February 5, 2012 MULE NEWSLETTER
Copyright 2012 by Cindy K. Roberts
The newsletter is back! I have a new book coming out next month, Life Lessons In
The Saddle and Around The Manure Pile. 206 pages filled with horse and mule tales of laughter and adventure! You don't want to miss it.The Whoa Mule Fast Stop bridle is here!
Amish made w/quality leather.
14 inch brown band
Single snap on rein
A great tool to correct:
Mules that do not want to stand still
Mules that do not respect your space
Mules that pull on the lead rope or walk off
Balking
Mules that get above the bit
Runaway mules
Mules that don't want to pay attention and more!
Purchasing Your Mule
Don't you wish mules came with their own crystal ball so you can predict their past and future? It sure would save some people from having mule wrecks.
Since mules do not come with a road map to their heart or a crystal ball here are some techniques in judging the mule's behavior that will keep you out of trouble:
1. Watch the mule in his natural surroundings. How does he fit in with the herd? Pay attention to how he interacts with his buddies. Is he playful? Is he stuck on another companion? Does he display timid behavior? Is he a pasture bully? This will give you some idea about the mule's character.
2. If you are mule savvy, you will know how to approach the new mule at the shoulder and with no apprehension. Remember, the mule is "reading" you and if you are waiting for a reaction from the mule, that shows uncertainty on your part. Mule savvy will tell you in an instant by observing: if the mule raises his head, widens his eye(s), shows tension in the body or dilated nostrils, or moves away from you that he is unsure about you. Gently touching the mule at the shoulder should settle down the mule. If he hasn't settled down by the gentle touch of the shoulder, then he needs more gentling or schooling in raising his confidence. You will have to decide if you have the skill set to complete the mule's training.
3. Grooming the mule, picking up his feet and touching him all over with your hands will tell you a lot about the animal. Mules that are sensitive will react to hard bristled brushes and don't fault the mule if you are unable to pickup his feet. If the animal lacks in training or confidence he will unlikely give up his foot, after all this make him vulnerable. If you like the mule and decide to buy him, you can work with him in gaining his confidence, which will enable him to give willingly to you when you ask something of him.
4. Be watchful when the mule is being saddled. If the mule moves around and shows signs of nervousness, it could be that the mule may not have been ridden in a while, the mule may need confidence or he may not have a bond or partnership with the owner/handler. You need to decide if you can address this. I don't fault a mule that shows signs of nervousness, in a short time, I know that I will be able to raise that mule's confidence.
5. Watch the animal being ridden by the handler. Chances are the handler may have advanced riding skills which enables him to show the mule at his best. What is your skill level? Are you able to keep the mule at this level and/or are you able to elevate the mule's training to making him into a better animal?
6. Look for physical signs of stiffness in the back, or muscle soreness in the withers, shoulders, hindquarters. It could indicate that saddle fit is poor, or the animal has been overworked or may had an altercation in the corral with another animal. You will have to train your eye to look for these things.
7. Look into the mule's mouth and pull his tongue to the side. Look for scars or cuts that would indicate heavy handed bit work. (The Whoa Mule Hackamore is a good training tool for mules that have been heavy handed.) Look for uneven wear in his mouth - he may be overdue for having his teeth floated.
8. You will want to run your hands up and down his limbs to indicate any knots, strains or puffiness to his legs. You may decide to get a vet check done on the animal if you have doubts or concerns about soundness.
9. Touching the ears on a new mule is not important to me. Ears are personal to some mules. I can work around his ears until he is ready and hopefully you are able and willing to do the same. This merely takes bonding, gentle desensitizing with reward and he will most likely come around.
10. If the mule does not stand still for mounting, this indicates that you are apprehensive and the mule can sense that. It can also indicate the mule has not been ridden in a while or he has learned this behavior. This can be dealt with, however you need to decide if your skill level can get past this issue.
11. Pay attention to the mule's demeanor, his attitude and signs of nervousness. It takes time to have a new mule adjust to a new owner. It is your responsibility to meet the needs of the animal and getting him settled into his new environment. You don't want your new mule getting roughed up by the old crowd at your barn so be watchful and aware. Most mules adapt easily on their own as they are very keen to the barn yard pecking order.
These are just signs to look for when purchasing a new mule. Look for physical signs that the mule is in good health, watch for nervous signals and know your skill set. The bottom line is whether you can keep the mule at his level of training or better yet, help him to excel in his work. For more info: Confidence Training For The Western Saddle Mule is available here.
Of course, a second opinion is always helpful. Take a friend or knowledgeable source with you while trying out a new mule.
T
hrowing
hay around is a good way to stay in shape as well as mucking stalls and doing
regular barn chores. In addition to your regular routine, doing stretching
exercises to strengthen your lower back and pelvis area will be beneficial to
the mule rider. What does this mean? As we age, we develop habits to adjust to
our body's natural aging process. I know, getting older sucks but we can either
giddyup and do something about it or just sit around and whine about aches and
pains.
You see, our skeletal system changes in all areas of our body. We tend to lose range of motion. The neck: turn your head to the right - completely to the right and then to the left. You probably are not as agile in this area as you once were. Now let's test your pelvis and lower thighs. Can you step up into the saddle by - facing your mule's head, left hand on the mane, right hand resting on the cantle, evenly slide your leg over without moving the saddle or throwing your mule off balance? The majority of horse and mule accidents occur while the rider is mounting or dismounting. Ten minutes to start your day is all it takes.
Lower Back Stretching Exercises
Lower back stretches are critical for preventing tight muscles which can lead to injury. There are 3 different
stretching exercises with instructions and an illustrated stretching exercises video at the end of the
instructions.
Lower Back Stretch #1 Before you get out of bed do these stretches.
1. Bend both legs and place your feet flat on your bed.
2. Extend both arms out to each side of your body.
3. Now slowly drop both knees to the floor to one side until you feel the stretch.
4. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat to the other side.
You can repeat this several times for an awesome stretch in your lower back.
Lower Back Stretch #2 (You may do one knee at a time if you wish -
I like to do both.)
1. Start by lying down on your back.
2. Bend your knees and place your foot flat on your bed.
3. Place your arms around your legs and lock your hands together.
4. Gently pull your legs towards your chest until you feel the stretch.
5. For a deeper stretch, lift your head up off the pillow.
6. Once you feel the stretch in your lower back, hold for 30 seconds.
Lower Pelvis Stretches: Stand behind a kitchen chair placing both hands onto the back of the chair.
Practice raising your right leg up and out to your side. Swing your leg up and down 5 times and
repeat on the left side.
STEPPING UP INTO THE SADDLE STRETCHES: Stand behind a kitchen chair placing both hands onto the back of the chair. Practice raising your right leg up and over the back of the chair as though you were getting on your mule. If the back of your chair is too high, simply swing your leg over and place your foot onto the seat of the chair. Don't over do - you don't want to get sore in your lower back. In 2 weeks - you will notice that you have a better range of motion in your lower back/pelvis area. WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT? TO AVOID INJURY WHILE RIDING YOUR HORSE OR MULE - THE KEY IS TO HAVE THE BEST RANGE OF MOTION THAT YOUR BODY CAN POSSIBLY HAVE. THAT WAY, SHOULD YOU GET INTO AN UNDESIRABLE SITUATION, YOUR BODY WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE MORE FREELY AND YOUR CHANCES OF SUFFERING INJURY OR MINIMIZED.
Cowgirl Ponderings
A lady walked up to a cowgirl on the street and pointed at her suede jacket. "You know a cow was murdered for that jacket"? she sneered.The cowgirl replied, in a psychotic tone, "I didn't know there were any witnesses. Now I'll have to kill you too."
A thought: why do mules and husbands lose their hearing when you ask them to do something?
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their boots. That way you're a mile away, and you have their boots too.
"A woman without a mule has a big void in her life."
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is
suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best
friends. If they are okay, then it's you.
Well, that was fun. A final word, saddle up, ride like the devil and remember:
Life is an adventure, challenge it!
~Cindy K. Roberts
Don't you wish mules came with their own crystal ball so you can predict their past and future? It sure would save some people from having mule wrecks.
Since mules do not come with a road map to their heart or a crystal ball here are some techniques in judging the mule's behavior that will keep you out of trouble:
1. Watch the mule in his natural surroundings. How does he fit in with the herd? Pay attention to how he interacts with his buddies. Is he playful? Is he stuck on another companion? Does he display timid behavior? Is he a pasture bully? This will give you some idea about the mule's character.
2. If you are mule savvy, you will know how to approach the new mule at the shoulder and with no apprehension. Remember, the mule is "reading" you and if you are waiting for a reaction from the mule, that shows uncertainty on your part. Mule savvy will tell you in an instant by observing: if the mule raises his head, widens his eye(s), shows tension in the body or dilated nostrils, or moves away from you that he is unsure about you. Gently touching the mule at the shoulder should settle down the mule. If he hasn't settled down by the gentle touch of the shoulder, then he needs more gentling or schooling in raising his confidence. You will have to decide if you have the skill set to complete the mule's training.
3. Grooming the mule, picking up his feet and touching him all over with your hands will tell you a lot about the animal. Mules that are sensitive will react to hard bristled brushes and don't fault the mule if you are unable to pickup his feet. If the animal lacks in training or confidence he will unlikely give up his foot, after all this make him vulnerable. If you like the mule and decide to buy him, you can work with him in gaining his confidence, which will enable him to give willingly to you when you ask something of him.
4. Be watchful when the mule is being saddled. If the mule moves around and shows signs of nervousness, it could be that the mule may not have been ridden in a while, the mule may need confidence or he may not have a bond or partnership with the owner/handler. You need to decide if you can address this. I don't fault a mule that shows signs of nervousness, in a short time, I know that I will be able to raise that mule's confidence.
5. Watch the animal being ridden by the handler. Chances are the handler may have advanced riding skills which enables him to show the mule at his best. What is your skill level? Are you able to keep the mule at this level and/or are you able to elevate the mule's training to making him into a better animal?
6. Look for physical signs of stiffness in the back, or muscle soreness in the withers, shoulders, hindquarters. It could indicate that saddle fit is poor, or the animal has been overworked or may had an altercation in the corral with another animal. You will have to train your eye to look for these things.
7. Look into the mule's mouth and pull his tongue to the side. Look for scars or cuts that would indicate heavy handed bit work. (The Whoa Mule Hackamore is a good training tool for mules that have been heavy handed.) Look for uneven wear in his mouth - he may be overdue for having his teeth floated.
8. You will want to run your hands up and down his limbs to indicate any knots, strains or puffiness to his legs. You may decide to get a vet check done on the animal if you have doubts or concerns about soundness.
9. Touching the ears on a new mule is not important to me. Ears are personal to some mules. I can work around his ears until he is ready and hopefully you are able and willing to do the same. This merely takes bonding, gentle desensitizing with reward and he will most likely come around.
10. If the mule does not stand still for mounting, this indicates that you are apprehensive and the mule can sense that. It can also indicate the mule has not been ridden in a while or he has learned this behavior. This can be dealt with, however you need to decide if your skill level can get past this issue.
11. Pay attention to the mule's demeanor, his attitude and signs of nervousness. It takes time to have a new mule adjust to a new owner. It is your responsibility to meet the needs of the animal and getting him settled into his new environment. You don't want your new mule getting roughed up by the old crowd at your barn so be watchful and aware. Most mules adapt easily on their own as they are very keen to the barn yard pecking order.
These are just signs to look for when purchasing a new mule. Look for physical signs that the mule is in good health, watch for nervous signals and know your skill set. The bottom line is whether you can keep the mule at his level of training or better yet, help him to excel in his work. For more info: Confidence Training For The Western Saddle Mule is available here.
Of course, a second opinion is always helpful. Take a friend or knowledgeable source with you while trying out a new mule.
T
hrowing
hay around is a good way to stay in shape as well as mucking stalls and doing
regular barn chores. In addition to your regular routine, doing stretching
exercises to strengthen your lower back and pelvis area will be beneficial to
the mule rider. What does this mean? As we age, we develop habits to adjust to
our body's natural aging process. I know, getting older sucks but we can either
giddyup and do something about it or just sit around and whine about aches and
pains. You see, our skeletal system changes in all areas of our body. We tend to lose range of motion. The neck: turn your head to the right - completely to the right and then to the left. You probably are not as agile in this area as you once were. Now let's test your pelvis and lower thighs. Can you step up into the saddle by - facing your mule's head, left hand on the mane, right hand resting on the cantle, evenly slide your leg over without moving the saddle or throwing your mule off balance? The majority of horse and mule accidents occur while the rider is mounting or dismounting. Ten minutes to start your day is all it takes.
Lower Back Stretching Exercises
Lower back stretches are critical for preventing tight muscles which can lead to injury. There are 3 different
stretching exercises with instructions and an illustrated stretching exercises video at the end of the
instructions.
Lower Back Stretch #1 Before you get out of bed do these stretches.
1. Bend both legs and place your feet flat on your bed.
2. Extend both arms out to each side of your body.
3. Now slowly drop both knees to the floor to one side until you feel the stretch.
4. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat to the other side.
You can repeat this several times for an awesome stretch in your lower back.
Lower Back Stretch #2 (You may do one knee at a time if you wish -
I like to do both.)
1. Start by lying down on your back.
2. Bend your knees and place your foot flat on your bed.
3. Place your arms around your legs and lock your hands together.
4. Gently pull your legs towards your chest until you feel the stretch.
5. For a deeper stretch, lift your head up off the pillow.
6. Once you feel the stretch in your lower back, hold for 30 seconds.
Lower Pelvis Stretches: Stand behind a kitchen chair placing both hands onto the back of the chair.
Practice raising your right leg up and out to your side. Swing your leg up and down 5 times and
repeat on the left side.
STEPPING UP INTO THE SADDLE STRETCHES: Stand behind a kitchen chair placing both hands onto the back of the chair. Practice raising your right leg up and over the back of the chair as though you were getting on your mule. If the back of your chair is too high, simply swing your leg over and place your foot onto the seat of the chair. Don't over do - you don't want to get sore in your lower back. In 2 weeks - you will notice that you have a better range of motion in your lower back/pelvis area. WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT? TO AVOID INJURY WHILE RIDING YOUR HORSE OR MULE - THE KEY IS TO HAVE THE BEST RANGE OF MOTION THAT YOUR BODY CAN POSSIBLY HAVE. THAT WAY, SHOULD YOU GET INTO AN UNDESIRABLE SITUATION, YOUR BODY WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE MORE FREELY AND YOUR CHANCES OF SUFFERING INJURY OR MINIMIZED.
Cowgirl Ponderings A lady walked up to a cowgirl on the street and pointed at her suede jacket. "You know a cow was murdered for that jacket"? she sneered.The cowgirl replied, in a psychotic tone, "I didn't know there were any witnesses. Now I'll have to kill you too."
A thought: why do mules and husbands lose their hearing when you ask them to do something?
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their boots. That way you're a mile away, and you have their boots too.
"A woman without a mule has a big void in her life."
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is
suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best
friends. If they are okay, then it's you.
I just don't have the words to describe how I feel about this election year:
Send your mule events or thoughts to me. Click here for the "dreamy" looking web page with my contact info.
Send your mule events or thoughts to me. Click here for the "dreamy" looking web page with my contact info.Well, that was fun. A final word, saddle up, ride like the devil and remember:
Life is an adventure, challenge it!
~Cindy K. Roberts
Posted by Cindy K. Roberts at 2/5/2012 2:10 PM 
Categories: NEWSLETTER
Tags: Mule Newsletter by Cindy K Roberts
Categories: NEWSLETTER
Tags: Mule Newsletter by Cindy K Roberts
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