Nell Wade

(Page 48) Excerpted from: Touring Lucky Three Ranch with Meredith Hodges: Unexpected, Free-wheeling, Fun!

By Nell Wade

It’s not just a ranch—it’s an experience! Nestled on 127 sprawling acres that snuggle up to the edge of the gorgeous Rocky Mountain foothills, Lucky Three Ranch is the name that world-renown mule and donkey expert and equestrian star, Meredith Hodges, chose to christen what has become the heart and soul of her ongoing commitment to the preservation and welfare of mules and donkeys everywhere.

What strikes you first is her huge but inviting house. It’s a fairy castle built by someone who dreams like a child but thinks like an engineer. The front door flies open and out strides a tall, attractive and very vibrant woman. Her vivacious energy belies her age, and makes the statement that she is mistress of her domain but all friends are welcome and strangers can count on becoming friends. Meredith Hodges is off and running, multi-tasking like a house on fire with the same spirit and sense of adventure she attributes to her favorite creatures on earth.

The nearby barns erupt with a raucous chorus of honks, brays, chirps, snorts, and a bunch of other noises. These are the happy cheers of a bunch of kids who’ve been waiting for their mom to come out and play with them. These are Meredith’s mules!

As everyone piles into a very cute but surprisingly souped-up golf cart, Meredith takes the helm. The wind blows through your hair and you hang onto your hat as she drives around her huge property. Slowing the cart at the mule and donkey stalls, Meredith calls to each of her “kids” and out they come; some trotting, some sauntering, some prancing—but all full of tossing heads, inquisitive looks, sniffing nostrils and lots of of “mule talk.” A thrill runs down your spine as you respond in a very unexpected but wonderful way to this primal communication.

A trip to Lucky Three Ranch gives you a chance to savor the real meaning of “ranch lifestyle.” You’ll get to meet people who are so genuine and down-to-earth, you’ll want to hang out until you really have to go, as you wonder where the day went. Most of all, you’re going to discover why the Lucky Three Ranch experience is “all about the mules.” The fun and spontaneity generated by these people-loving creatures is something you’ll laugh about for a long time, and their intelligence and sensitivity will touch your heart. Witnessing these unique and amazing animals up close, you can’t help but feel that the fun and adventure of being around Meredith and her mules has just begun!