Can anyone here relate with me when I say...

hntrgirl

that today I worked with my 3 year old, 16 hand, probably 1500lb percheron molly mule and had her bending to me and driving within 10 minutes?

What an awesome accomplishment! The thing I've learned with mule is TRUST!!! I've had the two mollys for 2 years and I've taken them very slow. Not because they couldn't take more, but because I've....just been slow.

They both take onto whatever I introduce to them so quickly and I'm tellin' you what....it feels good!

I'm thinkin' by fall...they and me is goin' huntin!!!!

huntem · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 6:59 pm Post subject:

How about a picture?

hntrgirl · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:17 pm Post subject:

How's tomorrow or Sunday work for ya? And I mispelled "here" in the title. I DO THAT A LOT! (I'm sort of reckless in my typing...and otherwise)

It's supposed to rain starting tonight but I'm on sort of a routine with 'the girls' and what's so cool is they EXPECT attention from me. I love it!!! I will try to send one on this thread over the weekend, huntem.

But the question begs???? Do you have mules or do you have different motives? just wonderin?

Very Happy

huntem · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:26 pm Post subject:

DCD · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:47 am Post subject:

IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO HAVE A MOTIVE I WILL VOLUNTEER Laughing

saddlesore · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:01 am Post subject:

Really typical for mules. Young mules need to be taken slow.They have a short attention span, but once they get something, they very seldom back slide on it. It's best to break the training into the smallest steps you can. and don't procede util they master the last step perfectly.

I get real leery when I see a mule advertised as a three yr old and broke the best that anyone can ride or use it. It was either started too young or the seller is lying.

One thing to watch for Huntgirl is changing in attitude in the next few years. Young mules goes through differnt stages. One year they might be braver than all get out and the next , they booger at the least little thing. You really can't see what you will actually wind up with until a mule reaches about 7 yrs of age. Some even 9 yrs old.

Mollies seem to require a softer hand than john mules and every mule is different. I see a lot of folks get one mule and after a year or so figure they know all there is about mules. Figuring every mule is the same is life figuring all the kids in one family are the same.

How do I know this? I have raised ,trained ,and used mules for for about 40 years. Riding, packing, showing, driving.

hntrgirl · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:09 am Post subject:

Saddlesore, you really sound like you know what you're talking about! And this, being my first mule experience, has been very good for me because I've listened and taken advice from people like you.

I have taken them slow. Sometimes I feel TOO slow. But it's amazing how indeed their attitudes, maturity and willingness to please has developed I think because I didn't push too hard.

It's very rewarding for me! I love my mules girls! Very Happy

saddlesore · Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 11:43 am Post subject:

Introduce your mule to everything you can think of. She will act differntly away from home in the hills than shed oes in your round pen or arena.

The more she trust you, the easier intrductions are to strange things, but be ready for the unexpected.