Who Hunts With Mules?

[ganderblaster]

Just noticed the mule selling at the sheep auction. Anyone on the board use one? We always talked of buying one when we were horse logging but it never panned out. They are tremendous pullers. $30,000 seems like a lot wow!

[muleskinner]

I have used mules for several years for hunting.Since buying my first mule have completely replaced all my horses with them.I use them for ranch work and roping and am also involved in Cowboy mounted shooting with them.They are very versatile and fun to be around.

[hawken]

My Father in law and I share 4 Mules. We use them to ride, pack and drive our wagons. I don't think I'll ride a horse again.
This painting is my wifes handiwork.
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee72/hawken74/P9230022-1.jpg
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http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee72/hawken74/IMG_0026.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee72/hawken74/HuntingTrip025.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee72/hawken74/willmore009.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee72/hawken74/elkpics018.jpg

[guywiththemule]

I have used mules for packing and riding while sheep and elk hunting for about 25 years now. They are hard to beat in the mountains for smoothness(gait),common sense, endurance and toughness but you cannot treat them like your horse. They seem to understand compromise and fairness , if that makes any sense... They usually work pretty good if they think it was their idea to do anything new or different....:)

[hawken]

I have used mules for packing and riding while sheep and elk hunting for about 25 years now. They are hard to beat in the mountains for smoothness(gait),common sense, endurance and toughness but you cannot treat them like your horse. They seem to understand compromise and fairness , if that makes any sense... They usually work pretty good if they think it was their idea to do anything new or different....:)

Well said

[steve]

At the end of the day what is more worn out mule or horse? If everything is equal.

[hawken]

At the end of the day what is more worn out mule or horse? If everything is equal.

This is an unfair question; the hores is likely not to make it to the end of the day.
:)

[steve]

This is an unfair question; the hores is likely not to make it to the end of the day.
:)

But if they do, they sure will look better :lol:

[guywiththemule]

But if they do, they sure will look better :lol:

Your opinion maybe, lol ..:sHa_shakeshout:

[Deer Hunter]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee72/hawken74/elkpics018.jpg

awesome pic hawken!

[Rocky7]

I've been wanting a mule for our place but the wife thinks I'm nuts. Neighbour says they can be quirky but isn't much help beyond that. I know my dad logged with mules and horses and said the mules were smarter and stronger than a horse but when 5:00 came, they quit exactly where they were and you could either take off the harness or shoot them but they wouldn't move until you did one or the other. I had hounds a bit like that - treat them unfairly and they'd rebel. Animals like that are interesting, I think.

I haven't got to the stage of looking at prices, though. How come they're so high? Are they getting popular with horsy women?

This story circulated a while back. Even though it's not true as circulated, that mule shows some spunk!

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/m/mule-lion.htm

[Horn Stretcher]

I have used mules for over 30 years along with horses, my son who is thirteen rides a 25 year old mule and the mule looks like he has atleast another 10 years of good trail riding use left in him. I have seen horses rolled down a river from high water, hang off of 80 foot drop off with the back legs dangling in mid air, I have seen a horse slide down under cut creek banks, had one go over a water fall once to. But I have never seen any of the mules get into any of these wrecks that the horses seem to find. I find the mules smarter and tougher than most horses, Mules aren't for everybody they can and do test you but I would take a good mule over a horse any day.

[ww2269]

Sinse we are on the topic, I am lookin for a mule to buy, broke to pack or ride, lookin for good bone and ready to pack a big guy in the hills. Lookn for somthing goodand honest.

[thunderheart]

mules wont founder either and just their character and looks i prefer tho i dont own any critters.............yet

[guywiththemule]

I've been wanting a mule for our place but the wife thinks I'm nuts. Neighbour says they can be quirky but isn't much help beyond that. I know my dad logged with mules and horses and said the mules were smarter and stronger than a horse but when 5:00 came, they quit exactly where they were and you could either take off the harness or shoot them but they wouldn't move until you did one or the other. I had hounds a bit like that - treat them unfairly and they'd rebel. Animals like that are interesting, I think.

I haven't got to the stage of looking at prices, though. How come they're so high? Are they getting popular with horsy women?

This story circulated a while back. Even though it's not true as circulated, that mule shows some spunk!

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/m/mule-lion.htm

No I don`t think horsey women(my sister) like them too much yet.:sHa_sarcasticlol: A good, big, well broke mule that has experince is hard to find in Alberta. I think their owners have put a lot of time into them so they jealousy hang on to a good mule. And there are not a lot of people who have the patience and knowledge to properly break one.

[Grizzly Adams]

Don't mind mules that whinney, but the ones that bray, drive me and my horse batty. :lol: How come some do one and some the other?:confused0024:

Grizz

[creeky]

mules wont founder either and just their character and looks i prefer tho i dont own any critters.............yet

unfortunately they do, albeit much much less inclined to laminitis than a horse

[gunslinger]

I have used mules for packing and riding while sheep and elk hunting for about 25 years now. They are hard to beat in the mountains for smoothness(gait),common sense, endurance and toughness but you cannot treat them like your horse. They seem to understand compromise and fairness , if that makes any sense... They usually work pretty good if they think it was their idea to do anything new or different....:)

Lol isnt that the truth, they seem to understand what your saying also, art had a few with gundahoo river when i guided for him, The best packers i ever had but as soon as you got mad and called him a name or anything along them lines i swear he would ignore me on purpose.

I also used them on my desert sheep hunt and them little buggers could pack a ton of water adn stuff. Awsome animals for sure if you get a good one.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d182/gunsligner/IMG_0314.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d182/gunsligner/IMG_0064.jpg

[hornhead]

i always thought Festus in Gunsmoke was cool riding a mule.

then there was Clint in a spaghetti western who took exception to his mule being laughed at.

my grandfather always thought mules were smarter than horses. if they got a leg tangled in wire they would calmly lift their leg out. but a horse would panic and make things worse. don't know if that's true cuz grandfathers aren't neccessarily to be trusted. :sHa_sarcasticlol:

i have heard sheep herders keep a mule around to chase coyotes off.

all sorts of mule stories about. i just happen to think they are cooler than horses. not a rider myself.

[Horn Stretcher]

Ha ha gunslinger you do know that you are sitting on a Donkey right. They even have more of personality than a mule and trust is extremly hard to get from them. I bet those mexicans never ever put a shoe on any of those donkeys am I right?

[creeky]

Ha ha gunslinger you do know that you are sitting on a Donkey right. They even have more of personality than a mule and trust is extremly hard to get from them. I bet those mexicans never ever put a shoe on any of those donkeys am I right?

who would?

they know Kung Fu and can kick you anywhere your gonna be


:Lightning:

[nof60]

My hunting partners (wife and daughter) are pretty stubborn, does that count?

Now a serious question. Behavior wise is there much difference between a mule and a hinney? Had lots of horses over the years but never a mule but my dad had a team of paint mules when I was little.

[gunslinger]

Ha ha gunslinger you do know that you are sitting on a Donkey right. They even have more of personality than a mule and trust is extremly hard to get from them. I bet those mexicans never ever put a shoe on any of those donkeys am I right?

LOL ya and there owner guided me to a 165 ram in his sandals made out of a old goodyear tire. Nope no shoes on these babys.lol If you look closely at his feet that is what he was guiding in It was unreal. His feet were like rocks they were so callased up, but they were his donkeys so he had to come.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d182/gunsligner/IMG_0304.jpg

[thunderheart]

unfortunately they do, albeit much much less inclined to laminitis than a horse

thanks on that ..i always underdtood it the other way but i am still learning at 54 lol

[cowmanbob]

I've had 4 mules, 2 good ones and 2 problem ones that were given to me. I was not able to fix the 2 kickers. The other 2 are great animals to pack with. They are pretty tough but not much more than a good strong horse. Very nimble and agile and they seem to picket train easily. Mine are fairly thin-skinned and cinch sore easily. Also bug season is hard on them. Those braying ones make good moose callers. I like having them around. I have a video somewhere of a guy in brazil training mules and he does some amazing things with them. Also some great pictures here

[Rocky7]

mules wont founder either............yet

NO kidding. How the heck didn't I know that??? We had to put down my daughter's horse because it would founder on a picture of green grass. It was not a happy day around here....for anybody.

Gotta tell the wife.

[Rocky7]

And there are not a lot of people who have the patience and knowledge to properly break one.

I've been told that. So, what's the general difference between breaking/training a horse (which I have done some of) and breaking a mule? Not the bible, just some general comments would be helpful. My neighbour seems to think that my naturally sunny disposition is not suitable. She hasn't said that in so many words, but she kinda gives me the fisheye when I ask about her dad's mules and how hard it was to break/train them, use them, that sort of thing.

[Horn Stretcher]

Mules won"t founder is what we had been told lots to. But over the last 30 years and about 35 to 40 mules later, we have had one founder and founder bad. She got in some fresh clover in the spring that was about 6 to 8 inches high and that was that for her. So they can founder and clover is bad stuff for that, lesson learned.

[guywiththemule]

I've been told that. So, what's the general difference between breaking/training a horse (which I have done some of) and breaking a mule? Not the bible, just some general comments would be helpful. My neighbour seems to think that my naturally sunny disposition is not suitable. She hasn't said that in so many words, but she kinda gives me the fisheye when I ask about her dad's mules and how hard it was to break/train them, use them, that sort of thing.

Pick your battles very carefully and once you start don`t give in. Give them a chance to completely understand what is expected of them. They are extremely intelligent and usually think before they panic like a horse. Above all be fair, and convince the mule it was his idea to do anything that there might have been a problem with. Most horses learn with repetition but a mule gets bored if asked to do something over and over. Keep him learning new and different things. When a mule is going to kick or hurt you in any way they usually give you a warning first and then you are on your own.:snapoutofit:(had one kick my hat off when I was trimming his feet and had another kick me in the earlobe when I was teaching him to pick up his feet).( One turned out good the other one didn`t.)

[Rocky7]

(had one kick my hat off when I was trimming his feet and had another kick me in the earlobe when I was teaching him to pick up his feet).( One turned out good the other one didn`t.)

Thanks for the advice and experience. I appreciate it.

I don't have any experience with a mule, but I've had a couple of bones broken with horses. My Ridgeback dogs sound kinda like that. Treat them unfairly and they will either quit or look at you sideways. Be fair and be firm tended to work out pretty well. Lots of guts and smart enough but with a wide independent/stubborn streak.

Might have to buy a hockey helmet, though :). Or see if I can find one already broke, I guess. At least part way.

[Horn Stretcher]

Rocky another thing I would also advise is go watch a couple of clinics that some mule guys do, one guy that comes to our area once in a while is Brad Cameron he is good. There is a guy out of the States by the name of Steve Edwards Queen Valley Ranch I have meet him and enjoyed what he had to say about mules also. If you google these guys I think something will come up to.

[sunsetrider2011]

Clover and second cut alfalfa will founder a mule just as fast or faster than a horse, Also there 2 cross of a mule or hinney,, one is a mammoth jack to a Horse mare ,,the other is a stud horse to A jenny,, it isnt a very consistent cross very tough to catch however they have proven to be very good animals, Ive run mules in the mountains most of my life and they are as solid and true as any horse could be,, especially in tough situation, their footing is far more supperior ,,Ive roped and doctored cattle of a 16hh mule and that Big ***** Was tough, there was no bs with pushy or ornery cows he would tune them up, also as gentle an animalyou could imagine with calves..
I remember one time out in the saddle of the itchys and ilgatchas mountains, up nere china falls we camped over night and 6 wolves thought they would make a meal out of the horse and the mule ,,, the wolves didnt stand a chance,, they got tuned up right smartly by Big Jake., and had i let him he would of chased them to the ends of the earth. That was his only vice was dogs,,he hated them with a passion. He was one of the best mounts ive ever had to pleasure to ride and work with. And i believe you could get 30 thou for a mule some are worth way more

[Rocky7]

Rocky another thing I would also advise is go watch a couple of clinics that some mule guys do, one guy that comes to our area once in a while is Brad Cameron he is good. There is a guy out of the States by the name of Steve Edwards Queen Valley Ranch I have meet him and enjoyed what he had to say about mules also. If you google these guys I think something will come up to.

Good idea. Any of them come near Red Deer that you know of?

[Horn Stretcher]

sunset rider we found the same thing with dogs, actually anything smaller than them. We had a stud jack when I was a kid that picked me up by the collar bone and shook me and tossed me around a bit when I was about 7 years old. The mule my son rides now we bought him at the age of 2 and was in the process of training him so I had him in the corrals, we were moving a group of cows with newborn calves around and I see the mule throwing something around in the air it looked like a piece of plastic, I went to see what it was, turns out it was one of the calves about a week old, dead. I had one of the pack mules step out of the pack string and put the run on a grizzley one time also. They all have thier own personality, that is for sure.

[sunsetrider2011]

sunset rider we found the same thing with dogs, actually anything smaller than them. We had a stud jack when I was a kid that picked me up by the collar bone and shook me and tossed me around a bit when I was about 7 years old. The mule my son rides now we bought him at the age of 2 and was in the process of training him so I had him in the corrals, we were moving a group of cows with newborn calves around and I see the mule throwing something around in the air it looked like a piece of plastic, I went to see what it was, turns out it was one of the calves about a week old, dead. I had one of the pack mules step out of the pack string and put the run on a grizzley one time also. They all have thier own personality, that is for sure.

That they sure do,, They can be mean s o b's when put too the test, i still carry a scar today from a mule trying to pick me up,

[Horn Stretcher]

rocky I just googled Brad Cameron and it looks like he will be in banff from august 4-8 spectator fee is 25.00 I presume per day and to put a mule in colt starting class is 650.00 the contact number is 406-369-519. He used to go Bowden an the OLds Cow Palace.

[guywiththemule]

sunset rider we found the same thing with dogs, actually anything smaller than them. We had a stud jack when I was a kid that picked me up by the collar bone and shook me and tossed me around a bit when I was about 7 years old. The mule my son rides now we bought him at the age of 2 and was in the process of training him so I had him in the corrals, we were moving a group of cows with newborn calves around and I see the mule throwing something around in the air it looked like a piece of plastic, I went to see what it was, turns out it was one of the calves about a week old, dead. I had one of the pack mules step out of the pack string and put the run on a grizzley one time also. They all have thier own personality, that is for sure.

From what I`ve seen a lot of mules will run a coyote or strange dog out of a pasture or corral. I think they go out of their way to watch for predators or anything they think is eyeing them up. I had a sow grizzly come into camp several years ago and the mule I had just watered at the creek got ready to fight, while all the horses in camp got ready to panic and run.(I escorted the sow out of camp unharmed and all ended well):)

[muleskinner]

If you get a chance to go to a Brad Cameron clinic it is well worth the money.No gimmicks and no BS just a real clear understanding of how a mule thinks.

[creeky]

Mules won"t founder is what we had been told lots to. But over the last 30 years and about 35 to 40 mules later, we have had one founder and founder bad. She got in some fresh clover in the spring that was about 6 to 8 inches high and that was that for her. So they can founder and clover is bad stuff for that, lesson learned.

that's too bad Horn, one of the strangest cases i experienced was a Mule foal born foundered out of a thorobred mare. Got to see it at 3mnths, toes where completely curled around to the coronet band like a turkish slipper. Ended up dying cause of it before years end.

Always wanted em for the hills, price for a good one always a/the barrier.

[sheephunter]

I hate mules. I'd never own one and if I never ride another one I'll be happy but with that said, a horse is not even in the same league as a mules for strength, endurance and brains. Mules rarely get in trouble and if they do they wait for someone to help them out of it. They can pack three times the weight of a horse and go four times as far in a day. In over 30 years of shoeing, I've never seen a foundered mule. No doubt it can happen but it sure isn't common. I've seen hundreds of foundered horses in that same time span.

[NCC]

I have owned 4 mules and these are my observations.

They don't kick at things, they kick them.
They hate anything small (dogs, calves, and I was worried about kids, which is why I sold mine).
When they get upset, they are immune to pain.
They have way more personality than a horse. Mine would start braying to me as soon as I opened the house door.
They might be a little tougher than a horse pound for pound, but not significantly. My neighbour endurance raced his and although they were in top shape they always finished middle of the pack with the horses.
Most of them have poor withers/backs.

I couldn't get my mules to quit trying to kill my dogs. The last time I used one to chase cows both of my collies were laying in the ditch within half a mile of where we started. I had another mule in a pen next to a day old calf and he ran the fence for two days trying to get to the calf. My neighbor's mules have grabbed 2 or 3 calves and drug them over the fence to stomp on. If you live somewhere that has a horse chasing dog in the neighborhood, a mule will solve that problem.

Brad Cameron is good, but training a mule is not much different than training a horse. I was at one of his clinics and his tactics are similar to Curt Pate, Buck Brannaman and most of the other Tom Dorrance/Ray Hunt types. Someone once said that you have to treat a mule the way you should treat a horse.

Although I've never been hurt by a mule I never felt at ease around mine, and 3 of the 4 were pretty good mules.

Checkout Muletrader.ca. I think $3000 will get you a decent trail mule and a pack mule would be considerably less. There is a women west of Rocky that trains mules and is pretty handy. She would be the first person I would talk to if I was looking for another mule; I think she advertises on Muletrader.

[Horn Stretcher]

NCC the women you speak of, I think her name is Karen Anderson if you google Karen Anderson mules her web page comes up. There is a movie on Netflix called Buck that is a bit of a documentary on Buck Brannaman that I thought was good. Those type of horse trainers have done alot to help us understand the horse and mule.

[cowmanbob]

I have to comment on sheephunters words. I pack 2 hindquarters of moose or elk on a stout horse,so according to you a mule will carry 3 times as much and go 60 or more miles in a day.Anyone that would try this should not be allowed to own one. I know mules are tough but anybody buying one should not think that they can work a mule like that. As far as you not owning one, thats great. Mine are great to be around and very faithful. I have packed lots over the years and have no white marks or sores on any of my stock. Your post reminds me of the old saying about working a good horse to death.

[alpineguy]

I am impressed with the passion of this thread. Guys with mules seem to love them while a lot of horse guys hate them. There doesn't seem to be a lot of middle ground IMO.
I have never used mules and probably never will but have no disrespect for those who do.

[rhuntley12]

I've been wanting a mule but already have too many horses. Never ridden one but from what I hear all the time is they are either as useful as a sack of bricks or amazing.

[Grizzly Adams]

Good idea. Any of them come near Red Deer that you know of?

Edwards will be at the Mane event in April.

Grizz

[NCC]

NCC the women you speak of, I think her name is Karen Anderson if you google Karen Anderson mules her web page comes up. There is a movie on Netflix called Buck that is a bit of a documentary on Buck Brannaman that I thought was good. Those type of horse trainers have done alot to help us understand the horse and mule.

I was referring to Karen - I don't know if she is still taking outside mules so I didn't want to broadcast her name.

One thing I forgot to mention about mules is how tough their feet are. I went into the Hummingbird with a bunch of mules that weren't shod and the rocks didn't bother them a bit.

In the past, many mules were the result of a less than average donkey and a POS mare that no one wanted to ride. Now most of the mules are from very good jacks and proven mares; modern mules, as well as modern horses, are much more trainable than those of the past.

[hl649]

The thing about working with mules is that you have to have patience. If you are willing to work for it in training and wait for the right responses, you are going to like your mule. If you aren't patient you will likely not get along with a mule. I was at a Brad Cameron clinic a few years ago. Most of us had a real connection with our mules. One of the activities we did was to let our mules go, Brad would chase them around and they would find their owners real quick to get away from Brad (rather stand by owner than run around the ring). One guy (I won't use any names - he brings a different mule to Brad's clinics every year) could not get near his mule, ever! The mule would go stand near anyone else but his owner. He would kick the crap out of him if he had the chance. He was the type of person that should never own a mule.

There is another mule trainer that no-one has mentioned yet. He used my little mule last year at the Mane Event in Red Deer for a demo. His name is Jerry Tindell (http://www.jerrytindell.com/). He comes up here every summer.

Many years ago Horn Stretcher and I were out somewhere in the hills. We used to restrain our animals by tying logs to their halter ropes so they could graze and move around but couldn't run (short enough to hit their legs if they ran). I went out to catch some horses and untied 4 horses leaving a little mule named Spitters by herself with her log. She did not like getting left alone and tried to follow but couldn't keep up. She put up quite a fuss for a while and then all was well. She came trotting up beside me. She simply reached down and bit the knot in the rope, picked up the log in her mouth, and carried the log instead of dragging it. I untied her log for her when we got to camp. That is the kind of intelligence that you are working with when you have a mule.

I have always compared riding a mule to a horse the same as a gas truck to a diesel truck. They both will do the job but the mule will get it done easier.

[decker]

I have three mules as well and prefer mules over horses. But like everyone has said they are alot more intelligent and you have to get along with them.

[Rocky7]

I have owned 4 mules and these are my observations.

They don't kick at things, they kick them.
They hate anything small (dogs, calves, and I was worried about kids, which is why I sold mine).

That's serious in my mind. Anything big or with teeth that threatens one of my kids is going in the ground. There's no use digging a $3,000 hole.

I couldn't get my mules to quit trying to kill my dogs. The last time I used one to chase cows both of my collies were laying in the ditch within half a mile of where we started. I had another mule in a pen next to a day old calf and he ran the fence for two days trying to get to the calf.

I have dogs. I like them. They like horses (except for the younger one who takes a few minutes to realize that a horse is not a monster) and, for the most part, vice versa. This is something else I didn't want to hear.

I sure appreciate the advice and experience, guys. And the candour. It can be hard to get honest opinions or real facts these days. I have a lot to ponder.

[cowmanbob]

The mules I have worked with will watch the dogs closely all the time. Regarding them killing calves is something I have never seen. Mine will stand guard over them and not even let the cow near. I have had only molly mules. When it comes to training basic rules apply be consistant,be respectfull, do not stop until you win, pick only battles that you can win. I agree with ncc about breeding quality mares.

[hl649]

I don't think it is fair to say that mules in general will attack anything small. They are simply very protective. Once they bond to you or other animals they will stand guard and protect them to the best of their abilities. If they believe that something is a threat they will act accordingly. Again, it all comes down to trust. That is something that you don't see as often in horses.

[decker]

I have dogs and the mules are acustom to them as well as my daughter. But this year out sheep hunting I had a guys lab come running at me while I was riding my mule. Bart(my mule) just put his head down and blew at him and the dog stopped dead in its tracks, it sure was funny.

[muleskinner]

Its funny when a mule kicks somebody or something it's that d%^&*m mule.But when a horse does the same thing he must have been spooked or
somebody did something to them.I have worked with both for most of my life and have found that one that kicks or bites,etc. is just about as dangerous as the other.I have several mules and find them all to be very kind and respectful.Proper training whether it is a horse or mule is what makes them that way.If you like an animal with lots of personality and have the patience to take the time to properly train one then a mule is for you.

[Rocky7]

I have dogs and the mules are acustom to them as well as my daughter. But this year out sheep hunting I had a guys lab come running at me while I was riding my mule. Bart(my mule) just put his head down and blew at him and the dog stopped dead in its tracks, it sure was funny.

Fair enough. That's just what my dogs do when we're out in the bush - not the running up on strangers part, the blowing part. It's their job and it's why I buy them the good dog food. It's just not possible for anybody or anything to get near my camp after dark without me knowing about it and that's just the way I like it.

The neighbour's got a donkey and it's a heckuva watchdog, too. It loves my youngest daughter, will put it's head on her shoulder and darn near start to drool. Foot problems and feed issues, though.

I'm going to make an effort to make to that mule event in Red Deer. Thanks for the heads up. One way or another, these critters sure do sound interesting.

[Horn Stretcher]

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=2871

This is the stud we own he is 59 inches tall blue roan out of too tall jones. He is a mammoth jack with disposition of well .....the donkey on shek

[Rocky7]

Nice. I'll bet he throws some good looking foals.

[rhuntley12]

Nice. I'll bet he throws some good looking foals.

X2, one awesome looking donkey. Before getting our 4th horse last year I looked for a mule, now wishing I had looked harder for one.

[Horn Stretcher]

yes we have had some real good ones out of him I will see if I can post some offspring pics. We were crossing him with draft mares but the mules will be usally biiger than the moms, to big for us. The mules I like are the ones out of good soild 15 hand kind of mares. HL649 thinks I should take him out west with us some time as he is broke to ride and loves people. He also likes to talk to the horses actually people to, he is very local. My parents live down the road 2 miles and you can hear him from thier place. I would be talk of valley with him out there and not in a good way either.

[Horn Stretcher]

I have been trying to figure out how to word how the dog and mule relate to each other and this is my take on it. We have dogs that we take out west with us to and have no problems they travel among the mules all the time not a big deal. But at home when you go out to feed or just visit the mules the dog well, he is your best friend and wants to protect you. The mule he also wants to be your friend and some will try to protect you to. Niether are very good at sharing attenion. So unless you have complete control of the dog and mule it can turn into a complete gong show. The dog can comunicate very well with the mules to, I have seen the dogs lookin the mules eyes up close and had no reaction. I have also seen them do the same thing and the mule will stomp a foot and the dog will let growl slip out, they are like people it has alot to do with what kind of mood they are in at the time. But as said before about strange animals like coyotes and wolves or bears they will sometimes go after them, it just depends on thier mood at the time to.

[cowmanbob]

The last mule I bought,a slightly halter broke and very skittish one about 2 years old;the training went like this Day1 put a packsaddle on and man did she ever go into orbit,i havn't seen a mule buck like that ever, we let her go at it until she somewhat slowed down. Day2 samething except half as long. Day3 no buck just run Day4 all good,so time for the boxes, abit of a run-around but not too bad. Next day tied her behind a good packhorse and went for a ride in the hills with no problems. A week later i did a 2 week trip into the mountains with no problems. I don't really consider myself a trainer,mules will pick up what you want very quickly be it good or bad

[creeky]

Nice. I'll bet he throws some good looking foals.


X2 some nice mules Hawken and Hornstretcher.

Love hearing and seein those "Mountain Canaries" when i'm in the backcountry.

Definitely got to develop a relationship with them considering their intelligence/ strength and all they have to offer.

[NCC]

I don't think mules are more intelligent that horses, they just react different. Donkeys evolved in the mountains where a rush decision leads to running off a cliff, hence their tendancy to stand their ground and sort things out. Horses developed on the plains where the best flight or fight response was to run.

Expanding on my experience with dogs and mules, my mules would tolerate the dogs around the yard and even trail riding. As soon as the dogs went to work around stock, the mules would get pretty worried and kick or strike them every chance they got.

[Horn Stretcher]

NCC I have been followed by wolves in the mountains, by that I mean stalked and you know a wolf when stalking you they will lay down on her belly just like a border collie and they will creep around on thier belly like one to. I have seen it. It is a very eary feeling especally when you make eye contact all you see is hatred, I had my horse with me so I am not sure if it was the horse or me they wanted for lunch. So I could see were the mule would feel uncomforable with that, those natural instincts could be hard to shake, just my two cents.

[Horn Stretcher]

cowmanbob that is another thing I find interesting about the mule compared to a horse once they trust you or should I say get them broke they don"t seem to forget. We had one mule a guy brought over for me to train so I know she had"t had a lot of work as they couldn"t get the saddle on her. I spent probably two days on her, rode her around a bit, then took her outwest for a week or so. We got her home the guy sold her to me. So she hung out in the pasture for a couple of years(I had alot of other stock to work with) We went to use her and it was just like I stepped off her yesterday. She hadn"t forgot a thing. I don"t know if that is a common thing with all of them but with the ones we have got to the riding stage it seems to be. I don"t know how many green horses you would do that with either.

[Puma]

Mule walks into a bar, bartender says "Why such a long face?"

(sorry)

[hl649]

Mule walks into a bar, bartender says "Why such a long face?"

(sorry)

You need a mule out of Horn Stretcher's donkey. He doesn't throw long faces.

We actually bred our best American Saddlebred to him last year. I'm still in the doghouse with the wife for that one.

[Rocky7]

I'm still in the doghouse with the wife for that one.

Yours and mine seem to be on the same page. My wife came around to the neighbours'd donkey, though, after it was at our place for some grass. I guess it took a couple of times. Maybe it was 3 times.

Now, she'd say she liked donkeys all along.

Wait a minute....I read about that somewhere before :)

[hl649]

Here is a short saying about horses and mules...

The Difference Between A Whinny And A Bray

Copyright by Meredith Hodge 1996

A horse can be dominated by men A mule can be dominate by none

A horse succumbs to aggression A mule succumbs to affection

A horse is indifferent to man A mule is inquisitive to man

A horse moves, then thinks A mule thinks, then moves

A horse is trained by short punishment and small rewards A mule is trained by long patience and great logic

To ride a horse well, one must be proud To ride a mule well, one must be humble

The more one understands people, the more one loves animals The more one understands animals, the more one loves MULES!

[cowmanbob]

there is truth to that saying. Another mule story.One time on a pack trip i shot 4 wolves and a bear, so when i packed up the mule with the pelts you could tell she was not happy. The look on her face was priceless, as if to say(the stuff i have to put up with) Another thing i do is turn the mule loose when i cross a muskeg and she finds the best way across, The first time i took her moose hunting I shot a bull out on a flat with no place to tie her up so i tied her to the horns while i packed her up. When your first experience with a mule is a good one you will always want another one. A hunting camp is not complete without one.

[Horn Stretcher]

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4211
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4210
Baby Reggi out of my stud jack "Luis"
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4209
Twins out of my Belgian mare and stud jack "Luis"

[guywiththemule]

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4211
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4210
Baby Reggi out of my stud jack "Luis"
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4209
Twins out of my Belgian mare and stud jack "Luis"

I kinda like that Baby Reggi...:)

[Horn Stretcher]

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4212
This spitters the mule hl649 mentioned in post 48 of this thread, she has the drag set up on that we used to use in remote places. This mule was bought from a mule guy out by cochrane. I got a good deal on her because she was deamed to by untrainable. She turned out to be the smartest and best mule we ever had, but only me are my wife could mess with her those were her rules. I could tell a lot of stories about her, when someone says horses and mules are of the same intellagence they never meet spitters you really could just about talk to her.

[sunsetrider2011]

Its funny when a mule kicks somebody or something it's that d%^&*m mule.But when a horse does the same thing he must have been spooked or
somebody did something to them.I have worked with both for most of my life and have found that one that kicks or bites,etc. is just about as dangerous as the other.I have several mules and find them all to be very kind and respectful.Proper training whether it is a horse or mule is what makes them that way.If you like an animal with lots of personality and have the patience to take the time to properly train one then a mule is for you.

I agree , there are different temperments in both animals ,however Mules just have a better scope and better aim,lol

[nekred]

As a kid in the mountains, I would take a mule over a horse any day!....

I went back last spring after being gone for 15 years and rode the old mule and it was just like I was there yesterday... however when I got on I got the stinkeye because I weighed a lot more!.... They are incredibly smart!...

mules don't have a lot of flash, but they get stuff done!...

[Horn Stretcher]

I have a question about mules, and seems like there is some people on here who have spent a fair amount of time with mules. When we first started packing mules I used to pack my farrier stuff and some shoes just in case the mules needed shoes. I have never needed to use it in all my years of packing yet I know some people shoe mules because they say the mule needs it. Has anyone on here actually had a mule get an abcess or stone bruise from the rocks? My mules have always run barefoot I think that is why they are more surefooted, they don"t have steel on there feet to make them slide around.

[cowmanbob]

Nice looking animals Horn. About the shoe'n, if i go on a long trip say 3-4 weeks i'll shoe mine,but 1-2 week trip they stay barefoot. If they are shod with the right shoes it should't affect surefootedness. I think i know the answer but are those foals forsale?

[guywiththemule]

I have a question about mules, and seems like there is some people on here who have spent a fair amount of time with mules. When we first started packing mules I used to pack my farrier stuff and some shoes just in case the mules needed shoes. I have never needed to use it in all my years of packing yet I know some people shoe mules because they say the mule needs it. Has anyone on here actually had a mule get an abcess or stone bruise from the rocks? My mules have always run barefoot I think that is why they are more surefooted, they don"t have steel on there feet to make them slide around.

Their feet have a better wall than a horse usually but like Bob said if a guy used them in the rocks for a month or more, it would be a good idea to put some heel-toe`s on them. I don`t put shoes on mine, just the horse`s. Never had a mule sore up, but had a few horses come up lame the odd time.:)

[Horn Stretcher]

I wonder sometimes if I am pushing the envelope on not shoeing because by the time you decide they need shoes it is to late. So would you just do the fronts or allround cowmanbob? I had one of the good mules (Mae) collic on me last year so we put her down, and another on is going into retirement, the one I talked about above about riding her a week then getting back on, two years later so I need some to replace them. But if you can find a good mare that has had foals before and is broke descent we can work something out just pm me if your interested. I know thats a long way around to get a good mule but he will be a good one. We are also going to be breeding a couple of good mares this spring also. I am trying to convince my sons that they could make some extra money breaking the mules. The best mules need to be worked as soon as they hit the ground.

[hl649]

Karmen (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6BglRkGvs94/TwS6PKlcdkI/AAAAAAAANSk/QXYeGqn11OM/s480/Moonlight%252520Hy-color%252520on%252520cue.jpg)
We bred this mare last year to Horn Stretcher's jack Luis but she didn't catch. We got a call from her former owner asking us if they could borrow her for Team American Saddlebred in the Battle of the Breeds at Spruce Meadows this summer. She's Tb/Tb so the mule would be guaranteed colored. It would probably look a bit like Horn Stretcher's Spitters in the above picture but it should be taller and a lot finer boned. My future mount for the mountains.

Jetta (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZPQSdk6KJhU/SwQde3z8PYI/AAAAAAAAJnQ/MdD8VI_QbaA/s1024/Jetta%252527s%252520foal%252520at%252520day%252520 three%252520065.jpg)
We might breed this mare to Luis this year. She threw a full brother to the filly in the picture a few years ago that sold for $35,000. Mule should be all black and make a real nice riding mule.

I firmly believe that if you breed the best to the best you will get the best. Now I just have to stay on my wife's good side until breeding season is over.

[cowmanbob]

I don't have any mares at the present or i would take you up on that.As far as shoe'n i always shoe all four,don't really believe in shoe'n half a horse or mule. Those foals sure will get a good start when they get handled young.

[rhuntley12]

I've started campaign to convince the wife that we should breed one of our mares to a jack. Luckily I wasn't in range of having something thrown at when I suggested her friesian....

QH mule very common? Most I'm seeing are other breeds being bred into mules.

[thunderheart]

The last mule I bought,a slightly halter broke and very skittish one about 2 years old;the training went like this Day1 put a packsaddle on and man did she ever go into orbit,i havn't seen a mule buck like that ever, we let her go at it until she somewhat slowed down. Day2 samething except half as long. Day3 no buck just run Day4 all good,so time for the boxes, abit of a run-around but not too bad. Next day tied her behind a good packhorse and went for a ride in the hills with no problems. A week later i did a 2 week trip into the mountains with no problems. I don't really consider myself a trainer,mules will pick up what you want very quickly be it good or bad


can i come work for you?...

[thunderheart]

GREAT thread thanks to all for the info ...

[Horn Stretcher]

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4215
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=922&pictureid=4233
The mule on top is the mule that my son rides, again here he has the drag set up on him. The bottom mule is a mule we got a couples of years ago he is in training and is coming along perfectly. Both of thease mules are quarter horse cross as I get older they are my favorite cross because when you pack you spend alot of time getting off and on.

[Horn Stretcher]

Rhutley 12 A friesen whould make a great cross you know you could send your wife on a holiday to a nice place about may or june, get a hold of me, and louis could probably help you out. Then when next year rolls around just play stupid.lol My wife would like to try a canadian cross or a suffolk punch canadian cross with a donkey I think she might have a good idea there.

[hl649]

I've started campaign to convince the wife that we should breed one of our mares to a jack. Luckily I wasn't in range of having something thrown at when I suggested her friesian....

QH mule very common? Most I'm seeing are other breeds being bred into mules.

We might have a Friesan coming. I think we have a deposit on a foal coming this spring. That would make a nice mule. Wife says Georgian Grande (i.e., American Saddlebred crossed with Friesan). I say nice mule. I doubt I will win.

[thunderheart]

Wife says Georgian Grande (i.e., American Saddlebred crossed with Friesan). I say nice mule. I doubt I will win.


lol isnt that how it usually works?

[rhuntley12]

We might have a Friesan coming. I think we have a deposit on a foal coming this spring. That would make a nice mule. Wife says Georgian Grande (i.e., American Saddlebred crossed with Friesan). I say nice mule. I doubt I will win.

Her friesian is a very expensive trail horse really. Does pretty awesome on the trails though and loves it. Great breed of horse, just don't start it too early, they dont mature as fast.

With her response I think I'd be in a casket if I tried to get a donkey near her horse.:) I could try the, "I dont know how a donkey got her preggo, must have jumped the fence??"

[hl649]

We paid more than I care to admit for the pinto in these pictures and she hasn't really been used for anything since we got her. I took her on a couple of trips and my wife was ok with this...
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1231&pictureid=4234


And she was ok with this...
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1231&pictureid=4235


But this is the one that got me in trouble...
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1231&pictureid=4236
She mentioned something about the dead animal thing and bear bait... Don't know what she was talking about. Oh well she did good. She's a bit too tall for riding (i.e., stirrup is too high off the ground) so I guess I'll have to pack her again.

[steve]

We paid more than I care to admit for the pinto in these pictures and she hasn't really been used for anything since we got her. I took her on a couple of trips and my wife was ok with this...
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1231&pictureid=4234


And she was ok with this...
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1231&pictureid=4235


But this is the one that got me in trouble...
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/picture.php?albumid=1231&pictureid=4236
She mentioned something about the dead animal thing and bear bait... Don't know what she was talking about. Oh well she did good. She's a bit too tall for riding (i.e., stirrup is too high off the ground) so I guess I'll have to pack her again.

Which diamond do you prefer? middle pic or bottom? We always throw the middle one because a guy can do it alone.

Nice ram

[hl649]

We usually use the single diamond (middle pic) when the top pack is pretty small and the double diamond (bottom pic) when it is big and bulky. The barrell hitch works good for manties and hay bales but your basket ropes have to be long.

The middle picture is at home. She had never had a saddle on her since we bought her 2.5 years earlier and we wanted to see if she would stand for a pack. Her biggest concern was that she couldn't reach the grass.

[Horn Stretcher]

if you look at post 85 of this thread you will see better how the diamond rope goes to hold down the load just pretend there is boxs there instead of bales. Double diamonds can also be tied be tied by one person no problem. The diamond cinche does not tighten untill you spread the two diamonds apart. I like this diamond alot I use it about 75% of the time. The top picture in hl649 group of pictures also has a mule in it to, just hard to tell.