Mule Talk! Podcasts

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.

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.

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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!

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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 training process and work with your trainer.
• This and more on Mule Talk!

• 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!

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• 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!

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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!

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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 their part in helping people during this disastrous situation in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.

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• 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.

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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

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