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April 2012 Mule News Letter

Cindy K. Roberts — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:35:47 GMT

April 2012 copyright

IN THE NEWS:

THREE MEN ARRESTED FOR CATTLE RUSTLING IN A HONDA CIVIC
(CBS/AP) CARLSBAD, N.M.

Three men and a baby cow. That's what authorities in southeast New Mexico say they found in a Honda Civic on Friday, which led them to arrest the men for cattle rustling. The calf - 220 lbs. - was riding in the backseat.

The Carlsbad Current Argus reports the trio was jailed at the Luna County Detention Center on charges of suspicion of larceny of livestock, conspiracy, lack of a bill of sale and exporting livestock.

The county sheriff's office says a deputy pulled over the car and saw the calf sharing the backseat with one of the alleged thieves.

EARNING YOUR MULE'S TRUST by Cindy K. Roberts
Being connected with your mule or horse requires knowledge and skill. The knowledge that you know what level of schooling your mule is at and how much confidence he has gained from positive schooling.

Your skill level requires that you are able to introduce new items/tasks that your mule is ready to endure/master. Example: a good tool to use for schooling is a tarp. In a paddock or roundpen -- simply place the tarp flat on the ground. Your mule should be haltered with a long leadline attached. Place grain or your mule's favorite treat around the edge of the tarp. Ask your mule to walk up to the tarp. If he gets as close as 20 feet and stops, fine. Let him look. The more confident your animal is, the closer he will approach the tarp on his own. Pet him on the neck and reassure him. Ask him to move in closer, let him stop, investigate, reassure. In a few minutes time, your mule will get close enough to nibble on the grain/treats.

Next - place grain/treats in the middle of the tarp and ask your mule to walk toward the center. Reward him with praise that he did excellent! This exercise typically takes 20 minutes and you know the payoff? This groundwork exercise will come in handy when you ask your young mule to cross a ditch or creek. It is a confidence booster for your young mule.

When things go wrong -- then your mule will lose confidence and will lack in trusting you. That is why you should never ask your mule to do something that is lacking in solid schooling. Basic and solid schooling will prepare your mule to readily accept new tasks on the trail. I used to get bored with doing groundwork with mules. Then, I discovered what an easy way to build confidence and earn the mule's trust! (Plus you get all the credit - in the mule's eyes.)

You can do new things with your young mule on the trail and I encourage that -- just take the time to get the task done. Forcing your will on a young/inexperienced mule will not get the job done. It may take 10-20 minutes to get the job done along the trail -- but taking the time to doing it right will be a big payoff. To learn more about building your mule's confidence - Confidence Training for The Western Saddle Mule by Cindy K. Roberts.

FLY SPRAY RECIPES

Easy Fly Spray: You can mix seven parts water with one part citronella as a fly spray. It's not oily either. Mix it four parts water to one part citronella during the worst of the fly season. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Easy Fly Spray #2: You can take a bottle and fill it with white vinegar and two tablespoons of dish soap. Add water if you wish to dilute it a little. Shake and spray it on for a nice and very cheap fly spray

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fabric Softener Repellant: A golf course near my home passes out Bounce fabric softener sheets to the golfers to repel insects. Next time you go riding tie one to your Horse's headstall and stick one in your back pocket. It works better than ANY fly spray I've ever tried. The flies won't even fly around you.

6 year old mare mule - steps out front on trails - click here for more info:

http://www.horseclicks.com/6_year_old_mare_mule_steps_out_front_on_trails/advert/122565

Contact Danny Clark 573-701-3118

Dollar The Mule is For Sale:

http://www.horseclicks.com/trail_riding_horse_mule_reliable_steps_out_front/advert/137198

contact Cindy K. Roberts 314-971-0208

Husband For Sale - athletic, good appetite, earns his keep, good cook, doesn't mind the bridle or spurs...sometimes can have a bad attitude. Oh gosh - there goes my female chauvinistic personality coming through!.

JUDGE MAY RESTRICT HORSE, MULE ACCESS TO NATIONAL PARKS

For your info - - please click above to read the article.

Romancing Turtles Caught In The Act On The Trail
A couple of weeks ago, I rode with Cat "Chases Her Roan Pony," and "Giddyup Jann" and yes spring did come early. Cash the mule stopped to lower his head investigate an "unusual" turtle sighting. Let's just say the turtle sighting is unusual to Cash because I have put off explaining the birds and bees talk to him yet. I tried to pull Cash over to the side, but we all know what happens when a mule's curiosity has the best of him...they have to give it a thorough "checking it out" until they are satisfied. The romantic couple were in ectasy until Cash gently touched his muzzle on the top turtle and exhaled. This caused Mr. Turtle to tumble backwards, leaving Miss Turtle speechless. Since Giddyup Jann loves all creatures, especially turtles, I called her over to the crash site to help out. Jann dismounted and blushed as she picked up Mr. Turtle because his zipper was still down. Giddyup Jann saw true turtle hardware for the first time. It took her a couple of days to recover.

Mule Bridle Special! Get a free copy of Answers To Your Mule Questions when you order The Whoa Mule Fast Stop Hackamore. Amish made for Every Cowgirl's Dream. Why am I doing this? Because I don't want to see anyone risking injury when the mule they are riding has issues. This is an excellent training tool - comes complete with instruction booklet by Cindy K. Roberts (that's me.) Click here for more info.

Happy Easter everyone - remember Jesus died for our sins.

~Cindy K. Roberts

March 2012 Newsletter

Cindy K. Roberts — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:10:22 GMT

Head injuries are one of the common injuries suffered by horse and mule riders. FYI - You can still suffer a concussion injury with or without a helmet.

What is concussion:

Concussion can occur following sudden violent movement of the head, usually by being struck or in a fall or collision. Most damage is caused by rotation and acceleration (e.g. spinning of the head caused by a blow to the side of the head).

Concussion may occur with or without loss of consciousness.

What should you do if a concussion occurs?

• ALWAYS assume a cervical spine injury if the person is unconscious.

• If there is any risk of a neck injury, stabilize the person's head and neck, then get help.

• When appropriate support (doctor or ambulance crew) has stabilized the neck with a collar, the person may be taken from the area on a scoop stretcher or spinal board.

• A doctor or sports medic should make a thorough medical assessment, record the symptoms and events leading to the injury, and make further hospital referral if required.

• No concussed person should return to riding or similar activities until they have been cleared by a medical professional.

A responsible adult should stay with the concussed person for at least the next 24 hours.

BRAKES, POWER STEERING AND YOUR MULE: Take 10 minutes to work with your mule before taking off down the trail. Work on the power steering first -- and by that I mean ask your mule to turn his/her head around to the right and the left. You can do this from the ground and also from the saddle. From the ground, simply stand at your mule's side as while facing forward, pickup on left the rein -- and gently tug his head over to the side to the left. If he attempts to step off with his hind take your right rein and pull back to stop his movement. Repeat this exercise with the left rein. He will get the concept in a couple of tries, and once he gives to the rein pressure -- give an immediate release. This is a simple and quiet way to asking your mule to give to you.

Ask for the rein back while standing on the ground in the same position. (Having your mule backing to slight pressure will help to re-enforce the whoa from the saddle.) Pick up on the reins and ask with your hands, pull and release simultaneously always giving immediate release when your mule gives back to you. Repeat these exercises from the saddle.

WISDOM TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE:

A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town, and on this special occasion, a local newspaper reporter paid them a visit. He inquired as to the secret of their long and happy marriage.

"Well," explained the husband, "it all goes back to our honeymoon. We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon by pack mule."

"We hadn't gone too far when my wife's mule stumbled. My wife quietly said 'That's once.' We proceeded a little farther when the mule stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly spoke: 'That's twice.' We hadn't gone a half-mile when the mule stumbled a third time. My wife promptly removed a revolver from her purse, hopped down off the beast, and shot the mule dead."

"I started to protest over her treatment of the mule when she looked at me and quietly said, 'That's once.'"

MULE NEWS: When employees at S&K Technologies here arrived at work on Monday morning after Superbowl Sunday, they found the gate to their headquarters shut tight. And they could see why.

The company's grounds and parking lot had been converted into a temporary corral for 30 to 40 horses and mules.

"It's pretty funny," said Amy Yalon, marketing manager for S&K. "They're all over the place, walking up and looking in windows. When I went outside to take pictures, one of the mules tried to walk into the building."

Turns out that Sunday night, partway through the Super Bowl, S&K facilities manager Ken Krantz had gotten a call from law enforcement.

The herd of horses and mules had escaped and were milling about on nearby U.S. Highway 93.

A danger to both motorists and themselves, the cops needed somewhere to stash the animals, and quick, while their owner was located.

"We have eight to 10 fenced acres with a building in the middle of it and a steel gate on the road coming in," Yalon said.

Krantz gave them the go-ahead. Once the animals were safely inside, of course, that steel gate was shut.

Yalon, a horse owner herself, said she doesn't know who owns animals, but added that there was no sign of neglect. All appeared healthy and well-fed, and most seemed quite friendly.

"They're just walking around, eating the grass and pooping all over," she said.

S&K Technologies is owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and is involved in work ranging from robotics research to environmental restoration through its seven subsidiaries, much of it through federal contracts with organizations such as the U.S. Air Force and NASA.

Employees occasionally arrive at work to find a black bear sampling the wild berries that grow on the grounds, Yalon said, but Monday's large horse-and-mule show was a first.

The company is headquartered in St. Ignatius and has offices in Arlee; Missoula; Bremerton, Wash.; Grand Junction, Colo.; Warner Robins, Ga.; Dayton, Ohio; Houston; Washington, D.C.; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where it does work for the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Only one of those offices, however, had curious horses peering in its windows and brazen mules thinking maybe they'd saunter in through the front doors on Monday morning.

Yalon said the herd would probably stay on the grounds for a day or two while the owner repairs whatever escape route the animals found and makes arrangements to get them home.

Meantime, she had just one request of anyone coming or going from S&K Technologies.

"If you come for a visit," she said, "please close the gate behind you."

Now available, Life Lessons In The Saddle & Around The Manure Pile by Cindy K. Roberts. "I HAVE READ THE BOOK TWICE! MY SIDES HURT SO MUCH FROM LAUGHING, THANK YOU - I LOVE IT!" ~ Paul Mareschal http://www.pjperformancehorses.com/index.htm

Available at Amazon Books and WWW.EVERYCOWGIRLSDREAM.COM

I am off on another adventure -- will file my report when I return!

~Cindy K. Roberts

February 5, 2012 MULE NEWSLETTER

Cindy K. Roberts — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:10:01 GMT

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.

Throwing 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.

Well, that was fun. A final word, saddle up, ride like the devil and remember:

Life is an adventure, challenge it!
~Cindy K. Roberts

Merry Christmas & Happy Mule Year!

Cindy K. Roberts — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:40:25 GMT

Thanksgiving Greetings From Cash The Mule

Cindy K. Roberts — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:21:49 GMT

My Horse Pals

Cindy K. Roberts — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:28:30 GMT

This bunch thinks I am nuts for riding a mule...but I am still working on them. One day, I just know that the whole barn will be filled with mules and smiling faces. I guess turkeys can fly out of my arm pits too. Nevertheless good riding pals will pick you up out of the dirt after a mule wreck. They will go out and look for your runaway mule that had been frightened and headed out for the high country. They will ride with you to help you with a new mule or a young mule that needs the confidence and on occasion, they bake goodies for you. So, here's to the gang.

(left to right, Cat aka Chases Her Roan Horse, Crazy Horse Lar, myself, Giddyup Jann and Tumbleweed Jane.)
Let's ride! ~Cindy K. Roberts

Lickity Split Ride At Indian Camp Creek -- Whewwweee!!

Cindy K. Roberts — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:56:59 GMT

Cash and I rode with a small group of gaited horse riders - they were willing to adopt me for the day. I confessed that Cash and I are not use to wiping the bugs off our teeth when we ride, but we sure had a great time! Twenty-one miles in 2/12 hours! Wheeeweeeeeeeeee - we stopped long enough to fix a broken rein and eat a quick sandwich. Down the trail we went....LICKITY SPLIT! Trotting through the sandy bottom...Cash shook his head and yes - he bucked a tiny "pleasure" buck to say..."weeeeeeeeeee - this is fun!" Thanks for the fun ride, Gay, Don and Pacho. Here's to windblown hair! ~Cindy K. Roberts

Celebrate National Mule Day October 26th

Cindy K. Roberts — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:33:04 GMT

Best of America By Horseback Riding Tour

Cindy K. Roberts — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:29:13 GMT

Tumbleweed Jane, Stampede Peggy and I joined up with Tom Seay and his crew from Best of America By Horseback at Brushy Creek Lodge. What a fun group of people! Tumbleweed works for Revlon, so the three-chicks-in-a-trailer was flowing with lipstick and a .380 or two. Stampede Peggy stole my mule until I reminded her we
still hang mule thieves!
Tom Seay - Host (above) with Del Shields co-host.

Cash was not on his best behavior on this ride (sighhhhhh) he's five and he just discovered girls. (!!!!) Life is an adventure, ~ Cindy K. Roberts

A Gallop Through The Timber

Cindy K. Roberts — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 02:15:27 GMT

Cat, Cowboy Larry and I rode fence. Hold onto your hat, Lar galloped his spit fire gelding - Krazy Koda up the hill and there was no holding him back. Cash was quick to lunge into the trail of dust...we rode like bank robbers in a desperate escape...only to discover I lost my cell phone in one of our tail chasing rides. One mile of walking and backtracking...and with Larry calling my number, he found the phone face down in the dirt, sounding off to the old country twang of Kittie Wells, "It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels..." There's never a bad day in the saddle.

You can never have enough saddle pals~Cindy K. Roberts

Enchanting Ride at Castlewood

Cindy K. Roberts — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:57:33 GMT

Tumbleweed Jane and I had an enchanting ride at Castlewood. Knights in shining leotards, wearing spear shaped helmets, gallantly whizzed by on their bicycles while Cash the mule and Juno the horse stared in utter amazement. A speeding Sir Lancelot hit a fresh green pile of manure only to skid sideways, regain his composure and pedal down the path with specks of green splashing onto the back of his brightly colored shirt. Flies were picking up his trail. Here's to the great outdoors! Stay in the saddle ~ Cindy K. Roberts

The Mule's Head Carriage

Cindy K. Roberts — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:01:57 GMT

Mules are not physically capable in keeping an unnatural head carriage - as pictured to the left. Their poll area is thicker and stronger as compared to the horse and their throat latch/jaw area is much heavier - this trait came from the donkey side of the family. For the mule to physically tuck their head and nose requires light and responsive hands over time gradually. It is extremely uncomfortable for the mule to carry his head in this manner naturally. Heavy hands or non-responsive hands encourages the mule to pull against your reins. The mule's esophagus allows airflow (outlined in blue in pic) that enables the mule's very survival - to breath. That being said, you should have a better understanding as to why mules can easily develop into runaways when they are being handled/trained by a forceful or unknowledgable rider/trainer with heavy hands. No matter what bit or hackamore you use on your mule - to be successful in your training, you have to be able to "feel" your mule's response and be able to give back at that moment to enable him to be comfortable in the bridle and not fight against you. This is direct communication coming from your hands to your mule's mouth/jaw. Establishing a light contact with your mule in the bridle is a realistic and reachable goal. Train your mule to do what he is physically able to do naturally and your working/riding relationship will improve. ~Cindy K. Roberts

Cash The Mule Goes To Colorado & Dodge City

Cindy K. Roberts — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:26:12 GMT

Cash the mule went to Colorado again. All the years I have been riding in the mountains, I have not had any problems with altitude or elevation sickness. I think hybrids defy altitude issues. Mules make excellent mounts for riding in wilderness and challenging terrain. You know you are in deep trouble if your mule has to ask for an oxygen mask!!!

Stampede Peggy rode shotgun (literally.) You know you are in good hands when Stampede is with you. We did a lay over in Dodge City - we figured that would be one place we couldn't get thrown out of and we were right! Giddyup to Dodge! ~Cindy K. Roberts

CUSTER, SD - WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

Cindy K. Roberts — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:11:14 GMT

Cash brayed to the buffalo herd - I think he was lonely. More photos posted on facebook. ~Cindy K. Roberts

South Dakota Trail Has Big Cat

Cindy K. Roberts — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:05:19 GMT

A towns person confirmed this is a big cat print alright. She hunts big cat every year with her son because they are attacking her donkey herd. She asked what do I ride on the trail - horse or mule? "Why, I ride a mule!" I said. She replied, "Well, that's good, mules will fight a big cat, a horse will dump you and run off to protect his own hide!" I am so glad that we got the Mule Is King On The Trail thing all figured out. ~Cindy K. Roberts

South Dakota - Broken Arrow Campground

Cindy K. Roberts — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:58:10 GMT

I bought a bath tub at a junk store - yes, it was an impulse buy. Lariat Lucy is wearing her BIG hat that she bought in Cody a couple of years back. I swear, I get hungry every time I see her in that hat. I want to poke around and help myself to some cheese nachos when I see that hat. "Sightful Bear" on the right, is a gifted artist and friend.

Crossing High Water - Ridng Trail With Nevada

Cindy K. Roberts — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:33:16 GMT

Nevada has a lot of stamina and can go all day down the trail. He crossed high water last weekend for the first time. Mud does not bother him anymore - after all he has been studying dirt for the last 3 or 4 months. He is so much fun to ride. He loves to gallop and hop through the tall grass in the field! Yippee-ty-yi-yeah!

Nevada, The Spotted Mule

Cindy K. Roberts — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:38:00 GMT

Nevada the mule has had a lot of human contact since he has been weaned and it has all been positive for him. Nevada is discovering that he is very athletic. He loves to gallop and he is becoming more

confident to travel through muddy areas. He recently discovered that sitting back on his haunches while sliding down a muddy ridge is very much fun. He also discovered that chasing horses can be fun and he is confused as to why the White Tail deer do not want to play with him. This mule is a hoot to play with.
Every mule deserves a long recess. ~Cindy K. Roberts

The Mule's Perspective: There has to be a point to all of this riding business.

Cindy K. Roberts — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:46:00 GMT

I like to scout some areas while riding Cash, my mule. I will look for trees that are down, ride fence and I will pick up trash that blew in from a heavy rainfall or storm. I always take a large feed sack or heavy duty trash bag and tie onto the back of my saddle. I will travel with pruners and a folding saw just in case something needs to be done while I am on the trails around the barn. Cash is now an excellent mount. He will stand quietly while I finish a task then we move on to what deserves our attention next. Sometimes, I get lucky and I can bend down from the saddle and grab hold of a deadwood branch that needs to be dragged off the trail. Sometimes, we have to jump over a fallen tree from last night's storm. It is all a part of the job when it comes to the mule's way of thinking.

Cash can now sidestep and move quietly to let me position him to work a gate or I may have him move in close to overhanging limbs or vines that I can work with while in the saddle. He remains quiet should a branch or brush fall on or near his head.

Cash has a different attitude when we go to work on the trail. I can tell, Cash would rather work and ride with a purpose rather than walk along down the road or path. A mule is very quick to his way of thinking and it is in black and white. There is no gray area. No ifs ands or maybes. He might think about it, but the result has to be to his way of thinking...and there dang well be a point to all of this riding business. When you step up into the saddle, get to the point.
~Cindy K. Roberts

Cowgirl's Don't Get The Blues

Cindy K. Roberts — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:05:00 GMT

I ran into some silly cowgirls along the trail over the weekend. Cash galloped behind them willingly - he was wondering why all of a sudden, there was a stampede that he didn't start. He energetically leaped over a few jumps (under Western saddle) while playing follow the leader. This is new for Cash, to gallop after a group of hellions on horses. I have been keeping the stops on this mule since he had been somewhat rebellious. What has really helped him is the Whoa Mule Fast Stop hackamore -- it cuts out the shenanigans in mule training so you can get down to business and ride.

So, we started riding at night. The nighttime sky is amazing to see. The hoot owl was busy with his night

time call and whippoorwill was singing his song. As you can see, Cash has excellent night vision with his nighttime goggles. This mule's demeanor has changed considerably in the last year. His confidence training has brought him a long way. (Confidence Training For The Western Saddle Mule by Cindy K. Roberts) He's five now and he's all grown up.

Nevada, a 4 year old big mule colt is coming along. This guy loves to gallop and he is a jealous creature. I have to keep my mules at an arm's length when bringing them through the gate or things can get quite "snippy" real quick if ya know what I mean. I will be starting Nevada under English saddle soon. In the mean time, he is still looking for lions, tigers and bears while we ride through the timber.

Cowgirl's don't get the blues, they just ride in the saddle. ~ Cindy K. Roberts