MULE CROSSING: Selecting a Trainer
By Meredith Hodges
We have our animals professionally trained primarily to allow them to perform to the best of their ability, but once we have decided to put them into training we are faced with the dilemma of selecting a trainer. With mules, selection of the trainer is of the utmost importance due to his psychological makeup. Remember that your mule cannot learn from someone he doesn’t like, and mules do have their preferences!
So, where do you begin looking for a trainer? The best place to begin would probably be at a mule show – study the animals and see who is winning the performance classes. Talk with those owners if they do not do the training themselves. They will probably be able to put you in touch with someone who does. Other good sources for trainers are the various equine publications that are popular in your area. Trainers, as in any business, will usually post ads. If no trainers are listed as such, study the ranch ads and contact the ranch owners – they should be able to help.
Once you have accumulated a few names, call and make appointments to visit the various trainers. The interview with the trainer is as important to you as it is to him. You will have an opportunity to discuss finance, goals and general care. An appointment will also give you the chance to see his facility and allow you to draw your own conclusions before you make a commitment. There are many good horse trainers available today, but they are not necessarily qualified to train mules. The mule trainer must be a person of extraordinary patience and be well versed in technique… and just as a precaution, you might ask if he’s ever trained a donkey. The mule trainer must know how to appeal to the donkey half of the mule as well as the horse half of the mule to be successful.
When you visit the trainer’s facility, there are several ways to get the information you require. First, pay attention to the general condition of the facility. Is it clean, free of debris with safe fencing? Check to see that water and mineral salt blocks are available to the stock. Does the trainer have a good working area available to him? In bad weather, an indoor arena is essential. If he does not have access to an indoor arena, he may not be able to work your mule as often as needed for a good sound training program. Next, check the general condition of his stock. Are they well fed? Are there any obtrusive scars or bruises on the animals, and what is the condition of their feet? Are they properly trimmed or shod? The condition of a trainer’s animals can tell you a lot about the trainer.
As a consideration to yourself and your mule, do not be afraid to ask the trainer if he will ride for you. You might want to mention the fact that you wish to see him ride at the time you make your appointment. The trainer can then be sure to allot the time necessary to ride for you. As he rides, watch the way he handles the animals. Are his hands light, yet firm? Does he ask for collection and cause the animal to travel smoothly and fluidly? Do his animals move away from leg pressure? Do the animals bend through their circles? Vertical flexion, impulsion, and lateral bend are all the elements of proper shape and any truly good trainer will know and practice these techniques. Beware of the person who claims to be a trainer, but only “rides” your animal. He could conceivably do immeasurable damage.
After touring the facility and watching the trainer at work, it is time for discussion. You have had a chance to determine the overall character of the trainer. If he is the least bit short-tempered or gruff, he is not trainer for your mule. If he seems patient and even-tempered, it is now time to discuss your goals and the way they will be financed. Be realistic about your expectations. An animal can be taught the basics in 60-90 days, but unless you are an experienced rider, the training cannot be maintained. Remember, training is primarily teaching the animal to respond to cues in a habitual manner and it takes time to build good habits. If you haven’t the finances for any more than 60-90 days and you are not experienced, ask the trainer if he would be willing to spend time in the last month, or so, teaching you how to ride your mule correctly. Any good trainer would insist that you do!
When you discuss your goals with the trainer, be concise and to the point. Ask him to clarify terms so that you understand exactly what he will be doing with your mule. Ask the trainer for a copy of the contract to take home with you and to study. To avoid any misunderstandings, ask the trainer about terms concerning the veterinarian, the horseshoer, hauling expenses, and any showing that you wish him to do. To clarify these responsibilities in advance will help to assure a good rapport with your prospective trainer.
If you are still unsure about a trainer after visiting his facility and talking with him, ask for references. While at home, you can check these references and go over the contract to see if he will, in fact, fit your needs.
Following these guidelines will enable you to locate the right trainer for your mule. Granted, it takes a little time to visit and discuss these things, but it is time well spent. The right trainer can produce a happy, healthy and well-mannered mule… but more than that, he can produce a satisfied owner!
To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com, MEREDITH HODGES PUBLIC FIGURE Facebook page, or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Pinterest, Instagram, MeWe, YouTube and Twitter.
Covered in TRAINING MULES & DONKEY: A LOGICAL APPROACH TO TRAINING, TRAINING WITHOUT RESISTANCE and EQUUS REVISITED at www.luckythreeranchstore.com.
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