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<<First Name>>, your Lucky Three Ranch news for December 2025 has arrived!
Jasper The Mule Products Tours LTR Blog Training
Message From

Dear Friends,
 
Every morning as the sun peeks over the eastern prairie, and its colorful rays glisten across the grass, I remember all the things that my grandmother told me about to enhance this life I am living. At the time she told me, I thought she was just an old woman filled with a lot of clichés that couldn’t possibly be true, but as I grew and gained experience, I discovered how true her words really were. Face the day with positive expectations so you will never be disappointed. Do the things that come easy for it is just God nudging you in the right direction. Abandon those things that become too difficult. It is not their time to be done. When it’s right, things are easily accomplished.

Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. When you expect the best from others, you give them a chance to be their best selves. And don’t think that there is no BEST. Everyone IS entitled to their own opinion and to their own way of doing things, but there is such a thing as GOOD, BETTER and BEST. So if you want to feel good about EVERYTHING YOU DO, always do your BEST! No one is born knowing everything, not even you. Until you are able to walk in another’s shoes, be careful about being too judgmental. We all learn at a different pace and if you are doing your level best at every stage, who is anyone else to judge besides your Maker?

I gave up trying to be what others would have me be and when I did, I learned to appreciate the unique gifts that others had to offer. I learned to appreciate their contributions to the Lucky Three Legacy that only enhanced what was growing and flourishing here. I never really had a vision of what this ranch should be on my own. Rather, it became a vision of what we all collaborated on and built together through the discovery of the power of TRUE LOVE and FORGIVENESS. The service and gifts that we all freely gave and donated is BECOMING more than we had ever imagined each and every day! The Lucky Three Legacy is constantly growing into its BEST as we all move together through life and into the future!

We are so excited to finally be able to build the main building of the LOVELAND LONGEARS MUSEUM & SCULPTURE PARK at LUCKY THREE RANCH! Make no mistake…this is NOT just for those of us who love Longears here in the United States of America, but this will be a tribute to Longears around the world, from their inception to present day. On the archway over the driveway coming in and exiting, it will read, “TO THE LONGEARS THAT BUILT OUR WORLD!”

Love GOD, Love FAMILY, Love your COUNTRY. Be COURAGEOUS and PATRIOTIC. Love our VETERANS and be OF SERVICE to all your friends and neighbors...BE GRATEFUL, NOT HATEFUL. This is OUR LEGACY! GOD BLESS US ALL!

To view our special greeting to all of YOU, click on the image below. 

                     
 
Best wishes and Happy Trails,

                         
Click images to view full size.



––––NEW PODCAST!––––
LISTEN TO MEREDITH ON MULE TALK with Cindy K. Roberts
Just go to  www.MuleTalk.net or
 https://www.luckythreeranch.com/podcast-appearances/
 
Listen to Meredith's latest podcast conversation with Cindy
Click below

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LTR Training Tip #32

Impact of Good Posture & Core Strength on Performance

For your equines to perform their best, they need to have even weight distribution and efficiently utilize balanced movement in their bodies. Learn how to encourage good posture for good performance with this LTR Training Tip. For more information on posture, check out the Training Mules and Donkeys DVD series at http://ltran.ch/tmddvd, or TMD Episode 2: The Mule Foal, 15: Showmanship Review, and 17: Donkey Training, Part 1 at http://ltran.ch/tmdvod, and download the Training Tip Tutorial at http://ltran.ch/ttt033

View many more training tips on our YouTube channel.
TRAINING QUESTION

Question: You talk about using the Elbow Pull to develop good posture in equines. What benefits does it have?

   













Answer: Just as we need to pay attention to the way we lift things, so should the equine. He needs to be taught how to move his body in a safe and effective way. “Lift with your legs and not with your back!” we are so often told.
  Generally speaking, equines are inclined to move with too much weight slung forward, causing them to lower their heads and neck and stress the entire top line … or their back!
They need to be taught to engage the hindquarters sufficiently to initiate impulsion and suspension (LIFT) from the rear quarters. This lightens the stress over the top line and elevates the front quarters, giving them more freedom of movement.
  Core muscles are strengthened through passive leading exercises with good posture in mind, this has much the same effect on the core as Pilates does for humans. It allows all the internal organs to operate unobstructed or compressed so they function at their absolute best and stay healthy.
  Equines need exercises that address their good posture and core muscle strength just as humans do.
  Muscles that are not used or addressed during exercise will always be at risk in the bigger picture when the equine is pushed to his limits. If the equine is not prepared properly for athletic activities with respect to his body as a whole in a logical and sequential non-stressful way, he will run the risk of injury or worse. It makes more sense to break things down into easier, doable steps that compound strength gradually over a long period of time.
  In other words, it is not advisable to train a Western Pleasure equine by simply training at walk, trot and canter on the rail of the arena. The arena fence forms a visual barrier that virtually supports the equine, but it will offset his ideal balance. The repetition of the same movement over and over only strengthens the same muscle groups and ignores other muscle groups entirely. The result is an animal that is heavy in the bridle and doesn’t want to come off the rail to perform.
  When you spend adequate time from the beginning leading lessons, the time needed to teach more advanced lessons under saddle or in harness becomes less. This is because the equine becomes comfortable “in his own skin,” and becomes strong enough and balanced enough to do what you ask.
  Good posture means even weight distribution and optimum efficiency of balanced movement throughout the body.
  The equine that has had the benefit of good posture training that results in optimum core muscle development; will have fewer health issues, will be more mentally stable, will be more willing to perform, will have smoother transitions, prettier lead changes and will be able to jump with alacrity and grace.
 

Visit my website at www.luckythreeranch.com. 
You are welcome to contact me by email at  meredith@luckythreeranch.com.
 I will respond promptly!
Click images to view full size.
FROM OUR
READERS & VISITORS

  “I remember the first time I ran across a mule competing at a Horse Trial in Colorado. (It was actually Meredith Hodges!) Everything was going alright until the long ear let out an impressive bray and all hell broke loose! 
  Up until that point, most of my mule encounters and experience had been in mountain trail situations where I was blown away by the athleticism, intelligence and tenacity of these mountain goat-esq beasties. But I'll admit I had not even considered them show ring contenders due to a pure lack of imagination.
  Watching Miss Meredith work and compete her mules over the years certainly opened up a whole new world for me (especially when they'd dominate in both Dressage and Eventing!)
  Fast forward many years -
How lucky I am to now be working with a delightful mule, Knightstown Casey, owned by my friend and client, Mary Burns. Mary herself spent decades successfully breeding, training and showing a variety of mules. Because of the vision held by these women featured in the article, and the many others who helped propel the acceptance of mules in "mainstream" horse shows, Casey is fawned over and treated like a celebrity.  
  Thank you to the ladies (and gentlemen) who have taken the time to pierce the veil and to demonstrate how wonderful mules can be!”
“Thank you so much for sharing so much about how you have come to doing what you do. For me with my mule “Henry” you have reassured me that I’m going in the right direction. We have only known each other now for almost one year. A friend had said to me today that she has really seen how soft I have helped my mule be. When I’m around him caring for him and working and directing/correcting him has helped me know more about my self. My mule is definitely compromised on his left hip. I have felt sad about it knowing I may not be able to do many things with him but now I realize every day we work little by little on new things and helping him be more strong. I love working with him and I’m so in love with his mule beauty and plan to have him x-rayed or what the correct thing to do to help him feel better. Your book training donkeys and mules is lovely and refreshing book. I plan to listen more often to you pod casts. I must come to see your lovely ranch and mules. You help me believe in me. Thank you Meredith”
  “I love your podcast. Thank you for taking the time to make it and have interesting guests with thoughtful guidance. I’m working my way through all the episodes. I’m looking forward to hearing about how folks have worked with unhandled or mishandled mules and helping those mules overcome their fear of humans. Thank you for all the work you put into your podcast and sharing interesting conversations with trainers and mule enthusiasts.”'
  “Thank you and your team for the beautiful yearly winter wonderland. We love all the additions to this year's display and the cheer that these lights bring nightly on our drive home.”

“Meredith is awesome!”

 
Longears Limelight


Are you looking for deep insights and
comprehensive information on longears?
Each week, join experts Meredith and Cindy for engaging, fascinating conversations that will captivate and enrich your listening experience. They break down complex topics and share their valuable expertise, making this podcast your go-to resource.
 
LISTENERS ARE SAYING…
 “I love your podcast. Thank you for taking the time to make it and have interesting guests with thoughtful guidance. I’m working my way through all the episodes. I’m looking forward to hearing about how folks have worked with unhandled or mishandled mules and helping those mules overcome their fear of humans. Thank you for all the work you put into your podcast and sharing interesting conversations with trainers and mule enthusiasts.”
 
Stay tuned for more engaging and informative discussions with
these two brilliant, funny muleskinner women.
FIND ALL MULE TALK PODCASTS AT
https://www.luckythreeranch.com/podcast-appearances/
 
Also available on APPLE PODCASTS!
 
Listen to all MULE TALK PODCASTS at www.everycowgirlsdream.com
and also available on APPLE PODCASTS!
 

SPECIAL REMEMBRANCES 

CHARLIE KIRK – Turning Point USA...R.I.P.


I came across this video on Facebook after Charlie Kirk was assassinated.
While this video is produced to look as though it was coming from the artist Eminem, it's not officially claimed or endorsed by him.
But the song is great and the words are deeply touching.
We all owe Charlie so much for showing us the price of our convictions and for being willing to put his life as a martyr's ransom for freedom of speech.

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW VIDEO

 

 




CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
WHAT'S NEW


LOVELAND LONGEARS MUSEUM &
SCULPTURE PARK 
 
We continue to work on the design and organization for the actual museum building. As we mock up each room and design each of the exhibits, we are able to determine how we must do with the actual engineered structure to accommodate our ideas so that the museum will be the best that it can be. The mission of this museum is to exhibit the multitude of ways that mules and donkeys have influenced the growth and evolution in our country and in the world. Longears obviously played a large part in the building of America, but they have also played a major part in every military division in the world. We have archived all of this kind of history from the Bible to modern days. We are including as many of our friends and their Longears as we have on record which is a lot! We will continue to update you on our progress as we go forward with this project. The Grand Opening is expected to be approximately two years from now.
 
        
        

GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY!
 WAS HELD ON NOVEMBER 18th at 1:30 P.M
AT THE LUCKY THREE RANCH
In addition to a formal ceremony, we hosted a lunch by
VINCENT of FOOD FOR THOUGHT…mmm…good!!!
   



CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE AND READ 
FEATURED PRODUCTS

Meredith Hodgges, well-known trainer and author of an extensive library on mules and donkeys has produced an important supplement to her video training series with this detailed look at Athletic Conditioning. Equines will always conjure images of power, freedom and beauty. Although they thrive in the wild, man has interfered and put them into an artificial environment by domesticating them. They were not really designed structurally to be ridden, yet we ask them to perform stressful athletic activities with riders on their backs! To ensure good health through postural core strength development and to obtain the best possible relationship with your equines, you need to learn to care, maintain and train them in a complete and responsible way. This four-part series will identify crucial issues, pose in-depth solutions and introduce a team of experts that can help provide a happy and healthy lifestyle for you and your equine.

 
This Manual and DVD Combo is available as a package, individually and in four languages: English, French, German and Spanish and can be purchased at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
This is a MUST HAVE for your equine library!
 

 


Our documentary titled ROCK AND ROLL: DIARY OF A RESCUE exhibits the ultimate challenge and application of Meredith’s Management and Training techniques. Rock and Roll were a worst-case scenario rescue and truly put this amazing program to the test with remarkable results!
Whether training for normal use, show, or rehabilitating compromised equines, Meredith’s approach will give your equine the athletic edge and take him to his ultimate level of performance! He will be grateful that you care so deeply and the bond of trust between you will deepen like never before!


AND DON'T FORGET to visit
www.JasperTheMule.com!
 
Jasper has a website all his own, full of entertainment,
educational Longears information and lots of fun!
 
  

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️


DECEMBER
                                  
50% off TRAINING MULES AND DONKEYS 




50% off 
TRAINING MULES AND DONKEYS 
COMPLETE TMD DVD TRAINING SET 50% OFF!
Videos 1-10 




  



EQUUS
REVISITED DVD 
       50% off         

  





 50% off A GUIDE TO RAISING AND SHOWING MULES Book




 
 

50% off JASPER: A CHRISTMAS CAPER book


FREE VOD viewing of JASPER: THE STORY OF A MULE
USE CODE: CHRISTMASCAPE

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

JANUARY

 
50% off ALL LTR & JASPER PRODUCTS


FREE VOD viewing of JASPER: THE STORY OF A MULE
USE CODE: JASPER
 
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

FEBRUARY


                  


50% off TRAINING MULES AND DONKEYS PACKAGES 



50% off JASPER THE MULE PACKAGES


FREE VOD: ROCK & ROLL: DIARY OF A RESCUE
USE CODE: FEBRUARYPEACE

BONNIE'S BIT

 

The NEWS here on the "Brass Ass" is Millie the dog!!!  She is a double-dare and complete Jack Russel puppy. 

After Terry and I lost our great, huge Airedale, Cleo, It just got too quiet around here.  Together, we looked at one another and confessed we miss the meyhem and fun of a "JACK" on the place.


I think we might have overdone it with this little wild child, but she certainly keeps us "entertained".  Just picking up all the shredded newspaper around his chair is guaranteed  work.

She is 5 months old now and it is getting better?  The big problem now is house-breaking.  You see, my room is up-stairs and the back yard is NOT.  So, it has been a challenge to encourage Millie to hold it(?) till I can get her down there.  AND  NOW it is cold and icy and now some snow, too.

However, she is truly smart and I think she is nearly there with the idea to do it outside.  I, however, am struggling with the rush to put on warm clothes and harness her up on a leash and getting her out there in TIME!  WE WILL MAKE IT!!!!

Our renters have moved out and taken their black mare with them so NOW Iris is all alone in all that pasture--with no grass.  She has spent many years alone, though, before I got her and she is handling solitaire very well so far.

I've been asked by some past riding gal-pals about taking on an older molly who's owner cannot take care of her anymore.  I said YES, of course, but haven't gotten "MARRY" yet.  Will keep you posted.  

We did survive Thanksgiving and are forging onward to Merry Christmas.  I am already imagining the job Millie will do with all that wrapping paper. I MAY need medication.  Stay tuned.

  HUGS & GRINS  BS
 

BONNIE SHIELDS; TENNESSEE MULE ARTIST

“What a fantastic tribute to a wonderful and talented lady. This book deserves a place with all donkey and mule lovers. What an extraordinary and gorgeous book that you produced. I send my compliments to all that played a part in the publication of this extraordinary book. As Bonnie says, "Keep your traces tight!"

A longstanding member of the Cowboy Cartoonists Association, her wide variety of “mule art” can be viewed at numerous venues, mule and draft horse shows, Western arts and crafts shows, Western trade shows and on the internet at her website at www.Bonnieshields.com.  Her talents include drawing, painting and sculpture. She has done a wide variety from ink drawings to acrylic painting to bronze sculpture, from commissioned work to originals, all revering the mule. She has also written a multitude of articles for such publications as The Brayer, a bimonthly publication put out by the American Donkey & Mule Society, Mules and More magazine, and the “Bishop Mule Days” program, and her yearly publication of the BS ‘ogram is always a welcome read!

In 2006, Bonnie was inducted into the Bishop Mule Days Artist’s Hall of Fame. Despite public demand, Bonnie always makes time to spend with her mules during the year exploring the beautiful scenery and experiencing the wonder that the mountains have to offer. Her mountain adventures were never dull and invariably contribute to her diversity of work and her infectious sense of humor!

GET YOUR COPY TODAY and don’t forget those family and friends that would enjoy this for CHRISTMAS! Purchase this book at www.luckythreeranchstore.com or at www.bonnieshields.com and enhance YOUR equine library!
 

SPECIAL FEATURE 

Have you been curious about what’s inside Bonnie’s Beautiful Book?
We want to inspire you with a glimpse of the amazing stories, art,
sculptures, photos, and so much more.

Enjoy exploring!

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SOME PAGES FROM THIS GREAT BOOK

Have you been curious about what’s inside Bonnie’s Beautiful Book?
We want to inspire you with a glimpse of the amazing stories, art, sculptures, photos, and so much more. Enjoy exploring!

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW SOME PAGES FROM THIS GREAT BOOK







This 400-page coffee table book, produced by Lucky Three Productions, L.L.C., is the most complete collection on record of Bonnie’s numerous artistic accomplishments. Longears lover or not, you will be amazed at the wide diversity of her work and entertained by her unmatched sense of humor!
This is a MUST-HAVE for a gift or your personal library!
 
Each book has been personally signed by Bonnie Shields and Meredith Hodges!
 

 
Bonnie and Meredith in Dallas TX - 2006

GET YOUR COPY TODAY and don’t forget those family and friends that would enjoy this for CHRISTMAS!  Purchase this book at www.luckythreeranchstore.com 
or at www.bonnieshields.com and enhance YOUR equine library!
 
And visit Bonnie's website to find out more
about the Wild and Wonderful World of Bonnie Shields, Tennessee Mule Artist, Cowboy Cartoonist and True Artist!

Finding Strength, Joy, and Purpose at Hearts & Horses

https://heartsandhorses.org/donate/

When Andrew first arrived at Hearts & Horses, his family had already tried countless therapies. Many felt rigid and didn't offer room for Andrew to simply be himself. But here at the ranch, something shifted. Andrew found space to connect, grow, and discover joy in movement.

Diagnosed with autism and a rare genetic condition, Andrew has faced more challenges than most children his age. Yet the moment he sits in the saddle, everything changes. Supported by his team and his pony partner Princess Xellie, he finds purpose, peace, and confidence. 

"Not only are you changing Andrew’s world here at Hearts & Horses—you’re changing his world at home too,” says his mom, Emily.

At home, Andrew journals about his rides and proudly draws pictures of Princess Xellie. When emotions run high, he uses the breathing and grounding skills he learns in the arena to bring him back to a more calm and regulated state. 

Stories like Andrew’s are possible because of a community that believes in the healing power of horses. Hearts & Horses is a place where children, adults, seniors, and Veterans find confidence, connection, hope and emotional and physical growth.
 
And all of it is made possible by donors, volunteers, and caring partners like you.
WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT ANDREW & HIS TEAM AND PRINCESS XELLIE!
Join the Wave of Generosity on CO Gives Day 

Every donation made to Hearts & Horses through Colorado Gives Day now through December 9, is amplified by a $1M+ Incentive Fund, thanks to Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. The more they raise, the larger our share—meaning your gift goes even further to support our riders, equine partners, and life-changing programs.

And here’s an exciting bonus: when you set up a new monthly recurring donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly gift up to $100. It’s a powerful opportunity to double your impact and help us continue strengthening our community. 

Last year, Hearts & Horses raised $41,643 on CO Gives Day. Let’s make this year even bigger—every gift made through Colorado Gives Day goes toward their end of year goal of $300,000.

Your generosity ensures families like Andrew’s can continue finding strength and joy at Hearts & Horses. On behalf of Andrew, his family, and every rider who finds confidence and connection here—thank you for believing in this mission and making healing possible!
 
HEARTS AND HORSES LUCKY HEARTS GALA
ON SEPTEMBER 13th, 2025
 
LOVE GOD, LOVE FAMILY, LOVE YOUR COUNTRY. BE PATRIOTIC, LOVE OUR VETERANS AND BE OF SERVICE TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS...BE GRATEFUL, NOT HATEFUL. THANK EVERYONE FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS!
IT WAS A TRULY JOYOUS OCCASION!
SEND DONATIONS AT www.heartsandhorses.org

   
   
    
     

 


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Video On Demand!
Watch Anytime, With Video On Demand.
Did you know you can watch Meredith's award-winning training anytime, on all your devices? Watch all the episodes of Training Mules and Donkeys 
plus Give Your Equine the Athletic Edge.

More in the mood for some entertainment? Catch Those Magnificent Mules or let the kids go have an adventure with Jasper and his friends.
All six Jasper the Mule specials are available with special features.
Three day rentals and all videos have closed captions!


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