Everyday Mulemanship Challenge Week #2

[@carolynbagot-barritt7146]

I just got my first mule a week ago. This is some of the most helpful teaching I've found. I plan on applying everything that I can from this series and start saving now to attend one of your 3 day clinics in 2025. Thank you for your kindness in helping those of us less skilled (ie. clueless at times!)

[@nancyallen641]

Hello! I don’t own a mule. I own a Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse and an ex-racehorse turned ex-polo horse (National class) and I’m an old lady, 62, who should be totally over classed by the fine horses I own, but somehow these horses have learned to care for ME, because, I think, I take the time. I’m not that good to ride the horses that I own, but still, I ride them. But, let me tell you, this haltering method is foundational to your goal with your horse or mule. It’s solid. Works for any mule or horse because it engages the mind. It asks the horse or mule to participate in the process. Plus a slight tilting of the head seems to put them in a thinking mindset. Good to do, especially with the hard to halter individual. Change their mind. Engage the mind. Ask. Good stuff. I’ll be following!

[@lindawainwright6231]

Mules are scarce as "hen's teeth" where I live in Michigan. So appreciate your example...the mechanical aspects of catching and being aware of what's going on with us and our mule while we're doing it. Love the "bite size" instruction and assignment on video no less! Thank you both!

[@StephanieM67]

Absolutely wonderful video! This is truly a great way to build connection, build mindfulness, and help with any sourness! I love these tips! I am keeping a journal week to week of your tips, my experience & progress (observe, remember & compare 👌👍). I will definitely remove my expectations, and always use the repetition of steps (petting, backing off, watching and always observing my mules' behavior/expressions) then, halter (walk just a short minute) and release "with quality" (tipping the nose to the left....holding it)....always towards getting softness w my mule (this soooo helpful!). Thank you, Ty... thank you, Skye, for filming! Thank you, Hazel and BA...and all your mules 💛🐴💛

[@margaretmaginness4064]

This is the perfect exercise for a cold, snowy week here in Missouri. Especially while my arena is off limits while it gets some work done. Thanks Ty and Skye!

[@judydumermuth8511]

I love , love, love the weekly challenges! So much fun! Thanks so much for helping all of us become better "mule handlers and communicators".

[@myratoth5942]

Hi ty, I just subscribed and am glad I did. I'll be following your posts and applying them to Gracie's rehab regime. My goal is to be able to saddle her up and start riding. The saddle seems to represent what she fears the most. She is around 7-8 yo, have her now for about a yr. Still getting to know each other. She's my first mule, after many years with horses...

[@douglasramey8754]

Thanks for the challenges. Starting a little rescue mule, maybe get Cheryl up on him when she sees he is capable .

[@OldCowboy450]

Love working with my mules, if they learn something they don't forget, good or bad, trust is key and can be hard to achieve.

[@sherrycurtis381]

Great advice for cold winter days, I also like to catch and take out and brush and turn loose again.

[@MuleTrails]

Excellent advice in a simple easy-to-understand and apply format. Practical steps to improve awareness and mulemanship with foundation steps.

[@Leannhartje]

My husband is getting his first mule (a yearling) in a couple weeks and I've followed you for a long time, so he can do these with his mules and I think they are great exercises to do with my horses too! THANKS FOR POSTING!

[@kates.vassel9736]

Thanks for the reminder on this exercise. I have one that catches me and I don't remember to just catch and release him very often. Our other one is 50/50 on standing vs. leaving when you have a halter and this will be very good for her. Hopefully I can get it done a few times a week, as ours aren't at home with us, but on leased pasture. Fingers crossed xxx

[@jamesjohnson5403]

Enjoy your weekly challenges. Keeps me motivated and I like the “small steps” approach you offer. Appreciate it!

[@gayleshriner8524]

Great exercise. Love the details of the nose tip both into and out of the halter and the release with no work being associated with being caught.

[@karenr67]

I don't have a Mule but enjoy watching. Always up to learning new things.

[@rustyvoiceinwilderness9580]

Good WISPERING - I have mine so they let me halter them from the out side of the corral before they get 1 cup full of sweet feed. Then I tie them up from the outside and let them go when their done. I don't feed much. Just enough for him to know he got treated special.

[@van123446]

always love watching partnerships build

[@mindybowling9635]

I need to do this. My molly is spooky and hard to catch! Thank you!

[@candypaddle]

Bwahahaha...well...that auction mule I picked up last week - I didn't really do much with her the last 6 days because I thought I didn't have time - guess I should have watched this video the day I brought her home! I'm looking forward to doing this with her tomorrow though (and every day thereafter!)

[@chunterina]

Thanks, Ty! We love this. Just wanting to know if it is still your standard to have them lower their heads when applying the halter? It didn’t appear that you asked them to lower their heads in the video, but maybe that’s just for when you bridle? Thanks again!

[@bearhuntingmagazine]

Thanks for the video. Good one.

[@lindapontorero829]

THANK YOU! Looking forward to next week!

[@keithtaylor6069]

Really enjoy this. So simple, but does so much, thanks

[@rachellanter50]

Gonna start doing this with my new mare! She is finally coming to me but that without a halter. I’ll start adding the halter but not putting it on!! Love this video!

[@evolutionjen]

Just starting this challenge with you, here at the top of August 2020. My goal is to learn how to be my mule's leader and for us to be able to cooperate and work together on the ground. He bolts out of my hand and I'd like to start over with him so we are both safe and curious and enjoying working together even if I never get on his back.

[@cathielopez6125]

Thank you Ty & Skye.

[@lisalabarge6692]

My hinny Ophelia doesn’t love being caught, so we drive her off if she moves away. She’s usually fine on the second attempt. Obviously, that’s not what you’re doing. Should we stop driving her off? And if so, why? I’m relatively new to equines so I don’t want to create a problem I have to fix later if I can help it. Thanks!

[@FancySassy80]

He is like my girl doesnt like being caught. Ill be changing my method now.

[@mattbenson2497]

same approach I take with my horses thanks for sharing!! But why do mule guys seem like they portray that they are working with a completely different animal? they seem like they are pretty much a horse to me.. other than the fact they seem to take the time to think through things as where a horse is more eager to please and that gets them into trouble some times but there are pluses and minuses to each.

[@irenesaunders8376]

My Mule is just too big for me to apply the halter this way, but I do tip his nose toward me..I will continue to practice..:)

[@thadboman4340]

My mules catch me but this will be a great training at least I'll be doing more than just feedin them lol.

[@mariellemartin5910]

What a noble animal.

[@ruralangwin]

My goal is to catch the weasly mules!