“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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Meredith Hodges Interview for the 2024 Hearts and Horses Gala Part 1
Part one of Meredith Hodge’s interview for the Hearts and Horses 2024 Gala. Lucky Three Ranch was a presenting sponsor for the Gala. Meredith talks about the importance of being of service.
Meredith Hodges Interview for the 2024 Hearts and Horses Gala Part 2
Part two of Meredith Hodge’s interview for the Hearts and Horses 2024 Gala. Meredith thanks those who join in supporting Hearts and Horses and talks about the importance of developing the positive in people.
Ground Breaking - Raising the Barn
Hearts and Horses broke ground on a new arena where they will continue to change lives through therapeutic riding. The new arena will be called Lucky Hearts, as much of the funding for the arena was given by Lucky Three Ranch.
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 tour! Discover all of the state-of-the-art facilities designed to heal minds, bodies, and spirits at our 23-acre ranch in Loveland, Colorado.
Latest Podcast
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Donkey Training, Part 3
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When your donkey is doing well with the trot, time to learn to canter.
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Use verbal commands with your donkey.
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Training your donkey to move laterally.
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Using the hourglass pattern in your training to improve posture and overall balance.
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Using your elbow pull as a training aid.
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Training your donkey at Cavalletti.
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Training your donkey for jumping. And more!
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
All Posts
MULE CROSSING: Racing Mules
Chasity’s Challenges: Real Time Update: 5-5-20
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Keys to Successful Training Part 2
- Establishing a bond.
- Feeding.
- Consideration
- Structured exercises.
- Body language and verbal communication.
- Benefits of group lessons.
- Take lessons periodically to stay on track to improve your own skills.
- Lists of trainers and instructors can be obtained from the United States Equestrian Federation and the American Donkey & Mule Society.
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Chasity’s Spring Walk: 4-21-20
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Keys to Successful Training Part 1
- The Work Station
- Tack and Equipment
- In the Round Pen
- Be aware of how your own body language and verbal commands elicit certain behaviors in your animal.
- The Hard Tie as a restraint and how to use it.
- In the Arena
- Open Areas
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Soaking the Infection: 4-15-20 & 4-20-20
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Fine-tuning the Rider/Fine-tuning the Aids
- The benefits of using positive reinforcement early on in your mule's training.
- Apply corrective measures appropriately when working with your young mule.
- Each mule learns in their own way and at their own pace.
- Using your seatbones to fine-tune your aids.
- Use half-halts when making a transition will alert your mule a change is going to occur.
- Using circles to benefit your training.
- Working at a pace so as not to confuse or create anxiety in your mule.
- Establishing fine-tuning will create harmony ...
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Chasity Finds Flexibility: 4-28-20
LTR Training Tip #4: Communication and Equines
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Making History With Mules Part 3
- 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.
MULE CROSSING: Rewards, Treats, Coaxing and Bribing
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Tacking Up Appropriately: 4-14-20
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Making History With Mules Parts 1 & 2
- Mules and donkeys are mentioned in the Bible.
- The highest intelligence residing in animals is that of the mule.
- Learn how mules played a significant part in Greek and Roman transportation.
- HAI-BAR, a volunteer organization established to protect animals that had thrived in the Holy Land during the Old Testament years - but are now dangerously close to extinction.
- Unique personality traits of the mule come from the ass.
- George Washington - the first organized mule breeder in America.
- Hear how the Erie Canal ...