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.
Your mindset depicts on how you view the world, your environment, the people you interact with; in other words, it portrays your ability to process information. Keep this in mind; mules are very adamant in their thinking. It’s black and white, accepting or not; and this is why mules are referred to as being strong-willed. If you use the word stubborn, you can add single-minded to the following list of undesirable traits found in some equine trainers:
Balky
Bloody-minded (those British are humorous aren’t they?)
Bullheaded
Cantankerous
Contumacious (yes, I had to look this one up)
Firm
Hardheaded
Insubordinate
Opinionated
Persevering
Pertinacious
Pigheaded
Rebellious
Recalcitrant – go ahead, look it up. 😉
Refractory
Self-willed
Set in one’s ways
Stiff-necked
Unbending
Unmanageable
Unreasonable
Unshakable
Would you choose a trainer with these traits to work with your mule? And, after hiring a trainer to work with your mule, are you involved and participating as well? If not, you would be wise to be involved with your mule’s training. You see, mules develop quirks from a negative incident that the mule willnot forget. Even though mules are forgiving of your mistakes, a mule knows if you are working with him or not. Successful mule handlers recognize each mule as an individual and address challenges in a resistance-free approach. Successful mule trainers know that choosing the shortest training process to get results doesn’t produce a safe and willing mule. So the 30, 60, 90 day rule of horse training will not apply successfully with mules. Developing a partnership is the most desirable and successful training method to use when working with mules.
Oh, the undesirable traits listed in this article? My grandfather was in charge of the mules in the U.S. Army Cavalry back in 1924. Yes, he was a mule-skinner. He wasn’t nice about his training methods either, when working with the mules. Chauvinistic and domineering, he smoked horrible-smelling cigars and he loved his whiskey. Yes, I was introduced to his rough start at mule training. However, I spent a lifetime of learning how to work with mules in a positive way. So, as a result, we can learn from the abusive training techniques that were used and become successful mule handlers during this process.
We can check our attitude before we put our boots on to head to the barn. Make sure your heart and mind are in a good place before you leave your front porch. Before my feet hit the floor in the morning, I thank God for another day and for blessing my life with mules. My heart and soul belong to the mule.
After being tagged in several posts on social media about Cochise, I looked at the humane society post regarding his background. He did have an interesting rap sheet; most mules being adopted out have a record. Some are put on probation and after several months of good behavior, they are released back into society in hopes of becoming a productive citizen. (Prison talk.)
After reading the history of Cochise, I was intrigued, so I convinced my sister, that “we needed this mule.” The documented report of shenanigans involving Cochise made it clear, that he was a clown looking for a circus. That was the deal-breaker for me, I am all about having fun, and if it isn’t fun, I will make it lively and humorous. (wink)
We hauled the stock trailer to pick up Cochise when his counselor…I mean trainer, met us. She reported, that Cochise occasionally ran off, leaving his handler dangling on the end of the leadline after he thought better of a situation involving having to do a new task. And of course, while being led back to his paddock, there were times the barn aisle looked spooky; and running off into the distance seemed to be the right answer to Cochise. That’s reasonable, mules aren’t about to take unnecessary risks; it made sense to me.
I signed the papers, and we “lured” Cochise into the stock trailer. Heading back, we made a brief stop at Taco Bell, I ordered tacos, and Cochise ordered the nachos with cheese. The red-headed mule enjoyed the drive-thru option, he stuck his nose against the slats in the trailer to get a whiff of the girls working at the window; they passed the sniff test and made over him while he batted those dreamy-looking eyes.
We’re back at the barn, it’s cold and windy; it didn’t take long for Cochise to arouse interest from the other barn occupants. Family introductions unfolded while we unloaded the new mule on that cold, windy day; somehow, while introducing Cochise, talking through my ski mask, the muffled tone I projected, sounded like, “His name is Goat Cheese.” The girls at the barn giggled while repeating “Hello Goat Cheese,” I didn’t want to waste my breath on that frosty day to explain his real name, so I just left it at that.
Now Goat Cheese’s real personality started to come through. He kept a social calendar; he was the first to arrive at the barn cocktail party and Goat Cheese was always ready for the next dance. We developed a routine of haltering the new guy, grooming, and working on his ground manners. Goat Cheese liked giving hugs and he also liked biting your butt while giving a hug. I think it was his way of showing affection, so I was grateful for Carharts and long underwear as a layer of protection. Part of his weekly duties included being filmed for the Mule Talk commercials. This added to Goat Cheese’s popularity and he developed a following on Facebook.
In early spring, wearing my crash helmet, I rode him in the round pen for a test drive. Cochise rode green, which was to be expected, with a couple of quick starts, and a zoom here and there; it was like riding the rollercoaster at the amusement park, but never leaving the farm. Then the pipeline labor crew started coming around, meaning they needed access to drive their equipment through the barn property. Cochise lost his focus so the logical thing to do was to revert to his ground training. With all the tractor and machinery activity, Cochise took me land skiing a couple of times; I hung in there, after brushing myself off and patching the holes in my Wranglers, it was clear that Cochise aka Goat Cheese, was going to be stuck in the 3rd grade for a long, long while.
It was important to me, to have Goat Cheese moving forward…unemployment just doesn’t set well with me, so I reached out to a friend who was interested in Goat Cheese from the time he was put up for adoption. Her name is Patti; I rode with Patti in the Gila Mountain Wilderness and knew her as a confident and skilled rider. I also learned she recently had to retire her older mule and was heartbroken from losing her dog recently. I brought Patti up to date on Goat Cheese. Patti texted back and said she would be delighted to come and check out “Cream Cheese.” I thought this was too funny, this mule is getting smoother and smoother as far as cheese goes.
My friend, Patti Sears drove from Oklahoma to Missouri with her stock trailer; we greeted each other on the gravel road, and after telling each other how good we looked, we went to the barn for introductions. As I predicted, Goat Cheese and Patti made that instant connection. I knew then, that Goat Cheese was going to be OK.
Patti is meeting Cochise.
As per our agreement, I gifted Goat Cheese to Patti. Mules make the perfect gift to the right person. The right person is one with patience and a mindset to work with mules.
Patti was in tears; this was a new beginning for her and Goat Cheese. Of course, the agreement with the adoption agency is that I still own him and I am responsible for his upkeep and care. I’m good with that too. That way I can visit Goat Cheese and spend time with Patti too.
Goat Cheese standing guard.
Patti keeps me updated about Goat Cheese’s progress. He has a place at her ranch in Oklahoma, where he made friends with all the barnyard critters. He holds the job of watching over the newborn foal, and his visitors are plenty. Patti works Cochise in the round pen, he now loads freely into his stock trailer and will soon graduate from the 3rd grade. He takes watch over the ranch, standing on top of his ridge. Oh yes and by the way, Cochise has a twin, that will be harnessed and driving next to him. Once again, life is good on the farm and I feel warm and fuzzy for Goat Cheese and Patti.
Working with a mule that is distracted; it can easily be a herd member calling out to another when working with your mule in the round pen. Or it can be, that he’s very aware of new things that have been moved around the barn, a baggy blowing in the breeze…you get my drift. Some mules quickly look for the exit door when learning a new task requiring intense concentration. Knowing this, I keep the lesson short and reward on the slightest try. The focus here is keeping things favorable for the mule. Mule trainers recognize this and implement the resistance-free training methods with the reward system.
Performance-bred mules are quick on their feet. This mule was a challenge to keep focused on learning a new task.
As mule trainers, we know how to work around livestock. The work is never easy but that’s why we do it. Sure, you sweat when training a horse, but horses can be pushed around, mules simply won’t tolerate it. It takes a mindset to work with them, the mind games, testing you, questioning your resume… every day is like appearing on a game show, going up against the champion.
Well pal, it’s like this. You signed up for this. There’s no whining, and you have the tenacity and grit to do this. As a trainer, you know that working with clients in the mule industry is demanding. You are putting your reputation on the line. It’s part of the job, it goes with the territory and you choose to be a winner.
As mule trainers, it is important that you recognize a distraction as just that, a distraction. When working hard at a project, we are emotionally involved and focused on getting the job done in a timely manner. If family members are involved in our work environment, we could be challenged with a situation, and things can get difficult. Criticism is not well received when working hard, feeling pressured, and pushing yourself to succeed. Not only are you dedicated to your work, but you are sincere, on the level, and forthright about your career moves. You play by the rules.
Well, not everyone plays by the rules. And now, it can get sticky. Aside from not liking it, you are aggravated in the process and the pressure takes over to a point where you feel like lashing out or calling him or her out. In the Old West, when calling out someone, you would meet your rival out in the dusty street with your six-shooter strapped on. You took up playing the piano to keep your trigger finger ready. Hmm…
Truly, in today’s world, this is a distraction to your success and doesn’t deserve your time and energy. Distractions are such energy drainers, that your time is better spent on moving forward with your business plan. As professionals working in the mule trade, we strive to focus on the things that matter most. We are concerned with:
Round pen training is ideal when introducing a new task to the mule.
Positive growth in the mule industry.
Moving forward and keeping our energy positive.
Keeping business records current and organized.
Taking time off when needed to refresh our own business persepctive.
Staying committed to our training program.
Training mules through an honest approach and not by trickery or deceit.
Respecting livestock and providing care for them.
Developing a partnership with our mules to gain their trust.
Working with clients in the field, one-on-one to address their concerns.
Living and working by a code of conduct that builds on our integrity.
Renewing our strength to remain driven and focused.
Documenting what works and learning from our mistakes.
Positively using the social media platform in a positive manner to promote the mule industry.
Surrounding ourselves with friends and family that support our dreams.
Passing on our knowledge to others in hopes they will keep our mule legacy ongoing.
Establishing a reliable team with a skillset in training mules, to assist when needed.
Being supportive to others in the mule industry.
Challenging ourselves to perform better.
We can easily become hard on ourselves for different reasons. Working as professionals in the mule industry is not easy, but we accept the challenges and have a work ethic. An ethic we are proud of.
Your strength and commitment is needed. It’s not all glory and glamour, we know this. It’s tough, the entire mule industry requires a winning attitude. Your passion for mules will drive you. You’re the one that our youth look up to. They want to be just like you! Your high-profile and notariety is recognized. Your character is exceptional and you reflect on your potential and ability to remain positive in the mule industry. Stay focused, maintain your integrity, and don’t allow distractions to overcome your own success…the mules need you.
Mule girls are special; they’re tough, competitive, whimsical, sassy, creative, compassionate, and above all…they have grit. You, the mule girl, know who you are in every sense and you don’t question your abilities. Your essential qualifications…your skill set is unmatched, yet you work at improving your expertise. You hope for the best and expect the worst; it’s life and you accept difficult situations with a definitive strategy.
Your wardrobe consists of boots, chaps, and cowboy hats…it’s you. Your Wranglers® fit you well. Turquoise is your stone; you are surrounded by the scent of leather. You are loyal to the care of your saddle and tack; yes, you’re a mule girl…laundromats fear you.
The road is never-ending for a mule girl…you live each day with adventure. Your truck and trailer is hooked up for the next mule rodeo. You live your life as though you are on a mission. You answer to the call of the untamed wilderness. You step up to make a difference; like a town tamer looking for action, you accept the challenge and pin on the badge…because mule girls are cowgirl tough and dedicated to helping those in need.
Cindy K. Roberts
Friendship isn’t taken lightly with a mule girl. You live by a code, the Mule Girl Code.
Mule girls live with honesty, fairness, integrity, respect, and compassion.
Mule girls ride for the brand. It identifies your commitment to the cause.
Mule girls are patriotic.
Mule girls have respect for the wilderness.
Mule girls care for livestock and mules, their needs come first.
Mule girls support each other, giving strength and comfort when needed.
Mule girls keep a list and engage in the upkeep of the barn, tack, truck, and trailers.
Mule girls share their knowledge with others.
Mule girls show compassion and love to all animals.
Mule girls welcome a challenge without adding drama.
Mule girls have a sense of humor surrounding their everyday life with their mules.
Tara Streck
Mule girls make the best of cloudy days and dance in the rain. You dance with your mules and make snow angels on a winter’s day. You talk to cows in the nearby pasture, stretching the truth, you reassure them you eat salad only. Mule girls celebrate National Mule Day on October 26 to showcase and bring awareness to all mules. But honestly, everyday is mule day to the mule girl. Your mule girl training is steadfast and your mule girl record shows, you are undefeated.
Mule girls dwell on strength, whining is never an option. You know that every challenge placed before you, is God’s way of making you stronger. You know that storms never last, and the rainbow after the torrentuous rain, signals to the mule girl, there is a new day coming; a new beginning, and once again…you will be chasing your dream. Because the call of the wild, the whispers in the wind…never end.
Here’s to all the mule girls out there, my hat is off to you. (smile.)
It’s proven, mules mature physically and mentally at a slower pace than horses do. However, being hybrids, it is also proven they are smarter than both their parents. Yes, that means they are smarter than the horse (a given, because horses can be forced or bossed around into doing a task) and they are smarter than the donkey, who is a thinking machine of their own species.
So, while some mule owners get impatient about the training process, that is when the roadblocks start showing up in their schooling efforts.
Everyone wants to be at the top. The time and effort put into the equation may cause some people to give up. Because with time and effort, you will make mistakes. You have to make mistakes, in order to learn. You might make a career change and try something new, or you may become hard on yourself for not making accomplishments at the pace you so desire.
And, slamming someone for their own mistakes is not a part of the working solution. As humans, we can get better at our work…provided we learn from our mistakes. Quite simply, if we don’t learn from our errors, lessons are repeated until they are learned! That’s the Karma wrapped up in the Universe. It’s a big world out there and the Universe is endless.
As trainers or instructors in the mule industry, we don’t start at the top. At times, we will fail. We desire to show our best videos and photos that make us look like mule superstars, never do we show our bloopers. Dang! That opens the gate for “Keyboard Karens” to cut us down! Which brings to my mind the real fascinating stuff to this article.
Mules don’t take to internet bullying tactics. They have no interest in “Keyboard Karens” and they don’t show off muscle or “strength” to impress themselves or in an attempt to get outside approval. Mules comply to their barnyard rules of conduct, known as the pecking order. In this scenario, size doesn’t matter. The 2,500 pound draft mule is generally easy-going and follows through with the herd boss. What matters is the herd will stick together; this makes the herd structure stronger and well protected from predators. Stick with me, there’s a lesson here: mule trainers, instructors, and riders with integrity, show respect for other trainers/riders and offer assistance where needed. They won’t slam others and they show a high regard for others wherever their journey takes them.
As a side note: you can talk bad or take a slam at them from your keyboard as often or long as you want on social media. You know what? You just made an ass of yourself. And yes, the pun is intended. (wink.)
True Tales of Adventure from a Desperate Mid-West Housewife
True tales of adventure recorded in this book have all the elements of a good, trashy Western movie: sexy cowboys, athletic mules, runaway horses, more sexy cowboys, western action, and flirty cowgirls with cleavage that are revved up on margaritas. True escapades that have happened around the summer, steamy barn and on the trail, humorous, and witty. Available in perfect bound and instant download.
