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.
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.