule was the same steady animal he had been at home. They finished as High-Point Champion of the show for their division.
What do you suppose was the difference in these three cases? I told the mother that I believed that a mule first needs to bond to his handler. She told me that made perfect sense. The other two boys rode and drove their mules, and practiced all the patterns and movements they would find in the show. The youngest boy spent a good part of his time just hanging out with his mule, taking him for walks, feeding carrots, doing very simple and pleasurable things with his mule, as well as practicing the exercises they needed for their classes. They were buddies, they were a team – and they won the Championship because this is how to build a friendship and what good sportsmanship is all about.
A good trainer will train himself, or herself, as well as the mule with subtle direction coming from the mule. Develop respect for your mule, responsibility in caring for your mule and self-discipline in the way you handle the mule. You will develop patience and consistency in training, neatness in you and your mule’s appearance, and pride in yourself and your mule.
Although this sounds easy enough, it really isn’t. Human nature is to be protective of ourselves and selfish about what we want and what we do. Learning to be of service to others, including our animals, requires a lot of thought and consideration. How easy it is to criticize others and blame them for the things that go awry. It’s easy to be that “Monday Morning Quarterback” and point out what’s wrong which is often followed by blame. Blame is no fun for the scapegoat and often causes severely hurt feelings. As if WE could do any better? Could you? Wouldn’t it be better if we recognized people’s assets and complimented them instead of honing in on their mistakes and criticizing them for what they do? If one ceased to criticize, wouldn’t we learn more and become more intelligent about our own choices?
When our focus becomes solely on what our Longears can do for us and when we spend hours “drilling” them to make things perfect, is that really a way to get the best from them? How about keeping the lessons short and rewarding every success along the way…AND, know when to quit and begin another day. My Grandmother used to say, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” I used to think in my head, “I don’t really want to catch flies and I don’t even like honey,” but I got her point and she was right. When I got frustrated that my mules were not doing exactly what I wanted them to do, I began to ask myself, “Why not?” I thought I knew everything, until I realized how much I had yet to learn. That is when I stopped trying to force things and became grateful for everything good that happened, every day! People told me that my Longears and my other equines needed a job to be worthy of my respect and support. I thought about it for awhile. Then I realized…my equines never told me they needed a job!
At that time, I began to think about what it might be like for my mules. Yes, God gave us “dominion” over the animals, but that doesn’t make me a King (or a Queen) over them! As I opened my mind to new meaning about it all, I realized it meant that I was their “keeper.” Now, was I going to be a responsible “keeper” and do right by them? Was I going to be the same way toward others? When I opened my heart and my mind to my animals and others…that was when I really discovered how little I knew and how much I had yet to learn. I realized at that time that this would be an endless endeavor, but a lot of time to share and enjoy life!
As I began to share the experiences in my career with others instead of trying to sell everything, I was made aware of how so many others shared with me and how much smarter and compassionate I was becoming. The way I treated my Longears evolved and the responses I got from them were amazing o say the very least. Then I had an epiphany about what it really was…I was no longer USING my mules and donkeys, I appreciated what they gave to me…and the gifts they gave just kept coming. They were now true companions, partners, friends and our experiences together were quite literally becoming joyful!
The American Donkey and Mule Society was founded in 1967 at which time mules and donkeys began to make their debut in America as recreational animals instead of merely working and farm animals. Their presence in exhibitions, parades and new Longears shows made quite an impression on the general public. They added a new dimension to equine shows that people found both entertaining and exciting. It didn’t take long before children began asking their parents if they could have a mule as a 4-H Club project. Well, this set 4-H leaders back on their heels! The horse manual really did not address the differences between mules and horses (and there were distinct differences!), so in a lot of cases, the request from the kids was denied. In response to this denial from 4-H Club Leaders, I wrote my book, A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES…for kids and beginners. No longer could the 4-H Leaders use this excuse and mules began cropping up in equine performance throughout the country!
I knew that my approach to training was going to really annoy a lot of Old Timers that were of the persuasion that mules were stubborn, hard to handle, one had to get their attention with a two-by-four, were dangerous and other really negative ideas. I knew that my attempt to offer a better and humane way to train them would be met with skepticism and contempt. I was right. I had embarked on a journey that would define my entire career, but with my own stubbornness and conviction, I have been able to show folks a better approach.
The kids discovered an amazing and safer riding companion than they ever could have imagined! Instead of taking on people’s mules to train, I opted to teach them how to train their own equines and it has worked miracles. Lots of the Old Timers that had poo-pooed me in the past, changed their minds about a lot of the beliefs that they had. As they aged, these same Old Timers were grateful for the much safer approach to training than they had been previously offered. They found a lot of places to exhibit their extraordinary abilities with their Longears in shows, parades and on the trail with their friends. We were all able to share in their successes and smiles would abound.
Longears have made their way into our society as yet another viable addition for the entertainment of the general population. More people than ever are taking on this challenge and making their mark as Mule Trainers. There is probably nothing as exciting as watching the drivers and their multiple hitches in shows and parades, the least of which is not the 20-Mule Team that is now being exhibited all over America. What a thrill to behold! People are now truly enjoying the affection and companionship these amazing equines have to offer! A light has been shown on the mules of the past! Those that thought mules could not be controlled, are now enjoying the companionship of their own leading celebrities of the equine community! So reject criticism, reject negativity and become a member of this new world of Longears and experience the joy that they have to offer! It’s quite simply…awesome!
Covered in A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES, TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE and EQUUS REVISITED at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
Military Horsemanship began with Xenophon who was born c. 430 BC, in the deme Erchia of Athens. Xenophon’s father, Gryllus, was a member of a wealthy equestrian family and worked on many of the principles of classical dressage. Xenophon emphasized training the horse through kindness and reward. These principles made their way to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria where Colonel Podhasky rode for General Patton after WWII. This style of riding, Dressage, made its way to the West and was been transformed into Western Dressage.
The object of Dressage is “the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose, and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.” In Dressage, one is not concerned with time in training. Rather, it is measured in progress from one step to another. Dressage requires a discipline of the mind and body. This slow and methodical way of training lends itself nicely to mules.
“Mules separate crude trainers from artistic trainers.” The mule handled by a crude trainer will generally epitomize the traditional belief that mules are stubborn and ornery. The mule handled by an artistic trainer will not.
The Indians of America were subtle with their horse training. They would lie across their backs to get them used to being not only ridden, but also so they could hang off the side of the horse and remain hidden while chasing the huge bison herds. In order to be bale to steer the horse, they would attach a strap around the lower jaw or configure a “War Bridle” that also had a loop around the head and jaw.
Horse training techniques began in America with the cowboys by using blindfolds for mounting, forceful restraints, lying the animal down and put tarps over them to impress human dominance.
“Breaking” horses and mules was the trend of the early West. The equine was restrained for saddling and bridling instead of using a slow and polite approach. Cowboys would try to ride them out until they gave up and quit bucking.
Training “secrets” happened “behind the back fence. Lots of trainers used rope tricks to train by leading with a front foot, or by lying them down, or just roping them to catch them. Beware of these sorts of things when buying your equine!
Horse training trends have evolved from Buck Branaman, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, etc. and their Round Pen training techniques using ropes on the equines. Natural Horsemanship rose from these methods, using less restraint on the equine.
Some mules could tolerate this, but it didn’t always yield the most positive results. Natural Horsemanship was an attractive trend. However, since equines are not born in their ideal posture any more than humans are, it fails to put the equine into an ideal posture. Lordosis (sway back) and Kissing Spine can occur as the animal ages. We have been able to improve some cases of Kissing Spine where the calcification was able to be broken loose, but if it is too solid, it would require a dangerous surgery to correct it.
With their approach, Monte Roberts and Richard Shrake developed even more humane training techniques with horses. Equines were approached in a more calm and relaxing way with attention to patience, good posture and core strength development.
This gave way to the new trend of teaching them to lie down. Equines do not lie down easily, so it wasn’t always used as an easy way to mount. It really shouldn’t be used that way because of the added stress put on the equine’s body that can cause arthritis and other problems with the hooves, and joints, as they age.
Having your equine lie down can be an exercise in bonding in a relaxing way. Just be careful to position yourself in a safe spot.
In order to get the equines to lie down, they were first taken down forcefully with ropes.
Mules being more easily convinced were compliant to a tap behind the knee and one rope from the offside to suggest lying down.
I saw a horse being exhibited at the WEG that was forced to bow with ropes. I thought it could be beneficial to find out how long it would take for an equine to learn to bow of his accord with his own muscle strength. Lance learned to do it by himself with only slight encouragement from me in 18 months.
People thought this was good for mounting, but common sense told me that a mounting block would be better. Putting extra weight on the animal and then asking him to get up would only exacerbate the stress on his body as he was rising. Equines are built to carry weight underneath the spine, but not so much on their back.
If the argument is that amounting block can’t be brought along for trail riding, it makes more sense to simply acquire a shorter animal.
If you do want a taller equine, he can be taught to stretch out and lower his back like a Park Horse with a lot less stress on his body. He can hoist his body up much easier from this position. There are also stirrups available that can be lowered and then reset once you are in the saddle.
This worked better with mules, but still not as well as Behavior Modification and reward system training. Behavior Modification was abbreviated and gave way to Clicker Training.
Clicker Training made Trick Training much easier. Trick Training can be fun, but you should still do the postural core strength exercises so he does not hurt his body when engaging in trick training.
Towing tires in the snow, or people on water skis in a lake might be fun, but consider the amount of resistant weight against the animal’s good posture during these kinds of activities. I opted to tow tires through the snow, or roller blade, from directly behind my mules so as not to offset their balance in a harmful way. The hind quarters can provide even power from behind to pull straight. This can be fun if your animal is properly prepared.
Learn to think about the consequence of your actions in relationship to the effect it has on your equine’s body and prepare accordingly.
Restraints are helpful in dealing with mules but must not be applied so they cause pain. Hobbles, leg straps, and scotch ties are generally all that is needed in dealing with difficult mules. Even if the mule has led a life of abuse, their ability to determine just who is responsible for their pain means that with love and kindness, they can be taught to trust again. It just takes a lot of time and patience.
If you find restraints are not sufficient to help with your equine, you may be dealing with an outlaw, in which case it is best to put him out of his misery before he injures someone. Be careful however about blaming the animal for his response to an inhumane trainer. Some can be rehabilitated, some cannot, but you will need to know what you are doing. Kindness alone is not the answer.
People like to do wild and crazy things with their animals. I am not saying “don’t,” just try to be responsible and think about the consequences of your actions and the effect it has on your equine’s body. Doing preparatory core strength and postural body work can assure that the equine is using his body in the correct way. When he is not prepared, there can be all kinds of damage done to his hooves, joints, ligaments and tendons such as ring bone and side bones.
Longears do not seek to impress, nor do they have inflated ideas of importance. They are humble, not greedy or selfish, and are content to give freely all that they have to give. There is no limit to their endurance and no end to their trust. Unpleasant moments are undoubtedly remembered, yet forgiven when requested. Owners should be inspired to be more constructive in their management and training approach. Within Longears, there is a hidden hope of happiness, contentment, peace and brotherhood. The inspiration of these noble characteristics does not go unnoticed as they ennoble those around them.
Mules and Donkeys are very appreciative animals. If a child and Longears are supervised correctly, it can greatly enhance the entire riding experience. The mule, or donkey will protect your child with his excellent judgment and the child will learn to be a patient and understanding person through the interaction with his Longears. The jobs these “kids” are dong with their mules and donkeys are wonderful and their contributions are extensive. The values learned by children when dealing with donkeys and mules will stand them in good stead throughout their lives, not to mention the joy they will discover in having such an interactive companion.
Today good mule trainers apply the basic techniques of Behavior Modification (reward system training) in their programs. That is, getting the desired response through positive reinforcement and ignoring, as much as possible, the undesired behavior. Negative reinforcement, or punishment, is used sparingly, is never severe and is only used to set boundaries to behavior.
With new and improved training techniques, the mules of today are known for their beauty and outstanding athletic ability, their durability and their intelligence. Their uses are limited only to the imaginations of their owners. It is now commonly known that with proper training, a mule can perform better than the horse it was bred from. Subsequently, mules are not only competing in mule shows, but horse shows as well.
Although mule racing has just begun to take hold as a national sport, it had its beginnings in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California in 1851, when Captain Boling’s cavalry troop was forced to halt for two months in the Yosemite Valley. Horse racing was one of the major sports used to keep up the spirits of the men during this unexpected respite. Army mules were included in these races to add to the entertainment. Much to the chagrin of some of the horse owners, the mules could actually beat some of the cavalry’s favorite mounts.
Captain Boling purchased one Maltese, Kentucky-blooded mule (known as The Vining Mule). He was particularly impressed and bought him for one thousand dollars in gold from Lee Vining. He then went on to make many more thousands in match races with this mule against horses. To quote from the official racing program: “The Indian war of 1851 was the catalyst that started the first running of mules in California.” The first actual pari-mutuel mule meet was held in Bishop, California in July of 1978. Match races and Western-style races included at county fairs exhibit the true versatility of the mule. With increased interest, mule racing now assumes the professionalism of horse racing with the introduction of jockeys, trainers, and starting gates.
At Bishop Mule Days, Longears perform in Pleasure classes, Reining classes, Trail, Musical Tires, Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. Also Jumping, Cattle Penning, Steer Stopping, Team Roping, and a Balloon Bust. For the packers: Pack Train classes, Packing contests, Box Hitch and Diamond Hitch packing contests (pro and non-pro), Team Packing and the Team Packing Scramble which you have to see to believe! There are Halter classes, Pulling, Driving classes, and for you race fans: Chariot races, Flat Track races, and even a Backwards race!
It was Maryster Farm’sKit who had inspired me to try Combined Training with a mule! We spoke for about twenty minutes and Susan at the Abbe Ranch Horse Trials kindly put my fears to rest. I assured her that we would do anything necessary to keep from interfering with the other competitors. All we wanted to do was to test our skills and to learn all we could from those with similar interests. The next day our ride times came in the mail and we were in! After three years of intensive schooling, we finally won our event against the horses!
Counties have been taking initiative to include mules and donkeys in the county fairs, and local riding clubs are inviting them to participate in annual All-Breed shows. Increased understanding and appreciation for the positive qualities of Longears brings more and more people together all the time. Their generous ways have positively influenced people toward a genuine pursuit of happiness.
People agree that the best part of their long journeys with their mules was all the wonderful people they met along the way who did everything they could to help them reach their destination. People extended their hospitality, allowing them to bed down at their ranches along the route. Others met them at strategic points with feed and water and other necessary supplies that would be difficult to carry along with them. Many new friendships have been made on the trail.
Mules are excellent mountain partners. They are a strong and durable animal. Due to the cupped shape of their hooves, they can cover the rough mountain terrain with much more surefootedness than their cousin, the horse. Mules’ superior intelligence and strong sense of survival helps him to negotiate careful placements of his feet, ensuring the safest possible ride. This is both important and comforting when looking for a relaxing ride in the mountains. The mule’s strength and endurance is sometimes unbelievable, and always incredible.
The trends of equine training have certainly improved by leaps and bounds through the centuries, but we are still plagued by those who are too naive to really assess how their behavior influences that of their equine and are subsequently influenced by substandard training practices. It is always best to learn from past mistakes and try to do better going forward. Cindy K. Roberts and I hope that we can share our experiences with all of you so you too can experience the same kind of joy and pleasure that we do with our equines! Wishing you all HAPPY TRAILS!
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE, TRAINING DVD #2 and EQUUS REVISITED at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
People have often asked me how on earth can only three people—my daughter, my husband and myself—manage to prepare and show as many as 18 head of mules and donkeys for one show?! They say that we must be crazy, and maybe we are a little crazy, but a few simple rules of organization have made this possible.
The first consideration is the grooming of the animals themselves. Anyone who has had to body clip an animal knows how tedious and time-consuming this can be. Mule and donkey hair does not appear to grow back as quickly, nor as radically, as does horse hair, so you can clip your mule, or donkey, as far as 2-3 weeks in advance of your show and do touch up work just before the show. If you have no shows until summer, you may want to body clip in mid-April anyway. It is at this time that the winter hair begins to shed and the summer hair starts to come in. If you clip off the winter hair and blanket him for the remainder of the spring, the hair that grows in will be much more manageable than the heavy winter hair and will greatly reduce grooming time before the show.
Once the heavier coat is eliminated, a weekly grooming will keep his coat nicely maintained. Daily grooming before a show, or every other day, is even better. Each time you groom him before riding, check and clip as needed the muzzle hairs, around the eyes and ears, and around the coronet bands. Leave the hairs inside the ears to prevent irritation from bugs and flies, but trim the outside edges and backs of the ears. An ounce of corn oil in his feed daily will assure a healthy sheen in his coat on show day without the use of artificial highlighters. Trimming, or shoeing, your mule on a regular six-eight week schedule will assure that his feet will not need attending at the last minute. A routine vaccination, deworming, Coggins testing and a permanent brand inspection will make sure he is ready for transport to any show anywhere at any time. Then, all that remains to be done right before the show is minor clipping, bathing, and polishing hooves.
Each individual mule, or donkey, should have his own personal show halter and bridle for convenience. Driving animals should each have their own set of harness. This will help to reduce the time between tack changes while at the show.
Dress rehearsals before the show at home are quite beneficial. Prepare as if you are about to enter each class, one at a time. First, pick the clothing you will need to wear and store it in a designated place in your house. You do not have to actually wear them for the rehearsal. As you pick out the items, take note of the things that need to be cleaned or polished, and set them to the side of the rest of your other clothes.
Then, tack up your animal, checking each piece of equipment to make sure that it is in working order. Go ahead and practice the class. Then, as you unpack your mule, set the tack aside from the rest in your tack room for cleaning later. Do this for each animal in each class. Your animals will do better at the show if they get plenty of rest before the show, so it is wise to spend the day before the show cleaning your tack, clothes, and equipment. Before you begin to clean, load all the items into your trailer that are all ready to go without cleaning. Then, as you clean the remaining items, load them directly into the trailer as you finish them.
When the basic gear for you and your animal is loaded, make a checklist for feed, buckets, hoses, brushes, forks, brooms, and shovels, etc., that you will need for general care, load them, and check them off. When you have finished, lay out all the items that you will need for transport (i.e. sheets, blankets, shipping boots, etc.), so they are easily available. If you proceed in this manner, the risk of forgetting any important items is minimized. It is best to make sure that your trailer is fully loaded (except the animals) the night before you leave as this gives you overnight to think of anything you might have missed. Items such as your ice chest can be left until morning, or last minute, provided that you put them in a highly visible spot with a list of what is to be put in attached. Do not try to rely on your memory, as it will be clouded by the excitement and anticipation of the show.
If you are taking a number of mules and donkeys to the show, it is wise to bathe with soap at home the day before; then, cover the animal with a sheet or blanket and leg wraps. The day of the show, you would then only need to rinse, or vacuum, any excess dirt. This will minimize grooming time at the show.
Post the show schedule where you will be tacking up for each class and organize your clothing and equipment such that it is ready to go and easily accessible. Once the show actually begins, you will not have time to go hunting for misplaced items. Take note of your clothing changes and wear things that are easily changed. For instance, if your Western classes are before your English classes, you can wear your breeches underneath your Western slacks and chaps. Changing from English attire to Driving and Side Saddle attire is easily done by wearing your English clothing, then, simply change your headgear and add a lap rug for driving, or an apron for Side Saddle. Changes of your boots are pretty much optional, as English boots are easily hidden beneath properly fitting Western chaps and are appropriate footwear for English, Driving and Side Saddle.
If classes are spaced fairly close together and you are using more than one animal, it is wise to tack up the other animals ahead of time so they are ready to go. If you are using only one saddle for more than one animal, the other animals can still be bridled with the halter slipped over it, so they can be tied and waiting. Be sure to tie up the reins so they will not be chewed or stepped on. If you are using the same mule throughout the show, tacking and stripping should not be too time-consuming if your equipment is well organized.
Shows should be fun and exciting, but it can easily turn into a nightmare when things are out of place and chaotic. Make your motel and stabling reservations early and leave for the show well ahead of schedule to allow for breakdowns or other unforeseen emergencies. By all means, bring friends to help you, but give them a briefing and a list of jobs they can do. They won’t be much help if they have to keep asking what to do the day of the show! If you are going any distance at all, have your truck and trailer checked over thoroughly before you leave. There is nothing more frustrating than a major breakdown on the roadside with a trailer full of animals!
In summary, with routine grooming, farrier care, vet care, regular Coggins testing during the show season and permanent brand inspections, you can greatly reduce your show preparation time. Dress rehearsals, individual tack for each animal and organized loading will assure that all your tack and equipment will be readily available. Advanced motel and stabling reservations will afford you and your animals much needed rest when you arrive. Having your truck and trailer checked before you leave will make sure that you arrive in plenty of time. And, organization of tack and equipment when you do arrive will heighten the chances for an enjoyable and relaxing show!
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE, EQUUS REVISITED and A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES at www.luckythreeranchstore.com
In Part 1, you learned how to begin the relationship with your miniature equine in a positive and natural way that fosters good behavior and a good relationship between you. You also learned the importance of getting down to your mini’s eye level so that he can make eye contact with you, which discourages striking, jumping on you and other bad behaviors that are common when working with miniature equines. In Part 2, I discussed how important it is to successfully complete the tasks in Part 1 before moving on to Part 2, and explained why it is advisable to work minis in groups, as they perform better when they are with their friends. You also learned how to train minis to go over and around various obstacles. Remember that all of this is to be done with no expectations that may overwhelm your mini—it is better if you maintain an attitude of fun and games. Now, in Part 3, it is time to get down to some serious training so your mini can be used for the purpose of driving and showing in hand.
Miniature mules and horses settle into their lunging lessons very well, but miniature donkeys (and donkeys in general) really don’t like to be lunged. They just don’t seem to see much purpose in it unless you make it fun for them. If you have a mini donkey, when teaching him to lunge it is helpful if you employ the aid of another type of equine of comparative size (such as a miniature horse or mule) to help “lead” your mini donkey through the lessons. Before I first began lunging my two mini donkeys, Augie and Spuds, I introduced them to Franklin the mini mule, Francis the mini molly mule and Mirage the mini horse by putting them altogether in the larger indoor arena space, and then I put them all in the round pen together. Before I began giving any of them specific instructions, they were all allowed some time to investigate each other and establish their pecking order. Before long all five were lunging cooperatively together, although Spuds did feel the need to kick at Mirage a few times so Mirage would allow him enough space to perform. (Mirage can be a bully sometimes and needed to be put in his place.)
After several months of leading training done in good posture on the flat ground and over obstacles (see “Showmanship,” which is covered in DVDs #1 and #9 of my DVD training series, Training Mules and Donkeys), it is enough at this point in your mini’s training that you teach him to walk, trot and canter on command on the large circle in the round pen.
In the beginning, lessons should be only 15 to 20 minutes long at the most, and only every other day. This helps your mini avoid fatigue and allows him to rest in between each lesson so he can process what he has learned. However, there may be times when things don’t go as planned and you will need slightly more than the suggested 15 to 20 minutes. If you try to rush your mini to finish his lessons, you could end up spending a lot more wasted time in a confrontation with him. Because of this, on lesson days, it is better to make sure that, if necessary, you have the whole day to spend with him. When you approach your mini with this attitude, you will be able to accomplish your goals much more easily and in much less time. Remember, whenever you are working with any breed of equine, you should always make sure you have no pressing appointments that day that might cause you to rush through the training process.
It is important that your tack and other “mini” equipment fit well. Check the harness to make sure the bridle fits and the bit is placed correctly, and be sure to adjust the blinders on your harness bridle so they don’t rub against your mini’s eyes. Fitting miniature donkeys for harness can sometimes be difficult, but I was fortunate to find Chimacum Tack, a tack and harness manufacturing company that does a fantastic job with miniature donkey, mule and horse harness. I suggest that you make the fitting a lesson in itself—you can even introduce your mini to the cart he will be pulling without actually hitching him up to it. Just as you have with all other obstacles, first let him inspect the tack. Then, once you have put it on him, have him stand quietly in the spot in front of the cart where he will eventually stand. Don’t forget to amply reward him and he should be more than willing to comply.
At this stage of training, lessons over obstacles can now be done with more finesse. You can begin lateral work over small rails placed in front of a fence, backing through the walk-through “L” and doing lateral work in the tractor tire. In advanced tractor tire work, if you judge it to be safe, get down on your knees so you are on your mini’s level. Now ask your mini to put all four feet inside the tractor tire, and to then make a turn on the haunches. Direct his head in the direction you choose to go first and ask him to slowly turn while all of his feet are still inside the tire. Do this by poking him in the shoulder with your index finger (just as you did when repositioning him for the farrier) and asking him to move his front end over and around the inside of the tire. Do this in one direction and then in the other direction. Stay low, maintain eye contact and don’t be too forceful in your movements.
In future lessons, ask him to put only his front feet in the middle of the tire and leave his back feet outside of the tire, and then have him pivot on his front feet. Now, instead of poking him on the shoulder to move the front end, you will poke him in the hip to ask him to move his hindquarters around the outside edge of the tire, pivoting on his front feet (that remain inside the tire). In the next lesson, you can ask him to put his hind feet inside of the tire and by poking him in the shoulder again, move his front legs around the outside of the tire, making sure he crosses over in front of and not behind the weight-bearing leg. Note: First make sure that your mini is calm during the picnic in the middle of the tire exercise (as described in Part 1) before you try any of the more advanced maneuvers described here.
By now you have taught your mini to follow on the lead while you both explore and have all kinds of adventures around your property, inspecting new things and having picnics everywhere imaginable. If your mini is to learn to be driven, he now needs to have the confidence to take the lead. When you begin this process, review (with your mini) leading together from the work station to the round pen. If you are training a team and dealing with two minis, tie their halters together at the side rings with about eighteen inches of 3/8-inch nylon rope with small snaps on each end between them, and use one lead rope snapped to the center of the tie rope between them. Begin by taking your position in the lead while carrying a dressage whip. Slowly work your way in beside them on the near (left) side, tap them each once gently on the hindquarters with the whip to let them know you expect them to continue forward and ahead of you (even though you are moving more slowly than they are on an angle to gradually work your way in behind them). Pretty soon, you should be directly behind them, encouraging them both forward if they do stop with a gentle tap of the dressage whip, but only one tap for each balky step.
In subsequent lessons going forward, the next steps are to attach the drive lines and ground-drive your mini in the round pen. Ground-drive around the rail in each direction at the walk and do smaller circles from the rail and back to the rail around the larger circle. Execute an “S” turn through the middle to change directions and do the same going in the opposite direction. End each lesson with a square halt and a back. If he does not do any of these moves with ease, just be happy with what he offers and stop the lesson there. This will give your mini a lesson in communication through the bit. It is imperative that he learns this. You always have the next lesson to continue forward and you want to avoid any confrontation that will cause resistant behavior. It is easier to prevent the behavior from occurring than to have to correct it later. If you are ground-driving two minis, work each mini alone first and then follow this exact same procedure with your team.
Moving to an open arena changes your mini’s perception of space and he will often feel like playing, so set up the cones of the hourglass pattern for him. Ground-driving through the hourglass pattern will help to maintain his attention and give him a point of focus for his lessons. Ground-drive your mini as you did in the round pen, but now he will be driven through the hourglass pattern with random halts. If you have any balking, just stop, reward for stopping, regroup and try again. Remember to go slowly and use frequent halts and backs in order to reward your mini. This helps him to stay attentive to your hands. Remember to do a full halt yourself—in good posture—before you step forward to reward him. If you pay attention to your own posture and the quality of your walk and halts, he will pay attention to his.
People ask what a miniature equine can possibly be good for besides being a pet or pasture ornament. Besides being dear, sweet companions, miniatures are able to do a lot of things.
There are classes at various shows (both open horse shows and miniature shows), where minis are not only driven in harness with a variety of carts and small carriages, but they also do trail courses and jumping on the lead line. Miniatures enjoy performing and have personality-plus, which audiences love! How well-trained your mini is will determine his willingness to do a multitude of fun activities, so make training fun and exciting for your mini. Enjoy the small victories along the way, use your creativity, reward lavishly and look forward to your adventures together.
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE, EQUUS REVISITED and A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE, EQUUS REVISITED and A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
Meredith Hodges riding Lucky Three Eclipse and driving Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T.
The history of the mule has its roots in the Bible as the mount of kings and even then, their sense of humor was evident. The mule’s contributions have been numerous. He’s been on the battlefields of European and American history, George Washington bred the first mules in America, mules pulled the heavy wagons across the Great Plains and over the rugged Rocky Mountains to open the gateway to the West.
They worked in the coal mines of Kentucky, plowed fields and harvested crops, pulled supply wagons in the cities and packed gold and furs for miners and hunters. None are as famous as the Borax 20-mule team! The military has had many uses for mules that could traverse terrain that no other could. Even the Rose Bowl in Pasadena must credit mules for its construction.
Today, mules are finding their way into every aspect of equine athletics. They are a mount that is strong, athletic, eat less than horses, are more resistant to parasites and disease, are more surefooted, more sensible and thus, cheaper to keep.
Meredith Hodges, author and equine behaviorist from the Lucky Three Ranch, is here today to show you what well-schooled mules can do. She will be riding Lucky Three Eclipse while driving Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T. in front to a song from her upcoming animated television series, Jasper: The Story of a Mule. For a lot more information on mules and Meredith’s educational products, go to her website at www.luckythreeranch.com!
*Exhibition Layout
-Will require plating a CD
-Will take place inside 60’ X 180’ space
-Will require volunteers for setup
-Setup includes planters on the four corners of the space, one cavaletti set to one side in the middle of the riding space
-Lighting should be subdued with a spot on Meredith and the two mules as they ride their pattern to music (4 min. 25 sec.)
-Meredith’s cameramen (2) will need places to film from where they will not get interference
Origin: Originating from the Wild Ass of Asia and Africa, donkeys are the cousin of the horse and have been domesticated for thousands of years.
Uses: Donkeys are used for riding, driving, or as pets in the United States, but as working animals in other parts of the world. They are also one-half of the equation for the production of mules, which have played a vital role in the building of human history.
Breeding: A donkey bred to a donkey produces a donkey. Donkey jacks are crossed on horse mares to produce mules, while the opposite cross (stallion x donkey jennet) gives a hinny. There are few pure breeds of donkey in the United States, where they are known by their sizes and types.
Characteristics: Miniature Donkeys are under 36″ tall at maturity. Standards can go up to 48″ and Large Standards to 56″. Mammoth Jack stock stands 56″ (14h) to over 68” (over 17h). Regardless of size, all donkeys have longer ears, a D-shaped eye socket, and a smoother, leaner body mass than horses. Many have creamy light points around eyes, muzzle, and belly. Colors range from gray-dun to dark brown, black, red, dappled roan, and Overo-type pinto spotting. Many have a dorsal stripe down the spine, with a transverse cross over the shoulders.
Donkeys have toiled for mankind though the ages. Ancient Egyptian art shows donkeys hitched to chariots alongside mules and horses. They are used not only for packing and work, but have carried many a famed person in history. The donkey is known, somewhat mistakenly, for being stubborn, but this is a misinterpretation of their self-preservation. Donkeys conserve energy until it is needed. They have great stamina and are exceptionally hearty, as well as playful and intelligent. Training a donkey is similar to training horses—with extra patience and understanding on the part of the trainer.
Today’s Miniature Donkey is popular in the show ring or as a pet. Standards can be ridden, driven or used as livestock guardians. Mammoths make exceptional riding donkeys in many disciplines, and are used to produce outstanding mules.
Donkeys of all sizes and types can be registered, with shows around the nation for longears. While many never see a show ring, they are exceptional pets and are loved by all ages. With a wide range of sizes, body types and colors, there are donkeys to suit every taste.
New Year’s Day 1987 brought another first and a giant step forward for mules and donkeys when the American Donkey and Mule Society was represented by our West Coast riders in the annual Rose Bowl Parade held in Pasadena, California. Led by donkey jack, Black Bart, the mules each portrayed a different type of equestrian. Dressed to a tee, mules once again exhibited the potential for a wide variety of uses. Spectators were awed at the beauty and grace of our modern-day saddle mules and old myths about Longears were soundly refused.
In 1988, Colorado is proud to announce the participation of four of their Longears riders and their mounts. The American Donkey and Mule Society entry in 1988 will be led by donkey jack Blue Zebulon, the 1986 World Champion Standard Jack. “Zeb” will be ridden by his owner, Fran Howe. Fran and her husband, Larry, raise “colored” mules on their 20-acre ranch, the Bitterroot Mule Company, in Bennett, Colorado, just 20 miles east of Denver, and are active directors of the Colorado Donkey and Mule Society. Though they both hold fulltime jobs, Fran and Larry spend most of their free time training, breeding, and promoting mules and donkeys. Their successes are amply portrayed by their show records, but their participation in the Rose Parade is a dream come true and a wonderful opportunity to once again do more in support of Longears. We can be proud and thankful for the support and hard work of these dedicated folks.
Representing the Sidesaddle Equestrian will be Joan Triolo of Longmont, Colorado, riding Rambling Rose, a lovely sorrel saddle mule owned by Hal and Diane Walston, also of Longmont. Joan has ridden and driven Rose to many a victory at numerous shows, recently capturing the A.D.M.S. National Championship in “Ride & Drive” and “Trail” at the A.D.M.S. National Finals in Minnesota last July. Hal and Diane Walston run the Mountain Shadow Mule Ranch and stand their large Standard jack, Mountain Shadow Music Man, to outside mares. Trainer Joan Triolo sees to it that Rose represents her breed to perfection. Their authentic Mexican sidesaddle outfit complete with an original decorative horsehair bridle will be a sight to behold on such an auspicious occasion! Those from Mountain Shadow Mules are active contributors to the success of our own Colorado Donkey and Mule Society.
Although the mules have always been my own primary interest, I must give my adoring husband credit for taking the time and effort to become a dedicated mule rider. Gary Hodges, riding Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T., will represent the English Equestrian, smartly dressed in a dark blue coat, gray jodhpurs, black hunt cap, and boots. Gary recently captured a well-deserved second place in the English Pleasure class at the Denver Queen City Donkey & Mule Show held the last weekend in July. Gary has shown his dedication and love of mules by building our 80-acre Lucky Three Ranch into what it is today, with barns, pens, pastures, indoor arena and even helping to farm the 58 acres of alfalfa that feeds our stock. Gary is always ready to help to support Longears and their organizations and is an active director of the Colorado Donkey and Mule Society. His primary contributions include working on show committees and doing screens for mule and donkey clothing sales.
Lucky Three Sundowner and I will be representing the Dressage mule riders. “Sundowner” will be dressed in traditional Dressage tack. I will be wearing the black coat with white jodhpurs, black boots, and a short black top hat. The traditional “tails” and top hat are reserved for those who have achieved the upper levels of Dressage. As mules are just beginning to enter the world of Dressage, I feel it would be too presumptuous to dawn the garb of my superiors.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to Diane Hunter of South Pasadena for putting together the ADMS entry for the Rose Parade. This woman has always worked long and difficult hours for the promotion of mules and donkeys. Her contributions as an American Donkey and Mule Society co-founder, inspector, judge and promoter cannot go unnoticed or unappreciated since they have been so numerous and so important. We thank you, Diane, for allowing us to take part in this very special event. As Diane is loaning her lovely sorrel mule, Tea Party to one of the other riders, we are bringing “Lucky Three Ciji” for Diane to ride “to the hounds!” We hope you will all tune in on New Year’s Day when mules and donkeys do the Rose Bowl Parade!
When we were invited in May of 1987 to represent the American Donkey and Mule Society in the 1988 New Year’s Day Rose Parade, we were thrilled—but I don’t think those of us from Colorado realized just how difficult it might be to get to Pasadena in December!
Since we had to be at the L.A. Equestrian Center on December 26th for practice for an exhibition on the 27th , we planned to leave Colorado on December 23rd—but our plans were hurried by a devastating snowstorm that eventually dumped four feet of snow, or more, all over the state and surrounding areas. Fortunately, we heeded the weatherman’s warnings and hurried out of Colorado just ahead of the storm on the evening of the 22nd. All the way across New Mexico, and as far as south of Flagstaff, Arizona, we drove relentlessly with the storm raising its ugly head at every gas stop, threatening to stop us dead in our tracks! Finally, in Phoenix, after 24 hours of driving, we were safe in the warmer southern climate.
Our dedication to our mules prevailed and we arrived safely in Los Angeles the next day… Christmas Eve. We spent Christmas Day enjoying our freedom from the gruesome trip and explored the impressive L.A. Equestrian Center aboard our mules. The mules were quite happy to finally be out of the trailer and allowed to exercise, but they were not as impressed as we were about being stabled next to Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Silver Fox; after all, he was only a horse!
Practice for our exhibition went smoothly and the following day many visitors toured the stable area in order to meet with the stars of the afternoon’s exhibition. The mules, as always, were among their favorites. We were bombarded with interested folks asking questions and offering complimentary remarks about our Longears. Blue Zebulon, our fearless leader, handsome jack that he is, even managed to line up a photo session with a local photographer. The exhibition itself went quite smoothly. Zebulon, ridden by Fran Howe, led an entourage of mules into the arena cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. After our introduction, we lined up and watched while three demonstrations were performed. First, Gayle Gardner-Mahler gave a jumping exhibition on Diane Hunter’s Tea Party. This was followed by a “Pas de Deux” Dressage exhibition with Gayle again on Tea Party and Meredith Hodges on Lucky Three Sundowner. Vince Silverman finished the exhibition with a Reining pattern on Millie. Then we all exited behindBlue Zebulon to the sound of cheering and applause for our beloved longears. We were all so very proud!
On December 28th, we all dressed “to the max” for a reception for all the Rose Parade equestrians held at the Tournament House in Pasadena. Celebrity guests included Iron Eyes Cody, Monty Montana, and Richard Farnsworth. Good food, good drink, and good company made for a memorable time, lifting our spirits with the promise of an exciting parade and a better new year for mules and donkeys!
On December 30th, Diane Hunter treated us to once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience at the Medieval Times restaurant in Buena Park. As we passed through the gates of the castle, we were crowned and invited by the king to take a step back in time when chivalry ruled and the Knights of the Realm fought for glory and the hands of fair maidens. We supped with the King and fellow Lords and Ladies of the Realms while watching the knights perform outstanding feats of Horsemanship and combat. We departed the castle with dreams of Camelot, whilst we made our way safely back to L.A.
January 1st, 1988, 2:30 A.M. came early as we made preparations to make our way to the parade route. When we arrived at 3:30 A.M., the freeway was buzzing with excitement. Finally at 7:00 A.M, we were escorted to our final waiting area, where we were eventually fed into the parade. The mules and Zebulon were just great, and they seemed to know that they were representing Longears everywhere. They marched proudly in line: Fran Howe on Zebulon, Reggie Register on Tea Party, Diane Hunter on Lucky Three Ciji, Meredith Hodges on Lucky Three Sundowner, Gary Hodges on Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T., Joan Triolo onRambling Rose, Vince Silverman on Millie, Bill Wolever on Big Red Loretta, Gayle Gardner-Mahler on Frances Bess Scott, Susan Lowery on Joker B’s Jitterbug, and Janet Luke on Joker B’s Jigsaw. Despite noise makers, cheering, bands playing, helicopters, and the like, the Longears made their way proudly down the parade route while we all smiled and waved to the millions of people who decorated the street. Five miles we covered, and for five miles spectators complimented our Longears and bid us a “Happy New Year,” which we joyously returned.
After the parade, we raised a glass of champagne to celebrate ourselves and our Longears for a successful New Year. Then we bade each other farewell and those of us from Colorado hopped into the truck again, and again between storms, hoofed it back to Colorado with dreams of next year’s New Year’s Day Rose Parade!
The National Western Stock Show Donkey & Mule Show held in Denver, January 22-25, 1988, proved without a doubt, that Longears are definitely becoming more popular with equine lovers all the time. There are many new faces appearing in the classes and the caliber of the mules shown has improved considerably. The newly-added Green Western Pleasure class showed eight entries, all quite well-behaved mules!
I admit that I was somewhat concerned about mule show attendance this year, because some of our “Old Reliables” could not be present: Kimberly Nordyke of the Circle Bar N Ranch in Bennett, one of our youth riders, departed as an exchange student to Australia over the weekend of the show, but she will soon return with tales of Australian donkeys and mules to share. Kim and her family did attend the National Western Stock Show on Friday to bid us all a fond farewell. Have a wonderful time, Kim, we’ll miss you!
Although we missed the Bitterroot Mule Company’s entries this year, I would like to congratulate Larry and Fran Howe on their first grandchild… it’s a girl! Another mule lover, perhaps?! Due to our participation in the Rose Parade this year, the Lucky Three Ranch did not show “en masse” at the National Western Stock Show. We retired Little Jack Horner from the Halter classes and will only be showing him in performance henceforth. He has proven himself a superior stud already and it was nice to see a whole new crop of jacks showing. Although we did not show in any halter classes at National Western Stock Show, L.T.R. did trailer down for the performance classes each day. I apologize to those of you who spent time looking all over for us!
If they had been giving a trophy for High Point Performance Mule, Rambling Rose would certainly have sewn it up with her spectacular series of first places in Ranch Riding, Sidesaddle, Drive & Ride, Youth Pleasure (14-17), and Youth Pleasure (13 and under). Congratulations on a splendid job of showing to all of you at Mountain Shadow Mules in Longmont! Congratulations to Bill and Evelyn Blair of Longmont for winning Grand Champion Model Mule with their lovely Two Eyed Bunny, and to Reserve Champion Model Mule, Cody owned by Gale Fortney of Colorado Springs! Congratulations to Ann Green-Rankine and Scott’s Gallant Eagle, this year’s Grand Champion Model Donkey and to Oliver Toole’s, Red Boy, Reserve Grand Champion Model Donkey! Have a successful breeding season, jack owners!
With the National Western Stock Show under our belts, we’re all heading home for a couple of month’s work, but the mules and donkeys will be back at the Denver National Western Complex in April when they will be participating in the Heart Fund Colorado Horse Show. Plan to attend and show your support of these wonderful, beautiful Longears!
As the Denver Broncos were leaving for the Super Bowl, the mules were arriving in Denver for their debut at the National Western Stock Show held January 22-25, 1987. Mules had been absent from the Stock Show for 30 years, until 1983 when they were cordially invited by the Draft Horse Association to show between the draft horse classes. This arrangement has proven to be equally beneficial to both the draft horses and the mules. It allows for more time for tack changes between classes as well as giving the spectators a more varied show. The mules and draft horses do complement each other quite nicely and I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to Coors and the Draft Horse Association for extending this invitation to mules. We truly appreciate your support.
Preparing for a show such as the National Western Stock Show is probably a lot more difficult than most people realize. Preparations for next year’s show begin immediately following this year’s show. There is a lot of careful planning and time-consuming work to be done, and the efforts of those involved often goes without thanks. Thank you all who have helped make this show the success that it is! Our special thanks to Tom Mowery, a man who has worked hard in support of mules and who has almost single-handedly brought mules before the public in Colorado with his continuous willingness to do what needs to be done. Thank you, Bill Rossman for all your efforts in coordinating the mule show and for doing a great job keeping most of the exhibitors happy and contented throughout the show. This is a tough job and your gracious, diplomatic attitude was duly appreciated. And thank you so much to mule judge Ernie Fanning from Sparks, Nevada, who did a sensational job in judging our mules and more. He inspired us all to keep trying to improve!
Still, what is a show without the exhibitors? The folks who show at National Western Stock Show are probably among the hardest working people in the country. It is a real art to be able to groom and condition an animal well enough to compete in the dead of winter, yet our hearty National Western Stock Show competitors showed that it can be done under a variety of living conditions. Mule exhibitors ranged from those with heated barns to those who must winter their animals outdoors. Collectively, they all did a great job! I would like to introduce a few of these exhibitors to you:
Grand Champion Model Mule went to our own Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T., a five year old, brown dun molly mule; she was also Grand Champion Single Hitch mule and Reserve Champion Youth Mule (13 years and under), ridden by my daughter, Dena Hodges. Lucky Three Ranch showed eight animals this year, and although Bea was our star performer, the others did very well which was reflected in the show results. Our animals are kept in an insulated barn under lights and blankets to enhance the condition of the hair coats. They are in training every other day year round with a week or two off after each show. All the training is done by me and the riders consist of my husband, Gary, my daughter, Dena and my riding students when needed. We have a minimum staff, but those who work with us, work very hard. We wish to show the public that… Mules can do!
First place halter yearling mule went to L.J.’s Hanna, a mule sired by Lucky Three’s Little Jack Horner and out of a lovely Albino mare named Hula, owned by Donna Groh of Fort Collins, Colorado. Despite Donna’s rather serious leg injury, she saw to it that Hanna showed, even if she couldn’t show her by herself. Her efforts were duly rewarded in the class. The mother/daughter team of Zella and Cindy Brink were to be congratulated on their performances with mules Nifty and Sally, who took first and third place in the Ranch Riding class. Even with much work of her own, Zella was kind enough to take the time to help her friend Donna Groh to prepare Hanna for the show. Both women had to winter their animals outdoors, but the animals were well groomed and showed very well. Zella is a wonderful lady with mules, and her patience is further exhibited by her patient instruction of her darling daughter, Cindy. With Zella’s careful instruction, Cindy is becoming quite the mule person herself!
More youth in the news! Fifteen-year-old Kimberly Nordyke rode her mule, Wonder Judy to a fifth place victory in the Ladies Side Saddle class against thirteen other competitors! Good going, Kim! Her younger sister, Crystal (11 years), rode to Grand Champion on Nordyke’s Tuffy in the Youth Pleasure class for those thirteen years old and under. Both girls have been taking lessons at the Lucky Three Ranch for several months and it seems their hard work and dedication is paying off! Congratulations, Crystal! Amy Wilfong riding Ramblin’ Rose for Hal and Diane Walston of Longmont, Colorado, captured Grand Champion in the Youth Pleasure (14-17) and a splendid ride it was! Good job, Amy! And “Hats Off” to all of our dedicated youth!
In addition to Grand Champion Youth Mule (14-17), Joan Triolo rode and drove Ramblin’ Rose, owned by Hal and Diane Walston, to Grand Champion in the Sidesaddle and the Drive & Ride classes. Look out world – here’s a pair to keep your eyes on! The work that has gone into this mule is apparent and a hearty “Congratulations” is definitely in order! Another plus for this year’s show was the attendance of many more draft mules. Congratulations to W.D. and Verle Hamm of Cowboy Metal Products, Inc., on their first and second places in the Draft Halter class! This was a tough class. Their team of beautiful gray draft mules, Kate and Jennie, were a real bonus to the show— thanks, guys, for bringing them!
Last, but certainly not least, congratulations to our Grand Champion Model Jack, Scott’s Gallant Eagle, owned and shown by Ann Greer-Rankine of the Thunderbolt Jack Station in Grass Creek, Wyoming; and, congratulations to the Reserve Grand Champion Model Jack, Blue Zebulon, owned and shown by Frank Howe of the Bitterroot Mule Company in Bennett, Colorado. Both these jacks exhibited the characteristics necessary in the production of high quality saddle mules. It might be of further interest to know that Scott’s Gallant Eagle was judged World Champion Model Jack and Blue Zebulon was judged World Champion Standard Jack at Bishop Mule Days in 1986. So, you see, folks, we stand “The Best Jacks in the West” right here in our part of the world. That’s really something of which to be very proud!
Thank you all…exhibitors, Stock Show personnel, and spectators for making this year’s Best of the Rockies Donkey and Mule Show the best ever!
After three months of record lows and an abundance of snow, the sky opened up and the sun shone brightly with warmer temperatures for the National Western Stock Show Mule Show held in Denver, Colorado, January 16-19, 1986. Mule exhibitors worked hard the first day getting settled and prepared for the three-day mule show. Cooperation and determination got the jobs accomplished and by evening, mules and exhibitors were tired, but excited about the show to come.
Friday morning, the stable area was thick with curious spectators and busy exhibitors, yet they all had one thing in common… that curious grin that Longears bring to one’s face. Spectators commented on the resemblance some mules had to their relatives, then laughed at their own clever jokes. In the face of all the noise and chaos, the mules themselves radiated the character and sense of humor that is a mule! Each mule was host to a multitude of mule-scratching fingers—just imagine getting a 16-hour massage! Colorado Poncho reveled in bliss, Scott’s Gallant Eagle excitedly played with his chain and Little Jack Horner brayed with enthusiasm. The barn reverberated with the musical voices of over a hundred donkeys and mules, and the spectators all made new friends!
The improvement in the quality of performance was apparent this year, including the barn exhibits. Exhibitors made signs and posters to enhance the spectator’s experience, the Rocky Mountain Longears courtesy booth was a tremendous success and the actual performances of mules and exhibitors reflected more professionalism than ever before. Tack and harness were all cleaned and shiny and the carts and buggies were all quite impressive. Despite longer coats on some mules, they were “dressed to a tee” and showed well. The audience was unconditionally supportive.
There were disputes to deal with as in any show. However, mule people welcome the improvements these disputes will bring. Learning is an important part of growing, and those of us with mules are learning all the time!
Mules and exhibitors wish to express their deepest appreciation to the sponsors and supporters of this year’s National Western Stock Show Mule Show. First, our gratitude to Coors and the National Western Stock Show for making this show possible. Also our thanks to our class sponsors for their loyal support: Adopt A Burro, Bennett Hardware & Lumber, Bennett Vet Clinic, Bitteroot Mule Co., Colorado Poncho Syndicate, Cooper’s Haulin’ Ass Ranch, HW Leasings, Jackson’s Jackasses, Lucky Three Ranch, Nordykes Circle Bar N Mules, Plumsilly Stables, Potestio Bros. Equipment, Sherer’s Auto Parts, Thunderbolt Jack Station, Ranch Supply of Evergreen, VL7 Mule Ranch, and Watkins Feed & Supply.
Congratulations to all of our winners and a special salute to our champions:
*Champion Model Mule was Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T., owned and shown by Meredith
Hodges of the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colo.
*Reserve Champion Model Mule went to Cody, owned and shown by Gale W. Fortney of
Colorado Springs, Colo.
*Our 1986 Grand Champion Jack was Blue Zebulon, owned and shown by Fran Howe of
the Bitterroot Mule Co. of Bennett, Colo.
*Reserve Champion Jack went to Scott’s Gallant Eagle, owned and shown by Ann
Greer-Rankine of the Thunderbolt Jack Station of Grass Creek, Wy.
*Youth Pleasure Champion went to Jill, shown by Krystal Nordyke and owned by Larry
Jarrett of Franktown, Colo.
*Ranch Riding Champion was JD Diamond’s Blackjack, owned and shown by Jack
Dishong of the JD Diamond Ranch in Bennett, Colo.
*Sidesaddle Champion went to Sally, owned and shown by Zell Brink of Ft. Collins,
Colo.
*Mule Pleasure Champion went to Nift,y owned and shown by Zell Brink of Ft. Collins,
Colo.
*Single Hitch Champion (48” and under) went to Sweat Pea, owned and shown by Bud
Stockwell of Loveland, Colo.
*Drive and Ride Champion was Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T., owned and shown by
Meredith Hodges of the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colo.
*Single Hitch Champion (over 48”) was Jill, shown by Boomer Navarro and owned by
Larry Jarrett of Franktown, Colo.
*Multiple Hitch Champions were Maude and Cocoa, owned and shown by Vernon and
Sandy Miller of Strasburg, Co.
*Lightweight Champions were Maggie and Jiggs, owned and shown by Larry Jackson of
Commerce City, Colo.
*Heavyweight Champions were Jerry and Kate, owned and shown by Marsh Bates of
Evergreen, Colo.
*High Point Mule went to Jill, owned by Larry Jarrett of Franktown, Colo.
I would also like to extend a special thanks to all of those in the Costume Class; everyone did an excellent job portraying mules in their various authentic uses, making this perhaps, the largest and best costume class ever!
Mule people are special! They work harder loving mules than most and are always there to lend a helping hand as was apparent at this show. Congratulations to all for helping this year’s National Western Stock Show Mule Show to be better than ever! We cordially invite you all to participate next year. The more mules, the merrier!
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW RESULTS
M-1 Miniature Mule Halter
M-2 Sponsored by: COPPER’S , Loveland, Colorado
1 Minnie The Mule Cynthia F. Wolf Littleton, Co.
2 Bitteroot Banjo Bitteroot Mule Co. Bennett, Co.
3 Jean Gordon Nordyke Bennett, Co.
M-3 Saddle Mule Halter
Sponsored by: RANCH SUPPLY, Evergreen, Co.
1 Cody Gale W. Fortney Co. Springs, Co.
2 Lucky Three Firestorm Meredith Hodges Loveland, Co.
3 Callipoe Arthur Boyd Ft. Lupton, Co.
4 Bitteroot Super Bill Bitteroot Mule Co. Bennett, Co.
A record crowd of over 44,000 people attended the National Western Stock Show Mule Show and Pull held over the weekend of January 17-20, 1984 in Denver, Colorado. The versatility of the mule was amply displayed in the performance classes as was their beauty and conformation at halter. The jacks exhibited were a wide range of sizes and colors, giving spectators an unusually good overview of breeding possibilities. Spectators held their breath as the mule teams strained against the harness with incredible strength and heart in the pulling contest, then exploded with cheers and applause after each team had managed to pull their own weight and much more!
Spectators also delighted in mule-associated trivia—conversations went something like this:
“So a mule is the cross between a female horse and a male donkey?”
“That’s right, and the male donkey is called a jack.”
“What is a female donkey called?”
“A jenny, or jennet.”
“If donkeys are jacks and jenneys, or jennets, then what are mules called?”
“Johns and mollys.”
“Aha! Then what do you call the cross between a male horse, a stallion, and a female donkey, or jenny?”
“That is called a hinny.”
“Oh my… then what do they call a mule who came out of a mule, like Blue Moon?”
“Since Blue Moon was by a jack, or donkey, they are calling him a donkule;
however, Mr. Silvester, Blue Moon’s owner, is petitioning to have it changed to jule!”
“What do they call the offspring if the mule out of a mule is by a stallion?”
“Then he is called a hule.”
“Whoo…How totally confusing!”
Yes, there is no doubt that all this mule stuff can be pretty confusing, but everyone seems to have such fun trying to understand it all! The Lucky Three Ranch of Loveland, Colorado, reaffirmed its reputation for the production of high quality saddle mules by placing in every class they entered, and by winning most of them. Lucky Three Sundowner took first place in Halter for mules 56” & over, three years and older, first in Western Pleasure, first in Reining, and then was named Grand Champion Model Mule of the show! In addition, Lucky Three Ciji won the halter class for mules 48” to 56”, three years and older; Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T. took sixth at halter for mules 56” & over, three years and older, then third in the Single Mule Hitch driving class. Little Jack Horner, Sire-Supreme of the Lucky Three Ranch, completed the picture by taking fourth in the Drive & Ride class against seven mules, first in Halter for Large Standard Jacks and finally named Reserve Champion Jack of the show!
Grand Champion Jack of the show was Laramie, owned by Bud and Georgia Andrews of Northglenn, Colorado, and shown by Georgia Andrews. He was also shown under saddle in the Mule Western Pleasure class. Reserve Champion Model Mule was awarded to Jewel, owned and shown by Ray Godfrey of Rapid City, South Dakota. Jewel also took first at Halter for Draft Mules, first in the Single Mule Hitch driving class, and first in the Mule Pull with her teammate Roy in the class for mules 2001 lbs. and over. Taking first in the Mule Pull class for 1200 lbs. and under went to Six and Seven, owned and shown by Bud Stockwell of Loveland, Colorado. First in the Mule Pull class for 2101 lbs. to 2000 lbs went to Eenie and Meenie, owned and shown by Jess Johnson of Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Congratulations to all our winners! Our thanks to all who made this show the success that it turned out to be: to the exhibitors and their wonderful long-eared counterparts, without whom we would have no show; to the sponsors who continually support the efforts of the exhibitors. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the National Western Stock Show personnel for seeing to it that things ran as smoothly as possible. And most of all, our thanks to our “Longears fans” who continue to support us with their relentless cheering and applause! Special thanks to those from out of state for taking the time and trouble to contribute to the success of this show. And, a very special thanks to Mr. Arthur Silvester for sharing Blue Moon, the mule out of a mule, with this year’s National Western Stock Show. Everyone enjoyed meeting this extra-special celebrity!
As is apparent by the turnout at the National Western Stock Show Mule Show and Pull, mules are growing in popularity and appreciation in this country. October 26, 1985, will mark the bicentennial of the arrival of the first two jacks on American soil. They were sent here by the King of Spain, Charles III, as a gift to George Washington. It was our first president’s interest in mule breeding which helped propel the mule into its important role as the work animal that built the greatest nation on earth. The Lynchburg Mule Traders Association does not intend to let this historic milestone pass unnoticed. They are petitioning the United States congress to officially designate October 26, 1985, as Mule Appreciation Day in the U.S.A. If you wish to lend your support, you may write your congressman, or obtain information on this subject through the exhibitors at the National Western Stock Show Mule Show and Pull 1985!
The halls of the Denver Coliseum echoed with the music of over 80 donkeys and mules brought from several states to participate in the First Annual National Western Fall Classic Donkey and Mule Show held on Thursday, October 11. This was Colorado’s first Regional American Donkey and Mule Society Show, and what a show it turned out to be!
Careful selection of classes for the show enabled spectators to get a broader view of what is actually being done with both mules and donkeys, as well as giving exhibitors a chance to put the true talents of their animals to the test. Improvement in all areas of performance, obviously due to hard work and dedication, was quite apparent at this show. The beauty of these animals was amply exhibited in the halter classes, relaxation and control emanated from the pleasure classes, and style and grace governed the driving classes. Still, humor, suspense, and excitement were maintained in packing and gymkhana events. All these things combined made for the best show that Colorado has ever hosted! The true talents of the donkey and mule trainers showed through the incredible performances of their Longeared counterparts. Patience and ingenuity are the name of game. These are special people with very special animals!
The Rocky Mountain Longears Association of Denver would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended for taking the time to make this show a special one—it was a tremendous success! Also, our special thanks to Judy Crow for coming all the way from Arizona to judge this show. Thanks, Judy!
Our thanks to our sponsors:
Horse & Carriage Service KL Excavating
Littleton, Colorado Denver, Colorado
Ranch Supply A & B Transmissions
Kittredge, Colorado Englewood, Colorado
Michael Harlow
1983 IBHA Queen
The fine plaques, silver trays, banners, and ribbons made our show one to be remembered long after the prize money has been spent. Without our sponsors, this show could not have been the success it was. We thank everyone for their enthusiastic participation and hope to see you all again next year! The regional champions of the First A.D.M.S. Regional Donkey & Mule Show were as follows:
Regional Champion – “Rufus”
Shown by: Ruth Jarrett of Franktown, Colorado; Meredith Mitchell & Mel Hickmore of
Parker, Colorado
Owned by: Larry Jarrett of Franktown, Colorado
Regional Reserve Champion Mule – “Jill”
Shown by: Larry Jarrett of Franktown, Colorado; Mel Hickmore of Parker, Colorado
Owned by: Larry Jarrett of Franktown, Colorado
Regional Champion Model Mule – “Mae Bea C.T.”
Shown by: Meredith Hodges, Lucky Three Ranch of Loveland, Colorado
Owned by: Meredith Hodges, Lucky Three Ranch of Loveland, Colorado
Owned by: John & Peggy Reed of Queen Creek, Arizona
Regional Reserve Champion Donkey – “Dusty”
Shown by: Dick Nichols of Bailey, Colorado
Owned by: Dick Nichols of Bailey, Colorado
Regional Champion Model Donkey – “Reed’s Beanie Burrito”
Shown by: Peggy Reed of Queen Creek, Arizona
Owned by: John & Peggy Reed of Queen Creek, Arizona
Regional Reverse Champion Model Donkey – “Dusty”
Shown by: Dick Nichols of Bailey, Colorado
Owned by: Dick Nichols of Bailey, Colorado
Regional High Point Youth: Boomer Navarro of Castle Rock, Colorado
Regional Reserve High Point Youth: Meredith Mitchell of Parker, Colorado
Travel Award: Farthest distance travelled, went to john & Peggy Reed from Queen
Creek, Arizona.
Premier Exhibitor Award: With the most animals brought to the show, went to Bunny J.
Seeger of Henderson, Colorado and her 11 burros.
Following the Donkey and Mule Show, on Saturday, October 13, was the Segelke Dispersal Sale, where over 75 head of Mammoth jacks and jennets were auctioned off to the highest bidder; the quality of these donkeys reflected a careful and deliberate breeding program, obviously aimed at upgrading the breed. The bidding was fast and furious as buyers form such states as Iowa, Arkansas, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Texas, and California fought to take possession of this quality stock. Now these beautiful animals will go to their respective new homes and continue to help upgrade the quality of donkeys and mules in America.
The donkey and mule industry is still a young industry, and I would like to encourage all of you to ask yourselves if you might want to contribute your talent to help in its growth. What was once just a novelty, is no more a novelty; the rapid growth of these animals in California and Missouri denotes that these Longears are here to stay this time, as we find many new and interesting uses for them. Besides the obvious uses such as riding, driving, and packing, these animals are now being used as embryo transplant recipients—who can predict what other uses we may find in the future? As in any industry, we need people with many different talents: we need people in advertising, communication, transportation, and the list goes on! This business has something for nearly everyone and our Longeared friends are giving each of us a tremendous opportunity to help ourselves regain the dignity and self-confidence that we might have lost through the years of economic hardships—so if you have talents to contribute, please don’t let them go to waste. We need you!
With each new show that we Longears fans put on, we learn new things that need to be considered. The people who have been primarily responsible for the shows in this area are to be congratulated, but more than that they need help from each and every one of us. It was unfortunate that the National Western Fall Classic Donkey & Mule Show—as impressive as it was—was for some unknown reason closed to the public. Of course, here could have been a lot more pre-show media coverage, but better communication with city officials in Denver might also have prevented this gross error. Anxious spectators from Denver and surrounding areas were disappointed by the locked doors of the Coliseum Ticket Office; they were looking forward to this unusual “country” entertainment. This is why we must pull together, not just for the promotion of donkeys and mules, but also, for our fellow human beings who enjoy this type of entertainment so much. I cannot stress enough just how important it is that we each do our part… and then some.
To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, MeWe and Twitter.
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE and EQUUS REVISITED at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
It is no secret that mules, due to their innate sensibility and incredible surefootedness, are the equine of choice for packing and riding into untamed wilderness areas. Dependable mules carry thousands of tourists down the steep trails of the Grand Canyon each year. This enables many to take in the splendor and beauty of an otherwise nearly inaccessible corner of the world.
Not limited to Mainland activities, mules are also used on the island of Molokai in Hawaii to carry tourists on a memorable ride down the Kalaupapa Trail to the Makanalua Peninsula and the settlement of Kalaupapa. Years ago, before it was discovered that leprosy was not highly contagious, afflicted persons were taken to the Makanalua Peninsula by boat and left there. The sheer cliffs on the landside of the peninsula prevented them from leaving. Father Damien de Veuster of Belgium built the first church and brought hope to the old settlement of Kalawao.
Today, people are allowed to come and go, and the settlement is permitted to delight in some of the modern-day conveniences. Though the settlement is only 12 square miles, there are cars and mini-buses to aid in transportation. After the mule ride down the cliff trail, mini-buses give personal tours around the settlement where you can learn about everyday life then and now. You’ll see their homes, general store, dock, medical facilities, lonely graveyards, the old settlement of Kalawao, and Father Damien’s church, St. Philomena.
After a picnic lunch in one of Hawaii’s most spectacular spots, overlooking cliffs and waterfalls, dramatic ocean rock formations, and crashing surf, the mules make their way safely back up the steep trail. The trail begins at an elevation of 1600 feet. The ride is three miles long with 26 switchbacks. It is not, however, just a sheer, open drop all the way down. The trail meanders through a lush rain forest with splendorous vistas of the peninsula and the startling blues of the Pacific Ocean. It has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!
Buzzy and Clyde Sproat were the owners and operators of this tropical excursion until 2014 when Buzzy passed away. The trail to the settlement was built over 100 years ago. Buzzy and Clyde’s grandfather was instrumental in the renovation of the trail for use with mules several years later. Clyde spent much of his time on the other islands while Buzzy tended to the mules. Most of the mules they were using had been purchased on the Mainland from George Chamberlain’s ranch in Los Olivos, California, or from the former Windy Valley Ranch owned by my mother in Healdsburg, California.
The mules were trained for the cliff trail primarily by Buzzy. He would lead them down and ride another animal, or let them follow back up the trail the first few times. The mules are not broke to reins and are expected only to walk and follow. Passing is discouraged. Should a mule decide that he prefers to speed over the trail, Clyde enters the scene and quickly puts any thought of speed out of the mule’s head. If the mule wishes to “run” the trail, Clyde will oblige him…over and over, until the mule decides that slow is better! Any that do not comply, they will not use. With all the inexperienced riders with which they must deal, these mules must be fail-safe!
The mules themselves were well cared for. When not in use, they grazed peacefully on pastures of lush green Molokai grass. The Sproats keep a string of about 40 mules. All of the mules were shod by Buzzy to prevent any foot problems and they were not overworked. Generally, they would make two trips a day down and back up the trail to the settlement. Each mule was only required to make the trip every other day. Saddles and tack were carefully fitted to each mule to insure their comfort as well as that of the rider. No spirited mules were used for packing tourists down the trail. Only the calmest and most sensible mules could “make the grade.” They came in all different colors and range in size from 14 to 16 hands to accommodate the different-sized riders they must carry.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, tourists were asked to fill out forms stating their size and riding ability in addition to legal prerequisites. Then each tourist was matched with a mule suitable for his needs. Wranglers were situated at the front, middle and back of the mule string to insure a safe trip. The trail is all these mules know and they know it well! One mule, General Sherman, exhibited this steady, calm dependability when he was matched with a rather heavy greenhorn from Washington D.C. The man, who had probably never ridden anything in his life, whooped and wailed his way down the trail. He was sure that he would fall off and plummet to his death! But General Sherman ignored all the commotion and carried him safely through the excursion, striking another positive chord for mules!
If you thought that Hawaii was only for those who love lolling on the beach in a tropical paradise, think again. The mules of Molokai can contribute a lot more diversity to your tropical vacation. They can take you on quite an historic adventure through the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in the world. Without the mules, this would not be as safely possible. These trail trips, of course, must be limited to those who are physically fit, weighing no more than 225 pounds and not too advanced in age. A minimum age of 16 years is required by Hawaii State Law to enter the Kalaupapa Settlement. The owners of the Molokai Mule Ride, Buzzy and Clyde Sproat, took every reasonable precaution to help make this an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Should you be interested in taking this excursion, you can contact them for further information through your travel agent. “Wouldn’t you rather be riding a mule on Molokai?”
1993 was a good year for Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T.That was the year she won the Novice Division at the Abbe Ranch Horse Trials in Larkspur, Colorado. A first place finish in competition with 56 horses is a significant achievement for any equine, but this Combined Training victory was particularly noteworthy, because Mae Bea C.T. is a mule. She’s a rare mule to be sure, but not as unusual as you might think. Well-bred, well-trained saddle mules are becoming increasingly competitive in classes that were once beyond their reach. In 2007, at Bishop Mule Days, the largest mule show in the country, bridle division flat classes each boasted as many as 30 competitors, and jumping events were equally popular. Growing numbers of mule riders are looking to improve their skills through dressage training and competition, and the horse establishment—the United States Equestrian Federation in particular—has embraced the mule community if not with open arms, then at least with open minds.
Mae Bea C.T. and several other champion mules of mine have spent nearly four decades testing the mule’s potential as athlete and performer. I discovered what I believe to be a limitless capacity for competitive achievement,and while I don’t foresee the addition of mules to the Olympic team roster, I do insist that Dressage training is a must for every serious rider. Therefore, those with a preference for mules should have equal opportunity to participate in every aspect of that training.
My interest in longeared equines grew from the time I went to work at my mother’s ranch in Healdsburg, California, in 1973. As proprietor of the 1,000-acre Windy Valley Ranch, Joyce Doty ran a successful business breeding and training high-quality mules. I had always been partial to horses and believed the common lore that mules were stubborn, stupid, and not only mean, but inclined to hold a grudge and seek retribution at their leisure.
Frankly, they frightened me. But I took the plunge and soon came to the revelatory realization that, in truth, mules were not stubborn or dumb or even mean.They were only cautious, with a strong instinct for self-preservation. I quickly discovered that when Itreated them with patience, kindness respect and consideration, the mules recognized I had their best interests at heart and they would not only comply, but go the extra mile to give their very best. I was smitten with my new long-eared friends and soon had a case of “Mule Fever” I’d never kick. By 1980, I moved to Colorado and established her own mule ranch. Lucky Three Ranch grew steadily over the years as I established myself as a breeder and trainer. In 1986 my insatiable quest to take training to higher levels took me to the United States Dressage Federation Convention in Houston, Texas. I knew the key to advancement was Dressage, but before I took the leap, I wanted assurances that I would be allowed to test my skills and measure my progress at schooling shows in my area.
With some reservation, the United States Dressage Federation grantedpermission to participate in non-sanctioned shows at the show organizers’ discretion. Armed with this qualified endorsement, I began training with my local U.S.D.F. instructor Melinda Weatherford. My partner, Lucky Three Sundowner, was a talented mule out of an AQHA-registered mare. As a four-year-old, Sundowner won a World Championship in Reining in 1984. But Dressage was something new to both of us and we had limiting habits to overcome.
For the next several years I diligently trained with both Sundowner and Mae Bea C.T., who turned out to be an enthusiastic jumper. As their training progressed, I urged the folks at Bishop Mule Days to add Dressage classes to their established Western, English, and Jumping classes. By 1989,Sundowner and I were working at Second Level Dressage, and in 1990 we took first place in a newly established Second Level Dressage Class at Bishop Mule Days. In 1992,I asked Bishop Mule Days for a Third Level Dressage Class and theyobliged, although only two mules competed. Sunny scored sixes and sevens in the class, placing first against his only competition, Dolly Barton. By 1993 Sundownerand I were working at Fourth Level Dressage. We competed at Bishop Mule Days at Third Level Dressage for a second year and easily won as the only mule in the class. For me and Sundowner, attaining Fourth Level Dressage was a great achievement.
“As a child I had a picture of Col. Alois Podhajsky above my bed, and as an adult I dreamed of dancing with Sunny through Dressage, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when we could passage and piaffe together, whether we were in competition or just at home alone. And that is at the crux of my push to find a place for mules in the world of English riding. Of course,in the upper levels of competition, we should stick with apples to apples. But thequantity and quality of learning that takes place in the Dressage arena should be availableto everyone.
I didn’t stand alone on this issue. Fellow mule advocate Carole Sweet laid claim to one of the proudest moments in longears history when she, with the help of a few allies, persuaded the United States Equestrian Federation to amend its rules to include mules in the organization’s DressageDivision.
One day Carole Sweet’sgood friend Linda Pittman, to whom Carole had sold her own mule, called herdistraught. Linda had been in Dressage training with her mule for some time, working to qualify for the Annual Championships of the California Dressage Society.The California Dressage Society by-laws had been changed to “specificallyexclude mules from all C.D.S. competitions.”It seemed like it was disguisedintolerance for any breed that didn’t fit the model of a Classical Dressage horse. Carole saw this as a serious injustice.
Carol felt that the C.D.S. was endorsing exclusivity and discrimination in a discipline that was publicized and promoted to be suitable for every one and needed to be fixed. Carole contacted members of the C.D.S. Executive Board but got nowhere. Then she tried the United States Dressage Federation President, who told her that unless it was a rated show, organizers essentially had free rein and could include mules or not. The U.S.E.F.(U.S.A.E. at the time) said there was nothing they could do. Disheartened by the lack of response on the national level, Carole and Linda returned to the C.D.S. to request that mules at least be admitted into schooling shows. They attended the C.D.S. Annual Conference where Linda pled her case. The response was a resounding “No!”
“What bothered Carole most was how they were treated. Theboard members who did speak were vehemently opposed to letting mules back in. They treated them withcontempt and refused to hear them. All Carole could think was, “where’s your responsibility to your members? When you exclude the mule, you also exclude the rider.’”
The C.D.S. Executive Board questioned her commitment to the issue and asked if she was serious enough about this to go to next week’s annual U.S.A.E. meeting Carole spent the next three days preparing a hefty packet of materials for the meeting. It included endorsements from every major mule organization, facts and figures on the industry, and information from the U.S.A.E. Endurance and Driving disciplines, which already allowed mules in competition.
Carole felt the feeling in the mule community was that mules had been discriminated against for so long and this was a chance to do something about it. She got letters of endorsement from everyone.
Carole received a personal invitation from the Dressage Committee Chair to attend a closed-door meeting to discuss the matter. Although she wasunable to attend, the materials she sent and the answers she provided to some tough questions were enough to convince the committee to endorse the rule-change proposal.
That legitimized it. Now it wasn’t just Carole saying this should happen; it was the Dressage Committee. They were incredible to work with.
In January 2004, Carole, her friend Linda Pittman, American Donkey and Mule Society registrar, Leah Patton and I all traveled to Los Angeles to attend the U.S.E.F. Convention.
Carole knew I had already done so much on behalf of mules that I would want to be part of this and Leah as well. Carole said we were a huge help.We attended meetings and lobbied hard in anticipation of a vote by the Board. Carole said it was to their advantage that two of the organization’s goals that year were to build U.S.E.F. membership and reach out to the grass roots of the horse community. What could be more grass roots than mule riders? We’ve got a huge population of mule riders, which could translate into income for the organization. In the end, after three years of persistence, Carole’s and mymoment of triumph arrived. The Board voted to approve the rule change and admit mules into sanctioned competition, with the exception of high-performance qualifying and selection trials. Carole, the others and I were ecstatic. “I’m so thrilled for what we could do forall those people who love mules.” Carole said. “Now they’re in the sand box. There’sstill some sand kicking going on, but they’re in!”
Now that it’s done, the U.S.E.F. rule change hasn’t exactly launched a revolution. In fact, it’s been kind of quiet out there, and Carole wondered what effect the rule change hadactually had. She suspected it could take a while for mule riders, low on the totem pole for so long, to acquire the skills, the nerve, and the sense of possibility that will propel them to higher levels of performance, but she’s confident they will and the mules,too, will rise to the challenge.
Carole believes that riding a mule in Dressage is no different the riding a horse. Any animal’s ability is based on temperament, conformation,and heart.My television program Training Mules and Donkeys on RFD-TV reached millions of viewers every week, knowing that with proper training, care and athletic conditioning, mules can excel in any discipline. If you understand the mule’s psychology and his physical needs, you can reach truly amazing levels of performance.
One place where mules can show their stuff in ever growing numbers is Bishop Mule Days. Each Memorial Day weekend 800 mules and several thousand people congregate in Bishop, California for a competition that includes more than 180 events. Bishop Mule Days Executive Director Kim Craft says that more riders compete in the English classes than in the Western events.
Last year there were 25 to 30 competitors in the flat classes. Bishop Mule Days uses U.S.E.F. “R” rated judges and the riders come to compete in World Champion classes and win real champion points.The Mule Days competitors have raised the bar in every event. Mule Days used to be Mom and Pop and a two-horse trailer, but these competitors train much harder and compete more seriously, and these mules are incredible. It’s the knowledge and the people that have brought the mule this far. Most who take their mules into English classes don’t do so with visions of trouncing the competition at an A.Q.H.A. show. They’re simply trying to become better riders through study and practice. It’s more about learning than performing. People are passionate about their animals and want to become the best riders they can be.”
Bishop Mule days is a World Class show. The U.S.E.F. and the entire Dressage community can be proud of the competitors there and how they represent the extraordinary discipline of Dressage.
So don’t be surprised if you happen to come across a mule or two at your next horse show. They’re there now!And I will tell you, “They’ve earned it!” I am so proud of all the people who are now taking advantage of what we made available to them. Audrey Goldsmith and Heart B Porter Creek were the first, followed by Laura Hermanson and Heart B Dyna and in 2016, Behold the Desert.
It is no secret that the popularity of mules in this country is on the rise and their uses are quite varied. Many people believed that mules were used solely for packing and pulling, but modern-day mule lovers have competed successfully with mules in all areas of equine athletics, exhibiting the mules’ true abilities and versatility. Western style riders were the first to catch on to mules, but English riders soon followed suit. Perhaps the most elite form of English riding, Dressage was avoided for many years. There could have been any number of reasons for this, however, an adventurous lady from Montana chose to train her more than 16 hand mule, Baby Huey, for Dressage and competed successfully in many shows. This opened still another door for mules.
The object of Dressage is “the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose, and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider.” In Dressage, one is not concerned with time in training. Rather, it is measured in progress from one step to another. Dressage requires a discipline of the mind and body. This slow and methodical way of training lends itself nicely to mules.
One of the basic differences between training mules and training horses is the essential maintenance of a calm attitude by the trainer. Mules will not respond positively to a bad temper. The calmer and more deliberate the trainer, the more responsive the mule. Training in this manner will reveal the true abilities of the animal. His paces will be free and regular and his movements will be harmonious, light, and easy. Impulsion from the hindquarters is reflected by lightness on the forehand with quiet acceptance of the bridle with no tenseness or resistance. An animal trained in Dressage will appear to be doing of his own accord what is required with an air of confidence and always attentive. The walk is regular and free, and unconstrained. The trot is free, supple, regular, sustained and active. The canter is united, light and cadenced. These all reflect active and animation of the four quarters. He is never sluggish. He will respond to the slightest cue from the rider and thereby, give life and spirit to rest of his body. In all his work, a Dressage animal will be “on the bit” with a light, soft contact and submissiveness throughout. Many good trainers use these basic principles in turning out their best-trained animals. It just doesn’t always get labeled as “Dressage”.
One need only try to bully a mule once to find out that it simply doesn’t work. The mule, with the strength of the jack, can crook his neck so that no amount of pull can cause him to bend and the wide opening of the mouth leaves you pulling on virtual “rubber!” Consequently, you are left doing primarily what he wants. Slow and methodical training in Dressage can unite a mule and rider in a beautiful, flawless picture. Communication between equine and rider is, after all, what Dressage is all about.
O.K., you say. So the mule lends itself well to this type of training, but what of his tendency toward possessing naturally attractive gaits and a smooth way of moving? That’s simple. A mule is always better than the horse out of which he came. Should you desire a particular kind of action, seek a mule out of a mare that possesses that particular trait. The primarily smooth muscling of the mule allows him to be somewhat of a ballet dancer among equines. His gait is generally smoother than most horses anyway, with the strength to control his movements as is exhibited by his unique ability to jump from a standstill. Certainly, he could conceivably perform the more intricate movements of advanced Dressage.
There are those who believe that mules are just not as pretty as horses, and therefore, could not be as beautiful to watch in Dressage. Naturally, there are mules that would not be suitable for this form of training for the show ring, but so there are also unsuitable horses. With selective breeding, there have emerged mules that do possess a certain beauty with their grace and agility. In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish them from fine horses.
The mule, as anything but a packing and pulling animal, has not been tried too much in the past. This is why they have not been seen in many places of equine athletics. Mule lovers today are trying mules in all areas of equine sports and are exhibiting that mules can do it all! With the intense training and showing of more mules, more of the uneducated public is able to see that there is far more to mules than was portrayed in the past. Horsemen are continually surprised and amazed… and in some cases, even converted to mules!
As more is discovered about these marvelous animals, more people become attracted to them. Discovering mules is something like exploring unchartered territory: the possibilities are endless. As in any new venture, it takes a while for the word to get out, but it is clear that in this country the word is out and the popularity of mules is increasing with each new discovery about them. Perhaps, in the future, the public will be able to witness the first mule doing a “Capriole!”
It’s hard to believe that I have already spent 45 years in the business with not only mules and donkeys, but a vast array of equine related activities. I have always loved horses and began riding when I was only two years old. I was about as horsey as a girl could be and when not riding, it was still horse books, drawing horses and engaging in anything that remotely resembled a life with equines. At one point, I even designed a 100-stall barn and vowed to rescue every horse in our country that was being abused. Little did I know then, my 100-stall barn would be terribly inadequate.
I actually founded the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colorado in 1980 although I had many years with horses and six years with mules before then. I moved to Colorado with the intent of going to Colorado State University to get my veterinarian credentials, so I sought out places to live in Fort Collins. It was a fluke that a contract fell through and this tiny little 10-acre sheep ranch became available. I remember standing in the driveway, my vision crystal clear in my head, and told my mother, “This place HAS LOTS of possibilities.” She gave me a condescending nod and said, “It definitely has lots of possibilities.” I don’t think she had any idea of what was to come! But, after all, the vision was MINE!
Since, I began a journey that has led me from equine breeding and training for mules and donkeys, through showing, then judging and giving clinics. I developed the first ever equine training correspondence course with my videos. I revised them for television and was on numerous channels and RFD-TV for 11 years. After going off television, I adapted my award-winning TV Shows for VIDEO ON DEMAND from my website at www.luckythreeranch.com and expanded our presence on Social Media. I have written 3 hardbound books and 3 manuals on equine management and training that all complement each other. They overlap, but are not duplicated. There is a lot to learn and the learning never ends. The addition of the DVDs provided the most comprehensive management and training series ever to hit the equine industry. Since I have always documented EVERYTHING I learned, I produced numerous TELLY AWARD WINNING documentaries that are also in the VOD section of my website. I decided to go this route because of the lack of continuity in the management and training materials that I had to work with while I was growing up. I saw and personally experienced the therapeutic value of equines and became intimately involved with the HEARTS AND HORSES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER (www.heartsandhorses.org) located just a few miles from my Lucky Three Ranch. The interaction with this program inspired me to write my children’s series of books and videos, and even a music CD, Jasper the Mule. I launched this fun and educational children’s series by writing a letter from a baby mule named JASPER to myself stating his concerns about training and his perception of trainers from the mule’s point of view.
The Lucky Three Ranch slowly became even more than the vision that had in my mind 45 years ago! My interest and influence in the equine community grew into something much more expansive than my original 100-stall barn. It grew into the LOVELAND LONGEARS MUSEUM & SCULPTURE PARK at LUCKY THREE RANCH! We opened the ranch to tours and each tour is a personalized clinic for those who attend. I can now reach hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and am now in a position to be able to teach them how to appreciate and enjoy their equines as much as I enjoy mine and share it in a multitude of different ways. It is so incredibly rewarding when I see happy animals with happy owners doing the things that they love together! This is the gift that I have been given in life by my Maker to share with others and their joy is my reward! Thank you to all of my friends and fans for your loyalty and support! I couldn’t have made 45 years without you and the magnificent equines that color my life! The ultimate gift for me is to be able to see all of you enjoying LONGEARS as much as I do, and to see you going forward to accomplish great things and become amazing ambassadors of the breed!
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE, EQUUS REVISITED and A GUIDE TO RAISING & SHOWING MULES at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
It’s hard to believe that I have already spent 35 years in the business with not only mules and donkeys, but a vast array of equine related activities. I have always loved horses and began riding when I was only two years old. I was about as horsey as a girl could be and when not riding, it was still horse books, drawing horses and engaging in anything that remotely resembled a life with equines. At one point, I even designed a 100-stall barn and vowed to rescue every horse in our country that was being abused. Little did I know then, my 100-stall barn would be terribly inadequate.
I actually founded the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colorado in 1980 although I had many years with horses and six years with mules before then. I had moved to Colorado with the intent of going to Colorado State University to get my veterinarian credentials, so I sought out places to live in Fort Collins. It was a fluke that a contract fell through and this tiny little 10 acre sheep ranch became available. I remember standing in the driveway, my vision crystal clear in my head, and told my mother, “This place HAS LOTS of possibilities.” She gave me a condescending nod and said, “It definitely has lots of possibilities.” I don’t think she had any idea of what was to come! But, after all, the vision was MINE!
Since, I began a journey that has led me from equine breeding and training for mules and donkeys, through showing and then judging and clinics, developing the first ever equine training correspondence course through my videos, on television the internet and Social Media. I have written numerous books on training that all complement each other, but with the addition of the DVDs provide the most comprehensive management and training series ever to hit the equine industry. I decided to go this route because of the lack of continuity in the management and training materials that I had to work with while I was growing up. I saw and personally experienced the therapeutic value of equines and became intimately involved with the Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding facility just a few miles from the Lucky Three Ranch. The interaction with this program inspired me to write my children’s series, Jasper the Mule. I launched it by writing a letter from a baby mule to myself with his concerns about training and his perception of trainers from the mule’s standpoint.
The Lucky Three ranch slowly became the vision that had been in my mind 35 years ago! My interest and influence in the equine community grew into something much larger than my original 100-stall barn. I now reach hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and am now in a position to be able to teach them how to appreciate and enjoy their equines as much as I enjoy mine in a multitude of different ways. It is so incredibly rewarding when I see happy animals with happy owners doing the things that they love together! This is the gift that I have been given in life by my Maker to share with others and their joy is my reward! Thank you to all of my friends and fans for your loyalty and support! I couldn’t have made 35 years without you and the magnificent equines that color my life!