A runaway mule is a dangerous thing. Often, the (out of control) mule lacks foundation training, which enables the mule to easily become fearful in a situation he cannot handle. Once the mule has spooked from an object or from a buildup of stress (i.e. time bomb scenario) the end result is running away with a rider that no longer has control. To make matters worse, the rider usually decides to use a more controlling bit or a corrective type of bit that the animal has not been trained to carry in his mouth. This actually adds fuel to the fire, because in a matter of time, the mule will learn to grab hold of the bit (that is causing him pain), raise his head and take off; once again you have a runaway mule.
Typically the non-responsive mule is sold to a new owner and the cycle continues. By then, the mule has developed the habit of getting above the bit when he wants to, by ignoring/evading the rider’s seat, leg, and rein aids all to avoid completing a task. During this process, the mule will often times develop anxiety or intense nervousness simply because he knows he will be punished and the end result is a confirmed runaway.
I wrote this book hoping to keep riders safe and in control while in the saddle. Riders who are able to maintain a sense of control in their mule are much better handlers with confidence. They also have the ability to develop that confidence within their own mule. My book, Re-training The Hard Mouth Mule will enable you as the rider/handler to develop control and confidence. You will also learn how to develop lightness in your mule as well.
Details on a logical approach to connect, form an equine partnership, and bond with your mule. The book covers how a mule sees, hears, smells, and feels sensations in his world; learn what drives him to be the cautious animal that he is. Learn how to read your mule, proper approach, gentling; discover the mindset of the mule to strengthen your partnership. Excellent training book for mule handlers wanting to learn the physiological aspects of the mule.
Meredith Hodges, Steve Edwards, Tim Doud, Red & Julie Wycoff, Chris French, and Cindy K. Roberts discuss behavior issues. Over 60 behavior issues are addressed and how to retrain the mule to be safe and confident in his work. Complete information from professional mule trainers that addresses vices or undesirable habits developed in the mule due to ineffective or poor training. A thorough account of mule behavior, proper saddle fit, bridle fit, selecting bits, appropriate tack, and more! Excellent resource for the equine library.
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.
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.
Proven Techniques for the Trail Riding Mule! Retraining Apprehensive & Insecure Mules, Becoming the Confident Mule Rider Includes Training Through Feel, Assessing Your Mule’s Skill Level Factors Contributing To The Unconfident Mule Physiological Needs — Nutrition, Correct Saddle Fit For the Mule & Rider, Correct Saddle Pad Fit For the Mule, Proper Fit of the Bridle, Bits & Their Uses, Hackamores & Their Uses, Nosebands, Draw Reins, Martingales & Their Uses, Leg Wraps & Their Uses, Understanding The Mule’s Thought Process, Obstacle Training, Desensitizing, Trailer Loading, How The Reward System Works For The Mule, Becoming the Confident Mule Rider, Riding on Multiple Use Trails, Meeting Real Challenges on the Trail & MORE!
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.
Thank you for all the great information you provided on understanding and handling mules. Your common sense approach is appreciated.
I have a question that I hope you can help me with. I have two mules that ride, drive, and try lots of stuff with. My 9-year-old molly is pretty advanced in her training, but has a big hole in her fundamentals. I know this is related to respect, but I don’t know how to correct it.
She appears very respectful and will do what I ask her to do. On the ground, she will move in any direction, side-pass away and to me, ground tie, etc. But, if I try to lead her off to somewhere she doesn’t want to go, she quickly bends her head away from me and pulls out of my hands! I am not as strong as a man, so I cannot use brute strength to match her size (she’s 16 hands). What can I do to get and keep her respect? This is the one thing that I HAVE to correct.
Thank you very much for any advice you can give me. ~ Joan
Hi Joan,
I have dealt with this very problem several times and it seems they all were mare mules too! How funny. The good news is, you don’t have to be as strong as a man to work with your mule. I mean, look at me! The fact that your mule “surprised” you and was able to take advantage of the moment . . . well she got away with it so she will try it again. There are a couple of things you can do:
You can use a training cable that will give you a better advantage. The Mustang Cowboy War Bonnet (don’t let the name scare you) I have used this with getting good results. (shown above.)
In my experience, mare mules tend to get anxious or act up when they are in season. Some mares don’t readily show signs that they are in season but their attitude will change.
When your mule is “thinking” about pulling away from you – you should get a sixth sense about it and be able to react quickly to establish control. Flexing her to the right and left daily would also aid in establishing control.
I hope I have given you some workable solutions – I have applied all the above-mentioned training and they have all worked for me, it just depends on your skill set and what you feel like doing. Thank you for your email Joan – please let me know how you are doing with this and if you need further help – let me know! ~Cindy K. Roberts
Hi Cindy I was lucky enough to find your website. My new mule is Pricilla, she was a Grand Canyon mule. I’m adding her to my two riding horses a quarter horse and a Mustang. She came last week and I rode for a bit in the round pen. The person I got her from said she figured she had been in a curb bit prior. All I had was a snaffle and she did well 90% of the time except, twice she put her head down and walked fast with zero brakes!
This has made trying her out on the trail a little concerning. I found a curb bit in some old tack, haven’t tried it yet. It seems so severe to what I’m used to. Have you had any experience with x-string mules? Would your hackamore be a better option?
Thank you,
Nancy,
Mules that have had a routine or job for so long tend to lose their confidence in a new situation and look for an out or evasion to their new routine. Also, mules that had jobs and were ready to go to work, put their energy into the task at hand. The Whoa Mule Bridle would be ideal for your mule. My book explains how to fit it, use it, and why things didn’t work out for you in the first place.
I like to talk with people first before selling the bridle, I don’t sell snake oil, and I like to take into consideration the age, background, and demeanor of the mule before I ship the Whoa Mule Bridle. Not every mule is a candidate. If I can answer any more of your questions plz let me know.
I’m a first-time mule owner; but did manage to purchase a really nice 10-year-old mare mule, Greta. I bought your bridle a few months ago, not for a running away issue, but for when my mule just stops. (Really because she just wants to stop, not because of any real or perceived danger). When she stops she will start backing up or turning in a circle. She’s good with her ears, takes her bit well enough, and will go on after a few backs and circles. But I don’t want to fight with her or cause her to buck or rear. She’s fairly lazy which I like and not easily spooked. She gets to stay out in the pasture with horses and some cows and is easy to catch and bring in. I did have some trouble bringing her in at first, but she’s over that. So I think it relates to being buddy-sour and accepting me. I can see where the bridle would keep her at a slow pace heading back to the barn, but not exactly how it will make her go forward. I don’t let her go straight back and I don’t unsaddle her when we get back either.
Thanks for your help, Julia
Julia – thanks for your email. I perceive your mule backing up or turning in circles as a form of “I really don’t want to do this right now” attitude. Interesting. The good news is this is easy to correct. Move your mule whether in a circle or side pass her or work her off her forehand or hindquarters. The point is, to give her something to think about. Also – whichever exercise you choose to divert her attention – you should be skilled at setting her up and following through with it. You simply want her to think about this new request – encourage her to follow through and reward her. Then you can move onto something else. If all you r doing is riding her and not offering leadership – your mule would prefer to feel secure and comfortable with her pasture mates. I will be around this eve if you need to call. ~Cindy K Roberts (\_/)
