Actually it all worked out. I think I was more shook up than she was ))

Each have their own way of teaching. I have never witnessed negative enforce work on anything and especial on this specific animal. The owner can choice his path but trying to go back after damage is done won't happen with the demeanor of this animal. [/quote]

As I said, I am a fan of positive reinforcement. Just not sure how it would be used if a mule bit or kicked you. Are you supposed to ignore it and wait till they do something good, then positively reinforce it?

You’re nurturing a dangerous situation if that type of behavior is not dealt with fast and harsh.

After dealing with it, it’s important to walk behind the mule staying real close with hand on rump. This is kind of a way for both of you to realize the situation is over and We’r moving on, no grudges….. or fears.

Practical applications of mules a hundred years ago. My uncle circa 1925

Negative reinforcement is part of every animal training I've seen that is across the board successfull. Even children benefit from Negative reinforcement if they do something wrong. Once had one of my dogs growl at me. I pinned it to the ground ,got in its face and growled at it. Never had that problem again. My whole colt starting program is centered around making the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy. Negative reinforcement when they are doing something wrong and positive reinforcement when they are doing right. Some of those most dangerous horses I've been around have been the ones that had too much "positive" reinforcement and not enough Negative reinforcement. Same with kids. The good trainer know when and how to use both.

White what was ur uncle doing? I noticed in the pics the mules are wearing packs and the horse are wearing saddles. I bet theres a good reason for this.

He was working for the USFS at that time hauling water in those half drums to various ranger stations in the adjacent mountains.

Cool pictures White. My mom has a picture of my grandpa with his working mules. I need to get a copy of it.

Those half barrels in your pics looked familiar to me, then I remembered seeing them in the book “Horses hitches and rocky trails” “The packers bible” by Joe Back. I went out to the shop and found my copy. Boy did that bring back memories.

I read that thing for hours by lantern light in the mountains with a chunk of rope to practice with. The books in pretty rough shape, but not as bad as it should be after being packed on various horses and mules in the mountains over the years.

That is a good book trapset ! I have gone through several . Mules are not all the same ,horses are not all the same .When you have have had many of each you will see this .

Exactly. I remember my uncle yelling at my cousin when we were packing up a string for Elk camp. “PAUL!, those mules names have meaning! You don’t pack eggs on Re-Bar, Lightning or Jumpy. Ya pack eggs on the mules named Flossy, Babe or Daisy!!” LMAO

Haha I love live stories like that and reading your guys’ experiences.

Here’s a pic of the little guy. Picked him up Thursday. I tried unloading a pic of him standing broadside but it won’t load for whatever reason. He’s a 2yr old quarter horse cross. Halter trained-ish. Let’s me pick his front feet, workin on his back. It’s my first experience with a mule and it blows my mind how attentive he is compared to my horses. He picks up everything and keeps an eye on everything. My horses always seem to be in their own little world and then surprised and wanna blow up. This dude seems to be keeping tabs on his surroundings, then blows if something comes outta nowhere. I’m enjoying my first two days of him.

I thought a mule would be a good fit for me. Im no horseman so slow, sure footed and less likely to spook sounds like a good match. But dont want something that I have to watch or may kill my dogs.

My wife has been riding a friend's horse to put miles on him thats 3/4 Gypsy vanner, 1/4 Fell pony. Her friend hints about selling him now and again. If the wife decided she can get over how wide he is across the back and she wants him im going to need something to ride to go along with her. I was thinking maybe a mule but... the dogs and I may be kidding myself on how long I may be able to ride.

That is awesome!! You guys are going to be good buddies.

K9 ,if you the time you will be fine .! I am glad for you .Check out the Jack Strode -Malcolm Jessup old you tube ,not for saddle or packing but harness (work mules)that old black dude(Jack ) knows mules !!!! . The daily routine day in and day out for about 30 straight is what really sinks in to their mind . Jack talks about this ---- not aday here or there but steady and dont start till you can follow through . You are gonna have fun .Be careful .