When Your Mule Tries to Hit You

What should you do when your mule tries to hit you? A mule who feels freedom to get in your space and push or shove is a mule that does not respect you - and you’re headed for a wreck that will injure you, your mule, or both.
There is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but many situations begin with you discovering the source of the issue.
In this video Steve Edwards from Queen Valley Mule Ranch will show you how he handles a mule that wants to use his nose to bump into his owner. He is using his nose to push against his owner and Steve shows her how to 1) keep the mule out of her space and 2) establish herd leadership.
Learn more about the come-a-long rope used in the video here, muleman.co/2MX...
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Website, www.muleranch.com
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[@rastus666]

I had a friend who raised horses and mules. He said mules are 10 times smarter than a horse ever dreamed of being. He also said never mistreat your mule, as it will remember, and sooner or later, it will get even.

[@Randy-uh8wd]

People, do not kick your mules! Calm down and just tap with your stick. Being a boss does not mean being a jerk and it does not include kicking or breaking the nose bone of a mule. Never hit your mule. They will never forget you did it. Pressure does not include pain.

[@mcgregorclan2492]

So ive never dealt with one Never been taught to deal with one But ive been caring for one recently in a pin He gets stern “HEYS!!!” And butt pokes with the shit picker. We have a understanding.

[@Deej496]

​@@mcgregorclan2492Butt pokes with the shit picker.. Good grief...

[@sylvi6692]

They have very sensitive noses so why provoke them to react by always handling it and then dominate when they try to shake it off ! This is very cruel training, pain and dominance based. Sad to see, and the mule can't understand.

[@googlamonster5086]

And the pos kept kicking it when it was doing nothing wrong

[@jfredmuggs56]

That mule showed a whole lot of patience.

[@muleranch]

Thanks for watching.

[@katdavis6291]

To any of the apparent "mule experts" out there who want to diss on Mr. Edwards, lemme ask you this, have you ever trained a mule before? Have you ever even been around a mule before? Or are you just sitting back on your couch thinking that you could do better and his methods are abuse? Lemme tell you right now that this man knows what he's talking about and people who don't know what they're talking about need to shut up. Unless you have been bitten, kicked, stomped on, or bucked off you need to hush bc you can't give respect until it's given to you. You need to let that animal know who's boss so when you gain a mutual respect you can build a bond with that animal and you and the mule would be better for it. There are methods that people can complain about, but this is not one of them. I know of a guy who is facing multiple lawsuits from "training" people's horses and mules. One woman never got her horse back, another spent thousands in vet bills from him tying up her mare's foot to a tree and leaving her for over 3 hours. Her mare is now permanently lame in that foot. This is not rough. This is not abuse. This is a master a work, training a one-ton free spirit who has no respect and turning her into a mule that will have a bond with her owner that is unbreakable.

[@muleranch]

Thank you Kat, really appreciate the support.

[@carlaperry1784]

Good point. Yes I have trained mules but I had them from birth. Only a limited number. A whole different deal. Mine were taught to be good citizens from day one. He really got a very good result. I have watch lots of clinicians and rode with many. I have seen methods that were more inspiring for a quality relationship and than kicking a mule in the leg. I would be so embarrassed to be videoed doing that.

[@robinstewart2506]

I appreciate any knowledge from those that get results. I don't know everything and advice is always welcome.

[@lukemulejump7851]

Excellent advice. I need to practice what you preach so he’s not always trying to climb up in my pocket

[@katydidnt3906]

What does this guy do when the cameras AREN'T rolling?

[@Drewmack22]

Train world class mules

[@deeppurple883]

Goes for a cool Bud with the mule 🐎🤠🍻.

[@DariusLundberg]

Implying what? And why do you suspect something?

[@bettyvanderhooven-schmaasc4235]

@@DariusLundberg yeah, he seems kinda rough and lacks respect for any animal that misbehaves.

[@merlin4real]

This is instructional so... exactly the same thing he does on camera. Duh.

[@ihus9950]

Thanks Steve👍

[@rache8323]

What a wonderful, big hearted animal. Round of applause for the Pretty baby! 👏👏👏👏

[@muleranch]

We got to spend a lot of time with this wonderful handler and her animal. She was incredibly gifted with her timing and really whipped her buddy into shape during this clinic.

[@MontanaRealtyCompany934]

@@muleranchwhy would you kick your mule? Is it because youre a little guy?

[@MontanaRealtyCompany934]

Why are you kicking your mule? Is it because you are a little guy?

[@muleranch]

Howdy Marco, thanks for watching! Hope you have a great day.

[@catherinegrace6406]

This guy has a mean way about himself towards the mule.. I don think he has the right training methods..jmo

[@muleranch]

Hi Catherine, thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment. If you are willing to spend more time watching some of our live Q & A shows you'll learn more of the context for Steve's history with animals and why he trains in the way he does. We may not agree in the end, but hopefully some context will provide better insight into why we do what we do. Steve has a deep respect and love for mules and donkeys and his training reflects the communication that you can expect to witness between a mule/donkey and a lead mare.

[@lindaarchinal9008]

It’s a question of 1000# vs 170# - it’s good to be friends but who is the boss.

[@harmonioushomestead321]

@@lindaarchinal9008 It's better to be partners

[@feliciamikels2629]

When you are dealing with a 1000 lb plus animal, you do what you have to do to be safe. I am thinking most of the ones who have left comments about him kicking haven’t watched equine in the wild. He was barely kicking them. But when an animal that size gets in your space, they need to learn to back up.

[@lynnehuff9659]

This guy's an ass, no pun. Kicking that mule around to illustrate a point! Pulling, and pushing for no reason. The mule is probably confused. It doesn't seem right to show those moves when the mule is behaving.

[@muleranch]

Hi Lynn, we talk about this around the 54 minute marker. We may not agree on handling and training techniques, but I hope it's clear that we're not willy nilly about this stuff and Steve has deep care and compassion for the equine. We're always willing to have a conversation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXi5f3uabpd9gcU

[@johnberry1107]

She got it for the rest of her life. Thank you.

[@muleranch]

👍🤠❤️

[@dh5057]

I would never let a guy like this work for me.....

[@bella-vg9dt]

so your method is to use pain and release knot pressure and release horses their natural behavior donkeys and mules included zebras as well equine behavior isn't to go to constantly just killing each other because they are upset with each other first they pin their ears then they switch their tail than they do so many other things to create pressure rather than just going straight for pain and trying to kill each other. It's just like with bits it's pain and release but the way these people keep a hold or tight reins they never released the pain in these poor horses mouths

[@meycoe]

some punctuation, please

[@bettyvanderhooven-schmaasc4235]

Mules. Mules aren't soft in the mouth like horses. They are soft in the nose. That's why he trains this way.

[@timgreen2426]

If you want to learn how to mistreat a mule by unnecessary rough handling, then watch this clickbait.

[@bobbybrooks4826]

So when the horse pushed him over the Cliff did it understand exactly what it was doing?

[@daniellegregory3477]

I was doing ground work with my mule today and he nudged me in the chest and I just kinda flicked him on the soft spot right in the middle of his nose and he acted like I just absolutely killed him. I like how this is a quick response! I’m not sure if my mule connected my response with his nudge. I will be trying this

[@meycoe]

oh,nah! don't like any of this ...guess I'm stubborn about striking animals

[@richardblais7445]

im impressed with the young girl lol.she know what she's doing

[@muleranch]

This is just one little clip... but your'e correct. She was sharp... no doubt she has only become a stronger herd leader over time.

[@dalenascholl6268]

I really like this video

[@muleranch]

Thanks for watching Dalena!

[@Deej496]

My stinky lil mini donk use to hit me with her head when I tried to trim her. Now I know mules and donks are NOT the same, but boy, She sure knocked me around! 😅 Finally got rid of her because I just couldn't trim her and I was worried about her feet. I now have a sweet and kind mini who is lovely to work with. Thanks for this video.!

[@pamferguson3901]

I sure wouldn't want him to train any of mine if I had any... There is no need to kick the mule in the leg. Im sure you don't want to be kicked by that mule. So shall you not...

[@muleranch]

HI Pam, thanks for watching! We talk about this around the 46 minute marker here. Thanks for watching! We may not see eye to eye, but we are willing to have the conversation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5e6d5SDbp6Ab7c

[@mjo4981]

The mule reminds me a lot of my rabbit- big intelligent ears and loves to have his nose scratched!

[@muleranch]

Mule people love their animals just like rabbit people love theirs! Thanks for watching. 🤠❤️👍

[@andytuesday500]

Thank you 🙏

[@katherineknapp8838]

The head moved when she kept covering the mules MOUTH, NOT NOSE. The gentleman kept rubbing the nose, covering the front of the nose, the girl kept covering the mouth.

[@katydidnt3906]

Animals don't fail us. We fail them.

[@FancySassy80]

I have an month old. Barely handled and spoiled. She kicks bad wheb trying to groom her and runs backwards. Any advice would like to vreak these bad habits before she gets mich bigger

[@muleranch]

We talk about this around the 45 minute marker, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIfRYmN3gZume8U

[@Acelevi999]

Thank you Very MUCH 🤠

[@muleranch]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@treetopper1234]

Unreal

[@musiclover1469]

Is this man real or spiteful

[@timgreen2426]

Spiteful & bitter

[@valeriepowell1736]

wow I have no words...... Lord

[@xtheunknown9351]

Don't be mean to ur animals ,but dealing with a mule is a horse of a diffrent color ( pun intended) I watched a noob try to catch my mule for an hour til he gave up & said I can't catch her.. I walked up to Sarah & said what's he doing to u & reached out & took hold of her halter & said its that easy ... a mule is a diffrent kind of animal & sometimes I couldn't catch her .. but always make sure mule knows ur the boss or mule gets to thinking they are ...I would never kick or hit my mule with anything & u don't have to...

[@donnapope2058]

What is best for the citizens of this country should be the reason to vote for a candidate. NOT FOR A persons SELFISH REASON !!

[@bettyvanderhooven-schmaasc4235]

I certainly understand why he can't bend down around any mule he's trained, my bad, laid the groundwork on. He's the boss. There's no relationship or trust. I don't care if he's a champion trainer. You can train dogs this way too, by being the boss. Or you can build a relationship and trust. At some point, the boss will get bit or his dog will bite another. I just don't like any of his vids. Embarrassing he'd put them up.

[@muleranch]

Hi Betty, thanks for taking the time to watch. We know that everyone has their own approach and we will allow our results and students to speak for themselves. In addition, it is important to know that in any of our videos, you're only seeing a very, very small percentage of the work we do with the animal, not to mention the work the owner or trainer does with the animal. We're very okay with agreeing to disagree, but we will stand up to affirm that everyone at Queen Valley Mule Ranch loves and respects the animals and we back up everything we do with the fact human safety is what matters most when working with large animals. A close second is the animal.

[@dalenascholl6268]

In any relationship between equine and human the safest thing for both is establishing who is the leader. You can build rapport with them once you can be safe around them. One thing at a time. Love and respect are intertwined

[@tomhinkle2517]

Not a good trainer

[@muleranch]

Howdy Tom, thanks for watching. I know our approach won't work for everyone. If you spend any number of hours watching our videos (beyond a few minute+ clips) you'll find that this is just a small part of our larger training and ground foundation program. Still, doesn't hurt our feelings at all if you prefer to do it differently. Blessings.

[@missyrabbit5250]

Is it necessary to use a bit for riding?

[@muleranch]

Absolutely! Do not ride without a bit. Don't ride in a halter. You can ride with a hackamore if the mule / donkey can ride 80% off your bit. If you ride without a bit you'll be getting ER visits.

[@fiminio9316]

it's not necesarry at all can't believe you actually take such a dumb advice from someone using abusive methods

[@rawveganfoodforthought2333]

I agree. “That’s my nose I paid for it!” Kind of jerk.

[@juliepdem5275]

@@fiminio9316 I'm curious....how many mules have you owned or trained? Do you understand what "Ask. Tell. Demand." means? It's very similar to raising children. You want them to THINK about what you're asking. Give them the chance to figure it out. Then go to a more forceful request if necessary. The link below leads to the Oxford dictionary definition of "abuse". Regularly, repeatedly, to a bad effect or a bad purpose are some of the key phrases and words used in defining "abuse." If you watch the video again, it will be clear that he was being firm and fair with the mule. Nothing more. He stroked her and helped her relax, then asked her for what he wanted. She's quick to learn, and smart. Did you notice how she tried to treat her owner as she always had? Did you notice her surprised reaction (ears thrown forward, eyes widen, nostrils flared for a deep breath?) when her owner changed how she communicated with the mule? This definitely WASN'T abuse. It was a wonderful example of communication between trainer, owner and mule.🥰 www.google.com/search?q=define+abuse&oq=define+abuse&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.16496j1j4&client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

[@fiminio9316]

@@juliepdem5275 the use of the rope halters is so wrong. they are way too far down on the nose and a horse can't breathe like that or gets problems doing so. that IS abuse for sure. and it has nothing to do with what you are talking about. pressure yes, but no choking of the poor horse. please.. for god's sake. and i'm using pressure-release so i'm definitely not one of the clicker trainers that think that positive reinforcement is the only way. but this is stupid. and that you have to use bits whenever you ride is just as stupid as choking your horse when you ask them to do smt. and that matches your definition too :)

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Why do you have that rope halter so low on the nose? Bad move.

[@muleranch]

Thanks for watching, Gerry. When you see someone training with the halter high up on the bone, that's a horse trainer. For the mule and donkey you want to pull down to 2 fingers above the nostril. The mule cares more about his nose than anything else. Communicate to the nose is all a part of ground foundation training and is how you start to make them soft to your commands.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@muleranch You have a lot to learn about equines, and a whole lot to unlearn.

[@AccountInactive]

@@gerrycoleman7290 Let's see your training program Mr expert.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@AccountInactive It wouldn't do you any good. Your filters are too contaminated.

[@idt6359]

Kicking the legs is abuse. Punching a mule in the nose is abuse. This guy uses backward training methods...the difference between "breaking" a mule and taming one is big.

[@muleranch]

Hi there thanks for taking the time to watch and share your thoughts. This instruction comes in response to how the lead mare will communicate and communicate with the herd. This training is “gentle” compared to the natural methods of the herd leader. My biggest concern is the safety of the rider and the animal. The only way to make safety a priority is to become like the lead mare in training.

[@maggiefranks6849]

Don't listen to this guy, he doesn't know what he's talking about

[@muleranch]

Hi Maggie, hope you have a great day and blessings to you! 👍🤠❤️

[@conniewolf7300]

Edwards is not known for being a great mule trainer. He is better known for his saddles. But I'm not knocking him. Good mule trainers are as scarce as hen's teeth!

[@muleranch]

Thanks for watching Connie. Just out here doing our best. Blessings to you.