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.]
