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.

Oops, I guess it was June then. Good thing we got a real historian to set it straight!

Ha!, May, June, pretty much the same. They got rained on for weeks straight.

Well, I’m gunna give it a shot. The plan is to take it slow and try to keep all my bones, brain, and teeth in tact. I’m excited!

Good deal! Post some pics of the new dude.

That is great! I'm jealous have the ranch to keep one but not there all the time or have the time to work with one on a consistent basis

I'm excited keep us posted on your new journey. If there is one bit of advice one should follow is always be positive no negative reinforcement.

Ozark Coon hunters train them to jump fences, so I'd say they can be taught most anything!

I trained one of mine, Stumpy, to jump fences. Or actually anything I’d put a coat or blanket over. He would gracefully stand on his hind legs, squat slightly then spring over fence while I held lead rope.

I know you meant to type coon....

but now I am picturing a bunch of Ozark hillbillies on mules tracking down and hunting cons. Would make a good reality show. One of the con hunters could be like a backwoods redneck preacher, and another an outlaw himself kinda like Savell, maybe a white trash Annie Oakley.... hunting down drug dealers, burglars, illegal aliens, etc. Would be interesting, lol.

I might even watch one like that.

I’m a fan of the positive reinforcement except when it comes to kicking or biting. Best to negatively enforce correction immediately, with what ever is handy. Correction should be immediate and last no more than a second or two. Then move on like nothing happened.

Quote Trapset:
I’m a fan of the positive reinforcement except when it comes to kicking or biting. Best to negatively enforce correction immediately, with what ever is handy. Correction should be immediate and last no more than a second or two. Then move on like nothing happened. [/quote]

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.

Granted, mules are "stubborn" and can be cranky.

But infinitely more levelheaded than almost any horse.

Make sure you are at least as smart as the mule before you start the training regime! And be prepared to "train," not to "break!"

Pete

I believe you want that first correction to be memorable, I'm not talking sustained beating but a sharp, immediate, and short, comeuppance.

Can't say about Mules, but certainly with horses...Had a kicker come into the barn, went into the stall to clean and change water and the lil darling tried to kick me, I had the empty bucket in my hand and gave her a sharp whack with it on the side of the neck.....Never tried to kick again and followed me like a puppy, lol

A memorable correction works with dogs and children too, wouldn't be surprised with mules either.....

Maybe they'd make an escape on a train while singing bluegrass and spirituals!

I am picturing Boyd Crowder and Dewey Crow on a couple mules.

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]
You should watch horses and mules and donkeys enforce things among themselves sometime

I had a friend who owned a Jack, among other animals.
One day she asked me to build a breeding chute for her......which I did.
Then she asked if I'd help with a breeding.

Never having done anything like that before I said SURE.

So.... She brings in the jack and snubs him off behind the chute. I am assigned to hold onto a smallish stallion pony of some sort .....whose job apparently consisted of nipping at the mare's face..... OK I can do that.
Then she backs the mare into the chute............a Percheron !!!!

Ill tell ya what......after that experience I think I'd prefer to assist in a grizzly bear mating than be up close and personal to those three orangutans jumping and snorting and slobbering all over the place

Gotta add Ava as our white trash Annie Oakley. She was pretty talented at shooting people.... like her husband, lol.

Lol
Im guessing that mare didn't want anything to do with that donkey.

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 .