CINDY’S MULE WISDOM – Every Cowgirl’s Dream

How to Buy a Mule – Interview the Seller Ask the Right Questions

When calling about a mule these are some questions that you will want to ask. If the seller tells you the mule has already been sold but he has another one in the barn lot that just might work for you, I would be skeptical. An unscrupulous seller can easily post a glamour photo of a mule (any mule) to entice potential buyers into calling. This is called the Bait and Switch. When inquiring about any mule, here are some questions to consider when interviewing the seller:

Phone Interviews With Sellers
First, be cordial to the seller and ask if now is a good time to talk about the mule being offered for sale. Remember, buying and selling a mule can be an emotional ordeal. The seller may be emotionally attached to the mule, there may be screaming children heard in the background, there may be a domestic issue that is forcing the sale of the mule; so don’t judge the seller when conducting your phone interview. If the seller gives you satisfactory answers to your questions, then arrange for the time to come out to look at the mule. If you are new to mules, you may want to let the seller know that you would like to see the mule being caught, groomed and saddled before you ride it. A hard to catch mule is not an easy issue to deal with for a new mule owner. However that never stopped me from buying a mule that didn’t want to be caught because I wrote the book on it! Training the Hard to Catch Mule.

When I bring a new mule home and he refuses to be caught, then the hunt is on. (wink.) I will catch that mule. It’s almost a personal thing with me because I am the most concerned and caring individual a mule could have for an owner. I make training fun for the mule and I easily connect with mules. And now you don’t want to hang out with me? Ha! The thrill is in the hunt! Like Dog the Bounty Hunter, I will bring in my mule.
These thought provoking questions should help you gather important info on the mule being offered for sale.

Environment: Where is the mule kept? Is he kept in a pasture, stall or paddock? Is he used to being with other horses/mules? How does the mule rank in the pecking order? This is good Information to know. If you intend to purchase a mule and change his environment and/or social order, you need to be confident that it will work out for the animal. Has the mule been exposed to barbed wire or an electric fence? These are all important issues to consider for your new mule purchase. A new animal should be introduced into his new surroundings during daylight.

Activity level: Ask about his activity level. How long has the mule been “unemployed?” Mules need time to get back into a “schooling” frame of mind, which usually takes about three weeks. During that time, there will be a change to their “mindset.” Remember as a child, returning to school after a long summer? If you are a skilled rider, this will not be a problem for you.

Health history: Is he up to date on all shots, paste worming, teeth floating and are his feet kept up? Vaccinations should be given twice a year, in the spring and fall. When you see an ad that claims the animal is “up to date on shots, paste-worming” ask to see the schedule. Paste-worming schedules that are allowed to go past 8 weeks can cause health issues in the animal. Has the animal had any illness or injury that required veterinary attention? You need to know this to determine if there may be a potential ongoing problem. Ask for the medical history on the mule.

Job skills: What are the mule’s job skills? What can he do? (Cross water? Cross bridges? Ride safely and calmly around traffic? Load into the trailer? Stand quietly for the farrier? Come when he is called? Ride English/Western or Hunter/Jumper? Work cows? Trail ride with confidence alone or in a group? Stand tied quietly to the trailer? Is he traffic safe? Is he able to camp on a picket line? Does the mule hobble?) These are just a few things to think about when purchasing a mule.

Your expectations:
What do you want the mule to do? Is he suited for what you expect of him? How is the mule’s disposition? A mule that requires being safe and confident while riding on the trail, should have a quiet disposition that is not easily spooked or show signs of nervousness. A performance mule that is expected to have athletic ability and speed should possess those same qualities.

Age of the mule:
Does the seller have paperwork to back up the age of the mule? A qualified veterinarian can age a mule by overall physical examination. Actual breeder certificates will also endorse the physical age on the mule. Since mules are hybrids, they have longevity and their physical age cannot be compared to the horse. This is another factor where the mule has the advantage over the horse, if properly cared for he will be sound and may be in service until the day he dies.

Ownership:
How many owners has the mule had? Is he a “foster” mule going from home to home? Of course, the better your riding/training skills, this won’t be an
issue for you.

Interaction:
Does the mule dislike cows, dogs or goats? This may be a potential trail problem if you are not able to get the mule past this issue.

Diet:
What has been the mule’s diet? Pasture mules going to another part of the country may experience dietary issues. All of this makes a difference to the overall health of your animal. Even though the mule is an adaptable creature, you will want to meet his dietary needs.

Training:
What type of training did the mule really have? An ad claiming the mule has been trained for a skill or task can be verified. Ask for the trainer’s name and contact information. Does the mule have any awards or show history? Get proof for the amount and type of training the mule has.

Compatibility is the key to owning a mule that you can enjoy for many years to come. You have to be confident with the new mule you are about to purchase. You also should feel safe when riding him and when doing groundwork as well. Take time to get to know the mule, allow him to bond with you and your partnership will grow from there.

Time off: When was the last time the mule was ridden? Mules that have the best disposition in the world can be left alone for long periods of time and then brought back to service. Other mules may not be as so agreeable to coming back after a period of rest and relaxation.

Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the seller a lot of questions. The seller knows if you are asking thought provoking questions, then you are a serious buyer. Keep in mind, the seller may not have the same skill level in training, riding or ownership of equines as you do; you will be wise to ask the necessary questions to give you a better understanding on the mule’s history. If you the buyer are lacking in confidence or an advanced skill set to training, riding and owning of mules, then take an experienced person that is qualified to assist you.

Size: You don’t want to purchase a mule that is too tall for you or one that is too short. Bone structure on a mule is equally important when shopping for a trail mule, pack mule or one to go to work. Make sure the mule is built for the job you expect him to do.

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Regain Your Confidence In the Saddle

Overcoming fear is something almost every equestrian face from time to time. Mules are large, potentially unpredictable and dangerous animals. But some riders, for a variety of reasons, struggle with fear and anxiety more than others. Few sports have as many dedicated participants who struggle with being afraid of their beloved, chosen equine partner. Fearful riders come in every age, gender, size and ability level. They include riders from every equestrian discipline and level of training.

A round pen makes a great classroom for your mule.

I will put emphasis on the fact that equestrian sports are the number one rated in head injuries and death. Directly put, it is a dangerous sport and activity. To think that you will never encounter an injury during your riding career is not probable. Keep your risks to a minimum and think while your train to lower your chances of becoming injured. With that being said, you should realize the inherited risks involved with equestrian sports and take an active role in keeping fit while increasing your knowledge of the sport to minimize your risk.

Equestrian fears usually originate from two distinct sources: post-traumatic fear and generalized anxiety. Post-traumatic fear develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic incident or accident. Not every rider who is involved in or witnesses an equestrian accident will develop post-traumatic fear. Some riders seem to “bounce back” from devastating accidents with few long-term effects. More fearful, riders will struggle with crippling fears after a seemingly minor incident. I was raised in a family when after the fall, you got back on. Having that mindset, I developed horse and mule savvy skills that has brought a great amount of rewards to my life. If you are addicted to mules like I am, you will not be able to give it up.

Work with your mule through “thinking” exercises such as walking through tires.

How do we explain riders that have fears even though they have not been injured? Generalized anxiety develops in the “what if” section of the brain. No actual incident has occurred, but the fear is always of what might occur. What if my mule bolts and I cannot stop him? What if my mule spooks at a cow? What if a barking dog chases us on the trail? What if my mule bucks me off? The “what if” possibilities are endless and can be paralyzing.

Older adults have an increased awareness of their own mortality, and often must deal with stiffer, less flexible joints; bones that break more easily; increased body weight; decreased muscular strength; slower reflexes; a lower general level of fitness; and old or prior injuries. These physical realities may increase an already anxious rider’s fear level.

So, what is an anxious or fearful rider to do? First, be patient with yourself, learn to recognize and reward your progress. The steps to successfully overcoming fear are usually small and may feel painfully slow. There are no easy or simple answers to overcoming fear. But there is hope and success for those who are determined to conquer their fears.

It will be beneficial to enlist your Equestrian Support Team. Fearful and anxious riders will rarely overcome their fears alone. The more support a fearful rider gathers, the more likely he/she is to successfully overcome his/her fears. Possible members of an Equestrian Support Team include: a supportive riding instructor or trainer; a sports psychologist or psychotherapist; a physician or other medical professional; experienced, confident mule friends and riding partners; a supportive spouse, partner or good friend; and friendly mule riding clubs and organizations. Some well-meaning riding instructors add to the problem by refusing to allow their students to talk about their fears. This is not the style of riding instructor I would recommend for a fearful rider, who needs to be able to talk about and verbally process his/her fears. A little empathy and understanding can go a long, long way.

Fear can create these responses: dry mouth, sweating, “butterflies” in the stomach, nausea, “rubbery” legs, shaking or trembling, chest pressure or pain, eyes looking down or losing focus, shortness of breath, “racing” thoughts, inability to focus or concentrate, and the fear of losing control. Now let’s work on this.

Timid, novice and fearful riders should always wear a helmet. Every time, every ride. You never “forget” the girth, do you? Then there is no excuse for “forgetting” a helmet. No matter which equestrian discipline or activity you are participating in, a properly fitted, ASTM/SEI-approved equestrian helmet is the single most important piece of personal safety equipment available today. A helmet may save your life and your future in the event of a fall or serious accident. Knowing your wonderful, unique brain is well protected will give you one less thing to worry about when you ride.

Learn visualization and imaging techniques. Invest in CDs and DVDs that have information about mental imagery and visualization for equestrians. Listen to them when you drive to work or the barn to help you develop imaging skills that will minimize your fears. Visualization and imaging skills require time, practice and disciplined thinking, in order to be effective.

Improve your riding skills. Most fearful riders benefit tremendously from taking additional riding lessons on the basics of riding an older well trained mule. These lessons should be with a patient, caring instructor who enjoys working with timid adults. Lessons on the basic mechanics of riding and controlling a mule, balance, and understanding a mule’s movement will help a fearful rider to relax and feel more in control in the saddle. Ideally, these lessons should take place on a calm “schoolmaster” type mule.

Improve your fitness level. Start with abdominal strength. The abdominal and oblique muscles control your position in the saddle and help you to stay with your mule when he turns quickly. Strong abs make you a stronger rider. Increasing your over-all fitness, strength and flexibility will usually increase a rider’s self-confidence in the saddle.

Look and act like a confident rider, even if you do not feel like one. It is easier to act your way into a new way of feeling than to feel your way into a new way of acting. The physical positions of keeping your eyes up, chin up, and smiling send signals to your brain that you are in control and confident, even if you do not feel that way emotionally. Look and act like you are confident and eventually you will feel that way.

Evaluate the mule you own or usually ride. Are you a good match for each other? Many fearful riders are riding mules they should not be riding. They are over-mounted and intuitively know that, but do not know how to change the situation. If you are not sure whether you and your mule are a good match, enlist the aid of a knowledgeable equine professional to help you. A professional opinion may give you the courage to overcome your fears and work successfully with your current mount or the courage to say good-bye and find a more suitable mount to help you achieve your equestrian goals and find the fun again.

Participating in a riding clinic or equine seminar will boost your confidence.

Make a plan. The most effective plans will usually involve regular riding lessons or instruction, sessions with a sports psychologist or psychotherapist who is experienced with equestrian issues, and mobilizing your entire Equestrian Support Team. Clinics specifically designed to help riders overcome fear issues can be particularly effective in helping fearful riders to get back on the “fun” track again.

In summary, there is hope and help available for anxious riders who want to overcome their fears. Successfully overcoming the fear of riding and becoming a confident rider most often occurs when a strong Equestrian Support Team is enlisted and utilized with a thoughtful, realistic plan is in place. Here’s to your future as a confident rider and a leader in your mule’s life!

Pasteworming/Giving Oral Meds the Easy Way

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.

Developing Good Habits

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.

Cut Cows – Not Corners

It’s proven, mules mature physically and mentally at a slower pace than horses do. Generally the mule’s height will be one to two inches taller than his dam, the horse mare. 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 never ask to see your resume) and they are smarter than the donkey, who is a thinking machine of their own species.

While some mule owners get impatient about the training process, that is when the roadblocks start showing up in their schooling efforts. New mule owners tend to get stuck, they made it past the sniff test, but reading their animal is a complex issue.

Building a solid foundation in your mule’s training is so important. You want an animal you can depend on; one that won’t blowup when the going gets rough on the trail. You want an animal that is confident and attentive to you, his handler. You want an animal that will respond to your cues and move forward when asked. Every time you step up into the saddle, you are taking a risk. Do yourself a favor, make sure your skill set matches with your mule’s. Build on your partnership, because whether you realize it or not, when owning a mule, you are in a relationship, and things can get personal when a disagreement comes along.

To make a point about reading your mule accurately, and definitively: The mule in the above photo, “Cabo” is walking towards me after I called her name. Cabo is very expressive, reading her body language has been very interesting, and a huge learning curve in my working with mules over the years. Horse people typically misread this expression as being unhappy or aggressive. This mule is showing a sign of submissiveness. Can you imagine if I misread this mule and “punished” her for merely wanting to come near me? Since this photo was taken, this mule has gained confidence and now walks up to me in a confident and relaxed state of mind.

Realizing the time and effort it takes to put into a mule’s training may cause some handlers to give up. Mules are thinking animals; they process It’s intimidating when you realize how quick a mule learns, And, you will make mistakes. You have to make mistakes, in order to learn.

Mules are amazing. They are individuals. They don’t take to bullying tactics. Mules comply to their own 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.

Now, this mule has more confidence and is relaxed.

Stick with me, there’s a lesson here: you can spend a lifetime with equines and still not know everything there is to know. That statement should humble you. Yes, God gave us dominion over animals. That dominion doesn’t include abuse or neglect. So take your time and do what is needed at the right time. Skipping steps in your training will show up later when you need your mule the most.

I will leave you with this thought; living in a push button world of convenience, mule handlers tend to cut corners. A trainer made a statement years ago that stuck with me, “You cut cows, not corners.” And now you know why.

The Soft/Smiley Face of the Mule

The Smiley Face of the Mule – is often mistaken for aggression when it’s not.

The mule in the photo, “Cabo” is walking towards me after I called her name. Cabo is very expressive and reading her body language has been very interesting and a huge learning curve in my working with mules over the years. Horse people typically misread this expression as being unhappy or aggressive and even as a sign of confusion. This mule has been heavy-handed by a trainer that broke her out several years ago. The mare mule is very smart and learning her body language has been fascinating to me.

Having figured out Cabo’s past handling has enabled me to realize that this facial expression is more of submission, saying I am coming to you. Her head is lowered, her lower lip is relaxed and her ears are gently laying down – not pinned back as you would expect in an angry mule or horse.

Of course, after Cabo walks up to me, I place the rope halter on her first, and then she gets a graham cracker as a reward. I then bring her through the gate to saddle up and go to work.

A recent blurb from Lea Lansade, PhD, at the French Horse and Riding Institute in The Horse newsletter, explains:

Much equine research has focused on the communication of negative emotions. It’s time to give thought to what constitutes the expression of positive emotions in horses, says Lansade. And that, she says, we can see in their “smiles.”

“Horses have relatively complex facial muscles that allow them to have a wide variety of facial expressions, almost what we’d see in most primates,” Lansade says. “As scientists, we can’t really use the words ‘smile’ or ‘happy’ referring to animals, but when you look at the facial expression of a horse with positive emotions, that’s essentially what we’re seeing.”

Happy horses create the “equine smile” by half-closing their eyes, stretching out their upper lips, and pointing their ears backward, almost in line with the nose, she says, based on a new study her team just released about desirable grooming techniques. Sometimes they keep the upper lip still; sometimes they twitch it a bit. In combination with that smile, they usually lift or tilt their necks slightly.

“It’s not enough to avoid negative emotions in our horses; we need to be actively seeking signs of positive emotions, as well,” Lansade says. “If we can read their body language, we can recognize what makes them happy.”

Cindy K Roberts

The Successful Mule Trainers Demeanor

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.

Recognize Distractions to Your Success

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.

You Don’t Start at the Top

You Don’t Start At The Top

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.)

Know Where To Hang Your Hat – Status Is Everything

An interesting concept is status. Mules being as independent as they are, know where to hang their hat. They mingle, hang out, and move around in the paddock and pasture, to where it benefits them. They figure out herd dynamics quickly and make it all happen for them. For the mule, it’s all about him or her. Mules get this. They get the status thing and use it to their advantage. Dang! How cool is that?

So, where you hang your hat, is crucial for mental and physical health. So yes, status is everything.

Understandably, prolonged periods of feeling like you’re low status can thus lead to illness and depression. If your serotonin remains diminished for a long enough time, you’ll also become angry and may even feel the urge to violently lash out at others. This is not cool. You really need to take a time out and hang with the mules.

So, this status thing…unfortunately, there is a fair share of unscrupulous “business people” that muddy up a sector of the mule industry. This is nothing new, so watch yourself.

Just as you have an ingrained desire to seek status, others do too, and part of that drive is to connect with high-status people. As your confidence grows, your network of friends and peers will reflect as being positive growth. Remember, status isn’t just about looks or wealth, so this isn’t a purely superficial attraction. Both men and women want to befriend and partner with a guy who brings all kinds of valuable things to the table, whether that’s intelligence, wit, loyalty, or skill; everyone wants high status and hardworking people on their team.

And the mules; don’t want a deadhead on their team or a troublemaker. They go by their rules of conduct in the pasture and around the barn. Mules are good about the status thing. I admire mules that can detect dishonorable intentions faster than the stagecoach that left the depot.

Running an equine business is a challenge. Just remember, developing status leads you down the trail of success; to making new friends, finding romantic partners, and building a rich social network.

And that is why I like working with mules. They will teach you to look deep into your heart and soul; they will humble you and allow you to have a deeper understanding. That’s the deal breaker right there. I think I will hang my hat, right here.