“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: The Risk of Neglecting Good Posture
The Risk of Neglecting Good Posture —
- We don’t usually pay close enough attention to our Good Posture and often take it for granted.
- Important for both two-legged humans and four-legged equines.
- We get used to working in Comfortable Environments and don’t realize the importance of how we are traveling until we are challenged with different situations.
- When we are in Good Posture and pay attention to it throughout all that we do, our daily tasks become Beneficial Postural Exercises.
- Core Elements are strengthened in an Ideal Balance and performance is enhanced.
- Soreness and Compromised Movement are no longer at risk.
And follow along. Read the transcript.
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
For more training info: www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com and click on the Training tab.
Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl’s Dream production – www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com
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MULE CROSSING: Letter from “Jasper” the Mule
By Meredith Hodges Hi, Meredith! My name is Jasper. I am a three-year-old, 15HH, bay Quarter Horse mule. I suppose, by people standards, I'm really nothing special, but I'm still me! I heard my owners talking about you the other day. They said that if anyone could help set me straight, it would be you. I didn't know there was a problem! I always try to do what they want me to, but sometimes that can be hard to figure out! When I was just a foal, people used to ...
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 ...
Take Off the Elbow Pull
(Page 32) Many fans ask me what happens when you finally take off the “Elbow Pull?" Will the good posture go away? We use the “Elbow Pull” (photo #1) on equines that are two years and older during initial postural leading exercises first on the flat ground, then leading over and through obstacles (photo #5), during round pen lunging (photo #6) and ground driving (photo #7), and then for a year under saddle (photo #8). This helps their good equine posture to become natural and habitual through routine and consistent ...
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 ...
What is Good Equine Posture?
(Page 38) What is good equine posture and what does it look like? Good equine posture will be the same in principle for every equine. He should stand squarely at the halt with equal weight over all four feet directly underneath his body in a balanced position and his head should be raised in a natural position for his breed or type (neither too high nor too low). Each equine will be different in their individual makeup and their ability to stand correctly in good posture. When the base stance ...
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 ...
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Donkey Training, Part 3
Donkey Training, Part 3 -
- When your donkey is doing well with the trot, time to learn to canter.
- Use verbal commands with your donkey.
- Training your donkey to move laterally.
- Using the hourglass pattern in your training to improve posture and overall balance.
- Using your elbow pull as a training aid.
- Training your donkey at Cavalletti.
- Training your donkey for jumping. And more!
How to Make the Elbow Pull
(Page 31) Although the "Elbow Pull" is a very simple and straight forward device to help keep you equine in good posture, it is also a device that needs to be custom made to fit each individual equine. Equines that are approximately the same size in the front quarters will probably be able to use the same one. First, you need to obtain a package of 3/8" twisted nylon rope. It is generally sold on the internet in 50' spools, but is fairly inexpensive. Do not substitute any other kind ...
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Donkey Training, Part 2
Donkey Training, Part 2 -
- Repeat the previous lesson - BUT DO NOT DRILL YOUR DONKEY.
- Training your donkey to trot with a rider.
- Execute pattern training with your donkey to strengthen his body.
- Your assistant will only help you when needed while training your donkey.
- Training turns on the forehand with your donkey.
- Going straight on the rail.
- Be patient and understanding - your donkey will give what he is able to do.
- Training turn on the haunches with your donkey - and more!
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Donkey Training, Part 1
Donkey Training, Part 1 -
- Begin with imprinting the foal.
- Introducing the halter to your young donkey.
- Leading your donkey.
- Never be in a hurry when training your donkey.
- Lead your donkey around your workstation.
- Begin training in round pen.
- Using the lunge line in your training session.
- Do not drill your donkey OR mule.
- Line driving your donkey and more!
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 TALK! PODCAST: What Are Mules Good For Besides Packing and Farming?
What Are Mules Good For Besides Packing and Farming? -
- Mules have versatility to do many different things.
- Packers use mules in the mountains.
- Hunters in heavy snow - praise the value of their mules.
- After the industrial revolution, mules are used for carrying supplies into remote areas.
- Hurricane Helene victims are being assisted by pack mules and their handlers bringing essential provisions to their families.
- The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch partnered with the Cajun Navy (civilian volunteers) to deliver insulin to a family.
- Learn how mules are doing ...
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 ...
Breeding
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Donkey Training
Wrangler’s Donkey Diary: Sarcoid Treatment Again 1-29-20
Wrangler had his first sarcoid removal on 7-20-18, but we found another one just a few weeks ago starting under his right side. It looked like he had been rubbing it as it was a bit crusty. I had a mule that did that to a sarcoid and it eventually disappeared as did the other two that were on his body. He apparently built immunity against the sarcoids. So, we opted to wait and see if this one on Wrangler would also just go away. It didn’t and it was ...
Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Fabulous Snow Day! 10-31-19
AUGIE & SPUDS: SNOWPLAY...A FABULOUS SNOW DAY! No matter what season it is, there is always a way to turn training into fun with your equines. Usually, Augie and Spuds will just stand in their stalls when there is snow on the ground. I suppose they don’t like getting their feet wet and their stall is a nice, comfortable place with deep shavings. They do enjoy my encouragement to go exploring though, even if they have to get their feet wet! See more adventures with Augie and Spuds on my ...
Farewells
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General Interest
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Hearts & Horses
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Historical
Mule Finds at Theodul Pass
Swiss Mule Magazine 2018-1 This article is written by Elke Stadler and from my friend, Josefine, editor of the Swiss Mule Bulletin in Switzerland! Since we share a love for Longears, we like to share each other’s respective mule historical experiences with our friends and fans. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did! Thank you so much, Josefine! In the future, we look forward to more news from Switzerland in support of Longears: The Theodul Pass The name is derived from St. Theodul, the first ...
Sybil Ludington: The Female Paul Revere
This article is a repost of Valerie DeBenedette's article at Mental Floss. "… the midnight ride of Paul Revere, On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five: Hardly a man is now alive …" Yes, the famed Paul Revere set out on horseback on this day in 1775 to raise the alarm that British troops were on their way from Boston to Lexington. Revere rode about 20 miles through what is now Somerville, Medford, and Arlington, Massachusetts, knocking on doors to raise people to defend Lexington. Another rider, William Dawes, was sent by ...
Compassionate Training – A Historical Example
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017! Let’s go forward loving and learning together with our equine companions! When kindness is used in training, greatness can happen. That is the story of Beautiful Jim Key. The sickly colt was adopted by “Dr” William Key, a freed slave and self-taught veterinarian. Using his veterinary skills and training with no force, the colt grew into a healthy adult with some special abilities - he could read, write, spell, do math, tell time, sort mail, cite Bible pas sages, use a telephone and cash register. Together, ...
Mules and Donkeys in the Bible
When I posted this on Facebook about mules in the Bible… Origins: The mule is mentioned in mankind’s earliest records. Consider this passage from the Bible: “And Absolom met the servants of David. And Absolom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the Heavens and the earth, and the mule that was under him went away.” (II Samuel 18:9). If you choose to ride a mule, ...
Breeding Letter from George Washington
A letter from George Washington, written in 1786, was recently put up for auction by bookseller William Reese. The letter is in regards to a donkey sent to Washington's Mount Vernon ranch for the purpose of breeding. Washington is well-known for his agricultural brilliance and for breeding the first American mule. The correspondence was written a during a breif period of retirement and a few years before Washington became president. Washington writes: "Dear Sir, When your favor of the first inst., accompanying the she ass, came to this place, I was from home - ...
The History of the Missouri Mule
The Missouri mule is a well-known symbol of American strength and perseverance, thanks to its significant contributions both within the state and throughout the country. Today, the mule still serves as Missouri's official state animal, so the connection remains strong. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has put together a great photo slideshow about the history of these iconic equines and their role in the Show-Me State—click here to see the full slideshow! (You may need to reload the page when you get there.) ...
Veterans Day and Longeared Soldiers
Today we honor the sacrifices that our brave enlisted men and women have made to protect and serve our country. Throughout history, mules have also played an important part, serving alongside soldiers. One occasion where their value cannot be underestimated was the Burma Offensive of World War II. The 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) or more commonly known as Merrill's Marauders was a US Army long-range penetration special operations jungle warfare unit. In addition to its specially trained soldiers, it also included mules. The mules came from Missouri, Texas and Tennessee and ...
Interviews
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Jasper
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Longears People News
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Longears Videos
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Lucky Three Ranch
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Military Mules
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Mule Talk! Podcasts
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Pack Burro Racing
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Showing
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Statues & Exhibits
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Training
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Training Tips
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