MULE STORIES – Every Cowgirl’s Dream

Meet Cyndi Nelson – Mule Jumping Queen

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.]

Meet Cochise aka Goat Cheese the Mule

Mule sisters, Wendy and Cindy adopting Cochise.

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.

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.

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.

Mule Girls

Cindy K. Roberts with Tara Streck

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.

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.

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.)

New Year – Reflecting Back

During the spring of 2^nd grade, my friend Robbie Ryba wrote a love letter and handed it to me in the hay shed after school. It was my first love letter; and being merely eight years old, it seemed foolish to me for anyone to waste their time writing romantic nonsense when you could be outside building a fort or playing with the horses; I firmly explained to Robbie that I had no time for love…I was devoted to my pony.

That was many years ago; being older and wiser, my love for mules, horses, and donkeys developed into writing feature articles, mule training books, cowgirl humor, judging mule events, and becoming involved with professional organizations that work to protect our trails and are concerned with the welfare of our mules and horses. Developing a partnership with my mules and securing a future for them has taken priority in my life. Working with mule owners in establishing heightened communication gives me great pleasure that I am making a difference in the mule world. My personal experience in working with mules is so endearing to me that I’ve kept a mule diary since 1985. Filled with laughter and tears my heartfelt stories are carefully documented to be remembered by. At times, I look back.

I reflect on the organizations that are committed to watching over our trails and protecting the equine industry:

Back Country Horsemen of Missouri (BCHMO) is part of the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA). As such, BCHMO coordinates activities throughout Missouri to protect and keep Missouri’s public trails open to equestrians. Purposes of Back Country Horsemen of Missouri:

To ensure that public lands remain open for equestrian use.
To further the commonsense use and enjoyment of equines on Missouri’s trails.
To educate, encourage, and gain active participation in the care and use of equestrian resources.
To assist the federal, state, and county agencies with the maintenance and management of land resources for equestrian uses.
To foster and encourage the formation of new state chapters.

Interestingly, Missouri ranks third nationally in horse population. With an estimated horse population of 200,000 horses, the total value of all breeds exceeds $400 million and operating expenses are more than $200 million annually.

The horse industry today is diverse and contributes significantly to the economic health of the state. Horse and mule enthusiasts enjoy a wide range of activities such as trail riding, rodeos, racing, show competitions, jumping, driving, and hunting.

The Missouri Horse Council was founded in January 2019. The council recognizes that the equine industry is large but quite fragmented. They want to bring all stakeholders together to provide one voice for Missouri’s equine industry. The benefits are numerous, including a stronger voice in economic development initiatives, promoting equine education, improving communication of health threats, and unifying a strong voice in political discussions and voting. (www.missourihorsecouncil.com)

Growing up with horses will teach children how to get back on after a rough day, putting something else’s care above their own and being able to get up at all hours and function. Growing up with horses will also allow kids to develop pitchfork skills to last a lifetime, and the work ethic grows from there. This year, like every year, it is up to us to protect our shared trails for our children and grandchildren. Stay informed, get involved, make friends, and work together to protect the public lands for our children’s future.

By the way, Robbie Ryba has found love and has family and friends to share his dreams with. We laugh over our childhood memories and that handwritten love letter remains in my old keepsake scrapbook.

Red-Headed Step-Child Mule Finds Home

You remember Ruth the mule; the big boned, sixteen hand sorrel horse mule that hitched a ride from Oklahoma to live in Missouri. Ruth…big, ugly and friendly. Ruth was a big part of the family at the Missouri mule farm, or so he thought. Yes, Ruth is a male mule, and the gender thing was troubling for Ruth. Having a girl’s name was confusing and at times, Ruth felt left out when he was “home alone” in the big pasture; I could feel his pain. Ruth galloped frantically down the fence line braying, bucking and rearing for attention. I understood how Ruth felt, so I rode Ruth several times under English saddle whenever I visited the mule farm. After climbing on top of a tractor tire, I was in the saddle; Ruth and I hit the trails.

Later, Ruth’s owner had health issues and Ruth was not getting the attention he deserved. Now, Ruth was becoming reckless and ruthless (pardon the pun) by charging into the gate while the other mules were present. It was becoming dangerous for the other riders to halter their own mules at the gate and Ruth was just miserable. Quite simply, Ruth will have to go.

Sadly, Ruth was offered for sale under a different name, Chewy. It was decided that Chewy was a more salable name and since Chewy was so ugly his sale price was lowered, and the sale ad was quite blunt about Chewy being so homely looking. Sadly, Chewy was being treated like the red-headed stepchild, the family was hoping and praying there would be a home for this mule…somewhere.

As fate would have it, a family from Kansas came to look at Chewy. A young fifteen-year-old named Thomas test drove “Chewy” in the large round pen while a thunderstorm approached. This was all new to the big mule because “Chewy” thought he was going for a ride, not a boring lesson. The wind has picked up and fingers were crossed that “Chewy” would pass this job interview. “Chewy” was not a bad mule by any means but sometimes, mule karma can hit hard during the most critical situations. It’s those moments when the planets shift for no reason and then mystifying energy will cause a mule to act up for no apparent reason. I’ve witnessed it many times…I was literally holding my breath. Occasionally I offered my opinion to help build this connection because “Chewy” was desperate and needed someone in his life.

In a matter of minutes, Thomas and “Chewy” were working together and “Chewy” was listening, waiting for the next request. Three lightning strikes later, Thomas dismounted and announced he would be “Chewy’s” new owner…but he was naming his mule, Ruth! It was though the heavens had parted; I knew then this was meant to be! I was almost in tears, then we confessed, that we felt sorry for the mule that was really named Ruth because we didn’t think he would be an easy sell, being that ugly.

Thomas proudly loaded his new mule into the trailer and promised he would keep us updated on Ruth Chewy. We waved goodbye with happy tears in our eyes. I was so happy for Ruth Chewy; it was like a mule dream come true; I always believed there is a mule for every person with a job to do and a person for every mule that is looking for a new beginning. Ruth has a new start in life and went home to Kansas…living the life of Riley as they say. Ruth Chewy watches over his new owner, standing over him as young Thomas does his homework in the barn, sitting next to Ruth. Ruth Chewy looks for Thomas every day and greets him with a bray, they are now inseparable. Thomas has ridden Ruth to his summer job, taken him to mule events and is now teaching him how to hobble, ground tie…well, for Ruth Chewy the sky’s the limit.

One day Ruth along with the entire herd, went through a section of fence that had been pushed out on the north side of the pasture. Ruth is not a troublemaker by any means, and he would have never left his new owner but knowing Ruth, his anxiety issues about being home alone got the best of him that day. I am sure that he didn’t want to be left behind. During this upset, Ruth had injured his fetlock and now Ruth is receiving veterinary care while being confined.

Ruth didn’t understand why he was being kept in a stall; this is the longest “timeout” session he has had in his entire life! Young Thomas took care of Ruth and spent many hours in keeping his mule company. Over several weeks of visits to the vet and the shoer, Ruth is back!

The fences were repaired and now “Ruth shouldn’t get into trouble again,” says his new owner. “We let him back out with the rest of the herd again 2 weeks ago. I hated having him in smaller pens. He does so much better in bigger pastures. He lost so much weight being stalled with his cast. I’ve tried everything to get it back up. Depression hits equine the same as humans. He is now gaining weight because he’s happier. (He was getting weight gain, vitamins, rice bran and 1 full can of grain. 1/2 can of grain in the evening. I tried alfalfa pellets and beet pulp plus a protein tub at any time he wanted and a round bale of prairie hay. He doesn’t like being confined. Tom loves his mule. Even when we don’t ride he’s always going out and talking with him in the pasture. He just lost weight in his top line. He just walked the fences constantly. Full of energy.”

One November afternoon, Ruth’s owner was sitting in the kitchen talking on the phone; she was in front of the sliding glass doors watching the mules eat. Ruth/Chewy is standing up behind a tree sleeping in the sun. When all of a sudden, he looks like he’s trying to do a somersault. Desperately trying to get his feet under him and falling on his face! Ruth fell while sleeping! Goofy mule! No worries, Ruth is fine. Funny though, Ruth was looking around to see if anyone saw him fall. Make a note, mules do not like feeling embarrassed. please

Now, Ruth Chewy is healed up and his young owner trained Ruth to rear up while he was on his back! Ha! Trigger has nothing over this mule! Tom and Ruth are inseparable. Ruth’s new life is very enriched and has moved up the social ladder. Yes, it’s amazing…bring a mule into your life and they insist on being included with all the social affairs. That was when Tom decided that Ruth needed to go caroling with him at Christmas time, in their local town. Hearing this, made me feel warm and fuzzy for Ruth Chewy. They say Ruth was amazingly cordial according to the manual written on mule standards for social graces. Kids running everywhere, cameras flashing, Christmas lights on the equines and houses and some were flashing. Vehicles between ours and the ranger and local traffic. Tom was in heaven riding his own mule to show off to the towns people. Needless to say,…Ruth was beaming too.

So, there is something to be learned here…every mule has a purpose…ugly mules need love too…never leave a family member home alone…and Ruth Chewy lived happily ever after.