Mule Talk! Podcasts

• Leading training on the obstacle course is your equine’s initial exposure to real fear.
• Use the “O.A.T.S.” approach to your training.
• Observe – Approach – Touch – Sigh.
• Allow your equine time to think and process the information in order to move forward in his training.
• Your equine will learn to be attentive, patient, and confident about moving through various obstacles, such as: ground poles, tires, the bridge, stopping at a mailbox, walking through a tractor tire, and backing through straight and parallel poles.
• All movements will become purposeful, and he will learn to remain attentive to you and to respond promptly during his lessons.

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Jasper The Mule –

• How Jasper the mule was created and his purpose.
• Educating children about working with animals.
• Jasper books that are appropriate for children of all ages.
• Learn about Jasper going to Bishop Mule Days.
• Jasper the mule on tour and more!

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• When your donkey is doing well with the trot, time to learn to canter.
• Use verbal commands with your donkey.
• Training your donkey to move laterally.
• Using the hourglass pattern in your training to improve posture and overall balance.
• Using your elbow pull as a training aid.
• Training your donkey at Cavalletti.
• Training your donkey for jumping. And more!

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• Repeat the previous lesson – BUT DO NOT DRILL YOUR DONKEY.
• Training your donkey to trot with a rider.
• Execute pattern training with your donkey to strengthen his body.
• Your assistant will only help you when needed while training your donkey.
• Training turns on the forehand with your donkey.
• Going straight on the rail.
• Be patient and understanding – your donkey will give what he is able to do.
• Training turn on the haunches with your donkey – and more!

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Donkey Training, Part 1 –

• Begin with imprinting the foal.
• Introducing the halter to your young donkey.
• Leading your donkey.
• Never be in a hurry when training your donkey.
• Lead your donkey around your workstation.
• Begin training in round pen.
• Using the lunge line in your training session.
• Do not drill your donkey OR mule.
• Line driving your donkey and more!

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What Are Mules Good For Besides Packing and Farming? –

• Mules have versatility to do many different things.
• Packers use mules in the mountains.
• Hunters in heavy snow – praise the value of their mules.
• After the industrial revolution, mules are used for carrying supplies into remote areas.
• Hurricane Helene victims are being assisted by pack mules and their handlers bringing essential provisions to their families.
• The Mountain Mule Packer Ranch partnered with the Cajun Navy (civilian volunteers) to deliver insulin to a family.
• Learn how mules are doing their part in helping people during this disastrous situation in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.

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• Establishing a bond.
• Feeding.
• Consideration
• Structured exercises.
• Body language and verbal communication.
• Benefits of group lessons.
• Take lessons periodically to stay on track to improve your own skills.
• Lists of trainers and instructors can be obtained from the United States Equestrian Federation and the American Donkey & Mule Society.

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Keys to Successful Training Part 1 –

• The Work Station
• Tack and Equipment
• In the Round Pen
• Be aware of how your own body language and verbal commands elicit certain behaviors in your animal.
• The Hard Tie as a restraint and how to use it.
• In the Arena
• Open Areas

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Fine-tuning the Rider/Fine-tuning the Aids —

• The benefits of using positive reinforcement early on in your mule’s training.
• Apply corrective measures appropriately when working with your young mule.
• Each mule learns in their own way and at their own pace.
• Using your seatbones to fine-tune your aids.
• Use half-halts when making a transition will alert your mule a change is going to occur.
• Using circles to benefit your training.
• Working at a pace so as not to confuse or create anxiety in your mule.
• Establishing fine-tuning will create harmony and balance in your work.
• This and more details in this episode!

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