Augie and Spuds

July 1 2023

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Pulling a Drag – Round Pen

Kyle Davidson Uncategorized Augie and Spuds, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, Pull a Drag, round pen 1

Mini donkeys Spuds and Augie are always up for a new challenge–like adding a new element to their round pen workout routine!

“Hey, Spuds! What do you think she has in mind to do today with all these straps?”

“Oomph! She told me to go forward just like we did before, but something is holding me back…oh, now it is coming behind me! What’s happening?!”

“You’re attached to a tire! Here, follow me!”

“Oh boy, now it’s my turn, Augie!”
“Don’t worry, Spuds. I’m right behind you…this tire’s not that scary.”

“Excuse me, Spuds! I had to stop to pee. Just go ahead and pass me and I’ll catch up to you when I’m done!”

“That was really easy, but now what is she doing, Augie?”

“Whoa! Hey, Spuds, where are you going?”
“Sorry, Augie, she forgot to say ‘Gee!”

“Okay, now this is MUCH better and a lot easier to pull as a team!!!”

“You got that right, Augie!”

June 3 2023

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: The Dirt Piles 8-23-13

Kyle Davidson Uncategorized Augie and Spuds, Donkey training, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys 0

There’s a lot of construction going on at the ranch, but Spuds and Augie sense the opportunity for adventure!

“Hey, Spuds, what’s with all this junk? It looks a little iffy to me!”
“Just chill, Augie! It’s just another great adventure…no sweat!”

“Oh wow, Spuds! We have our own Rocky Mountains in the driveway!”
“Hmmm…I don’t know about this, Augie!”

“You were right, Spuds…no sweat!”

“Wait a minute, Spuds, this doesn’t look so easy!”
“Can’t stop now…I’ll see you at the bottom, Augie!”

“I think I’ll try it this way…look out below! Here I come!”

“Whew! We made it! Now what’s going on over here?”

“Hi, Dean! Oh, well this isn’t all that exciting…been here, done this! No lead rope this time, eh?!”

“Your turn, Augie…come on over here!”

“Hey, Spuds, you don’t need to be tied when you have oats! Oats are the tie that binds!”

“Get a load of this! Mini foot, draft trimming!”

“What do you think, Spuds, should we go for it?”

“You go first Augie. I’ll follow you this time!”

“Hang in there, Spuds! You can make it! I know you can!”

“We made it! YAY! Boy, that was quite an adventure!”

May 26 2023

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Baling & Stacking Hay 6-21-13

Kyle Davidson Uncategorized Augie and Spuds, Hay Production, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys 0

It’s summer time, and there are tons of adventures to be had for two mini donkeys on a bustling ranch like Lucky Three. Today, Spuds and Augie explore the hay field with Meredith and test their bravery against a fearsome, loud machine.

Hey, Spuds! I hear Meredith calling…what’s up?

She’s kinda silly, Augie. Who ever heard of saying “how do you do” to a swather, Augie?

Whoa….look what’s coming!!!

WOW!!! That’s super noisy and REALLY BIG!

Oh look, Spuds, it’s not so scary. This is how they make our hay!

Yeah, and look how they pick it up with this other big machine so they can put it in the barn!

What a fun adventure in the hayfield…we learned a lot today!

May 20 2023

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Farrier & Grooming 04-23-13

Kyle Davidson Uncategorized Augie and Spuds, farrier, grooming, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys 0

“Hey, Augie…watcha doin’?!
“I’m practicing my halter stance…you know, four-square!”

“Good idea, Augie! I guess I’ll practice my halter stance right here!”
“And I will wait for my turn at the hitch rail…I wonder what’s up today.”

“Hey Augie, you’ve got some pretty dirty feet down there!”
“Cut with the wise cracks, Spuds!”

“I sure like it when they come down to our eye level, Augie.”
“Yeah, it’s not as scary as it is when all you see is their legs…whatcha doin’ back there, Dean?”

“Your turn, Spuds! This isn’t bad at all!”
“Yeah, it’s all peace, love and OATS!”

“It doesn’t get any better than this!”

“Dang, I was working on a Mohawk…it’s the IN thing with donkeys, you know!”
“Just be happy with your crew cut, Spuds. Crew cuts are always IN!”

“Oooh, here comes the baby oil again!”
“Aah, nuts! Now I can’t chew on your mane and tail…baby oil tastes just awful!”

“Yeah, but we sure are handsome now!”

May 6 2022

Longears Music Videos: Learner’s Permit: Miniature Donkeys Augie and Spuds

Kyle Davidson Uncategorized Augie and Spuds, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, obstacles 0

See more Longears Music Videos

AASA_BIG TURNOUT WITH LITTLE FRIENDS_11-20-20_13

March 6 2021

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Big Turnout With Little Friends: 11-20-20

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Augie and Spuds, Billy Bad Ass, Francis, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, Miniture Donkeys, Miniture Horses, Mirage, turnout 0

“It’s another adventure, Spuds, but where is THIS?!”

“Looks like a GREAT BIG dirt pen, Augie!”

“Who is this, Augie?! OH! It’s a pretty girl!”

“It’s Francis, Augie!!! The love of my life!”

“Hmmm…what’s this?! Tastes pretty good!”

“Better look out, Spuds! She’s got a boyfriend over there!”

“Hey, Augie! Let’s run away…maybe she’ll follow!”

“Oh look, Spuds, it’s Mom with more OATS!”

“Coming, Augie! Wouldn’t want to miss the oats!”

“Look, Augie! She’s sneaking past Mirage to come and see ME!”

“Hi, Francis! How have you been? I’ve missed you!”

“It was a really hard choice Augie…pretty girl or oats on the ground!”

“Spuds is so fickle! I’m going back to Mirage!”

“Hey, Augie! Want to go exploring? This is a REALLY BIG place!”

“Check it out…green grass under the fence, Augie!”

“What do you think, Francis? do you like me better than Spuds?”

“Hey, Francis, where’re ya going?.. Come back!”

“It’s Billy Bad Ass flirting with Francis now…and Mirage doesn’t seem to mind!”

“Maybe not, but our friend, Billy, didn’t really like them…come on Augie!”

“It may be a MUCH BIGGER pen, and quite an adventure, but we three are buddies forever!”

“What a beautiful day, eh Spuds?!”

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

December 12 2020

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Working with Chasity! 8-4-20

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Augie and Spuds, Chasity, elbow pull, Ground Driving, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, Mini Donkies, round pen 0

“Are you ready for another adventure, Augie?!”

“Yeah, Spuds! What do you suppose we are doing today?”

“I’m not sure, Augie, but it must have something to do with those two big donkeys behind us! MMMM…oats!”

“What? We are being tied OUTSIDE the Round Pen, Augie?!”

“Guess so, Spuds! Oh, look…the big donkeys!”

“Hi! I’m Wrangler and this is Chasity! You’ll have your turn to lunge when we get done! Here’s how we do it!”

“He acted like we didn’t know what to do, Spuds!”

“Yeah, Augie! I think he was just showing off to his girlfriend!”

“Now she is adjusting my ‘Elbow Pull,’ Wrangler!”

“Do you think he heard you, Augie!” “I hope so, Spuds!”

“Now we can show him how it’s done, Spuds!”

“And, how WE can even do it in sync, Augie!”

“Yeah! We’ve been doing it longer than he has…and we’re a team…even at the halt, eh Spuds?!”

“We can stay together no matter which way we go, right Spuds?”

“Did you see that, Wrangler?!”

“Hey, Spuds, nice ground driving!”

“Not bad yourself, Augie!”

“Hey, what’s this…a pretty girl, Spuds!”

“Guess she wants to lead, so we’ll let her, eh Augie?!”

“This is awesome, Augie, but can’t I be behind her for a while?!”

“Go ahead, Spuds! Knock yourself out!”

“That was really fun!! Isn’t she just beautiful, Augie?!”

“Hmmmmm…oh yeah, Spuds!!!”

December 4 2020

WRANGLER’S DONKEY DIARY: MORE LUNGING & GROUND DRIVING: 8-4-20

Kyle Davidson Donkey Diary Augie and Spuds, Chasity, Donkey training, Ground Driving, lucky three ranch, Lunging, Meredith Hodges, round pen, Verbal Commands, Wrangler's Donkey Diary 0

Wrangler is wondering why Augie and Spuds, the mini donkeys are here. He is usually worked with Chasity…just the two of them! Wrangler is big on being the center of attention and stands quietly while I put on his surcingle instead of his English saddle this time. He is sure something is up, but he doesn’t exactly know what it might be just yet!

Wrangler and Chasity are now getting REALLY GOOD at being led together and stay in sync with my steps. They negotiate the gate easily and obediently. This is how well things can go when you are clear and consistent about the way that you do things. The animals then know what to expect and can comply without anxiety.

I led Augie and Spuds to the Round Pen and tied them up outside so they could watch Wrangler and Chasity while they were lunging. I thought maybe I would be able to lunge all four of them together if things went well. When they have someone to watch, my animals learn to stand still when tied. They know it will soon be their turn.

Wrangler immediately noticed the mini donkeys and wondered why they were there, but when asked, I regained his attention to business. Chasity walked off to practice while I adjusted Wrangler’s “Elbow Pull.”

Wrangler stood quietly while I made some adjustments and asked him to flex at his poll to make sure it was not too restrictive. Then I sent him to the rail for lunging. He went quietly forward in a nice working walk.

When asked, Wrangler and Chasity moved into a smart working trot. Chasity is getting better with her posture and will soon be able to keep the “Elbow Pull” loose throughout the entire workout like Wrangler does. It takes time to develop that kind of core strength in good balance!

I added the drive lines to Wrangler after successful lunging while Chasity stood by and watched. He was a bit hard to turn in his last lessons, but this time his turns were much improved. He stayed very light in my hands and moved at the touch of a finger. I made sure to use the verbal commands “Gee” (go right) and “Haw” (go left). It makes a huge difference!

Wrangler stayed calm as we walked around the Round Pen doing an occasional “S” turn through the middle to change directions.

Wrangler was much improved from his last lesson! I don’t “drill” them until they get it right. That would just make them tired and cranky…then they do not learn. I spend about 20-30 minutes on their lessons and quit when they have made an honest attempt. Wrangler came into a nice quiet halt and was rewarded.

Wrangler did a much better rein back than he had before and offered many more steps on a very light rein! I was extremely pleased with him! It was time to quit with him. I tied him outside the Round Pen so he could watch the others do their workouts…and learn to stay quietly tied…which he did!

November 13 2020

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Yearly Baths Are Fun! 7-13-20

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Augie and Spuds, equine training, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, Summer Baths 0

“What do you suppose is happening today, Augie?”

“Yippee! It’s a 102 degrees and bath time!”

“Baths with Billy Bad Ass are really fun, Spuds!”

“Excuse me, Augie! I need the hose for Spuds now.”

“Thanks, Augie, now the left front, please”

“What a GOOD BOY! Thanks, Augie!”

“Now the right front, please!”

“You are so AWESOME, Augie!”

“Hey, Augie, why are YOU getting all the praise… and the oats?!”

“I dunno, Spuds, but this hairbrush sure feels good and it’s really getting out all that dead hair! Feels GREAT!”

“Aw, Spuds, were you feeling left out?!”

“Not really, Mom, just make sure I get some oats!”

“Okay, Spuds, let me have your leg and I’ll give you some oats!”

“Okay, Augie, now that your mane is done, let’s do the rest of you.”

“Hmmmm…this tastes pretty good on a hot day!”

“You are so adorable, Augie! Love your cutesy face!”

“Yeah, Yeah! Give it a rest, Mom! This is embarrassing!”

“Now for your teeth, Augie, smile pretty…

and the front leg…

…and now the back leg!”

“What a GOOD BOY! Wanna drink, Augie?!” “Sure, Mom, why not?!”

“Hey, Spuds, this is cool with you, me and Billy Bad Ass!”

“Yeah, Augie, not too bad and we dry pretty quickly. Here comes the Baby oil and fly spray!”

“We’re getting pretty good at the gates, eh, Augie?!”

“When you get oats for doing it right, it’s even better yet, Spuds!”

“Of course, she WOULD throw us a curve! That is one HUMUNGOUS truck, Augie! Are you sure we’re okay?”

“Of course, we are! She would never ask us to do anything that would hurt us! She LOVES US!”

“I suppose you’re right, Augie!”

October 16 2020

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: WE ARE NOT AFRAID! 10-5-20

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Augie and Spuds, equine training, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys 0

“I wonder where we are off to today, Augie?”

“It’s down the road to another adventure, Spuds!”

“Hi, Guys! How are you all doing?”

“I know they want to go with us, Augie!”

“It’s another meet-the-heavy-equipment day, Spuds!”

“Yeah, first the backhoe and now the skidsteer, Spuds!”

“Oh, check this out, Spuds, SUPER FUN!”

“Hey, Augie, wait for me! Yee Haw!”

“Don’t we all look like another statue, Spuds?!”

“YUP, but it’s time to go, Augie! Whoopee!”

“You take the high road and I’ll take the low road, and I’ll get there before you, Augie!”

“You can’t be King of the Mountain without going HIGH, Spuds!”

“AND, you learn to pick your way CAREFULLY, Spuds!”

“I’d rather be jumping, Augie! It’s MUCH MORE FUN!”

“I can jump, too, Spuds, and HIGHER than you!”

“Each to his own…knock yourself out, Augie!”

“I am a true energy-conserver, Augie!”

“And maybe a bit lazy, eh Spuds! Come on! This one’s easy, Spuds!”

“I was just waiting for you to get out of the way… so I could jump!”

“Yeah! Yeah! Sure you were, Spuds!” “I’m not afraid, Augie!”

“Walking in sync is harder than people might think, eh, Spuds?!”

“Yeah…and so is posing for the pictures she wants!”

“It’s easy when you have core strength and flexibility, Spuds! Then you can BOTH get what you want!”

“Sure is smoky out here from the fires, Augie!” “Yeah, but it’s nice to be out for another adventure!”

“OH, what’s she doing now, Augie?!”

“I think we are supposed to follow, Spuds…IN SYNC!”

“Isn’t SHE being lazy now, Augie?!”

“Not really, Spuds…she’s getting older! So, we need to be cooperative…so we can have more ADVENTURES!”

August 28 2020

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Exploring the JASPER CAROUSEL 5-19-20

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Adventures of Augie and Spuds, Augie and Spuds, Fun with Mini Donkeys, Jasper, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, Moxie, Okie Dokey 0

Augie and Spuds always look forward to their adventures and this would be no exception!

“Where are we going this time, Augie?”

“It seems we are in the backyard of the JASPER BUNKHOUSE, Spuds!”

“What?! This is scary, Augie!”

“Oh Spuds, you know how to go through the gate, so just cut the drama and come and get your reward!”

“Oh WOW! Check this out, Spuds!”

“There are ‘little guys’ just like us in here! Mom says this one is named Valentine!”

“Look out there, Augie! Grass!”

“Check out Okie Dokey, Spuds. He’s a little donkey!”

“Hey, Spuds! It’s Jasper!!!”

“Awh! We LOVE Jasper so much!”

“And don’t forget about Moxie! He’s so cool!”

“Check it out, Spuds! We’re carousel donkeys!”

“I think I’ll just pose with Jasper!”

“Okay! Okay! So we’re carousel donkeys!”

“Smile and say ‘Jasper,’ Augie!”

“But I’m not ready to go yet, Augie! Jasper still wants me!”

“That was a lot of fun wasn’t it, Spuds?! It was another great adventure!”

March 28 2020

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Old Western Town Project 3-26-20

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds ASSPEN, Augie and Spuds, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, Training Mini Donkeys 0

Augie and Spuds have been very patient with me for the past year when I did not have time to do anything but grooming once a week and turnout. They were so thrilled to be able to go on another ADVENTURE! Today, we are going to inspect a new project, the false-front town of ASSPEN!

We thought this would be a really nice way to spruce up the big, brown boring wall behind the Lucky Three Eclipse statue and make things even more! Going through the construction zone gives them a chance to practice their good manners and earn their rewards! Although, Spuds is in the lead out of the barn, he prefers it when Augie leads over and through obstacles.

Whatever works best…it’s always negotiable!

“Hey, Augie! What’s this?!”

“I don’t know, Spuds. It looks very interesting though.”

Augie surveys the situation, “Hmmm…a new obstacle course, maybe?!”

“I’m not sure about this, Augie!”

“It’s really easy, Spuds…and kind of fun!”

“Hey, Boys! Welcome to ASSPEN Town!”

“Here’s the Burro Bank, the ASSPEN Sheriff’s Office & Jail, the Chaney Church and the Okie Dokey Undertaker”

“And concrete, Augie!”

“This must be the boardwalk sidewalk, eh Augie?!”

“Yup, but no boards yet! It would be easier with boards!”

“This is the best part, Spuds!”

“You bet! It’s good to be good!”

“And here’s the Half-Ass General Store, L.J.’s Barber Shop and the Crazy Ass Saloon!”

“It’s a little tight going between the boards and the fence, eh, Augie?!”

“No sweat, Spuds! Just pay attention to where you are going!”

“Did she build all this just for US, Augie?!”

“No, Spuds, I think it is for the people that come for tours, but we get to check it out first.”

“Well, it sure makes for a fun obstacle course, Augie!”

“It sure does and it’s great to be able to get out for a walk!”

“Now we have to pose for the camera, Spuds! Try to look nice!”

“Do I really have to?!!!”

“Thanks, Mom! That was fun!!!”

“Yeah, Augie, I like the oats and the ‘snuggles’ afterwards best!”

“I always like our BIG adventures, Spuds!”

“Me, too, Augie!”

October 31 2019

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: A Fabulous Snow Day! 10-31-19

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds, LTR Blog - Donkey Training Augie and Spuds, Donkey training, Get Down With Minis, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, snow 0

AUGIE & SPUDS: SNOWPLAY…A FABULOUS SNOW DAY! No matter what season it is, there is always a way to turn training into fun with your equines. Usually, Augie and Spuds will just stand in their stalls when there is snow on the ground. I suppose they don’t like getting their feet wet and their stall is a nice, comfortable place with deep shavings. They do enjoy my encouragement to go exploring though, even if they have to get their feet wet! See more adventures with Augie and Spuds on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com under TRAINING/ANOTHER AUGIE & SPUDS ADVENTURE.

I decided to take them to the North Pasture this morning to play where the Lucky Three Sundowner bronze sculpture is situated. After going through the gate the way they were trained to do, I removed their halters and began our play session by asking them to come and see the statue. I was able to Get Down with my Minis by sitting on the base, then slid to my knees into the snow. Spuds scoped out the area while I “shook hands” with Augie. Spuds can be ornery, so he might have been saying to me, “Kiss my ass. I’m not shaking hands right now!” BUT…I just ignore the bad, or questionable, behaviors! At least he isn’t running off!

Next, I went to the middle of the pasture and dropped to my knees. Then I gave them permission to go exploring.

After scoping out what was on the other side of the road, they returned. I got up and quickly ran to the fence on the south side and called them to me. When they arrived, I “shook their hands” and gave them their reward of crimped oats. Although Spuds was a bit reluctant at first, he complied this time. Augie is ALWAYS willing to do what I ask!

I allowed them to mosey around for a little longer. They thought the snow was pretty cool after that!

Then I dropped to my knees again near the gate, called them over and put on their halters. They were PERFECT!

It was time to execute the gate properly again and head back to the barn…what fun on a sunny winter day!

November 18 2018

What’s New with Roll? A Great Massage and a New Friend!

Kyle Davidson What's New with Roll? Augie and Spuds, Billy Bad Ass, draft mule, Equisport, lucky three ranch, massage, Meredith Hodges, Rock and Roll, Roll 1

10-25-18

Roll had a good massage today! He seems to really enjoy the new Equisport massager. You can always tell when your equine enjoys his massage because he will “talk” to you along the way. Notice how Roll is pushing his hip into the massager in the first photo? That means, “Feels so good… go deeper!”

His left hind is often a bit sore from his twisting in the right hind, so he isn’t too sure about it at first, but the right hip is a different story and he relaxes. He even slid his hind leg slightly forward to allow Joanne to massage deeper.

It seemed that the left shoulder is a bit sore and he gives her a stern look of “Be careful now.”

Joanne spoke back to Roll with “I hear you! So we’ll go to the other side and move on to something else.” Roll responded with, “Oh, yes, this is a better spot!” as he relaxed his hind foot and leaned into the massager again.

Roll rounded his neck to look back to her and said, “Are you wearing a fanny pack full of oats today?”

Joanne responded with, “Nope, sorry! How about an eyeball massage?”

Roll leaned into the massager and went to town pushing his eye into the massager while Joanne just held it steady. He was in seventh heaven!

When it came to his ears, Roll went into a trance and enjoyed every minute of his full face massage!

Then she went across his back and over his rear end to finish. Roll looked at her as if to say, “Thanks for a GREAT massage…feels soooo good!”

After Rock’s death in 2011, Roll spent the last 7 years in turnout alone with only his two mini donkey friends, Spuds and Augie, across the fence from him.

The best part of the weekend following his massage was that 26-year-old Roll finally got a friend in turnout! Billy Bad Ass (age 25) came to us a month ago. We thought the two gelding boys would enjoy each other as they are pretty close in age and it proved to be true!

Roll was truly happy to have a brand new buddy!

three

June 23 2018

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Shenanigans in the Hayfields 6-6-18

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Augie, Augie and Spuds, Donkey training, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, mini donkeys behavior training, Miniature Donkeys, Spuds 0

“Do you need some help with the lead ropes?”

“The saddle mules are headed for turnout. Where do you think we are going, Spuds?”

“Looks like we’re headed for the hayfield, Augie!”

“Looks like you were right, Spuds!” “Isn’t it beautiful, Augie?!”

“What is that big yellow thing, Augie?!”

“That’s Chad, Spuds…oh, you mean the swather?!”

“How do you do, Augie? Now smile for the picture!”

“How do you do, Spuds? Not so sure?”

“WOW! That big thing sure makes a lot of noise!”

“Now where are we going, Augie?!”

“These are some really deep windrows!”

“And some really tall grass is growing in the jump course, Augie!”

“Boy, I’ll say it’s tall, Spuds! I can’t see a thing! Where are we going?”

“Spuds, Augie, Are you guys into having a picnic out here?”

“You bet! This is really cool!”

“Smile for the camera, Boys!”

“We are very happy with you, Mini Momma, aren’t we Spuds?!”

“I wuv you, too, Mini Momma!”

“And I love you both! What a grand picnic!”

April 14 2018

What’s New with Roll? Spring Work in the Hourglass Pattern

Kyle Davidson What's New with Roll? arena, Augie and Spuds, draft mules, Hourglass pattern, mini donkeys, Rock and Roll 0

3-28-18

Roll did exceptionally well today! He was also happy that he got to work out with his little buddies, Augie and Spuds. His body is beginning to get toned up again and he is starting to shed off his winter coat.

I did a quick pass with the hairbrush and then the vacuum cleaner. Last was Johnson’s Baby Oil in his mane and tail. I noticed right away during the grooming process that he was finally put weight on his right hind foot again.

On the way to the arena, I led Roll and Steve led Augie and Spuds.

Roll executed the gate perfectly as he always has. There is really something to be said for GATE TRAINING! With routine practice, they always know exactly what is expected and respond accordingly…no fussing at all.

Roll got his turn in the hourglass pattern first and did amazingly well while Augie and Spuds waited patiently at the fence.

I never had to physically move a foot with any tugs on the rope. He responded 100% to the verbal commands to correct his stance when he was in a full stop and fully weighted all four feet this time when he was asked to do so.

To fully weight the foot in the arena, he had to push the sand down. Sometimes I asked him to do it and sometimes I did not. With the ringbone and side bones in three feet, I really did not expect him to come back to full balance, but he did! What a great surprise!

After a halt on centerline, he followed me obediently to the fence with the lead rope slung over his neck.

When I went to retrieve him he was sideways to the fence, but he moved over so I could release him from the fence on my hand signal alone.

Roll executed the gate perfectly again on the way out…

…then we proceeded down the road and back to the Tack Barn. What a guy!!!

See more What’s New With Roll? posts

March 28 2018

Another Augie and Spuds Adventure: Ground Drive Hourglass Pattern with Roll 3-28-18

Kyle Davidson Augie & Spuds Augie and Spuds, Donkey training, For kids, lucky three ranch, Meredith Hodges, mini donkeys, mini donkeys behavior training, Miniature Donkeys 1

“This vacuum sure feel good, Spuds!” “Yeah, Augie, but why is Roll here with us?”

“Not sure, Spuds, but she’s putting on our driving gear. We haven’t done that in a very long time! Can you tell where we are going?”

“Not really! I can see underneath, but Roll still makes a better door than a window! Is he going with us?!”

“It looks more like we are going with HIM, Spuds!”

“Oh look, Spuds! It’s the hourglass pattern! It must be ground driving today!”

“She just got done leading Roll through the pattern and now you get to ground drive the pattern. Why do I have to go last?!”

“Because that’s just the way it is, Augie! Just stay cool and chill while we do this thing in sync. I love to see if she can match my tiny steps!”

“One…two…three…four. She’s doing pretty good, Augie!”

“Finally, it’s MY turn now, Spuds…one…two…three…four!”

“You watch, Spuds! I’m putting my whole body into it”

“Apparently she liked it! That was really fun and EASY!”

“Ah Gee, Spuds, do we have to go back already?!”

“I don’t know about you, Augie, but I’m ready for supper!”

“You’re always ready for supper. That’s why you are so PORTLY, PUDS!”

May 23 2017

What’s New with Roll? Leading the Hourglass Pattern

Meredith What's New with Roll? Augie and Spuds, Core Training, draft mule, eggbutt snaffle bridle, elbow pull, Gentle Giant, ground rails, holistic training, mule training, Older mule care, postural leading lessons, rehabilitation, Roll, round pen, surcingle, What's New 0

After being off last week, Roll was more than happy to come with me today. The air was brisk with a bit of a breeze and Roll was even a little snorty walking up to the work station. We spent a good amount of time with the Goody hairbrush getting the undercoat loose and I then went over him with the shedding blade to get the excess on top. He was still shedding hair all over, so I decided to go ahead with the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner serves a dual purpose: it pulls the remaining loose hairs from his coat while stimulating the capillaries to come to the surface of the skin. This increased circulation makes for an extremely soft and healthy coat. He still has a lot left to shed, but his hair now feels silky to the touch. I then put Roll in his surcingle, Eggbutt Snaffle bridle and “Elbow Pull” for his core muscle, postural leading lessons.

Roll practically pulled me down the alleyway to the dressage arena, but was very well behaved when we stopped to give Augie and Spuds a treat of oats. Roll was okay with sharing as long as I gave him more oats, too!

Roll and I then walked to the gate and he went through beautifully as always.

We marched along the pens and gave treats to all the mules who would be his audience.

Roll launched into the hourglass pattern on the lead rope with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. He squared up easily, but was still reluctant to put all the appropriate weight on his right hind foot.

He kept an upright balance through the turns and was markedly better in balance over the ground rails.

He even trotted a bit along side of the pens once I got out in front of him, but when I asked him to trot back to the gate, he was too tired! The chiropractor had come out to see him last week and said that he was locked up in his right hip, so it may be he needs another chiropractic visit this week as well.

At any rate, I was pleased with his progress and even though he missed his lesson last week, he still did better than in prior weeks. The hind feet were no longer twisting after his trim on May 19^th.

It may very well be that he can graduate to the round pen soon for bulk muscle building. His core is solid now and after his workout, he was much tighter in the abs and filled in nicely over his topline.

Roll is carrying just a little more weight than I would like to see, but he did look less obese after his lesson and when we begin the bulk muscle building, it should disappear rapidly as the fat evolves into muscle. At twenty-six, Roll is doing so much better than I ever would have expected given his questionable history.