STANDING STILL WHILE MOUNTING - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• 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 well.
• Balance your weight when stepping up into the saddle and stepping down.
• English riders - remove both feet from stirrups when dismounting.
• Western riders position their 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.

Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production - www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com

www.MuleTalk.Net

Meredith Hodges Interviews:
www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com/Podcast-Appearances/

DO MULES NEED TO BE SHOD? MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• Take into consideration where you will ride your mule.
• Terrian - rocky - mud - sand - grass - mountain trails - prairie.
• Mules inherit their hooves through their genes.
• Climate and weather greatly affect the condition of your mule's feet.
• Hoof products - are often overused.
• Stress rings and what they mean.
• Your mule's diet is important to producing healthy hooves.

Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production - www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com

www.MuleTalk.Net

Meredith Hodges Interviews:
www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com/Podcast-Appearances/

So You Think You Want a Mule? Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch

• Where to buy a mule for you?
• What kind of experience do you have as a rider?
• What are your character traits?
• Learn how to select the right mule for you.
• Talk to experienced mule people to assist you.
• Learn how to evaluate the animal you are looking at.
• Have a vet and a farrier do exams on the mule.
• The option of asking for a trial period with the mule.
• Drawing up a contract when hiring a trainer.
• How To Buy A Mule & Not Get Screwed - a good book to have is available at Amazon Prime. Paperpack and instant download - How To Buy A Mule & Not Get Screwed: Roberts, Cindy K: 9781546414070: Amazon.com: Books

Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production - www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com

www.MuleTalk.Net

Meredith Hodges Interviews:
www.LuckyThreeRanch.Com/Podcast-Appearances/