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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

Cabin Fever

Cindy K. Roberts — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:29:00 GMT

Cash, and I are getting the worst case of cabin fever. The recent ice storm has made it a little bit difficult to get around. I hope Cash doesn't create the desire to become a figure skater - do you know what it would cost to send him to the Winter Olympics?

Stay warm - stay active ~Cindy K. Roberts.

Happy New Year

Cindy K. Roberts — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:31:17 GMT

Cash the mule has made some New Year's resolutions:

to buck only when necessary
to load into the trailer every time - night or day
to be brave when my owner leaves me on the trail - out of sight - while she clears away brush
to always wake up on the right side of my pasture so I can always be cheery.