“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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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: Leverage Versus Abuse
Learn the proper use of restraints on a mule or donkey.
- Chains are severe and can injure the nasal cartilage or the incisive bones when abrupt pressure is applied.
- Learn how to use the lead rope for a “Quick Twist.”
- Old-time twitches can do great damage to the equine’s sensitive upper lip.
- Selecting the correct hobbles for the task at hand.
- Sedation and tranquilizers can be very dangerous to the mule and donkey.
- Allow your equine to learn and grow in a logical, step-by-step process that will not overwhelm him with too much stimulus at any stage.
Learn more about the mule being exceptional and his diversity on Mule Talk podcast.
All Posts
MULE CROSSING: Riding Side Saddle (Aside)
MULE CROSSING: The Equine in Motion
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Wrangler’s Runaway: 9-1-20
Melinda’s Masterpiece “Lindy”
MULE CROSSING: Leverage Versus Abuse
MULE CROSSING: Suitability of Donkeys and Mules For Children
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: MORE LUNGING & GROUND DRIVING: 8-4-20
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Driving with Mules & Donkeys
- Selecting the right harness for your driving activity
- Ground driving and what it means to your animal
- Be patient during the training process
- How to build confidence in your animal to drive safely
- Not all animals make good driving companions
- Select a good-minded driving animal
- Driving is enjoyable from children to the eldest grandmother
- Working on verbal commands and more!
MULE CROSSING: Driving Activities
MULE CROSSING: Showing in Harness
WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: Lunge Line Lessons: 7-22-20
MULE TALK! PODCAST: Jumping with Mules & Donkeys
- Working ground poles to your advantage.
- Discussion on Point 1, Point 2, and 3 Point position while in the saddle.
- Stadium Jumping
- Hunter/Jumper
- Hunter Paces
- Field Trials
- Mule coon jumping
- Mules that jump over pasture fence?
- Proper gear and equipment for mule and rider.
- Proper bit to use.
- Educational and entertaining Mule Talk episode!
Breeding
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Jacks
MULE CROSSING: The Mule Foal
MULE CROSSING: Stubborn As A Mule
Donkey Training
MULE CROSSING: Breeding Quality Mules
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 8
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 7
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 6
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 5
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 4
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 3
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 2
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Training, Part 1
MULE CROSSING: Donkeys: The “Sinking” Reflex
CHASITY’S CHALLENGES: Maintaining a Happy Donkey: 3-2-20
MULE CROSSING: Donkey Talk
Farewells
Eulogy to Von Twitchell
Goodbye to Lucky Three Sundowner
Goodbye to Little Jack Horner
Sad Loss for Longears Industry: Goodbye to Crystal Ward
Goodbye to Homer
Goodbye to Buddie Stockwell
Rest in Peace, Besty Hutchins
Melinda’s Masterpiece “Lindy”
General Interest
MULE CROSSING: Mule & Donkey Movies & TV Shows
- 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 ...