A young mule grows up on a farm with his elderly master and donkey friend, named Harold. When the aged owner can no longer care for his animals, they are turned over to the Humane Society. Not having any schooling, the mule and donkey are introduced to a training program and then they come up for adoption. Goat Cheese, the mule teaches children about being kind, how to be a good friend, to love everyone, and to help each other. Goat Cheese also teaches children that cigarettes are bad for you, not to drink, and to say no to drugs. This book is to bring awareness to children about animals having feelings and to always be kind. Young and old alike will enjoy this heartfelt story.
Receiving award: Women Making History Past and Present in Lees Summit today. Thank you, Roxanne Dickens for nominating me and recognizing my accomplishments with my mules; being an author, and for Mule Talk podcast. I am honored. This chapter is affiliated with The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This group is made up with amazing people.
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
Itâs 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 donât learn from our errors, lessons are repeated until they are learned! Thatâs the Karma wrapped up in the Universe. Itâs a big world out there and the Universe is endless.
As trainers or instructors in the mule industry, we donât 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 âKeyboard Karensâ to cut us down! Which brings to my mind the real fascinating stuff to this article.
Mules donât take to internet bullying tactics. They have no interest in âKeyboard Karensâ and they donât show off muscle or âstrengthâ 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 doesnât 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, thereâs a lesson here: mule trainers, instructors, and riders with integrity, show respect for other trainers/riders and offer assistance where needed. They wonât 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.)
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.
It’s a kick in the pants! Bringing stimulating content about mules and donkeys to you from Mule Talk! Featured guest, Meredith Hodges and Host, Cindy K. Roberts are making a difference, thanks to you our listeners on Mule Talk Podcast (On IHeart Radio) or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Here we are, letâs get at it! If you have questions, you know where to find me.
Start an emergency mule fund. Keep tucking away extra cash for an emergency that may come up unexpectedly. Be smart about this, stuff happens, and as you know, you canât bubblewrap your mules or donkeys.
Clean out and organize your tack room. Use a broom to whisk away the cobwebs, wipe down your leather with conditioner, and cover your saddles/gear with a cover. Dust is destructive to leather.
Focus on riding with a purpose. If you donât have a purpose, whatâs the point? That comes from a muleâs perspective. Not having a purpose develops boredom in the mule, horse, or donkey. Yes, I know you ride for therapy, to get away, to get mule time in, but remember, youâre the leader. Develop your partnership between yourself and your equine. In other words, donât be a knucklehead. (wink)
Create a plan for barn safety, such as eliminating fire hazards and loose boards. If you are a boarder, offer to help out and make a note of what is needed to keep the environment safe for your mule or horse. Contribute to a mule or donkey charity. And research the charity first to make sure they are credible. Youâre doing good here, so keep moving on with the list!
Contribute to a mule or donkey charity. And research the charity first to make sure they are credible. Youâre doing good here, so keep moving on with the list!
Build up your stamina and muscle by exercising 3-4 days a week. You donât have to be a Ninja fighter; proper balance and controlling your moves will keep you in the game longer. Moving up and down stairs several times is the simplest and easiest way to develop your agility. My secret weapon is 5-pound weights. I do 25 repetitions of curls, and 10 repetitions of the overhead shoulder press. I will do 10 sets each day and it works for me.
Read a mule/donkey book from a trainer or professional you look up to. If you want to be entertained while reading on your favorite subject, pick up one of my books, theyâve been grouch-tested! (wink)
Attend a clinic either as an auditor or rider. Thereâs always something to be learned or shared with others. There are many podcasts and online clinics you can attend to suit your needs. So many choices!
Stay positive and celebrate your progress. Surround yourself with friends and family that have a healthy outlook and support your dreams. This is all good stuff here, keep moving, you got this!
Learn to refine your aids (seats, legs, hands, etcâŚ) Remember those Ninja moves you are working on number five on this list? This will help you to be able to strengthen your body and sharpen your riding skills. I see so many riders with poor posture, riding slumped over in the saddle. One false move during a ride, and bam! Youâre dumped!
On those non-riding days, get involved with horse board games such as: The Fantasy Ranch board game allows you to build and manage your own dream stables. This ranching horse board game includes three different levels, making it great for people of all ages. Herd Your Horses is an exciting board game that lets you play from the rancherâs or horseâs perspective. Horse Sense is a board game that will test your own horse knowledge. Throughout the game, you will learn about horse care, health, breeds, and riding. With over 200 hundred horse fact questions, your horse skills will be put to the test. This board game allows you to expand your horse knowledge while testing you on what you know. Gallop Home board game will put your equestrian skills to the test with this intricate board game. Players can try their hand as a horse trainer, with a full range and variety of skills to choose from. Horse Bingo board game, no matter your age, Bingo is something that you can enjoy playing. This rendition of Bingo takes it to the next level by incorporating horses into the game.
Keep a journal. Record or document your rides. Keep a record of time spent with your mule. I go back and read the journals I have kept over the years; it is enlightening to me, humorous, and so rewarding!
Here we are, the final roundâŚmake this a routine before your turn-in every night: Always check on the herd, say your prayers, and stay true to yourself. Youâre worth it and we have a job to do. Remember, Iâm counting on you.
