Cindy hope you are well. My mule is still having trust/come-to-me issues. I spend as much time with her as possible. She still will not walk up to me
unless I have a treat and then only to be able to get a treat and
retreat. She sees how we treat the other horses and pays attention to
them. No matter what I do the only way I can catch her is to verbally
” Lunge” her around the corral. At first, it took about 4 laps and then
she would stop and turn to me and let me walk up and rub her neck and take
her halter. The first time I just rubbed her neck and talked back to her
and released her. Then I put the lead rope around my neck so she could see
it. She moved off again but then stopped after one lap and let me catch
her. I then brushed her, led her around, checked her feet, talked to her,
and released her. I have altered my routine every time I catch her, she
never knows if I am only going to give her a rub and pat or if I am
going to lead her or brush her or ride her. She is riding great but
has some bridling issues that I will discuss later. That is the only
process that has worked for me. Any suggestions? Enjoyed the
book “Answers To Your Mule Questions” and plan on reading it again. You have a talent for writing.
Does your mule hackamore come in different sizes? She has a pretty large
head and a regular bridle is tight. She still puts her tongue over the bit so I
plan on ordering the hackamore soon.
Blessings,
Name Withheld
Dear Sir,
I have worked with older mules that were very hard to catch. I found it better to place the oats inside a bucket, then place the nose of the halter over the bucket, when the mule dips his/her nose into the bucket, scratch her neck (to desensitize) her at the same time. Quietly and calmly, secure the halter and continue to feed her. It is OK to have this routine established because the previous owner(s) have neglected to work with her with hones intentions. This technique may take several tries to where the mule willingly will dip her head into the bucket and wait for the halter to be secured. With older mules, it can take longer in repetitious handling/gentling techniques before they feel secure in forming a bond with their handler. This is OK; remember, the mule doesn’t forget ill-treatment or deceitful techniques used in their schooling. Feeding a treat, slapping on a halter then going to work is viewed as dishonest coming from the mule’s perspective. There has to be a relationship.
Early in the relationship, by walking out to the corral, rewarding the mule for approaching and walking away is good. Repeat this process. Always reward with a handful of oats, that way your mule can’t do the dine-and-dash maneuver by grabbing what’s in your hand and running away with it.
I have tossed oats on the ground to encourage a mule to approach me. It takes more time with older mules to decide that you are OK, but with a positive and honest approach to their training, they do look for you to be their friend.
Keep in touch — I want to know how this works out for you.
~Cindy K. Roberts