MULE TALK! PODCAST: Standing Still While Mounting
Standing Still While Mounting –
- It starts with good nutrition and being fed on schedule to reduce anxiety.
- Ground training is essential using a logical approach.
- Begin mounting in the round pen first – using a mounting block.
- Desensitize your mule with gentle strokes to the body to learn his sensitive areas.
- Start with a mounting block to eliminate pulling on the saddle.
- Have an assistant work with you for safety reasons.
- Sit quietly for a minute before walking on after mounting.
- Train your mule to understand the command “WHOA.”
- Train your mule to understand the command “STAND” when you are ready to mount him.
- Use the reward system to let him know he is doing good.
- Balance your weight when stepping up into the saddle and stepping down.
- English riders – remove both feet from stirrups when dismounting.
- Western riders position your foot in the left stirrup to eliminate getting hung up.
- Ride in a saddle that is comfortable for your mule and a proper fit for you the rider. This will eliminate potential hazards.
Learn more on Mule Talk podcast.
