Mules, Mule Talk the podcast, mule training books by Cindy K Roberts
Author: Cindy K Roberts
Publisher/Author, Cindy K. Roberts has a lifetime experience with training horses and mules; riding the family pony at age 2 was the beginning. Her grandfather, Lieutenant Wilton Willmann a sharpshooter and muleskinner of the U.S. Army Cavalry (stationed in Fort Riley, Camp Perry, Fort Leavenworth circa 1924) gifted her with the insight on mules; and the desire to study and work with them. Shooting firearms and working with horses and mules was desired and expected in the family.
Cindy is host of Mule Talk! The podcast about mules. She enjoys the western way of life, educating new mule owners in working with their own mules, hosting mule events, and documenting her own adventures in keeping the cowgirl spirit alive.
A runaway mule is a dangerous thing. Often, the (out of control) mule lacks foundation training, which enables the mule to easily become fearful in a situation he cannot handle. Once the mule has spooked from an object or from a buildup of stress (i.e. time bomb scenario) the end result is running away with a rider that no longer has control. To make matters worse, the rider usually decides to use a more controlling bit or a corrective type of bit that the animal has not been trained to carry in his mouth. This actually adds fuel to the fire, because in a matter of time, the mule will learn to grab hold of the bit (that is causing him pain), raise his head and take off; once again you have a runaway mule.
Typically the non-responsive mule is sold to a new owner and the cycle continues. By then, the mule has developed the habit of getting above the bit when he wants to, by ignoring/evading the rider’s seat, leg, and rein aids all to avoid completing a task. During this process, the mule will often times develop anxiety or intense nervousness simply because he knows he will be punished and the end result is a confirmed runaway.
I wrote this book hoping to keep riders safe and in control while in the saddle. Riders who are able to maintain a sense of control in their mule are much better handlers with confidence. They also have the ability to develop that confidence within their own mule. My book, Re-training The Hard Mouth Mule will enable you as the rider/handler to develop control and confidence. You will also learn how to develop lightness in your mule as well.
Introduction by Meredith Hodges, of the Lucky Three Ranch, Loveland, Colorado. Includes breeding contracts. Inaccuracies on breeding defined.
This book is dedicated to breeders, exhibitors, and the donkey and mule owners who strive for a better-performance breeding program that will favorably dominate the mule world.
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In conclusion: educating the equine breeding industry is our responsibility to ensure a better future for the all-around saddle mule. In short, mules with good minds make safer mounts and mules with excellent conformation will stay in service longer as compared to those that are weak or lacking. This means, the mule will have a much better future to be in service. It is also critical to document and register the jack sires in the industry.
Overbreeding is not desirable; those dedicated to the professional mule industry are careful about their breeding standards. Mules destined for the kill pen is not a pretty picture.
The future for the performance-bred saddle mule is in our hands; the overwhelming support coming from the mule world is phenomenal! Let’s work together and keep it going! ~Cindy K. Roberts
Excellent source of information for new mule owners or want-to-be-mule-owners that want to gain knowledge about the mule, his mindset, and how to establish a connection or partnership. Valuable tips on addressing issues, wonderful insight on the abused mule; and how to approach training the abused/neglected mule.
Details on a logical approach to connect, form an equine partnership, and bond with your mule. The book covers how a mule sees, hears, smells, and feels sensations in his world; learn what drives him to be the cautious animal that he is. Learn how to read your mule, proper approach, gentling; discover the mindset of the mule to strengthen your partnership. Excellent training book for mule handlers wanting to learn the physiological aspects of the mule.
Meredith Hodges, Steve Edwards, Tim Doud, Red & Julie Wycoff, Chris French, and Cindy K. Roberts discuss behavior issues. Over 60 behavior issues are addressed and how to retrain the mule to be safe and confident in his work. Complete information from professional mule trainers that addresses vices or undesirable habits developed in the mule due to ineffective or poor training. A thorough account of mule behavior, proper saddle fit, bridle fit, selecting bits, appropriate tack, and more! Excellent resource for the equine library.
The Care & Guide Plan for My Animals upon My Death
A comprehensive guide and plan book for mule and horse owners who want proper care for their livestock, in the event of illness, injury or death. Includes a yearly calendar – timeline of what to schedule and expect throughout the year. The material in this book was compiled to pass on critical information to the new caretaker of a farm and livestock. Ideal for mule and horse owners, barn managers, and families of livestock owners. Book includes documents and forms, a barn maintenance checklist, a horse trailer maintenance checklist, an equine emergency evacuation plan, information regarding filing a trust, will, and estate planning.
Available on Amazon or other participating book outlets.
Taking Life by the Horns – by Melissa Phillips and Cindy K Roberts
Melissa Phillips Achievements:
1994 World Champion Bull Rider, Melissa Phillips took life by the horns and rode her way to the top.
Her titles include: 1985 Cowboys Regional Rodeo Association Best Dressed Cowgirl of the Finals. 1992 Reserve World Champion 1992 Rough Stock Rookie of the year 1993 Women’s Pro Bull Riding Champion 1994 Challenge of Champions—Invitational only 1994 Reserve World Champion Bull Rider 1995 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Nominee 1995 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Rough Stock Champion 1996 Producer of 5 Bud Light Cowgirl Classics held at the Allen Ranch Bixby, Oklahoma dedicated to Domestic Violence Intervention Service 1996 Bud Light Cowgirl Classic Bull Riding Champion 1997 1st Woman Bull Rider on Super Bull Tour 1998 1st Woman Bull Rider World’s Toughest Tour 2006 1st Woman Bull Rider Longhorn Rodeo Tour Rough Stock High Mark Ride of 3 Finals
Sadly, her life came to a tragic end the very daythis book was completed. Melissa Phillips has enriched the lives of many inside and outside of the rodeo arena. This is her story.
More than Conquerors March 4, 2016
I knew Melissa as a fellow competitor on the Professional Womens Rodeo Association roughstock riding circuit. I recall her being a talented and intense competitor but I did not know her very well outside of the arena. This book has given me insights into her life and has revealed some wonderful and painful parallels between our lives. One of the reasons I quit riding in the PWRA (after winning the Rookie title) is because I left the country due to an abusive situation. I had no idea that Melissa was going through that also (I remember her husband, Gary, at the rodeos). Last summer I was deployed to the OK emergency management office due to the state-wide historic flooding. I recall the number of deaths reported at the time. When I learned that Melissa had gone to be with the Lord due to floodwaters, I was stunned. But I know that all of heaven rejoiced when she made it there (she probably threw her pistols in the air!). Special thanks to Cindy K. Roberts for allowing us to get to know Melissa more intimately. I will now remember her for more than just being a tough bull rider and competitor but also remember her passion for rodeo and the vulnerabilities we shared and conquered.
The author shares endearing and humorous words of wisdom from her time spent working with mules and donkeys over the years. Featuring meaningful life tips to strengthen and wake up the spiritual cowgirl soul in everyone. Inspirational stories shared from the author’s journey to develop her personal growth. Available at Amazon books or other book outlets.
In the summertime, my siblings and I gentled colts for our dad, put miles on them so Dad could sell them; he had five kids to feed. Dad knew we would stay out of trouble by saddling horses and doing barn chores. We climbed on ponies, horses, and colts and put time on them.
A couple of years later, my older brother timed it just right, to run to the barn (after I saddled a horse that I had been working) he would pull me out of the saddle, jump on, and gallop off to impress his girlfriend. Our parents didn’t get involved, because there was a corral filled with horses, the option was simple: quit whining and go saddle another horse. (And, yes, they all needed work.)
This pretty much was my childhood, I couldn’t take on my bigger and older brother, so I saddled another green horse and got it to working along. That’s how I got my horse smarts; oh, my butt hit the ground a few times, but that is a part of the learning process.
Then little sister came along, and wanted her turn to ride, so we put a bucking strap on this young horse and bucked him out, took the strap off, then, we let little “Wendy” get on and ride. Here’s to childhood horse adventures. Cheers and don’t let your saddle get cold.
Not since Belle Starr took the title of Bandit Queen, did a rumble take place in the mule jumping industry. Move over guys, Cyndi Nelson the Mule Jumping Queen is in town with her jumping mules. An amazing and strong woman with grit, Cyndi Nelson became involved with jumping mules thirteen years ago and she is a proven showstopper that has a GET ‘ER DONE attitude. From Cameron, Missouri and recognized as a pro-jumper, Cyndi is a serious competitor and is well respected at the mule jumping events. Pro-jumpers have been competing for several years and clearing 50-70 inches. No doubt, Cyndi has made her way in the mule jumping world.
However, since chauvinism can pop up out of nowhere, originally, the men were known to snicker in the background at Cyndi; and the condescending well-wishers were in for another life lesson. Cyndi Nelson is here to jump her mules, collect a few bucks, shake some hands, then head back home. A well-played class act and Cyndi doesn’t cut back on rehearsals either.
Dedicated to the sport, Cyndi became involved in training mules for jumping, and it doesn’t stop there. She also purchased a couple of mules and gifted them to her son and daughter. While most barn mothers buy boots for their kids, instead, Cyndi takes a road trip to check out the best mule jumping prospects, to buy for her and her family. (Now that’s a really cool mom to have.)
How did this craziness of mule jumping get started? Years ago, the mule jumping sport evolved from nighttime raccoon hunts in an effort to control a troublesome raccoon population. Add hunting dogs to the mix, bring your duster or blanket to cover the barb wire fence for your mule to jump, don’t forget the lanterns and jerky, and you are in for an evening of plain old, rowdy amusement.
Jumping competitions vary: some require the mules to wear saddles. At Pea Ridge, the mules are bare backed. Once a mule walks up to the jumping barrier, it has three minutes to jump.
The mule has two tries to clear the barrier without knocking it down. Trainers can not touch the mule. They must get the mule to jump by using word commands. The handler can hold the reins and tug them. If an owner is caught mistreating a mule, he is disqualified.
Mules are eliminated until only one remains and that mule continues to jump until it reaches its limit. The mule seems to know instinctively when that limit is reached because it just won’t jump any more.
Three jumping events are held: for mules under 51-inches tall, over 51-inches tall and professional jumpers. Sometimes, when there is time, a green jump is held. The green jump is for mules just learning to jump.
What makes a mule ideal for jumping? Cyndi explains, “First, the participant/handler has to be athletic, the mule should be high strung, athletic, and not drafty.” Cyndi will work with a mule jumping prospect two weeks to thirty days; after two weeks, Cyndi knows if it has the mentality to become a good jumping mule.
Cyndi Nelson does not use force to get her mules to jump, she explains, “Aggressive training does not work, they will rebel against you. You don’t want to start them out too young…at age four, their legs are more developed and the mule has less chance for injury in the long run. Give them time to become an athlete. I use pvc pipe when training prospects and for thirty-minute sessions only. I want the mules to enjoy it, I encourage them, and rewards used are treats, I communicate with them the whole time they are in the arena.” Cyndi will evaluate the mule to determine what will suit the mule best. Not all mules are candidates to becoming athletic jumping mules. When that happens, Cyndi finds good homes for them. Jumping mules require a mentality, a driven temperament, a WANT to do it is in their soul.
Cyndi knows personally, that gelding mules are easier to train; she has found that the mare mules have an attitude. Also, Cyndi and her family do not ride their jumping mules, their jumping string is used for nothing but jumping. The desirable attitude for the jumping mule is to be hyped up and gamey, you want them to enjoy their craft. If a mule fails to be an athlete at jumping, then they are tried at packing, perhaps becoming a rider as well to where Cyndi can re-home the mule with a loving family.
As for as diet, Cyndi Nelson feeds her mules according to their personal needs. Higher protein is fed to the jumping mules; who are wired and ready to go. As a precaution, sometimes splint boots are used on the younger mules to add protection. She is protective of her mules and stays with them for added security. Sleeping in a stall at state fairs as a precaution is part of the job.
How long can you jump a mule? Cyndi explains, “As long as they want to. Mule burnout can occur if you jump one too much, they will mentally burnt out. There’s a couple of mules out there that are approaching being burnt out, when they reach that point, you send them out to pasture. Career wise, a mule can jump twenty-plus years.”
Injuries? Cyndi Nelson says, “They can pull muscles, there is knee stress.” But the heart and soul of a jumping mule is priceless. Cyndi’s mule, “Kitty” loves to jump, all Cyndi has to do is hold onto the rope and Kitty will take off and fly with it.
Cyndi will assist others with their riding mules to be a better mount. Her jumping teachings are used on the trail and she has ties to the Mafia Mules on Facebook, aka Crooked Creek Mule Co, and on TikTok where Cyndi has a following. No doubt, Cyndi is an inspiration to the mule world, and her desire is, to get more women involved in the mule community that has previously been a man-driven world. “We deserve to be noticed,” says Cyndi, “that would be great to get more women involved in the mule jumping community.” Cyndi Nelson is packed up and ready to go; and boys…if you want to take her on, please show up on time. [Cyndi Nelson can be contacted through Facebook.]
More than Conquerors March 4, 2016
