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Mule Psychology 101:  Teaching Your Mule By Cindy K. (McKinnon) Roberts Successful training programs are developed with the mule's natural behavior and response in the mind.  In other words, you would not attempt to teach the mule a task that is beyond his ability.  If a difficult task were introduced to the mule, that may not be mentally or physically ready, a conflict would result.... and perhaps his health would be at risk as well.  For this reason, I often question the ability of a two year old being broke out at such a young age....and always encourage schooling to start at three.   Remember, young mules are generally insecure.   To keep your training session successful, follow these simple rules.     Teach the simplest exercise first.  For example, in teaching your mule to make a flying change of lead, start from the ground first.  Simply teach the mule to pivot on the forehand while is on the ground and then attempt from the saddle.  Next, teach the side pass and a two-track.  After you have accomplished these moves, the mule is able to learn to take a lead on demand, then to make a simple change of leads and eventually, a flying change.     Another example would be when teaching whoa.  It is best to teach the mule to stop at the walk, then the trop, the lope and finally...the gallop.     Teach more than one exercise at a time.  It would be very boring to the mule if you were to teach one exercise.  It would also be intense for the mule.  This is  because you would be striving for perfection before moving on.  Therefore, teach several exercises that can be learned at the same time.  For example, teaching the mule to back through poles as well as learning serpentines, bending exercises (circling), working through cones as well as tires will keep the mule's mind fresh and willing.  Be sure that your exercises are at the same level of schooling to avoid confusing your mule.  You wouldn't teach geometry before addition, correct?    READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AND MORE IN ANSWERS TO YOUR MULE QUESTIONS. Warning!  Under Missouri law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Your participation in training your own mule or horse by following the advice given in this column and throughout Every Cowgirl's Dream web site is a risk that may result in permanent disability and even death to you and/or your animal.  Advice in this column is given through 20 plus years of professional and private mule training experience.  The unique personality of your animal and the individual reader's skill level will vary greatly.  This column is not a substitute for a qualified mule trainer in your area.  Always utilize a professional and knowledgeable trainer to assist you.  The author asks each reader to evaluate his or her skill level, athletic ability and mule sense prior to attempting any training technique.

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