I have a couple of mules that detest being paste-wormed; yet another mule loves it so much she will devour the entire tube, including the syringe, if allowed. Keep in mind, I’ve been doing this for over 50 years; this is what works.

Mules that are sour on being paste-wormed is partly due to having a syringe shoved into their mouth, the icky taste, and there was no reward offered. The handler may be nervous and that makes it more difficult.

Simply play the finger game with your mule. Apply molasses or apple sauce to your finger and slide it into the corner of your mule’s mouth. Do not rush this, give him time to think about it. Since mules are individuals, one mule may prefer apple sauce or jelly, and another mule may prefer molasses or just corn oil on your finger.

Next, reward your mule for being cooperative in the finger game. Let him nibble oats out of your hand. Mules will come off the pasture for oats.

Now that your mule is quiet and ready, keep a small cup of oats ready to use as a reward. Simply, slide your “juicy” finger into the mule’s cheek, shoot the paste and slide the syringe out WHILE messaging his throat latch to encourage swallowing the paste. If you allow the mule to open his mouth, he will opt to spit out the paste wormer. After swallowing, offer the oats, or apple sauce, as a reward and keep messaging your mule and telling him how good he is.

When grooming your mule, keep things positive by offering a handful of oats for him to nibble from your hand.

Mule Memo: Developing good habits. The median amount of time for humans to develop a good habit is 66 days. A mule? Let’s just say the mule has a head start when it comes to developing a habit, whether it is good or bad. That’s why you want to focus on good ground manners so your animal is safe to be around. One habit in particular is: when stepping up into the saddle, make sure your mule is ok with this and not feeling anxious. Sometimes it may take a few seconds to squeeze the crest of his mane to reassure him that everything is fine. The mule’s mother (the horse mare) did this very thing by massaging the young mule’s crest on top of his neck. In equine language, this means “I’m here, and everything’s OK.” Once you are in the saddle, sit back and relax. Don’t take off – or in a couple of weeks, your mule will take advantage of knowing what comes next, and he will charge out down the trail. Even though you didn’t encourage him to bolt out (or did you?), a level-headed mule waits for his handler’s signal or request. Some riders like to ride their mules as though they are on a NASCAR track, and others like to mozey along. I like for my mules to have good manners and still be able to giddyup when needed without developing anxiety. I hope this helps. If you need assistance, you know where to find me.