American Mule Association – Mule, Donkey & Horse Training with Meredith Hodges

May 27 2024

MULE CROSSING: U.S.D.F. Convention 1987

Kyle Davidson Mule Crossing American Donkey & Mule Society, American Mule Association, Rocky Mountain Dressage Society, U.S.D.F. 0

By Meredith Hodges

Dressage is one of the oldest sports known to man. Its history dates back to times of war when the horse was trained and used to protect its rider from the hazards of war. During World War II, General Patton was responsible for aiding Colonel Alois Podhajsky in the protection of the famed Lipizzaner stallions of Vienna and the rescue of the mare herd. The stallions stand apart in the eyes of horsemen everywhere. Their riders are, perhaps, the best in the world. Since the time when the Art of Horsemanship was nearly lost at the end of W.W. II, it gained momentum and riders gained more respect for the art of Dressage. Dressage is a slow, humane and methodical approach to training equines. It is designed to condition and teach both rider and equine as a team, in a logical and appropriate sequence of gymnastic exercises. In Dressage, the respect and obedience is attained through no forceful or artificial means and the result is a picture of harmony in motion. The goal of Dressage is to cultivate a mount that is quiet, supple, obedient and appears to be doing of his own accord. This kind training is the most desirable foundation for all types of performance.

The 14th Annual Meeting of the United States Dressage Federation was held November 18-23, 1986, in Houston, Texas. Recognizing the need for the mules’ acceptance in this realm of Horsemanship, Sally McClean and I attended this convention in support of mules and asked that they be eligible for registration in the U.S.D.F. This registration would entitle mules to the same opportunities in Dressage as the horses. There was some discussion as to the physical appearance and capabilities of the mule. With photos and videos, we were able to convince them of the outstanding appearance and abilities of today’s well-bred mules. We were fortunate that precedence had already been set by Ann Hathaway and her lovely 17.2 hand Dressage mule, Baby Huey, and by Maryster Farms Kit, a 15.3 hand Dressage, Combined Training, and Foxhunting mule owned by Edith Conyers of Kentucky. Most of the U.S.D.F. members agreed that there was indeed a certain beauty about the mules and none denied that the athletic abilities were present. Conduct and appearance of the exhibitors was also discussed and found to be of minimal concern. Those who had the opportunity to show with Kit remarked on the consideration of her owner and rider. Knowing how frightened some horses could be at the sight of a mule, Edith Conyers and Cathy Weischoff kept Kit a safe distance from those horses who were frightened until it was their turn to show. Edith exhibited not only her mule, but good judgment and consideration as well. It was duly appreciated. When all was said and done, the main question asked by the U.S.D.F. was: “Is the mule, in fact, an equid?” The answer was, “Yes!” And at that, no change in the by-laws was necessary, only a more educated interpretation. At the general meeting on Saturday, November 22, before the awards banquet took place, it was announced that mules would, hence, be allowed in the U.S.D.F. as of January of 1987!

The A.M.A. (American Mule Association) and A.D.M.S. (American Donkey & Mule Society) were invited to join the All-Breeds Council, an organization dedicated to the promotion of Dressage through the breed associations (i.e. A.Q.H.A., A.H.C., etc.). Breeds are encouraged and entitled to participate in educational and award programs. Through these programs, riders and equines are given ample opportunity to progress to their individual levels of success. Tradition upholds the ultimate goal of those who wish to pursue the dream of becoming a Master Equestrian, and the All-Breeds Council is a vehicle of opportunity. Our thanks to Cathy Naugle, Chairman of the All Breeds Council, for her kindness, support and guidance.

Mules made many new friends in Houston at the U.S.D.F. meeting. A nicer group of people would be difficult to find. Dressage is truly a circle of friends. The Father of the U.S.D.F, Lowell Boomer, guides his child with a firm hand and a soft heart. Thank you, Lowell Boomer, for making us feel so welcome! Our thanks to our Colorado Representative, Veronica Holt, who welcomed us to the R.M.D.S. (Rocky Mountain Dressage Society), and to Lela Street, Region 5 Representative who helped us to get to the right meetings on time. To list all of those we met who were kind, friendly, and supportive would take at least another whole article, but our special thanks to all of you for allowing us to learn with you! Thank you, Marta Worcester for saying, “Why don’t you try Dressage with your mules?”

This was just the beginning! These wonderful people originally opened the doors for mules to begin to compete with the world’s best equestrians and their horses. After the mule’s acceptance into the United States Dressage Federation in 2004, it was then up to those of us with mules to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities given to us by the members of the U.S.D.F. We eventually showed them that their support was duly appreciated and astonished them at how truly well our MULES CAN DO!

To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com, MEREDITH HODGES PUBLIC FIGURE Facebook page, or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Pinterest, Instagram, MeWe, YouTube and Twitter.

Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE and EQUUS REVISITED at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.

March 19 2023

MULE CROSSING: Mules Accepted by U.S.E.F. in Dressage!

Kyle Davidson LTR Blog, LTR Blog - Historical, Mule Crossing American Donkey & Mule Society, American Horse Show Association, American Mule Association, Bishop Mule Days, Carole Sweet, dressage, Leah Patton, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, Mule Crossing, U.S.E.F., United States Dressage Federation, United States Equestrian Federation 2

By Meredith Hodges

It’s 2004 and “You’ve come a long way, Baby!” The movement to have mules accepted by major equine organizations began with the United States Dressage Federation in 1986, 17 years ago! There was still the hurdle of being accepted by the most prestigious equine organization in the country at the time, the American Horse Show Association that sanctioned all upper level shows and competitions. Since then, the mules’ participation in significant horse events was a long, uphill climb and membership in the A.H.S.A. was only a dream. Even though they were accepted at the schooling level back then, there were still many areas that were unwilling to comply with the United States Dressage Federation’s acceptance at this level and mules continued to be discriminated against in many shows and competitions.

However, our undaunted mule riders persisted in their quest for perfection and showed the mule as a competent Dressage and Combined Training candidate. Bishop Mule Days rewarded their efforts and added Dressage classes at Bishop for these dedicated people and their mules. As more riders began using Dressage as a basis for training, and A.H.S.A. judges were being used for the classes at Bishop, even more professional equestrians began to see the competence of our beloved mules and our riders’ dedication to excellence.

The same kinds of things were happening in the disciplines of Competitive Trail Riding, Endurance, and Driving. The first discipline of the United States Equestrian Federation (formerly the American Horse Show Association) to accept mules was in Endurance Riding, and was then followed by their acceptance in Driving through the valiant efforts of Dave Ketscher and his mules, Mariah Carey and Jeremiah.

Dressage rider, Carole Sweet, began her quest for acceptance in the U.S.E.F. Dressage Division several years ago and has single-handedly become the proponent of a major rule change in the Dressage Division of the U.S.E.F. This was no easy task as it was critical to take this through proper channels just for consideration! The culmination of all her hard work and persistence was rewarded in December of 2003, when she was notified that the mule issue would be on the agenda for a final decision during the U.S.E.F. convention to be held in January of 2004.

It was at this time that Carole Sweet requested the assistance and support of anyone who could help at this convention. Linda Pitman from the American Mule Association, Leah Patton, administrator/editor of the American Donkey & Mule Society, and I (Meredith Hodges), longtime longears promoter, judge and animal inspector for the A.D.M.S., descended on the convention, attended appropriate meetings, and lobbied every chance we had in between meetings to make sure that the people involved were informed of the mules’ valuable assets to their organization. It was an exhausting three days, but on January 18, 2004, at the General Board Meeting, the rule was approved with consideration. In the U.S.E.F. Rulebook, it now reads:

GR125 Horse.

1. The term “horse” as used in these rules denotes either a horse or a pony. 2. In all levels of all Federation recognized Driving and Endurance Competitions and in the

Case of any other federation Rule as it relates to the Driving or Endurance disciplines as The context permits it, the term “horse” shall also include a mule. See DC111.4, EN104.2.1 a. Mules are also eligible to compete in dressage classes with the exception of (1) USET Championships, USET qualifying and selection trails, and observation classes. (2) any other classes designated as qualifying or selection classes for international or international high performance competition, and (3) championships where such participation is prohibited in the championship selection procedures. See DR119.1 BOD 1/18/04. Effective 4/1/04

There were concerns from the Safety Committee, but they approved with the stipulation that they would be keeping an eye on the competitions to make sure that the mules would not pose serious safety concerns.

“The ‘Vision’ of the United States Equestrian Federation is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of it’s horses, and embracing the vision to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.” In keeping with their vision, they have seen the mules as a valuable asset to the Federation and it is both a privilege and an honor to become part of this prestigious organization.

As viable members of this organization, it is now our responsibility to go forward and participate in these events in a considerate and productive manner. Any problems that arise at competitions should be dealt with fairly and through the proper channels. Understand that we will be dealing with people at all levels of Horsemanship, with varying levels of comprehension and ability. The principles of good sportsmanship are paramount as we set the example to beginners and the young riders of the future. No unsportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated and could result in the revocation of this privilege.

More and more mules are getting into dressage after Carol Sweet’s, Leah Patton’s and my work over eighteen years of petitioning for the acceptance of mules into the United States Equestrian Federation! Shown here are Meredith Hodges and Lucky Three Sundowner, Meredith and Lucky Three Mae Bea C.T., Laura Hermanson and Heart B Dyna, Audrey Goldsmith and Heart B Porter Creek, Sammi Majors and Buckeye and Vicky Busch and Slate. I am so happy to see so many young riders taking advantage poof all our hard work and they are doing so well! We hope even more dressage riders will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity with their mules!

So, fellow “Mule Enthusiasts,” go forward and bask in the sunshine of opportunity that has been so graciously given to us all! Take the opportunities provided to improve your skills and marvel at your own progress! Take advantage of the new comrades you will meet along the way that share your interests, so we can all take our equines into the future with pride and dignity together!

Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE and EQUUS REVISITED at www.luckythreeranchstore.com