MULE TALK! THE PODCAST ABOUT MULES, MULE TRAINING, AND THE MULE INDUSTRY.

DONKEY TRAINING PART 2 - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH  Repeat the previous lesson - BUT DO NOT DRILL YOUR DONKEY. Training your donkey to trot with a rider. Execute pattern training with your donkey to strengthen his body. Your assistant will only help you when needed while training your donkey. Training turns on the forehand with your donkey. Going straight on the rail.  Be patient and und...

DONKEY TRAINING PART 1 - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH Begin with imprinting the foal. Introducing the halter to your young donkey. Leading your donkey. Never be in a hurry when training your donkey. Lead your donkey around your workstation. Begin training in Round Pen. Using the lunge line in your training session. Do not drill your donkey OR mule.  Line driving your donkey and more! Mule T...

WHAT ARE MULES GOOD FOR BESIDES PACKING AND FARMING?  MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH Mules have versatility to do many different things. Packers use mules in the mountains. Hunters in heavy snow - praise the value of their mules. After the industrial revolution, mules are used for carrying supplies into remote areas. Hurricane Helene victims are being assisted by pack mules and their handlers...

MULTIPLE FACETS OF LONGEARS - HYBRID VIGOR - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH  What are mules and hinnies? What are the physical characteristics of the Ass? What are the mental characteristics of the Ass? What kind of hybrid equines are there? Listen to the many horse, mule, and donkey hybrids - different voices. Mules are good mothers too! Amazing documented findings of mules giving birth! Wha...

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL TRAINING PART 2 - ATTITUDE & APPROACH - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH Establishing a bond. Feeding. Consideration. Structured exercises. Body language and verbal communication. Benefits of group lessons. Take lessons periodically to stay on track to improve your own skills.  Lists of trainers and instructors can be obtained from the United States Equestrian Federation....

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL TRAINING PART 1 - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH  The Work Station.  Tack and Equipment. In the Round Pen. Be aware of how your own body language and verbal commands elicit certain behaviors in your animal. The Hard Tie - Elbow Pull as a restraint and how to use it.  In the Arena. Open Areas. Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production -  www. EveryCowgirlsDream....

FINE-TUNING THE RIDER / FINE-TUNING THE AIDS - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH The benefits of using positive reinforcement early on in your mule's training. Apply corrective measures appropriately when working with your young mule. Each mule learns in their own way and at their own pace. Using your seat bones to fine-tune your aids. Use half-halts when making a transition will alert your...

MAKING HISTORY WITH MULES  Part 3 - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH So much to learn about the mule's history! Mules before the industrial age were vital to the United States and utilized for heavy work. Mules during the Westward Expansion days, transported families and their possessions through the Western Plains.  The U.S. Cavalry and their role in using mules. Harvey Riley, author of T...

MAKING HISTORY WITH MULES - WITH WORLD RENOWNED MULE TRAINER - TV PERSONALITY - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH Mules and donkeys are mentioned in the Bible. The highest intelligence residing in animals is that of the mule. Learn how mules played a significant part in Greek and Roman transportation. HAI-BAR, a volunteer organization established to protect animals that had thrived in the Holy L...

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 t...

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...

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 farrier do exams on the mule. The option of asking for a trial p...

Disaster and the Effects of Training - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch When disaster strikes, do you have a plan?  Will your mules respond to your leadership skills?  Will you be anxious or calm in your thinking?  Is your barn safe for unpredictable weather conditions?  What is your commitment level regarding bringing your mules into safety? Meredith gives us solutions regarding safety for you...

THE LANGUAGE OF LONGEARS - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH  Times have changed, which presents new challenges in working with your animals. Learn how to work with your mule. Video your progress when possible. Animals will mirror you and react to what your body is telling them. Become sensitive to the needs of your animals. Working with a coach may not work for you and your mule.   Meredith dis...

Rock and Roll: Diary of a Rescue: Part 2 - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch  Hear the amazing story of Rock and Roll - the rescued draft mule team, the discovery of their injuries, and the dedicated team of professionals working hard to give longevity to their lives.  There were comebacks and setbacks; this incredible story will touch your heart and soul.  This episode explains in detail about...

Rock and Roll: Diary of a Rescue, Part 1 - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch   Learn the details involved when dealing with rescue animals.  Surrounding yourself with a professional support team for treatment of rescues.  It's more than just farrier work and supplementing a feeding program.  Taking X-Rays when needed.  Keeping records and documenting your work.  This and more on Mule Talk!...

Suitability of Mules and Donkeys for Children - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch  Teach your child how to be around equines. When choosing an equine for your child, do not choose a donkey jack. Do not choose an equine that is an alpha figure in the herd or one with aggressive behavior.  Choose a mule or donkey with a quiet disposition for your child.  Encourage children to do tasks around the b...

Conduct and Good Sportsmanship - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch The importance of developing a bond with your animal - to gain his trust to perform in the show ring. Competition is fun and exciting - develop the winning attitude to compete against yourself and not others.  A good trainer will train himself, as well as the mule with subtle direction coming from the mule.  Develop respect for y...

EQUINE INDUSTRY TRENDS - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH Today good mule trainers apply the basic techniques of Behavior Modification and reward system training in their programs.  Doing preparatory core strength and postural body-work can assure that your equine is using his body correctly while implementing tasks with creative and fun athletic maneuvers while under saddle.  This and more - d...

MULE CONFORMATION - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH The ideal qualities to look for in a mule.  What to look for in the ideal head, neck, and shoulders of the mule.  Both the mare and the jack contribute to the qualities desired in the mule.  Be selective in your breeding program to produce desirable mules. Bone structure is important when selecting a mule for a job or performance. The mule ov...

The Benefit of Organizational Skills - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch How to organize your show clothes, tack, saddles, equipment & grooming supplies for an upcoming show. When to bathe and clip your mule. Vacuum and other grooming supplies.  Blanketing your Longears. Keep your paperwork on mules, truck, and trailer in hand.  Delegate tasks to show assistants. How to be competitive, and c...

How To Buy A Mule & Not Get Screwed - with Cindy K. Roberts Introductory Chapter on Mule Scams by Cori Daniels of Mules & More Magazine. Ask the right questions before you buy. Be truthful to the seller about your skill set. Ask for specifics about the health history and medical care of the mule. Are you confident in making the partnership and bringing it all together for this mule?  Buyin...

Good Basic Training - Includes Common Sense - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch  Learn what type of touch and caress feels good to him - ongoing imprinting. Develop better and kinder training techniques to enable your mule to perform better. Using considerate training techniques in concern with exhibiting leadership to your mule will re-enforce the bond between you.   Make your verbal communicat...

Getting Down with Minis Part 2 - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch  Mini group grooming - how it works to save time. Body - clipping. What to feed for a balanced nutrition program for minis. Knowing body language in working around minis. Efficient grooming practices & more. www. MuleTalk. Net Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production -  www. EveryCowgirlsDream. Com www. MuleTalk....

Getting Down With Minis Part 1 - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch   How to earn their trust at their level. Approaching your mini in a non-threatening way. Haltering and leading your mini. Lunging your minis.  Keep your lessons short and fun! How to introduce objects & obstacles to your mini. Ground Driving your mini.  The do's and don'ts are so important.  Grooming is not necessa...