I broke a pony with my daughter last summer and I absolutely loved the work. I’m fairly green with horses, only 7yrs experience, but always wanted a mule. I can’t see myself spending the big money people are asking for even an old mule these days. I found a halter broke 3yr old, that from video seems to be good with his feet and teeth. Also had dogs all around him and he didn’t seem bothered or upset. Would it be foolish to try and train a young mule with no donkey experience?

I dont know a lot about mules but considering they are less reactive than horses id say its probably do able.

Probably. I’ve trained a couple for Elk hunting. Thought I bit off more than I could chew a few times. I would highly recommend getting a copy of Max Harshas “Mule Skinners bible”

My Grandpa always said a mule would work his whole life to get one chance to kick your head off.

In my experience, once they accept a task they generally don’t test it. They just accept it. Maybe that’s why they fight so hard at accepting some tasks.

The difference between mules and horses seems to be similar to the difference between a Chesapeake and a Golden retriever.

Mules don’t forget. That’s both a good and bad thing.
And they want to see your resume.

A young horse or mule for someone new , limited in experience training, is a risk ...that's the first thought many trainers will say in kindly meant concern. That stated, there are successes too . Just be careful, and seeking help and good advice is key.

Mules are awesome in what they do . Though in the flash and movements of horses, I prefer them. I do love mules too and was honored to work a string of them for a well known breeder and help from the skinners who worked there.

I've been told and have gone by the advice from some skinners known across the country, to deal with a mule as you would a hot-blooded horse. And you will be successful.

An impatient attitude, or temper prone forceful nature to push them to comply will not work. Much like us humans. Who of us wants a quick angry prone , impatient person to try and teach or reason with us ? We call this training, not breaking.

For me, it came naturally to work with mules and have them like me to follow me around with no food rewards when loose. Proof that you're a success. For me, I have liked hot bloods, particularly Arabians. I like reasoning with them patiently, resulting in a working partner who will go through heck and high water for you in complete trust. I treat mules the same way.

Patience doesn't mean you aren't direct in dealing with a bit of a testing stubbornness when you see it done with no fear, just juvenile mischievousness. Be observant to their expressions, however subtle. That's true for anything living.

Watch them around dogs. Yours may be ok now, but as they age and form their preferences, most I've seen will take out a dog , especially if the dog hassles them. The man I worked for liked to tell folks that he lost count of the amount of his wife's Pomeranians who went down to the barns and got stomped. I rode a big endurance racing mule who loved acting like an old plug until any dog came close enough , the bigger the better. He would get them with teeth, front and rear hoof strikes. A dog eating machine. He was my bud and kept us both safe in all weather and high mountain trails.

Nowadays there are many helpful sources of value. Search out any good mule owners in your area. Go to mule days events that show them. Mule folks are good peeps and will love sharing their knowledge with you. Have fun and be safe.

Sharon , I once watched a mule stretch back his leg as a dog was running around. I realized just a tad too late that he was trying to get his aim just right before kicking that dog .

Been around them know guys that have them but never had one myself. I just about bought one years ago and regret not doing it.

There is some tricks of the trade for you if you take on the challenge.
Build trust.
Be with him everyday and do something with him even if brushing him down.
Always be positive no negative reinforcement.
Be consistent with verbal commands.
Reward not often but occasionally with a treat carrot/apple etc.

If you can be patient you will love having mules. They are way smarter then any horse and can be a great friend.

Old Luther has a mule.



Mules are smart enough to get you home if you become inebriated.



Ain't nobody better mess with Old Luther's mule.



Keith

My Great Grandfather ( and Grandfather ) bred and sold mules to coal mines here in Pa. My Great Grandfather started the business in 1890.

When I started in the mines 50 years ago, we had motormen in their 70s who had worked as mule drivers ( in this mine ) in the 1920s. I spent a good bit of time with some of those fellas, training to run locomotives…..they would tell stories all night long, talking about the mules. They remembered all their names, but couldn’t remember mine.

I have had lots of mules over the years. They like to be asked not told. If you force a situation you will regret it later.

There's a reason mules are not used in rodeo bucking events. As aggressive as bulls are , they are still not as in depth in angry calculations as a mule that feels slighted.

Aaron, you witnessed first-hand future tactical calculating of the mule and dog.

It always irritates me to have a dog run out and bark and circle me as I ride along . Not on anyone's property. The dogs are free roam .

I learned a power move of directing energy in movement towards loose dogs before I get to them, that works surprisingly well. You look them right in the eye , raising aggressive feeling energy to them in body motion warning. I learned this from Pat Pirelli. Ceaser M, the dog whisperer, also attests to direction of energy as type A leadership.

When riding my big running mule, I wouldn't do that. I'd just sit deep-seated as if on a cutting horse, loose reins and let him do his thing. When dogs would get close to snap at his legs or face, he would move lightning speed and nail them . Sometimes he would toss them yards away with a mighty fling with them in his teeth. They never bothered us again.

At times, it has also been reported that they will protect and defend their riders if the respect and partnership meets the circumstance.

Never saw a mule miss when they kick.

My grandfather and father were in the livestock business when I was a child. I remember being at the business one day when a customer asked whether a mule was tame. Next thing I knew, I was hoisted up on its back.

Dad and granddad would go to Chattanooga and Atlanta to buy mules. The mules came to our business by rail. We would go to the business at all hours of the night when the train cars arrived to direct the mules from the siding to our stables. The mules would be very thirsty. We only let them drink a little at a time.

In the waning days of the mule business, we bought mules by the pound. They were sent to pet food processors. Most were old and well beyond their prime. Often, they were family pets.

I used them outfitting in the Bridger Teton for years. They're smarter than horses, they need to be worked often, otherwise they will become "Barn-Sour" faster than a horse. NEVER lose your temper and treat them fairly, they do remember! They will outwork a horse 2 to one, and in mountainous country you will be better mounted on a mule than almost any horse. You get back what you're willing to put into them, keep them busy and you'll have a good string. I've been kicked half to death but it was my fault. The horrible thing about getting to old to work them is missing working with them, they can be great with the right treatment and training.

Here's a Youtube channel you might look at:

https://www.youtube.com/@MTN_BUILT

They have mules and horses, have gotten into training wild mustangs and mules.

I'm sure if you search thru the videos you could find some good information.

Looks like it takes years to get one fully comfortable to ride or pack without worry. Maybe horses are the same.

Perhaps Sharon can add additional comments.

One of Harrison Roger's journal entires for May of 1828 mentions Jedediah Smith being badly hurt by a mule's kick along the southern Oregon coast. They were driving a heard of 300 horses and mules up from California.

I guess ol' 'Diah wasn't being patient enough with that one.

Remember Kayce from Yellowstone when talking to a fellow rancher about wolves attacking his calfs....Kayce said "we use a mule with our cattle"....rancher said "what kind of mule",

"A mean one", lol

Here ya go "Peeler:

SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST, 1828. We got our horses about 10 o.c. A.M. and packed up and started in
the rain, as it had not quit from the time it commenced yesterday, directing our course west, up a
steep and brushy mountain, and travelled about 3 miles and enc. in a small bottom pararie, principally
covered with ferns; the travelling amazing bad; we left several packs of fur on the road and
lost several pack horses and some loose horses, the day being so rainy that it was almost impossible
to get up and down the mountains; the road became quite mirery and slippery. Capt. Smith
got kicked by a mule and hurt pretty bad. When I reached camp with the rare [rear], it was night,
and all hands very wet and tired.
MONDAY, JUNE 2ND, 1828. Capt. Smith concluded to remain here and send some men back
after the fur that was left, and to hunt horses; they returned about noon, bringing all the horses
and packs that was left. Some men went hunting but killed nothing. Two Inds. came to camp and
brought some rasberrys; Mr. Smith give them a few beeds. The morning wet; about 1 o.c. P.M., it
cleared off, and the balance of the day fair. Capt. Smith goes about although he was much hurt by
the kick he received yesterday.