“The passion that Meredith Hodges feels for the equines that she has fought for all her adult life is still as fresh, inspiring and infectious as it was when she first discovered the world of horses, donkeys and mules. She has never wavered in her devotion to them and in her mission to carve a lasting and honored place for them in our world. They are lucky to have her as their champion, but Meredith actually sees it a bit differently. She feels honored and privileged to be a part of their world.”
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Latest Podcast
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I.
Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I. –
- Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (N.I.) A life-threatening condition that is more common in mule foals.
- Learn how to prevent it.
- Clinical signs recognized in the first few days of the foal’s life and perhaps up to 12 days of age include: a) Weakness and lethargy, b) Decrease in suckling the mare c) Rapid breathing, d) Pale or yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes. e) Red color to the urine f) In severe cases collapse and death can occur.
- 1 in 10 mule foals is at risk for this disease.
- How to determine if the foal is at risk for N.I.
- Learn how N.I. can be prevented.
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
For more training info: www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com and click on the Training tab.
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Lucky Three Ranch Impressions
(Page 48) Excerpted from: Touring Lucky Three Ranch with Meredith Hodges: Unexpected, Free-wheeling, Fun! By Nell Wade It’s not just a ranch—it’s an experience! Nestled on 127 sprawling acres that snuggle up to the edge of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain foothills, Lucky Three Ranch is the name that world-renown mule and donkey expert and equestrian star, Meredith Hodges, chose to christen what has become the heart and soul of her ongoing commitment to the preservation and welfare of mules and donkeys everywhere. What strikes you first is her huge but ...
Get in Sync With Your Equine
(3-13-15) Lucky Three Vindicator and I are in perfect sync with each other and happy throughout all activities...even smiling for the camera and opening and closing gates! After training in multiple equine disciplines, I firmly believe that a well-adjusted and welltrained equine needs the same ideal attention that children need to help them prepare for adulthood. Ideal training involves not only Classical Dressage for physical development, Behavior Modification for character development and natural horsemanship for playful yet productive bonding, but also building core muscle strength in good posture to prepare ...
Training the Jumping Donkey
(Page 45) Donkeys have been labeled stubborn for centuries, but with the right approach, they are every bit as trainable and tractable as horses, mules and ponies. Donkeys just demand more consideration and respect to really want to perform for you. If you want to jump any equine, it is not advisable to just go out and start jumping. As with any equine athlete, the animal first needs to have gone through extensive ground work that addresses core muscle strength in good equine posture using intensive leading lessons on flat ...
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I.
Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I. -
- Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (N.I.) A life-threatening condition that is more common in mule foals.
- Learn how to prevent it.
- Clinical signs recognized in the first few days of the foal's life and perhaps up to 12 days of age include: a) Weakness and lethargy, b) Decrease in suckling the mare c) Rapid breathing, d) Pale or yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes. e) Red color to the urine f) In severe cases collapse and death can occur.
- 1 in 10 mule foals is at risk ...
MULE CROSSING: Establishing Management Practices for N.I. (Neonatal Isoerythrolisis)
By Meredith Hodges Establish a regular routine for feeding and management to avoid stressing pregnant mares and equines in general. Make your routine predictable. Mules are cheaper to keep than horses. They are more durable animals and are more resistant to parasites and disease. They require less feed and lower protein to maintain good health. They are intelligent in potentially dangerous situations and will avoid harm to themselves. They require less hoof care than horses in many instances. Under reasonable conditions, trims are sufficient. Shoes are not necessarily needed. But ...
MULE CROSSING: Training Longears: What’s the Difference? Part 2
In Part 1 of What’s the Difference? we began to define a few of the things that are unique to my training program. At the beginning of my career, it wasn’t long before I realized that, if I wanted to improve my skills and get a better response from my long-eared equine partners, I had to go back to the beginning, start over and pay close attention to what they needed from me at each stage of training in order to accurately perform what I was asking. When I did, ...
Shedding
(Page 62) Finally, it's spring and SHEDDING time again! In my experience it is better to start grooming your equine with a plastic multi-bristled, human hairbrush to get the dead undercoat off your equine than to use a shedding blade at first. The shedding blade cannot reach the shorter undercoat and can break off healthy hair shafts. The 20 hairbrush works particularly well on the thicker donkey hair coats that can easily get tangled. If you use the hairbrush first, you can come back over it lightly with the shedding ...
MULE CROSSING: Training Longears: What’s the Difference? Part 1
By Meredith Hodges At first glance, it seems those of us who train equines have very similar methods. This is not unusual considering we build our programs on time tested techniques and only make changes in approach when certain things are not working well. We often begin to interact with equines at a very young age and are the product of what we learn from others, and from our own mistakes. The things we learn shape our attitude and approach to riding equines, and riding is first and foremost in ...
MULE CROSSING: Dancing with Mules
By Meredith Hodges Lucky Three Sundowner was foaled at my mother’s Windy Valley Ranch in Healdsburg, California in June of 1980. Two weeks later he and his dam, Candy Etta, an AQHA registered mare, were shipped to the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, where we continued the superior mule breeding and training program that my mother had started. Sunny was a tall, gangly little bay mule foal with an affectionate and willing attitude. His show career began at halter and progressed to Western Pleasure and Reining by the time ...
Happy Easter: Donkey’s Cross: The Legend
(Page 25) The story is told that the donkey that had been Jesus' mount on Palm Sunday, came to the hill of Calvary. Seeing the tragic event taking place, he wished with all his heart that he had been able to carry the cross for Jesus, as he was the proper one to carry heavy burdens. Ashamed of what was happening, the donkey turned his back on the sight, but would not leave for he wished to stay until all was over because of his love for Jesus. In reward ...
MULE CROSSING: Achieving Balance and Harmony
By Meredith Hodges Achieving balance and harmony with your equine requires more than just balancing and conditioning his body. As you begin finishing training on your equine, your awareness must now be shifted more toward your own body. Your equine should already be moving steadily forward in a longer frame and be basically obedient to your “aids” (your seat, legs and hands). The object in finishing training is to build the muscles in your own body so that your aids become more clearly defined and effective. This involves the shedding ...
Breeding
MULE CROSSING: Breeding Quality Mules
By Meredith Hodges In the past, mares unsuitable for improved horse-breeding programs were the mares used for mule breeding. Looks and conformation were of little concern, since the animal that was produced had limited use for draft and farm work. In 1967, with the founding of the American Donkey & Mule Society, a new type of mule began to emerge—the American Saddle Mule—limited only by the imagination in his uses. As the mule’s popularity grew, so did the need for more carefully organized breeding programs to try to produce only ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Jacks
By Meredith Hodges A donkey jack can be your best friend or your worst enemy! Because he is a donkey, he possesses all the wonderful characteristics particular to donkeys—intelligence, strength, easy maintenance, suitability for many equine sports and, probably most important, an innate affectionate attitude. You must, however, realize that he is still an intact male, often governed by the hormones in his body. When nature takes over, the jack’s conscious thought is greatly diminished and he can become quite hazardous to your health. The jack’s aggressiveness is often masked ...
MULE CROSSING: The Mule Foal
By Meredith Hodges Mules and donkeys have an inborn natural affinity for human beings, so raising your mule or donkey foal to accept humans can be a relatively easy task if you remember a few simple things. First and foremost, you must learn to be a willing role model and, at all times, be polite, considerate and respectful toward your foal in what you ask and how you ask it. Second, you must remember that, from the moment your foal is born, he will learn a great deal from his ...
MULE CROSSING: Stubborn As A Mule
By Meredith Hodges “Stubborn as a mule” is hardly an appropriate cliché to describe today's mules who are sweeping the countryside with their remarkable abilities! But why now? Why haven't mules been used successfully as saddle animals before this? My only guess is that in the past, we did not afford ourselves much leisure time out of necessity. Therefore, mules used for packing and farming had to be broke quickly to help with the work. They were generally trained by older and more experienced animals by working in teams. People ...
Donkey Training
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part I0
By Meredith Hodges It is important that your donkey be in the best posture he can be in while he is performing at this stage of training. The way that he is moving with his body is the way his muscles and tendons will be strengthened and toned, and the way his bones will become permanently aligned. It is difficult for a rider to maintain this impeccable balance through every step and every stride. For this reason, you will use your “elbow pull” training aid to encourage your donkey’s good ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 9
By Meredith Hodges Perfecting Lateral Techniques You have introduced your donkey to some lateral techniques both in the arena and over obstacles, and you are perhaps discovering that he is a lot better at some things than he is at others. You might find that he quits trying and goes through the bridle, going straight instead of laterally. You must understand that lateral work is very taxing for your donkey’s muscles and will tire him quickly. When he gets tired, he will “run through the bridle” and refuse to move ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 3
By Meredith Hodges Prior to each training session with your donkey, review all that he has previously learned: Always lead him to and from the work station in a showmanship manner, holding the lead in your left hand with your right arm extended forward; groom him and clean his feet; review the turn on the forehand and turn on the hindquarters in the round pen; and send him forward to the rail in the round pen at the walk. You may have discovered that you need to follow him more ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 4
By Meredith Hodges You have, thus far, begun to teach your donkey several things: how to begin to execute the turn on the forehand and turn on the haunches, how to walk forward in a round pen from the lunge whip without a saddle or harness (then with the saddle and harness), on the drivelines, and while being ridden. He has also begun to learn how to “trot on” from the lunge whip while tacked up, and how to walk and trot on the lead with an assistant aiding from ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 5
By Meredith Hodges By now your donkey should be getting much better at his turns on the forehand and haunches on the lead line. He should be leading easily at the walk and trot and squaring up while stopped. He should be lunging at the walk and trot in the round pen, and ground-driving at the walk in the round pen, both straight and through turns and reverses. He should be walking and trotting with a rider in the round pen, without the assistant. He should be both ground-driving and ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 6
By Meredith Hodges By walking your donkey through all the different phases of training, and before going on to the trot, you have given yourself and your donkey an opportunity to learn to negotiate and perfect your movements before you ask for speed. This allows for a lot more perfection of coordination to take place, so things are less likely to fall apart when you do add a little speed. This is the most obvious difference between mules or horses and donkeys. Horses and mules are difficult to slow down ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 8
By Meredith Hodges Now it is time for your donkey to learn to move laterally. Lateral movements are essential to the overall balance and posture of your donkey. It will improve muscle strength throughout his body and will reduce the risk of injury or soreness while he is being ridden or driven. You can begin his lateral work on the drivelines in the large arena. Begin by driving your donkey through the hourglass pattern (after review). As he approaches the first corner cone, ask him to circle it and then ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 7
By Meredith Hodges If your donkey has any problems with the trot after the previously described exercises, it will probably be in the hourglass pattern while under saddle. If he has difficulty maintaining the trot through the turns and serpentines through the middle, and continues to bulge either one way or the other, you can try one more thing to help him. Have your assistant ride a seasoned animal through the pattern ahead of you while you follow a few strides behind. Don’t ride too close, or too far away ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 1
By Meredith Hodges Training your donkey is not really much different than training horses and mules, although there are differences in instinct and attitude that will determine your approach in given situations. The mechanics and techniques, however, remain the same. The donkey foal needs to begin his life of training with imprinting. Imprinting is simply getting your donkey accustomed to your touch, your voice, your smell, the way you look and the way you interact with him. These are all the things he learns from his mother that will determine ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkeys As Livestock Guardians
By Meredith Hodges There has been a lot of discussion since the early nineties around using donkeys for small livestock protection and predator control. Donkeys can certainly be a formidable opponent for cats and dogs and other smaller animals. One needs to be careful about who the donkey is pastured with since it is in their nature to pursue and sometimes kill animals that are smaller and weaker than them. This is true in all donkeys, although some individual females tend to be more maternal and are not apt to ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkeys: The “Sinking” Reflex
By Meredith Hodges Donkeys have a lot of behaviors that owners might find strange. One of these is dropping their spine, or “sinking,” when you put a hand on their back. Not all donkeys will do this, but many of them will, especially when they are young and or haven’t been handled routinely. I’ve personally had experience with donkeys sinking to the point that they’ll go down to the floor on their knees and bellies. You may also commonly recognize this behavior in cats and dogs. In order to understand ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 2
By Meredith Hodges If you have followed the steps outlined in Donkey Training, Part 1, your donkey should now—be easy to catch, let you put on his halter and lead, stand quietly while being groomed, allow you to pick up and clean his feet, follow you on the lead both over and around obstacles, load into a trailer, and follow your shoulder and your verbal commands. He should be happy and willing to be with you. This is a good time to let him watch other animals being worked, if ...
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Visit To Asspen 7-4-21
"Hmmmm....this feels REALLY good, Spuds!" "This looks promising...another adventure!" “Now we are both shed out, clean and ready for our adventure, Augie!” “Oh, look, Spuds! It’s Wrangler & Chasity! Oats around...LOL!!” “It’s Mirage and Francis, Augie...more oats...YAY!!!” “Francis sure is PURDY, Augie!” “Still got that crush...eh, Spuds!” “Nice to have Robin with us this time!” “Are we going to get a trim? It looks like Dean, Augie!” “No, Spuds, maybe a bath at this Bath House?” “This boardwalk is kinda tricky, Augie!” “How about a haircut at the Barbershop, Spuds?” ...
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Talk
By Meredith Hodges Donkeys are indigenous to desert areas that are often extremely hot or extremely cold. They are tough, surefooted due to the unique shape of their hooves, resistant to parasites, and disease and can withstand wide variations in climate. They require very little to survive and actually prefer the wide variety of brush and weeds that occur naturally in the desert with one of their favorite foods being dandelions. Donkeys possess an incredible hair coat that does not shed off completely like horses do in the summer months ...
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Maintaining a Happy Donkey: 3-2-21
When Chasity first arrived, we needed to keep her in quarantine, away from the other animals for a minimum of two weeks. Over the past 41 years, we altered our facility to an all-steel facility. Reduced maintenance costs enabled us to proceed converting from wood and wire to steel until we completed the process. This has greatly reduced the overall maintenance costs for the entire ranch, enabling us to purchase steel panels for the barn runs. It was easy to quarantine Chasity safely and still allow her company (at a distance, of ...
Farewells
Melinda’s Masterpiece “Lindy”
LUCKY THREE MELINDA'S MASTERPIECE was one of our brightest "Stars" here at the Lucky Three! She was a loving, calm and intelligent mare mule, foaled here in 1990 by "Little Jack Horner" and out of "Lucky Three Mytikas," a registered Thoroughbred mare. Lindy never gave us a bit of trouble...ever! She was three years old when we were filming Tapes # 4: Basic Foundation for Saddle and Tape #5: Intermediate Saddle Training. She learned EVERYTHING that she did on those tapes on camera for the very first time in only ...
Goodbye to Lucky Three Sundowner
Foaled June 2, 1980, Lucky Three Sundowner was the last mule born at my mother's Windy Valley Ranch and at two weeks old, the first mule to become part of my own Lucky Three Ranch. He showed successfully at Halter, English and Western Pleasure, and became the 1984 World Champion Reining Mule at Bishop Mule Days. However, his greatest accomplishment was to make it to Fourth Level Dressage after introducing Dressage to our Bishop Mule Days show, and after winning the World Championship at Third Level Dressage in Bishop ...
Eulogy to Von Twitchell
On December 31, 2014, the world lost a very special man at 82 years of age and I lost a very special friend. I heard about Von Twitchell long before I ever met him. Bishop Mule Days is an annual rendezvous for mule and donkey lovers from all over the world and I remember how excited I would get when I heard the name Von Twitchell echoing from the announcer’s booth. I would run as fast as I could to watch him and Miss Kitty in the gymkhana and ...
Goodbye to Little Jack Horner
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our courageous and talented 34-year-old Sire-Supreme, Little Jack Horner (1980 – 2014). He is survived by hundreds of mule and donkey offspring, leaving an amazing legacy of performance in Gymkhana events, English and Western Pleasure, Trail, Reining, Driving, Dressage Driving, Second Level Dressage and Stadium Jumping to four feet in exhibition. He was an affectionate jack with impeccable manners right to the end. On the eve of his passing, I left him standing like a statue with ears ...
Sad Loss for Longears Industry: Goodbye to Crystal Ward
A professional trainer, judge and animal inspector, Crystal Ward owned the Ass Pen Ranch in Placerville, California, where she raised and trained horse, mules and donkeys. The first year she came to Bishop Mule Days was in 1979. She happened to be coming through Bishop on vacation and it really intrigued her. She thought the mules were simply outstanding. Crystal had a show career with horses, but the following year she decided she had to own a mule. She showed up the next year with a horse trailer in tow, and ...
Goodbye to Homer
Our hearts go out to Connie Bartels for the loss of her beloved Homer, longtime friend and loyal companion. He will be missed. “Sunday when we rode while I was taking his tack off I was talking to him telling him what a good boy he is and what a good ride we had. Then I hugged him tightly as I always do....he knew me, and he liked me a lot. To think that I will never ride him again is heart wrenching to me. He was my good ...
Goodbye to Buddie Stockwell
We were sorry to hear about longtime mule skinner Buddie Stockwell. We appreciate all the work that Buddy put into mules in Colorado with the Rocky Mountain Longears Association. Here is one of my favorite stories about Buddy. In the fall of 1984, Loveland, Colorado muleskinner Buddie Stockwell and horseshoer Jerry Banks, along with a few friends, decided to make a hunting trip into the Rocky Mountains. Packing in, the weather was beautiful with warm temperatures, calm breeze, and nary a hint of what was to come. After setting up ...
Rest in Peace, Besty Hutchins
As a proud representative of the American Donkey and Mule Society, Lucky Three Ranch is deeply saddened to say goodbye to our close friend, and co-founder of ADMS, Betsy Hutchins. She was one of a kind and shared our love for longears. We will miss her very much. Statement from the ADMS: It is with great sadness that the ADMS announces the loss of one of our co-founders, Elizabeth "Betsy" Hutchins. For over forty years, Betsy devoted her life and her home to the promotion of longears around the world ...
General Interest
MULE CROSSING: In Appreciation of Mules
By Meredith Hodges We have all heard the numerous negative myths about mules that abound, but have you ever thought of a mule as a hero, as an extraordinary member of our society? The mule’s history can be traced back to Biblical times, and in those days, he was known as the preferred mount of royalty. Given his ancestry, this should not be surprising. After all, is he not the offspring of the chosen mount that Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem? As Jesus was the Son of God, so is ...
MULE CROSSING: Benefit of Organizational Skills
By Meredith Hodges 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 ...
MULE CROSSING: Mule & Donkey Movies & TV Shows
By Meredith Hodges
- Does the Lucky Three Ranch participate in filming? Since my parents gave me a Brownie camera when I was five years old, I have been fascinated with taking pictures. They also gave me a diary after I learned to write. When I got older and began my interaction and training with mules in 1973, I always documented those interactions with my mules and donkeys in pursuit of learning the best way to manage and train them. I wanted to give them the best opportunity to exceed ...
MULE CROSSING: Why Mules Are Exceptional
By Meredith Hodges Across the United States and around the world, as mules are given more and more opportunities to perform in many diverse situations, they are exhibiting their exceptional beauty, athletic ability, endurance and intelligence. There are definite physical and psychological reasons for these outstanding abilities. It has been proven that the mule not only inherits the mare’s beauty, but is also more athletic than the mare out of which he came. The mule is an exceptional hybrid not only because he inherits these qualities from his dam, the ...
MULE CROSSING: Hoof Differences in Horses, Donkeys and Mules
By Meredith Hodges The old saying, “No foot, no mule” is literally true, as it is in any nomadic animal. If the hooves are not trimmed and balanced properly, it will offset the balance of the equine’s entire body and can compromise longevity in the animal because his entire internal structure will be compromised. Most equines will need to be trimmed or shod every 6-8 weeks whether horse, mule or donkey. Horse’s hooves in general are proportionately larger, rounder and more angled than that of the donkey or mule. The ...
Prey or Predators?
Are equines prey or predators? Although some trainers base their methods on the idea that equines should be approached as "prey," this blog post by Sara Annon explains that the answer may not be that simple. An excerpt: The real lesson in this is that the predator/prey model of horsemanship is inaccurate. Rodents are prey animals. Horses are herd animals. Their enemy is the weather (click here and here). Horses die from hypothermia in winter, drought in summer, and starvation when grazing is scarce. Weakened animals are picked off by ...
What About Muzzles?
Years ago, I believed that all I needed to have an equine was a halter, bridle and saddle, a water bucket and a patch of grass with a fence around it. I didn’t even think about shelter until much later when I finally decided that a garage would do. I now know that there is a lot of responsibility in taking care of equines and that it is an ongoing learning experience. Like most of us, I was a little lazy and wanted shortcut ways to deal with my equines ...
Horse Tales for the Funny Bone
Meredith is pleased to have contributed an anecdote to the first edition of a new book series featuring humorous, equine-related stories called Horse Tales for the Funny Bone, Volume 1. The tales were collected by Bonnie Marlewski-Probert at Whitehall Publishing, who also put together the Horse Tales for the Soul series. Horse Tales for the Funny Bone features stories about all breeds, all styles of riding, and all age groups—60 in all. This book is sure to brighten your day and put a smile on your face, and makes the perfect gift for all the equine lovers in your life! ...
Modern Day Mule Train
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, artist Lauren Bon, in collaboration with Metabolic Studio and the LA Department of Water and Power, is retracing the steps of the aqueduct's original construction, from Owens Valley to LA--with a 100 mule pack train. Their journey started on October 18, and the convoy is expected to arrive at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Griffith Park on November 11, with stops along the way at the Lone Pine Rodeo Grounds, Jawbone Canyon, and the Hansen Dam. The mules are ...
Romulus and Remus, A Big Pair of Asses…
(Equus africanus asinus, to be exact!) This is a special entry by Phil Yellott, owner of Romulus, who has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Donkey. Cara and I wanted to get a couple of donkeys for guard animals. We saw a couple of mammoth donkeys on Craigslist, who were very skinny and underfed. We contacted the owner, and were able to negotiate a price so we could get them. We named them Romulus and Remus after the legendary founders of the Roman ...
Hearts & Horses
Hearts & Horses Virtual Tour
Haven’t made it out to the Hearts & Horses ranch yet? Here’s your chance, thanks to our brand new virtual ...
Raising the Barn
Hearts and Horses broke ground on a new arena where they will continue to change lives through therapeutic riding. The ...
A Sad Goodbye to Our Friend Cliff
With heavy hearts, we at Lucky Three Ranch say goodbye to our good friend, Cliff Uber. Cliff was an inspiration ...
Congratulations to Cliff and Bud!
Cliff Uber has been recognized as the 2012 PATH Intl. Independent Adult Equestrian award winner! He will be honored as ...
Historical
MULE CROSSING: From Mules to Riches
By Meredith Hodges Long before the Founding Fathers drafted our constitution, America began as a religious nation under God, and the mule has his roots in religion just as does the country he has helped to build. The mule of today’s ancestor is the donkey, mentioned in the Bible numerous times as an animal respected by God and blessed by Jesus Christ. The donkey was even chosen to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and, later, acted as the mount Jesus himself used for his ride into the city of ...
MULE CROSSING: Suitability of Donkeys and Mules For Children
By Meredith Hodges Many have inquired as to the suitability of Longears for children. As with any equine, choosing the right individual for your child is of primary importance. However, as a general rule, we find that donkeys make excellent mounts for beginning riders because of their patient, quiet nature and good common sense. They can be the best possible babysitter. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a donkey for your child. The first rule to observe is to never get a donkey jack for your ...
MULE CROSSING: Celebrating the Pioneer Spirit of the American Mule
By Meredith Hodges Long before the Founding Fathers drafted our constitution, the roots of America were as a religious nation under God. Today’s mule also has his roots in religion. The mule’s ancestor—the donkey—is mentioned in the Bible numerous times as an animal acknowledged by God and blessed by Jesus Christ. The donkey was even chosen to bring Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and, later, as the mount Jesus himself used for his ride into the city of Jerusalem. Throughout the development of our country—one nation under God—the American mule ...
MULE CROSSING: Mules Accepted by U.S.E.F. in Dressage!
By Meredith Hodges It’s 2004 and “You’ve come a long way, Baby!” The movement to have mules accepted by major equine organizations began with the United States Dressage Federation in 1986, 17 years ago! There was still the hurdle of being accepted by the most prestigious equine organization in the country at the time, the American Horse Show Association that sanctioned all upper level shows and competitions. Since then, the mules’ participation in significant horse events was a long, uphill climb and membership in the A.H.S.A. was only a dream ...
MULE CROSSING: Contemporary Mules
Mules played an important role in our country during the Reconstruction Period: they patiently worked the fields, packed necessary artillery for the army, and served as a durable riding and driving animal in the westward movement. With the coming of the industrial age, their uses were minimized and they were faced with the possibility of extinction in the march of progress. Today, through the persistent determination of mule enthusiasts, mules are once again emerging as a conceivable asset to our economy and a unique form of athletic achievement and entertainment ...
MULE CROSSING: Reflecting On Longears
By Meredith Hodges The contributions being made by mules and donkeys today are more numerous than they have ever been before and we should give thanks that we still have these Longears touching our lives and making them full! When the age of automation arrived, many mules, donkeys, and horses were put out of work. Mechanical alternatives were taking their places in the fields, in the coal mines, along the canals and even in the mountains. Horses made a somewhat smooth conversion of use to modern day recreation, but it ...
MULE CROSSING: In Celebration of Mule History
By Meredith Hodges George Washington imported the first jacks into the United States on October 26, 1785. The two jacks were a special gift to him from the King of Spain, although one died during the crossing. Royal Gift made it to become the sire of Washington’s mules at Mount Vernon. Two hundred years later, October 26th became Mule Appreciation Day as a result of mule’s increased popularity in modern times. George Washington was one of the very few in his time who recognized the value of breeding good mares ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: Project Mule Museum in Törbel
By Mariette Herzig and Josefine Jacksch Background The idea of creating a mule museum is already old. When the association "Interessengemeinschaft für das Maultier" (IGM) was founded 30 years ago, some members wished to realize this idea at some point. They started to collect everything about the mule and they could present small exhibitions in other museums in Switzerland. In 2007 the working group "Museum" was formed, in 2012 the association "Mule Museum Switzerland" was founded. Its task was to push the idea of a mule museum forward. Already in ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: Evidence of mules in ancient times, Part 2
We hope you enjoy Part 2 of the translated historical Longears article written by Elke Stadler, originally printed in German in the SWISS BULLETIN that comes to us from Switzerland. More articles to follow! By Elke Stadler Further evidence of mules in ancient times is shown by finds from various archaeological excavations. The identification of hybrids is more and more illuminated by archaeological research. The finds of mule bones on civil and military sites are scattered throughout Europe. In Pompeii Pompeii was an ancient city located in the modern commune of ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: Evidence of mules in ancient times, Part 1
I hope all of our friends and fans will enjoy yet another translated historical Longears article written by Elke Stadler, originally printed in German in the SWISS BULLETIN that comes to us from Switzerland. More articles to follow! By Elke Stadler The French national stud farm had a collection of different documents compiled to determine the profile of mules in ancient times. One particular difficulty was that the historical evidence was all too often misinterpreted. Often the mules were confused with their parents, horse or donkey, or generalized as such ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: The Mule Media Archive
By Josefine Jacksch History of the Mule Media-Archive Shortly after the foundation of the «Interessensgemeinschaft für das Maultier» IGM (Mule Association of Switzerland) in 1989, an archive was established. The first part contains association-related documents such as minutes of meetings and assemblies, preparations for association activities, etc. In addition, newspaper clippings, reports from horse magazines and other magazines, scientific articles and books were collected. VHS video cassettes, DVDs, CDs and individual pictures and photo albums completed the collection. One of the goals, that the IGM has ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: The Two Mules
Here’s a humorous mule tale for all of you Longears Lovers to read from our friends in Switzerland. ENJOY! Maurice Zermatten Pierre Bovier tied the rope around the iron bar that follows the wall; with the back of his hand he hit his mule on the back, as a sign of his friendship. He pulled a crackling piece of hay out of the oat sack, took his two cheeses under his arms and walked away. It was still winter up there, no relief was to be seen anywhere; dirty snow, ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: The Mule as a Workhorse in Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages
By Elke Stadler The history of mankind is closely connected with the use of the working force of animals. Animal power was of special importance in transport and traffic - before motorization it was the only available movable driving force, almost at any time and versatile. What people themselves could not wear or pull; oxen, mules, horses and donkeys carried or pulled. In the past, despite their essential importance for working life and the economy, the working animals were hardly noticed in literature. The work of the animals was so ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: Opening of the Swiss National Museum in 1898
Please enjoy this historical post about their Longears from our friends in Switzerland! Opening of the Swiss National Museum in 1898 By Josefine Jacksch This year (2018) the Landesmuseum (Museum of the Country) in Zurich will be 120 years old. It is the most visited historical museum in Switzerland. Since January 2011 it has been part of the Swiss National Museum. Due to an increasing lack of space, it was extended from 2013 to 2016 with a modern extension that offers space for exhibitions, a library and a lecture hall. A ...
From the SWISS BULLETIN: The last packer of Zermatt Belvedere
Please enjoy this article from our friend, Josefine at the SWISS BULLETIN. Mules have made their mark helping people with their tasks all around the world and their stories are nothing short of amazing! Loving Longears is something special that we all have in common despite our different languages. Read it, below: The last packer of Zermatt Belvedere Mules in the service of transport and travel in ancient times By Alban Lorenz The Valais lies in the southwest of Switzerland and is our little California. This canton is known for ...
Interviews
Meredith on Modern Farmer
Meredith Hodges was recently interviewed by Anna Roth for Modern Farmer, a website and magazine for people interested in global agricultural issues, as part of a series of donkey-themed articles! Meredith discussed her training methods and philosophies, and specifically how they relate to—and must sometimes be altered for—donkeys. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to call equine specialist Meredith Hodges a “donkey-whisperer,” considering that she’s spent most of her life coaxing donkeys and mules into unprecedented acts. She fought to get them incorporated into competitive equine events around the world, and is a firm believer in ...
Meredith on “All About Horses”
Earlier this week, Meredith Hodges made a special guest appearance on Jim Swanner’s All About Horses radio show on WKAC, to discuss mules, donkeys, and horses. Click here to listen to the archived show, which airs every Monday at 9:30am on WKAC or streaming online. Check out Jim Swanner on Facebook and his radio website here! ...
The Mule Whisperer
I have been called "the Mule Whisperer," but I must admit that the mules have been whispering right back at me for over forty years now! Mules have taught me practically everything I know about training equines and for that, I am eternally grateful...and so are the people and their equines who learn from me! I am so proud of my fans and the successful accomplishments they've had with their equines! Thank you all for your kind updates and correspondence! Keep up the great work! ...
Jasper
Jasper: A Christmas Caper on Rural TV
Jasper the Mule stops by your TV screen once again this Christmas! Celebrate Christmas with Jasper and all his friends as Jasper: A Christmas Caper airs on Rural TV (Dishnet Channel 232) on Christmas Eve. It's the Christmas season and Jasper and his human family are in high spirits as they travel to visit far-away friends a few towns over. When Jasper and his pal, Moxie the dog, get out of the yard and wander down a strange alley, the two friends are headed straight for one big adventure! Presents ...
Jasper: A Turkey Tale on Rural TV
Jasper the Mule returns to your TV screen this holiday season! Celebrate Thanksgiving with Jasper and all his friends as Jasper: A Turkey Tale airs on Rural TV (Dishnet Channel 232) this week. As the gang prepares for the big Thanksgiving celebration, Jasper the Mule and his pal, Moxie the Dog, are hot on the trail of adventure! A mishap with a truckload of turkeys turns into a real live mystery, as the boys solve the case of “The Beady Eyes in the Bushes!” When they make a new friend who is ...
Jasper Wins Telly Awards!
We are pleased to announce that two episodes from our Jasper series—Jasper: A Precious Valentine and Jasper: A Turkey Tale—have each won a bronze Telly Award this year! The Telly Award statuette is produced by the company that makes the Oscar and Emmy awards. They receive over 13,000 entries annually from some of the finest agencies and corporations in the world, so it is a remarkable achievement to be selected for recognition by their judging committee. The Silver Telly Council is comprised of many top industry professionals, including past winners ...
Longears People News
Dressage Mule Slate Helps Spread Awareness of Working Equines
This is a repost from Brooke USA. Lexington, Ky. - November 15, 2016 - Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Vicky Busch and her mule "Slate" continue to spread awareness of the plight of working equines in the developing world and the work of Brooke USA. Most recently Slate and his young rider, Busch's student Isabella Rodwig won their Training Level Test 3 class at the dressage schooling show at Amen Corner Farm in Folsom, LA. The pair did so in style and with a nod to Brooke USA, with ...
Laura Hermanson & “Behold the Desert” to Compete in USDF Finals
While dressage has long-been regarded as a horse and Pony Club sport, Meredith Hodges opened the doors to mules in dressage in the United States Dressage Federation Schooling Shows in 1986. With the help of Carole Sweet and Leah Patton of the American Donkey and Mule Society in Lewisville, Texas, they were formally accepted by the United States Equestrian Federation at their convention in Los Angeles in 2004. Laura Hermanson has since taken full advantage of this amazing opportunity. In 2015, she qualified for the United States Dressage Federation Finals ...
Buckeye the Mule!
A recent article at the Chronicle of the Horse had us excited to share the story of Buckeye, an 8 year-old Appaloosa mule who has been showing off the versatility of mules with his skills in the arena. When Buckeye first came to owner Christina Gregory, he was a little green under the saddle after being mostly used as a driving mule for an Amish family. After some initial work with Christina, he began training with 22 year-old Samantha (Sammi) Majors. Sammi began him with dressage and earlier in the year he was impressing judges and scoring ...
Flash of Wisdom: Rachel Anne Ridge
Inspiration doesn’t always come when you’re expecting it, and Rachel Anne Ridge certainly wasn’t anticipating a life-changing experience when a homeless, injured donkey showed up in her driveway. In her new book, Flash, Rachel describes the amusing and touching journey that she and her family experience with a donkey named Flash At a time of financial and personal uncertainty, the last thing Rachel needed was to take on an equine. Flash quickly became a part of their family. “It did not take long to fall in love with him,” she ...
Steve Edwards on Insurance for the Livestock and Equine Owner
The following post comes from Steve Edwards of Queen Valley Mule Ranch. Working with equines can be a rewarding and life-changing experience, but, as with all animal-related activities, accidents can happen. However, exorbitant insurance rates are currently threatening trainers' ability to provide clinics for equine owners, forcing them to cancel or drastically limit these sessions due to cost. Steve is one such trainer, and below he discusses his experiences with insurance companies, coming to the conclusion that his only option moving forward may be to forgo future clinics. I recently ...
Help a Mule Make it to the US Dressage Final
Can you believe it? A mule has made it to the US Dressage Finals! Laura Hermanson and her champion mule Heart B Dyna are heading to Kentucky to represent longears in the national competition—for the first time ever. But they are asking for your help to make it there. Here is their story in Laura's own words: A MULE makes it to the US Dressage Finals in Kentucky! I am Laura Hermanson and I have been training and working with mules for over 10 years. I have enormous passion for ...
Happy Hinnies!
This story comes from our friend, Luzma Osorio, of Criadero Villa Luz in Colombia. You may remember her previous posts about the mule mother on their ranch! Very little has been written about Hinnies--most of the time it is unfavourable comments and myths due to lack of knowledge about them. Until now, very few people have bred Hinnies because of speculation about their size and behavior; they are said to be very small and difficult. Typically a breeder or a farmer may only have one Hinny and several mules; ...
One Size Fits All? Not for Equines
An article in the U.K.'s Daily Mail reports that one-third of recreational riders are too obese for their equines, putting the animals at risk for health problems including lameness and back pain, citing a study from the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. This is a big issue for equine health, as an equine expected to carry a rider that is too heavy for him can cause both physical and behavioral problems. Rules like "the rider's weight should be 10% of the equine's" are often used as a general guideline, but are ...
Extreme Cowboy Race Washington
We love seeing people with great relationships with their equines, and here's a thrilling example of what training and teamwork can really accomplish. Ray Woodside and his mule, Willie, made a great showing in the Extreme Cowboy Race at the Washington State Horse Expo--check out the video below, and thanks to Jehnet for passing it along! ...
Mule Mama Update
Remember Chuchureña, the mule who gave birth to a healthy baby mule last September? Our friend Luzma Osorio sent us this update from Colombia, on the mule mama and her daughter, "La Bien Querida": I took some new pictures of the mule and her offspring last week, the baby is now three months old and she has grown a lot! They are gorgeous!! Photos by Luzma Osorio, Criadero Villa Luz What a beautiful, loving pair! Chuchureña truly proves that mules are good mothers, too! ...
Mule Are Good Mothers, Too!
An excerpt of an amazing story from a friend of Lucky Three Ranch, Luzma Osorio, on the birth of a new mule in Colombia--and her mule mother! They say mules cannot give birth and are hostile to foals, but the mule Chucurena has proved completely the opposite. On 25 September 2011, she gave birth to a beautiful baby mule in Colombia, South America, and she is proving to be a great mother! Chucurena is a 3 ½ year old black mule from Hacienda El Cerro in Bucaramanga. She is very ...
Longears Videos
Longears Music Videos: Teach Your Mules Amazing Things – Housekeeping
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Longears Music Videos: Up, Up and Away: Jumping
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Longears Music Videos: English Riding
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Longears Music Videos: Because We Can: Dressage
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Lucky Three Ranch
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Visit To Asspen 7-4-21
"Hmmmm....this feels REALLY good, Spuds!" "This looks promising...another adventure!" “Now we are both shed out, clean and ready for our adventure, Augie!” “Oh, look, Spuds! It’s Wrangler & Chasity! Oats around...LOL!!” “It’s Mirage and Francis, Augie...more oats...YAY!!!” “Francis sure is PURDY, Augie!” “Still got that crush...eh, Spuds!” “Nice to have Robin with us this time!” “Are we going to get a trim? It looks like Dean, Augie!” “No, Spuds, maybe a bath at this Bath House?” “This boardwalk is kinda tricky, Augie!” ...
MULE CROSSING: Little Jack Horner
By Meredith Hodges Little Jack Horner , 13 HH Sire-Supreme of the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, was the last jack born at the famed Windy Valley Ranch in Healdsburg, California owned by my mother, Joyce Doty. He was foaled June 11, 1980, by the renowned Windy Valley Adam (14.2 HH) and out of Windy Valley Maude (15 HH). His ancestry can be traced back to the original breeding stock of George Washington's farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia. In 1984 and 1985, Little Jack Horner ...
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Spooky Adventure at Lucky Three Ranch 10-25-21
“Well, this is new, grooming in our pen, Augie!” “Yeah this is different, Spuds. Where are we going now?” “What’s all this in our pen, Augie?” “Hmm, looks like pumpkins, but smells like oats, Spuds!” “Now what’s she doing, Augie?!” “Looks like a sheet to me, Spuds...can you see?!” “I can see better if I just look down, Augie.” “That does work better, Spuds. Now what is she doing?!” “Guess we are supposed to be ghosts in a graveyard, Augie!” “What the heck is SHE supposed to be, Spuds?!” “She is fixing the sheets ...
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: SnowPlay 01-14-22
https://youtu.be/hErCHogYV2k 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 and Twitter. © 2016, 2017 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved ...
Equines of a Certain Age
Lucky Three Ranch knows a thing or two about elderly equines—miniature mule Lucky Three Franklin just celebrated his 40th birthday on April 1, and we've been happy to celebrate many of our other equines through their 20s and 30s. That's why we're very happy to acknowledge Tootsie, a resident of the wonderful Donkey Sanctuary in Ireland, who is an incredible 54 years old—making him one of the oldest mules ever. The Donkey Sanctuary rescued Tootsie in 1992, and he is part of their "Super Grannies" group of equines that are all over 30 years ...
35 Years of Lucky Three Ranch
It’s hard to believe that I have already spent 35 years in the business with mules, donkeys and 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—when I wasn’t riding, I was reading 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 ...
Lucky Three Ranch From Above
A lot has changed at Lucky Three Ranch since 1980—and sometimes the only way to see all that progress is from the sky! Luckily, aerial photographer Ryan Hofmeister, of Heaven’s View Photography in Sterling, Colorado, has had his camera focused on the ranch since the very beginning, and has captured some truly amazing images from the air throughout that time. Ryan first met Meredith shortly after she moved in to Lucky Three Ranch. He had captured an image of the young ranch on one of his routine fly-bys, and stopped ...
Lucky Three Ranch Profile: Teaser Stallion Kip Dee Beau
When breeding for mules, a teaser stallion is needed to get the mares to show heat, as they will not show heat to the jack. In 1988, Lucky Three Ranch needed a good teaser stallion to use in our breeding program, so we began scanning the Colorado countryside for the right horse. I went out to a huge farm in Haxton that had 50 head of assorted horses on 2000 acres. The owner said I could have any of the 20 two-year-old stallions that I could catch. I strapped on ...
Cyclone’s Sarcoid Surgery
Even though I know how well trained my equines are, they never cease to amaze me! I can be dog tired and know that this is the day they must be groomed, wormed and vaccinated…all thirty of them! The very thought is quite literally exhausting on occasion. Though my staff helps with maintenance doctoring what are now mostly older and geriatric individuals, I still basically train and manage all my equines by myself. When I am tired and a job must be done, I am repeatedly reminded of how well ...
Going for Gold
We are very excited to announce that our gorgeous revised edition of Training Mules & Donkeys has won the GOLD medal in the Pets & Animals category of the Independent Publisher Book Awards. We're very proud of the work we've done on the book, and it's great to see it being recognized. Many congratulations to our hardworking staff and to the longears that inspired the book! ...
Little Jack Horner and “Caramelo” Critique
To the untrained eye, “Caramelo’s” performance might seem quite amazing! However, to those of us who know the elements of dressage training, it is evident that this jack is not doing all these amazing movements correctly. The saddle has not been placed properly over his center of balance, so the rider is putting undue stress on his front quarters. This is why you can see over-development in the neck and shoulders while the hindquarters show some comparative weakness. The rider’s position is actually prohibiting correct engagement from the hindquarters. It ...
Military Mules
Cindy RobertsLTR BlogLTR Blog - Military MulesMeredith HodgesMule HistoryMule Talk PodcastMule Talk!
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Making History With Mules Part 3
Making History With Mules - Mules before the industrial age were vital to the United States and utilized for heavy work. Mules during the Westward Expansion days, transported families and their possessions through the Western Plains. The U.S. Cavalry and their role in using mules. Harvey Riley, author of The Mule, published in 1867 - an excellent source of the mule and its history in the U.S. Army. Soldier, Jimmy Wright was saved by his mule during a horrific battle; his mule dragged him to safety. LISTEN NOW Learn more ...
“Sir, Reporting to the Mule in the Red Sash!”
West Point Military Academy Press Release “General Caslen, on behalf of all Army Rangers and the Class of 1975 and the West Point Society of South Carolina, we present you with Paladin!” said Steve Townes ’75, CEO and Founder of Ranger Aerospace LCC, who has been West Point’s “mule donor in perpetuity” for well over a decade. ( Since 2001. ) Four-year-old Paladin, whose name refers to 1 of the 12 legendary peers or knightly champions in Charlemagne’s court, began his West Point experience on March 31, 2016, reporting to ...
Mules at West Point
Mules have served as the loyal mascots at the United States Military Academy at West Point since 1899, as a symbol of heartiness and durability. This great video from Army Athletics details the history of mules both as mascots to the teams, as well as in service to the army at home and abroad. The video also follows the mules that are taking their place of honor at West Point, as the previous generation of the mule corp retires ...
Mule Talk! Podcasts
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I.
Dr. Josie Traub-Dargatz, N.I. - Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (N.I.) A life-threatening condition that is more common in mule foals. Learn how to prevent it. Clinical signs recognized in the first few days of the foal's life and perhaps up to 12 days of age include: a) Weakness and lethargy, b) Decrease in suckling the mare c) Rapid breathing, d) Pale or yellow discoloration of the mucous membranes. e) Red color to the urine f) In severe cases collapse and death can occur. 1 in 10 mule foals is at risk for ...
MULE TALK! PODCAST: The Risk of Neglecting Good Posture
The Risk of Neglecting Good Posture — We don’t usually pay close enough attention to our Good Posture and often take it for granted. Important for both two-legged humans and four-legged equines. We get used to working in Comfortable Environments and don’t realize the importance of how we are traveling until we are challenged with different situations. When we are in Good Posture and pay attention to it throughout all that we do, our daily tasks become Beneficial Postural Exercises. Core Elements are strengthened in an Ideal Balance and performance ...
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Jasper The Mule
Jasper The Mule - How Jasper the mule was created and his purpose. Educating children about working with animals. Jasper books that are appropriate for children of all ages. Learn about Jasper going to Bishop Mule Days. Jasper the mule on tour and more! LISTEN NOW And follow along. Read the transcript. Learn more on Mule Talk podcast. For more training info: www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com and click on the Training tab. Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production - www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com ...
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Selecting a Trainer
Selecting a Trainer - Where do you begin to look for a qualified trainer for your mule? Learn the smart way to interview a candidate to be your trainer. Viewing the training facility and having a conversation with the trainer. Take the time to read the contract and ask for clarification where needed. If you are unsure about the trainer, ask for references. After hiring a trainer, it is critical that you continually visit with your mule so he doesn't feel as though he were stranded. Stay involved in the ...
Pack Burro Racing
An Ode to Days Past, Colorado Burro Racing in Full Swing
The following story is an excerpt from The Gazette. IDAHO SPRINGS - Long ago before his long beard and long hair turned white, Bill Lee thought about what to be. An oral storyteller, yes, because that, he felt, was a noble profession. That was needed in the ever- urbanizing West. But what to be? "I decided on the mountain man," said Lee, 67, reflecting in his log cabin, "because it was a really short-lived era in history." So he would go as the mountain man, fur coat and musket and ...
Hal Walter: Pack Burro Racer, Father and Author
For most people, racing nearly 30 miles and climbing 13,000 feet up a mountain—and back down again—alongside a pack burro might be the most challenging experience of their life. But for world champion pack burro racer Hal Walter, raising an autistic son has brought many new unexpected trials that were much more serious than a 900-pound donkey barreling down a mountain path. Hal recognizes and explores the parallels between these two important elements of his life, pack burro racing and fatherhood, in his new book, Full Tilt Boogie. Autism is ...
Showing
MULE CROSSING: Jumping Mules
By Meredith Hodges In 1986, when I first began using my mules in Dressage, you would never have convinced me that I would follow it up with jumping. I was fearful of jumping because of a few bad experiences I had with horses. However, once I took the time to learn to ride and train properly with Dressage and experienced the overall stability of a mule, my fear disappeared. Nowadays, when people find out that I jump my mules and my donkeys, the response is often, “I didn’t know mules ...
MULE CROSSING: Driving Activities
By Meredith Hodges With the introduction of the automobile came decreased interest in horse-drawn vehicles. Tractors replaced equine-driven vehicles in the fields. It seemed as if equines had been put out of a job! But, as with any change, this was only temporary. Modern society still has need of equine participation, especially from donkeys and mules. The well-schooled driving donkey or mule is much safer and more reliable than any horse. The reason for this is the donkey and mules' natural sensibility and their positive response to verbal communication. Once ...
MULE CROSSING: Surge of Mule Shows
By Meredith Hodges I remember back in 1982 when summer came and we had to search high and low for shows in which we could compete with our mules! As they say, "You've come a long way, baby!" Mule shows are now so numerous that it is becoming very difficult to decide which ones to attend. Years ago, our mules were not necessarily welcome at horse competitions, and today that has changed as well – making our decisions about where to compete is even more complicated. It is truly amazing ...
MULE CROSSING: Showing in Harness
By Meredith Hodges Now that you have spent many months teaching your mule to drive and he is doing so well, you have decided that it might be fun to show him in harness. So, what are that kinds of things that a judge looks for in a driving class of mules? Well, it's basically the same as it is with horses. The first and foremost consideration for a judge is your mule's manners. His manners will exhibit just how safe your mule is for driving. As with people, a ...
MULE CROSSING: Racing Mules
By Meredith Hodges Racing, the Sport of Kings has intrigued people for hundreds of years. Perhaps it’s the beauty of running horses, or maybe the way your heart swells with excitement as they come down the home stretch, or it could just be the money. But whatever the reason, millions flock to the racetracks each year to enjoy this magnificent sport. Over the years, racing has expanded to include not only the Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, but Appaloosas, Arabians, and Quarter Horses as well. During the past three decades, mules have ...
Statues & Exhibits
Dreaming of Friends
After two years, we finally finished our latest longears sculpture, a fountain called "Dreaming of Friends" by Robin Laws of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and I couldn't wait to share this with all of you! This piece was done to accommodate the twenty LTR longears (plus one miniature horse) that were not champions and did not have their own commissioned piece. We try not to play favorites here! Tours are currently closed for the winter season, but make sure to book your visit to see the statue in person in the new ...
John Henry: Rocking Mule
My good friend, Tennessee mule artist Bonnie Shields, recently introduced me to sculptor Dennis Page from the Rocking Horse Ranch in Riverton, Utah. Dennis is working on a hand-carved “rocking mule” that is modeled after Bonnie’s ceramic sculpture of Kathleen Conklin’s Champion Driving mule, John Henry. I am so impressed with Dennis’s work that I decided to purchase the wood-sculpted rocker. What an amazing addition it will be to the Loveland Longears Museum and Sculpture Park here at Lucky Three Ranch! Kathleen Conklin sent me some really nice pictures, his Championship ...
Training
MULE CROSSING: Establishing Management Practices for N.I. (Neonatal Isoerythrolisis)
By Meredith Hodges Establish a regular routine for feeding and management to avoid stressing pregnant mares and equines in general. Make your routine predictable. Mules are cheaper to keep than horses. They are more durable animals and are more resistant to parasites and disease. They require less feed and lower protein to maintain good health. They are intelligent in potentially dangerous situations and will avoid harm to themselves. They require less hoof care than horses in many instances. Under reasonable conditions, trims are sufficient. Shoes are not necessarily needed. But ...
MULE CROSSING: Training Longears: What’s the Difference? Part 2
In Part 1 of What’s the Difference? we began to define a few of the things that are unique to my training program. At the beginning of my career, it wasn’t long before I realized that, if I wanted to improve my skills and get a better response from my long-eared equine partners, I had to go back to the beginning, start over and pay close attention to what they needed from me at each stage of training in order to accurately perform what I was asking. When I did, ...
MULE CROSSING: Training Longears: What’s the Difference? Part 1
By Meredith Hodges At first glance, it seems those of us who train equines have very similar methods. This is not unusual considering we build our programs on time tested techniques and only make changes in approach when certain things are not working well. We often begin to interact with equines at a very young age and are the product of what we learn from others, and from our own mistakes. The things we learn shape our attitude and approach to riding equines, and riding is first and foremost in ...
MULE CROSSING: Dancing with Mules
By Meredith Hodges Lucky Three Sundowner was foaled at my mother’s Windy Valley Ranch in Healdsburg, California in June of 1980. Two weeks later he and his dam, Candy Etta, an AQHA registered mare, were shipped to the Lucky Three Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, where we continued the superior mule breeding and training program that my mother had started. Sunny was a tall, gangly little bay mule foal with an affectionate and willing attitude. His show career began at halter and progressed to Western Pleasure and Reining by the time ...
Training Tips
LTR Training Tip #105: Strides For Jumping
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LTR Training Tip #104: Different Types of Jumps
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LTR Training Tip #14: Teaching Good Manners When Training
Meredith explains the lifelong benefits of teaching your equine to behave with good manners ...
LTR Training Tip #103: Jumping Positions
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