Published Monthly for Mule and Donkey Enthusiasts
Volume 30 • Issue 4 1 • February 2020 mulesandmore.com
February 2020 • $5.50
Mules and More Magazine
2 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
A-Fork saddle. Handmade by Moser Saddle. 15.5” seat. Smooth leather with basket stamp and bicycle padded seat. Comes with tapaderos, cinches and crupper. All brass hardware. Adjustable rigging in front. Excellent condition. $1,250
Roper saddle made by the Tack Shack. Smooth leather with a 15.5” rough out padded seat. Comes with cinches, breast collar, crupper and legsaver swivels on the stirrups. $550
Wade saddle handmade by Mark Byrum Custom Saddles. JWP hardware. Rough out. 15.5" seat very comfortable. 93 degree bar. Saddle fits wide withered mules really well. Excellent condition. $2,200
Reiner saddle. Handmade by Clay Sharp on a mule tree. 15.5" seat. All brass hardware. Smooth leather. Very comfortable. Fits a narrow type mule. $1,400.
P air A D ice •
•
Buyer pays shipping or bring your mule here and try them out
Loren & Lenice Basham 22801 Highway C, Belle, Missouri 65013 (573)308-2709 - Cell ∙ (573) 859-6793 - Home
www.pairadicemules.com M U LE FA R M
3 • February 2020
If you have questions, please feel free to contact us!
Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/pairadicemules Mules and More Magazine
February 2020 Volume 30 • Issue 4 6 Over the Back Fence
On Our Cover...
8 Letters from the Other Side 12 One of Those Things b y
C a p t. J o e Va c l av i k
16 Mini Mules: Stars of the Show b y
A n g i e M ay f i e l d
Genesis Farms looks into the future of the modern saddle donkey with Genesis 1.0. Read their story on pages 36-38
24 Granny’s Adventures Continue: Waiting for Spring by Anna Arnold
28 The First Sessions B y
J e r ry T i n de l l
32 A Sunset Beach Ride in Texas b y
N o e l S ta s i a k
36 Genesis Farms: Our Journey with the Modern Saddle Donkey b y C a n d a ce S h a u g e r
38 George Washington’s Mules b y
M a rt h a D ee r i n g e r
40 The Journey of a Donkey Named Luke b y B r a n d y Vo n H o lt e n
42 Mule Crossing: Good Basic Training Includes Common Sense b y M e r ed i t h H o d g es
46 Caney Mountain Winter Mule Ride
b y A n t h o n y a n d c at h y mc a l l i s t e r
49 Classified Ads 50 Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive Day of the Donkey b y Yvo n n e K ay
52 Cart and Slipe b y 53 Cook’s Corral b y
I a n S h e r ry V i c k i e Up to n
54 Calendar of Events 55 Card Ads 58 When Mules Ruled the Farm
by Lonnie Thiele
www.mulesandmore.com Facebook.com/MulesandMore @mulesandmoremagazine 4 • February 2020
Luke and Alexis Hansen. Read more about Luke’s story on page 40. Mules and More Magazine
Meet the trainers and watch as they meet their mules!
What is the Missouri Mule Makeover? Missouri Mule Makeover is a 150-Day competition that takes top trainers and pairs them with top, untrained mules. It challenges these youth and adult trainers to build a foundation and connection, and see what they can accomplish together. The trainers and mules work together through the summer and return for two days of competition at Ozark Mule Days. Follow the trainers and mules progress all summer on our Facebook page:
Missouri Mule Makeover/Ozark Mule Days
Bring your mule and ride with some of the best trainers in the country in the beautiful Mark Twain National Forest! Clinics, Scenic Trail Rides, Loads of fun!
Tack Swap Meet ∙ Tack Auction ∙ Live Band Friday Night ∙ Miles and Miles of Trail Rides ∙ Full Camping ∙ Stalls Mulemanship Clinic by Double Up Equine Shane Vaughan & Kevin Raber To sign up for the clinic, call Shane (940)765-7177 or Kevin (330)231-2311
Cuba, Mo. (573)885-2595
5 • February 2020
Camp opens Thursday Horses welcome, too For reservations: Joey Laughlin (573)512-0793 or Jay Laughlin (573)528-1215
Join us for Ozark Mule Days September 4-6 in Springfield, Mo., for the exciting conclusion to this event! Visit www.ozarkmuledays.com for more information, or contact Les Clancy (417)343-9412 ozarkmuledays@hotmail.com Mules and More Magazine
Published monthly for mule and donkey enthusiasts.
Over the Back Fence by Cori Daniels
www.mulesandmore.com
Editor : Cori Daniels, Bland, Mo. mulesandmore@gmail.com (573)263-2669 Consulting Senior Editor Sue Cole, Bland, Mo. Writers:
Meredith Hodges, Loveland, Colo. Donna Taylor, Puylaurens, France donnalovesmules@googlemail.com Anna Arnold, Romoland, Calif. fastmule@live.com Capt. Joseph Vaclavik, Chicago, Ill. Capt.JoeV@Gmail.com Angie Mayfield, Loogootee, Ind. profmayfield@yahoo.com Brandy Von Holten, Mora, Mo., vonholtenranch@yahoo.com Noel Stasiak, stasiaknoel@yahoo.com Jerry Tindell, info@jerrytindell.com
Mules and More is published monthly for $36 per year by Mules and More. Periodicals postage paid at Bland, Missouri, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MULES AND MORE, INC., P.O. Box 460, Bland, MO 65014-0460. Phone: (573) 646-3934 ∙ E-mail Address: mulesandmore@gmail.com
Mules and More Office: Mules And More, Inc. P.O. Box 460, Bland, Missouri 65014-0460
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: (573)263-2669 (New subscriptions and renewals, address changes, subscription problems)
Shipping Address: Mules & More, 3934 Holt Rd., Bland, MO 65014
OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. central time 24 Hour Fax: (573) 646-3407
Advertising Inquiries: (573)263-2669 mulesandmore@gmail.com
$36.00 One Year $65.00 Two Years First Class $60.00 Canada $65.00
(Canadians: Credit Card or PayPal only) NON-REFUNDABLE. Other countries please contact our office for subscription rates Printed by Modern LithoPrint Co., Jefferson City, Missouri on recyclable paper, using soybean ink.
NOTICE: Please send in information and pictures and we will publish as many as we can each month, free of charge. (If you wish pictures returned, please write your name on the back and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.) We also accept: Photography (anything mule and donkey related); Ranch Work; Mule and Donkey Care; Tack; Mule and Donkey Shows; Rodeos; Trail Riding; Spotlights on Mule and Donkey Owners, Promoters, and Important Mules and Donkeys; Historical Stories Disclaimer: Articles and letters appearing in Mules and More do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the magazine or its owner and employees. Nor does the publication of said articles constitute an endorsement of the views they may express. Accuracy of all material is the sole responsibility of the authors. Advertisements in Mules and More does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the goods or services offered therein. Mules & More is mailed monthly, on or near the 25th of each month. ALLOW 15 DAYS for delivery of your magazine. No replacements sent before that time. NO MAGAZINES REPLACED DUE TO ADDRESS CHANGES. Claims for damaged/missing issues must be filed within 90 days of the issue date. If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year. Mules and More (USPS #008589) is published monthly for $36.00 per year or $65.00 for Canadian. Mules and More, Inc., 3934 Holt Road, P.O. Box 460, Bland, MO 65014-0460. Please contact our office for subscription rates for other countries. Periodicals postage paid at Bland, Missouri, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MULES AND MORE, INC., P.O. Box 460, Bland, MO 65014-0460.
6 • February 2020
If you read my column in the November 2019 issue, you might remember that we had our dates off a little in regards to when my grandmother Sue Cole bought the magazine. We thought the November issue would be celebrating the 30th anniversary of her first issue as editor, but after researching the archives, it turned out to be the 29th anniversary. After some adjusting, we also realized what we thought would be our 30th annual Jack Issue is actually our 29th annual Jack Issue. Still impressive, none the less! If you are searching for a jack for your breeding program, you won’t have to look any further than this issue. It’s filled with jacks from across the country, highlighting the jacks that are creating tomorrow’s mules and donkeys. I have been thinking a lot about the impact that our magazine has on the mule and donkey industry. I wonder how many mule babies have been born, raised, trained, loved, and treasured because someone was flipping through Mules and More’s pages and found the perfect match for their mare? What have these babies accomplished? Whose lives have they impacted? If you picked a jack in our first jack issue and bred your mare, there is a pretty good chance that mule is still around today. Mules commonly live 30-plus years, so maybe that mule is enjoying retirement or even still making regular trips down the trail. If you have a story like this, I want to hear it. For our 30th anniversary Jack Issue, the February 2021 issue, I want to highlight some of these stories. If you picked a jack to breed to from any of our issues over the last 29 years and want to share the story of the resulting foal’s life, you can email me at mulesandmore@gmail.com. Also, if you are looking for a mule and donkey event to add to your 2020 calendar, this issue is a great place to find one. There are so many exciting events planned for this year. I hope you get a chance to attend at least one. Maybe it’s the lack of sleep from working on this issue for many, many late nights, but it feels like the mule and donkey industry is buzzing right now. Between the fantastic jacks available to raise future mule and donkeys, the first class trainers working hard on the mules and donkeys on the ground now, and the countless mule and donkey events planned to highlight these combined efforts, it seems like the perfect time for mules and donkeys. If you have been on the fence about joining us, I hope you take the leap and become a long-ear convert. Mules and More Magazine
14.2 hand, Mammoth Jack of Andalusian Decent
A sire of mules with natural talent, beauty and excellent dispositions
Offering Frozen Semen* $800- breeding dose
Call or email for a contract: Dr. Amy McLean 706-296-8743 sweetwilliam27@hotmail.com *Semen will be shipped from Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 7 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Letters from the Other Side... February Cover Update
Our molly mule Hazel was on the cover of the February 2019 issue as a foal. When I first saw the baby picture of Hazel from Jumping Jack Mules I was smitten. When I saw she was for sale I jumped at the opportunity of owning my first mule and bought her as a yearling. Hazel is now in training with Ty Evans (TS Mules) and has had a little over 30 days. It was her first time herding cows recently, and I was invited to help. I rode Hazel and she did wonderful. We did lots of circles and rolling the hind end because she was excited and curious about everything. But, it was a great learning opportunity for her and I both. I really learned a lot about how she handles new things while working with cattle. She even was great when they were cracking a bull whip next to her. Hazel has an excellent walk and is very smooth. I can’t wait until she has more experience. She will be exactly what I was hoping for. Hazel has taught me so much and I am looking forward to our future together. --Amy Klingler, Rigby, Idaho
Amy and Hazel working cattle
Ty Evans and Hazel
Did you know Mules and More offers Online Magazine Subscriptions? Read Mules and More on your mobile device or computer anywhere and anytime! $22 per year • Visit our website www.mulesandmore.com, click “Subscribe,” and look for our “Digital Subscriptions” 8 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
9 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
2002 51” Black w/ white points A proven performer, with multiple halter, riding and driving wins. ‘Bendito’ passes his athleticism, A+ temperament, refinement & confirmation to all his foals! Don’t let his size fool you!
Pick your favorite and book today!
10 • February 2020
2012 54” Sorrel Roan Outstanding son of
Horseshoe Hill Colonel
‘HD’ is proven all-around winner in the show pen. As a sire, offspring share his awesome trainability, confirmation and athleticism. What more could a person want?
2020 Fees: $350 Shipped semen available
Mules and More Magazine
11 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
One of Those Things by Captain Joe Vaclavik
One morning last fall I drove out to the stable with the intention of trailering Molly Rose to one of my favorite trails within the nearby Sag Valley/Palos Forest Preserves. She was standing by the gate instead of being out in the field with her stablemates. This was unusual. She stood motionless as I put her rope halter and lead on. When I opened the gate she didn’t immediately follow until I gave the lead rope a tug. That’s when I noticed she was slightly favoring her left front leg. I put her in the cross ties and examined her hoof and leg. Everything appeared normal and I wrote it off as a minor sprain or twist. I cancelled my riding plans and returned her to the pasture. I’d check on her again tomorrow. The next day she was again standing by the gate as her friends grazed off into the distance. When I opened the gate she took a side step. This time Molly Rose was dead lame on her left leg barely putting any weight on it as she moved. A check of her hoof and leg was negative. She had no swellings or tender spots on her legs and the sole and frog of her hoof looked normal. The hoof temperature also seemed normal. I called my vet and he happened to be in the area and he would be at the farm in about an hour. Dr. Porter took a quick look at her and immediately went to his truck and pulled out a hoof tester. He applied pressure to several spots on her sole but didn’t get any significant response from Molly. “She’s got a deep abscess,” he immediately uttered. She was the fifth equine this week with an abscess he had treated. Abscesses resemble a boil or a pimple within the hoof that is filled with puss. The pressure become excruciating until it bursts or is absorbed into the body with the aid of antibiotics. Bacteria that causes the abscess can enter the hoof from a whole host of ways. To name a few: a bruise, a hot nail, a separation in the hoof wall, or even expansion and contraction of the hoof wall due to weather (wet, dry, hot, cold). He asked if I would be around the next four days, and I informed him that 12 • February 2020
I was leaving for Tennessee the next day to visit my son and his family. Dr. Porter explained that his usual treatment consists of five consecutive days of injections, with two separate intra-muscular shots of penicillin each day. He didn’t trust the injections to any of the stable hands, only the owner. He decided on using an antibiotic paste along with Phenylbutazone (Bute) that was also in paste form. This could be done by almost anybody. Dr. Porter administrated the first round of meds and one of the hands I trusted agreed to follow up with the remaining rounds. The vet didn’t recommend any soaking or poultices, but insisted that she be kept stalled with plenty of soft bedding until she was sound. He cautioned me to be aware that the abscess may break open anywhere along the coronary band in the next few days. He said that abscesses are a funny thing. Bacteria can easily enter the hoof through any opening in the hoof wall, sole, or frog. The next day I left for Tennessee. Upon my return home after six days the first thing I did was head out to the farm. She was fine. The farm hand said that after the third round of paste she was good to go. The hoof never broke open like Dr. Porter said it may. The vet told me that she could be ridden about three days after all the medication was administered if she was sound. A couple days later I took her for a two hour trail ride. She rode perfect! I was quite relieved that she was back to normal. However, my delight was dampened when a week later, she was totally lame again. This time the infection broke through the coronary band on both sides of the hoof toward the heels. I had to wait about five hours that day for a re-visit by Dr. Porter. This time Dr. Porter initiated a regimen of penicillin injections accompanied with some Bute. The syringe was so large (20cc’s) that the full syringe had to be injected in two separate injections about five inches from the first site and rotated daily between her neck and rump for five days. Dr. Porter said that he never saw a hoof break open in two
separate areas. “That infection was a bad one!” I drove out to the stable for the next four days to complete the regimen of penicillin and Bute. Molly despises shots, each time she needed to be twitched. In a few days she was fine again, and this time she stayed sound. I think the infection needed to escape the hoof capsule. There was no visible entry point for bacteria to enter her hoof. Dr. Porter even pared away a slight amount of sole in an attempt to discover an entry point, like for instance a bruise, a puncture, or a separation at the white line of the sole. When asked what he thinks caused the infection, Dr. Porter said, “it’s just one of those things, we’ll never know!”
These pictures were taken in December, a couple months after Molly Rose’s hoof healed, at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. This Preserve surrounds the famed Argonne National Laboratory. “Molly and me rode 10 miles that day,” said Captain Joe. “The Preserve is no more than 15 minutes from our stable.” Mules and More Magazine
13 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
OKLAHOMA MULE SALE The Pontotoc Co. Agriplex at the intersection of US 377 (North Broadway) and Richardson Bypass in
Ada, Oklahoma • April 10 & 11, 2020
Catalogue Sale added to the regular Consignment Sale Catalogue Fee $50 ∙ Deadline March 2, 2020 We will no longer draw for Consignment Sale order
Wednesday & Thursday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m.
Mulemanship Clinic
wagons, trailers & antique farm equipment
To sign up for the clinic, call Shane (940)765-7177 or Kevin (330)231-2311
One hour following the completion of the 9 a.m. sale,
by Double Up Equine Shane Vaughan & Kevin Raber
jackstock, followed by catalogue mules, then regular consignment mules, and we will end with our loose stock.
we will start the sale with
Thursday -
Jackpot Trail Competition Friday – 9 a.m.
TACK must pertain to equine only
All catalogued mules must be checked in on the grounds by 10 a.m.
Friday – 4 p.m.
Trail Competition
Mandatory for all catalogued mules
le This is one of the best sadd mule sales in the nation!
l well broke draft We will also have severa
mule teams.
Sells in the Catalogue Sale
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/OklahomaMuleSale
The Logsdon Family
John Logsdon
Negative Coggins is required. 7% Commission with a $20.00 minimum commission per animal or a $20.00 Pass Out Fee. $10 stall charge for livestock
PO Box 32, Fittstown OK 74842
10% Commission w/$2.00 minimum commission per ticket
Johnny Kelso
NOTICE TO BUYERS: All persons paying with
personal check must have letter of credit from bank.
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS
14 • February 2020
(580)465-8727
121 Mule Lane, Murray, KY 42071
(270)293-0538 Mules and More Magazine
15 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Mini Mules: Stars of the Show by Angie J. Mayfield
Miniatures were once thought of as cute but impractical by many equestrians, but their popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. We bought a couple as pets when the boys were very small. The minis gave the kids a chance to lead and play with mules their own size and ride by themselves with little risk of injury. They helped 16 • February 2020
build confidence and diminish fear. Minis are also quite popular now with older equestrians due to their manageable size, minimal care, and endearing personalities. Minis can be used for much more than just pets and leading youngsters around the yard. Not only are they easily trained, but they are very hardy
Steve and Beth Newmaster with their mini mules at Myrtle Beach
and strong, which makes them great driving animals. We now use ours to drive around camps and events instead of a golf cart. Minis are also wonderful companions for livestock and humans, as well as excellent therapy and service animals. And the world has caught on to this nostalgia with mini tack, carts, wagons, and supplies, Mules and More Magazine
registration and shows for minis, and even an ‘Everything Mini Mule’ Facebook page. Miniature mules are quickly becoming stars of the show world as well, and audiences love watching the cute little munchkins work their magic in the arena. A miniature mule is under 48 inches tall, a scaled-down version of a standard mule, with a slimmer, more refined build than a pony, and longer legs for its size. The head is also in proportion to the body, as are the feet. Miniatures often have a longer life span than ponies too, averaging 25-35 years. Mini donkeys and mules can live even longer, and of course, they have those adorable long ears that make them irresistible. Most minis also possess better dispositions than those ornery ponies many of us were thrown off of, bitten by, or dragged by as children. Our little mini is only 30 inches, yet extremely strong and agile, pulling the boys and cart easily and even Doug and me if there are no hills. However, with her small stature, even I can manhandle her if necessary when she gets an ornery attitude occasionally. And being a mule, she knows her limits and tolerance level. But we still keep her size in mind and never allow the boys to overwork her or drive her for very long at a time. We are also careful not to give our minis much grain, as they can founder easier than our larger mules. Denise Lassiter keeps her eight minis “on a low sugar, low starch diet to help with weight issues.” When my friend Beth Newmaster and her husband Steve suffered some health problems and surgeries that limited their trail riding, they bought a team of mini mules to drive in local parades and take to events such as Columbia Mule Days. Beth says that even though she loves her riding mules, her new little gals Baby Ruth, M & M, and Sugar are extra special because they are so cuddly and sweet and more like family dogs than equines. “What they lack in size, they make up in heart and personality. They give it all they have no matter what we ask them to do,” says Newmaster. “They seem to try harder because they want to prove they are just as good as the big mules.” Last year the Newmasters began showing their minis as well and Sugar won first place in the Coon Jump event at Columbia Mule Days. Beth says showing has been so much fun and allows them to meet like-minded people as well as bond with their minis and learn more about them and their true potential. 17 • February 2020
Beth Newmaster and Sugar coon jumping
Mini mule KitKat is pictured above being driven by Denise Lassiter. This little mule has been Best in Show numerous times, along with winning every driving competition at Benson Mule Days, as well as the North Carolina State Fair at least once, including obstacle driving. In 2019, she continued her driving career with new owner Kathy Williams Joyner by winning the 2019 Benson Mule Days miniature driving class
Mules and More Magazine
Unfortunately, mini mules don’t receive the recognition they deserve and are often excluded from many show events. Denise Lassiter is a huge advocate for mini mules and has worked hard to promote their versatility and encourage mule shows to add mini classes to their events. She has inspired many of her friends to purchase and show the talented, personable minis and has influenced many shows to add mini classes to their schedules. South Carolina State Fair has numerous classes for miniature mules now. Benson Mule Days in North Carolina also has miniature mule classes. Lassiter, Newmaster and Amy Barker are currently working to create a miniature mule association and registry. Spend a little time with a mini and it will be easy to see why they are so lovable and addictive. They have those same fun-loving traits of regular-sized long ears, but they are much more manageable and easy to show and harness. They also eat and drink very little and can get by in a much smaller shelter, so they are also less costly. And they are just so darned cute! So go buy a mini and encourage your local mule show to add miniature classes. They are fun for all. And join Beth, Denise, and me at Benson Mule Days in Benson, North Carolina, September 24-27, 2020. Come watch them perform and stop by and hug a mini or two. They hug back, and it will do your heart good! In the meantime, Happy Trails! I’ll see you out there. Angie Mayfield is a professor, author, and lifelong mule lover who has trail ridden mules in all 50 states and six countries.
Miniature mule RC ‘The Racing Ferrari’ is pictured above in costume with owner Kathy Williams Joyner, Coats, NC Mini Pearl is a two-time North Carolina State Fair Mini Mule Coon Jump Champion owned by Denise Lassiter, Four Oaks, NC (below) Pumpkin Spice, a rescue mini mule in training with Debra Lassiter
She’s a Pistol, also known as Ellie, a miniature mule that won Grand Champion at the 2018 Benson Mule Days. Ellie is pictured above with her owner (left) Lavee Hamer and her trainer (right) Amy Barker of Honeymoon Miniatures at Matthew‘s Promise Farm. Ellie has been nicknamed “the winningest mini mule of all time” by Lavee, as she has won numerous events in driving, halter, coon jumping at several mule events throughout North Carolina 18 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
19 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Genesis Farms
HOF Jarratt’s Desert Prince HOF A-Jack’s El-Gato HOF TJC Clyde
Desert’s Glorious Light
2019 NASMDA Reserve High Point Training Level Donkey. Heading for the breeding herd the spring of 2020.
(740) 215-8215
candace@genesisfarmsjacks.com Like us on Facebook at Genesis Farms 20 • February 2020
Genesis 1.0
We are looking forward beginning this young jacks performance career.
Desert’s Wild Tiger
Lovingly owned by Faye Morris of Liberty, Ky. Thank you,Faye for making a lifetime commitment to this beautiful boy!
Candace & Kat Shauger 2647 TWP, Rd. 185 S.W. Junction City, OH 43748
www.genesisfarmsjacks.com
Mules and More Magazine
Desert Full Metal Jacket
Clyde’s El Jaguar
Gato El Rey 2013 Gray jack By Jarratt’s Desert Prince Dam’s sire TJC Clyde Shipped cooled semen Fee to mares $450 LFG Fee to jennets $600 LFG
2005 black jack Reference sire We will on occasion have offspring of this great Jack for sale.
Full Metal Dundee
Owned by Janna Schmidt of Bloomingdale IN. Reserve Champion Model Jackstock Shelbyville 2019
Sting Rey
Owned and shown by Carol Delfino of Bakersfield CA, 2019 AMA Top 5 Champion Donkey and AMA Top 3 Halter Donkey 21 • February 2020
2016 Brown and barred jack. Last son of TJC Clyde Dams sire A-Jacks El-Gato Shipped cooled semen, Introductory fee: Mares $200 LFG Jennets $400 LFG
Clyde’s El Jaguar
Welcoming this exciting young son of Clyde into our breeding program.
Wapiti
Owned by Irene Kritz of Lone Pine CA. By Desert Full Metal Jacket out of a 3/4 sister to Artistic Reflection.
Mules and More Magazine
Rocky Top Ranch
Specializing in the Texas Scooter & Czeschin bloodlines ...Donkeys with a history! -STANDINGRed roan, sorrel and grey jacks
Jacks from these bloodlines producing mules for people who want to be in style. For Sale: Young stock that would be an asset to anyone’s herd. We have all these donkeys mothers. You don’t have to guess about their quality. Come see for yourself. Prices on request.
W. J. Beard 19295 Whitewood Valley Rd., Whitewood, SD 57793 (605)569-1150 Located at the Missouri State Fair Grounds
Spring Sale • March 11-12-13-14, 2020 Sale schedule:
Sedalia, Missouri
Spring Sale 2020 Consignments
Cheyenne, 5-year-old molly mule
Mon. & Tue., March 9-10 Tack, Carriages, Antiques Check in
Wed., March 11 • 8 a.m. Tack, Farm Machinery, Antiques, Carriages, Harness, Collars, Saddles, etc. Thurs., March 12 • 8 a.m. (1 hour) Tack in Horse Ring 9 a.m. Draft Horses, Draft Crosses, and Haflingers
Fri., March 13 • 8 a.m. (1 hour) Tack in Horse Ring 9 a.m. Standardbreds, Quarters, Light Teams, Gaited Horses, Ponies
Sat. Mar. 14 • 8 a.m. (1 hour) Tack in Horse Ring 9 a.m. Mules, Donkeys, Mares in foal to Jacks
Catalog deadline January 29, 2020 Call or send consignments to Joe Raber, 1112 CR 140, Westcliffe, CO 81252 Be sure to include your $30 per head consignment fee.
22 • February 2020
For more information: Lonnie Miller (260)350-4637 Joe Raber (719)431-3137 • Fax: 719-453-0907 email: boonecountyhorseauction@safecommail.com website: BooneCountyDraftHorseAndMules.com Fall Sale Dates: Sept. 9-10-11-12, 2020 Mules and More Magazine
Dixie Horse Auction
Find us on Facebook!
IREDELL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, Troutman, North Carolina
Horses, Mules & Carriages
(NCAL #10326) A Division of Dixie Auctions LTD.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, March 19, 20, & 21, 2020
Saturday, March 21
Friday, March 20
8 a.m.
9 a.m.
Field Items TACK - New & Used Antiques Horse-Drawn Equipment 10 a.m. Harnesses & Saddles 12:00 Noon Heavy Equipment & Horse Trailers
1 p.m.
Hip Numbers 201-End 500+ Horses Mules Driving Horses Ponies Amish Broke Teams Haflingers Miniature Horses Donkeys Riders Draft Horses
Carriage Auction
200+ Wagons, Buggies, Sleighs, Carts, Vis-A-Vis, 3 Seated Surreys, Forecarts
Hip Numbers 1-200 100+ Draft Horses and Mules, 100 Mixed Horses
4 p.m.
Horse Auction
I-77 South to Exit 45, Rt 21 South to Auction I-77 North to Exit 42, Rt 21 North to Auction
Trail Horse Demonstration Thursday night, March 19, 5 p.m. Grand prize - $1,000 2nd Prize - $500 3rd Prize - $250
Music by Cowboy Church during the competition
Entry Fee $40 For Horses in Auction only
Terms: Hip numbers are issued starting March 2 - call 330-893-3541 Fairgrounds are open March 18 & 19 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. March 20 & 21 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Warning: Under North Carolina Law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities. Chapter 99E of the North Carolina Statues
Vendor Space Available!
Horse Auction
Commission:
Horses/Mules - 6% (minimum $60) Tack and Carriages (per item) 15% on first $1,000 10% on $1,001 & up (minimum $3)
Coggins & Vet services available Buyer numbers issued at auction - bring ID
Seats in the horse auction arena are sold at the auction office
Auctioneer and Flyer: Bobby Beachy Fax 330-893-3545 PO Box 367 Phone 330-893-3541 Berlin, OH 44610
www.dixiehorseauction.com Plan to attend our Fall AUCTION November 27 & 28, 2020! Largest Tack and Equipment Auction in the Southeast!
23 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Granny’s Adventures Continue...
Waiting for Spring by Anna Arnold
The new year is well under way and I hope you all are getting ready to ride! There are so many great places to ride. I just love the back country folks that believe in leaving no trace. The ‘leave no trace’ idea not only counts on the trail or in our parks, but it also applies to our campgrounds and day ride parkers. Please don't clean your trailer out there. Someone has to pick it up and they don't get paid. Always clean up your area where you park or stop for lunch. It’s just the right thing to do. Always leave a place better than when you got there. I have a neighbor who thinks it's OK to clean her pens and puts the poop out her back gate on our dirt road, not in front of her own place as she lives close to the paved road. She or her helpers bring it out to the pot holes in our dirt road, and then when it rains, we not only have mud, but we have poop mud...not very neighborly. This spring, try to get out to some of our public lands all over our beautiful country. The Back Country Horsemen do an amazing job cleaning and improving miles and miles of trails and park areas for us to use, but there are so many millions of acres they can’t reach. As our public lands get more and more crowded, take advantage of springtime and visit them. See what wonders our country holds out in the wild, how beautiful and majestic our off-road areas are. They’re called public lands for a reason, the public owns them. Yes, you and I are the public, and we own millions and millions of acres of deserts, mountains, valleys and wonderful, hidden gems all over our country. Go exploring. Get out and enjoy our lands while they’re still accessible, before they are developed and destroyed for profit. Learn what is happening and how our public lands are being gobbled up and disappearing. We need to protect them for our future - for our children and grandchildren. We need to have open spaces to enjoy. Take an interest in saving our open, public lands. It’s all we have left out there. You can’t make more land. I have told you many stories about the wildfires we have had all over California the last several years. Well, now we have snow - in southern California! Over the holidays, we had many road closures due to snow and ice. I guess some people have never seen snow, so they get in their cars, grab the kids, and off they go to find the snow. When they find it, they park all over the sides of the roads (blocking driveways) and in the middle of highways, jumping out of cars and running across the roads. The photos included were shared by a friend who lives in the desert town of Joshua Tree, close to the park. Snow brings out the crazy people. On our news this morning, it showed how people along the major highways were doing the same thing, causing traffic jams and wrecks. 24 • February 2020
Right now, I am griping because of the mud my mules are in but then I go back and see some of the flooding in the Midwest where your homes, barns and animals are all under water. I guess I have a lot to be thankful for. The mud will dry up here, and we will soon be complaining because it's 100 degrees. With all the rain we have had, I know the trails will be beautiful and I can't wait to get back in the saddle. The Palm Spring Guest ride was cancelled last year due to severe flooding in the Palm Canyon. In all the years I have been going on this ride, it is the first time it has ever cancelled. The ride, held the first weekend in March, goes out to the Indian Reservation and along the Palm Canyon creek and up to the beautiful waterfalls and views of the town of Palm Springs. There is a trail that will take you up and over the mountain and into an area called Pinyon Flat. This is quite a ride and the De Anza Men's riders use that trail from time to time. I have only ridden up to the catch pen and water hole and back to the stables. Another great ride is in the Anza Borrego Desert called Vern Whitaker Horse Camp. No RV or tent campers are allowed unless you have a riding animal. There are pens, showers and a great spring riding out of this camp. If you’re tough enough, you can ride into the little town of Anza and have lunch and get back before dark. I only have a “four-hour butt” so that leaves me out. The last time we were there, we were thrilled to have the company of a herd Mules and More Magazine
25 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
of mountain goats. They were on a bluff overlooking our camp and just hanging out. I think they were waiting until we all went to bed so they could come down and join our mules for supper. The desert is a wonderful place to ride in March and April when all the cactus is blooming and the nights are still cool. Make sure you bring plenty of water and sunscreen, or wear a big hat (if the wind is not blowing). The desert is such a beautiful place, especially when it blooms. But watch out for a cactus they call jumping cholla, or teddy bear cactus. It looks nice and soft, but its inch long spikes attach themselves to you or your animal by barely brushing against it. A fine tooth comb and cold water helps remove them from you animal or yourself. Spray the cactus with cold water and it will release the barb and the comb will save your fingers from being pricked trying to pull them off. Another thing about riding in the desert is the sand. Don't put leggings on your animal as the sand gets between them and the leg and will easily rub sores. Leggings also seem to attract that jumping cholla. I know when I ride in the sand and dry river beds, the deep footing sure takes a toll on me and my mule. If you came into camp after a hard day’s ride, make sure to cool your mount and check for galls and cactus spines before you go grab an adult beverage. Always take care of your animals first!
Check the dates on your tires and the floor in your trailer before you leave on your trip. If you’re like me, you don't use it for a long time and forget to check for wood rot in the floor and cracks in the tires. Do the same with your tack. Your curb strap and cinches are two very important things. Check your reins, also. I have several hay strings braided together, some short and others long, just in case! Also for your little first aid bag, a great bandage to use for your equines is panty liners. They are big enough to cover a good area and work great with vet wrap. Bring empty plastic bags to put your waste paper in so you don't leave it on the trail, and clean up after less considerate riders. I always try to leave a place in better condition than when I arrived. When I travel a great distance and know the water has a different test or smell, I will start a few days before by putting Gatorade in my mule’s water at home, and then take the same with me to add to their new water. You can do the same with your dog. Remember to clean up after your dog, too. There is nothing like tracking some of their poo, or someone else’s dog’s poo, in your living quarters or truck. Well, my adventures have been put aside a bit lately due to A-Fib, asthma and a bout with pneumonia. So here is my wish: to get back in the saddle and put another mile or two on my mule. Look for me at a mule gathering and share a story or two with me. I'm the Granny with a big hat, cool boots and a fine mule...oh, and a new hair cut!
Max HARSHA MULE PRODUCTS BY Ma r k Roebuck Harsha Show Bit $140 5 1/4” wid th shape of show bit
Available in
4 sizes
The show bit is designed to follow up the Harsha bit and it, too, gets good response. Mules love this bit and I have sold this bit to ranches who have told me they have a barn full of bits but this is the only one they use.
Purchase the Harsha Show Bit, One Ear Headstall, and Single Rein: $200
Harsha Mule Bit, Headstall, and Reins
Max Harsha Mule Saddle Base model $2,100
Harsha Mule Bit: $135 One Ear Headstall: $35 Browband Headstall: $40 7-1/2’ Single Rein with snaps: $35 7-1/2’ Split rein: $40 Purchase the Harsha Mule Bit, Single Rein, and One Ear Headstall together for $196 The Harsha Bit is now made in three different sizes to accommodate regular (5 1/4 mouth piece) and larger mules. This bit is designed to give full control but is easy on the mouth and will give you self confidence when using it.
Heavy Harness Leather Breast Collar $55 Leather Hobbles $40 Britchen with Padded Butt Strap $200
Custom made to order for fit and comfort and to last a lifetime
Shipping is included in all prices (to US) To order Harsha Mule Products send Check or money order to:
Mule Skinner’s Bible $28 26 • February 2020
Buy britchen, breast collar and hobbles all for $290
Mark Roebuck, 278266 Hwy 53, Comanche OK 73529 Phone (580)251-5534 Mules and More Magazine
27 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Jerry Tindell and The Gamblers’ Marshall Dillion
The First Sessions by Jerry Tindell
People often ask me when I like to start my babies. My response is, “I like them to be dried off!” What I mean by that is, I like to get my hands on them as soon as possible, and be able to be around them and handle them in a quiet and easy manner. We must put a lot of thought and consideration into working babies. It is so easy to start them off when they are young, rather then waiting for them to grow up. It’s so important to be able to handle and be around the babies from day one. Remember a baby is a baby. Mule, horse or donkey, they are no different. They may be different in certain physical characteristics, but at the end of the day, they’re all the same. I feel the same way about people. I treat everyone the same when I meet them, or work with them, but if there are adjustments to be made, we make the adjustments and carry on. That's how I handle the babies. I like to be able to start introducing human contact from day one. It is ideal to be around the baby with the mare present. The mare can assist you when working with the baby. It is important that all my mares have a good handle on them, so I can be in the pen with them both. The mares should be good with having you around the baby without being too nervous or protective. If your mare is gentle and stands quietly, that is great. However, if the mare gets too nervous or tries to keep herself between you and the baby, it is best to halter her, and either hand hold the mare or tie her 28 • February 2020
up while you are work with the baby. I like to make the mare as calm as possible, so the baby doesn’t get worked up or nervous as well. It can help to give the mare some feed to help keep her calm in these situations. I like to stand with the mare and rub on her and wait for the baby to come to me. The baby will want to be close to the mare and will keep coming back to her. I wait patiently for the baby to come to me. Don’t force it, just set it up and wait for it. If we were to look at the natural environment of the horse, mule and donkey, there is no human involvement. In their herd environment, there is direction, there is discipline, and manners are taught. If one needs more direction it is given to them. If one needs a clearer picture, the picture is painted for them. We will only succeed if we have a plan and a solid methodology. Anytime I handle the babies, I make sure that they are learning positive results. For example, when I first start to handle them and get my hands on them, they’re going to be a little bit nervous and unsure. If I were to put my arms around the baby, they are going to take off rather than stay put. If I try and hold onto them, I can’t, and they learn how to get away. Knowing that I can’t hold them, I would just let them go, start over, rub them and present a way that they never know how to leave. If they do leave, I just let them go and start over. Once I can rub my hands all over the babies and they are comfortable with me being around them, I would take a lead rope and start to rub them all over with that. I would toss it over their neck and
back and get them use to the rope on their body. When they are good with all that I would start my halter training. I would have them in an enclosed environment with the mare present, preferably tied up for everyone’s safety including the baby! I like to start with a web halter with a long lead rope so that the rope and the fence can contain them without holding them. I like to guide them, bend them and release them without them learning how to pull or fight. When I halter the babies, it is very important to stay off center and not be face to face. They are going to fight the halter and pull on the halter rope, so we need to be off center, so they don't fall over backwards. Babies will be like a fish on the hook at first, and if we guide them and release them correctly, they don't learn to pull. This sounds easy to do, but it takes a little timing and awareness. Again, I adjust accordingly. I don't pull and I don’t fight them. I don't want to teach them that they are strong and that they can pull away from me. We see a lot of larger mules today with this issue. They run off on the halter rope. It is very challenging to fix, if it can be fixed at all. Because of this, it is important that we don’t pull on the baby so he doesn't learn to pull on us. Now I'm not saying we don’t need to hold on, because we do, but think about it and don't make it a tug-of-war. I like working babies in very small sessions, a couple times here and there. They’ll go through a stage of wanting to come to you, and then when their instincts kick in, they are going to want to be away from us. Don’t fret about that, let them come back and forth. Let them come to you to get rubbed on and let them look forward to it. It's a great beginning. Remember that you will ride the mule you lead. Take your time getting them to follow a feel and not learning how to lean against it. Please feel free to call (760)403-3922 or email info@jerrytindell.com if you have any questions or need help with anything. Watch Mules and More’s website and Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Facebook page for videos on some of our first touches on one of our baby mules, The Gamblers’ Marshall Dillion. Mules and More Magazine
29 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
30 • February 2020
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31 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
A Sunset Beach Ride in Texas by Chief Noel Stasiak US Navy Seabees Ret.
My wife and I were looking for something interesting to do over the holidays other than the traditional visiting or having friends and family over for dinner and to argue politics, so I got online and did some searching. Of course, my interest was mules or donkeys, and I started by thinking of a place to go that was warm and not too far of a drive. We love a road trip. Most people hate to travel by car anymore because they get bored, cramped, car sick, traffic or whatever... but not us. We stop along the way to smell the roses. We check out the local thrift stores, antique shops, roadside fruit stands, Western wear and tack stores, and anything else that looks interesting. We especially love the little cafes where we can get a bite to eat 32 • February 2020
and small talk with the townsfolk and farmers. We like to take the roads less travelled and the back roads through rural America where there’s always more of a chance to see some mules or donkeys. It takes us a little longer but life shouldn’t be rushed and it makes for a more memorable trip. As I was searching I came across a site that said “horses on the beach” in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a picture of two people riding in the surf. That caught my eye and I thought, “They must have mules, too, because who wouldn’t?” Southern Texas is warm, not too far away, and has an ocean, so it started sounding intriguing. I called and unfortunately they did not have any mules to ride - but we decided to go anyway. Maybe I could talk them into the benefits of riding a mule instead of a horse? The Gulf of Mexico is a long way to go to just ride
a horse, so we began looking around for other things to do along the way. I had been watching a PBS Special that had John Fogerty in concert (you older folks remember him form the 60s and 70s: Credence Clear Water Revival, Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, etc.) Out of curiosity I looked up his schedule online and it turned out he would be playing on New Year’s Eve in Thackerville, Okla., at the WinStar Casino. That just happens to be on the way to Corpus Christi, so my head started putting together another road trip. After looking at a map and making a few phone calls and reservations, another adventure was in the making. We had never visited the Alamo in San Antonio, and that was on the way, so we decided to make that a stop on the way to the beach. We didn’t have any motel reservations so we Mules and More Magazine
just headed for the Alamo to have a look see. The Alamo is a major tourist attraction in the middle of town with lots to see and do. We grabbed the closest hotel near the Alamo, the historic Menger Hotel, whose original structure was built just 23 years after the fall of the Alamo and continues to be the oldest run hotel West of the Mississippi. Their famous River Walk is a site to behold. It was all lit up with Christmas decorations and thousands of lights; they have beautiful colorful boats you can ride that travel the river at night, restaurants and bars on both sides and pedestrian bridges that cross the river here and there. The river is only maybe 30-50 feet across and meanders throughout the city. We spent one night and were off again the next morning. We like to drive during the day so we can enjoy the scenery. By 6 p.m. we are usually in a restaurant and sipping on a refreshment. As far as motels are concerned, we wing it because we never know when or
33 • February 2020
how far we are going to travel in any particular day. If it starts getting late, bad weather, or if I get tired driving, we just grab whatever motel/hotel comes up along the route that looks reasonable. We like to stay where the restaurant is in the building or within walking distance. The wife collects all those reward points from different motel chains so sometimes we get a free room. Gas was really cheap this trip and we used her little Kia Soul (which gets around 28 mpg) with a luggage rack on top so. On this trip, Leigh’s best friend Marcia came along to share expenses. She is single and we all get along pretty good, so we get a room with two double beds and wear old folk pajamas - plus she helps drive so I can take a snooze once in a while in the back seat. With me being a retired Navy Chief, I’m allowed to stay on military bases (if they have the facilities) for a much more reasonable rate than off base. The military lodges are always ‘spic and span’ and have all the amenities.
Mules and More Magazine
I’m also allowed to use some of the recreational opportunities like renting a boat, fishing equipment, surf boards, etc. A big plus is knowing your vehicle is safe. A person can’t enter the base unless they have the proper identification and the base is secured by military personnel 24 hours a day. We stayed at the Navy lodge on the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station located right on the beach. It was only a short 10-15 minute drive to “Horses on the Beach” on the Southern part of Padre Island. We signed up for the sunset ride and it was a great choice. The weather was cool and comfortable. The sky just lit up when the sun started slipping over the horizon. The stables are located in an area that is not populated and is right on the shore. I met the manager, Jean, and she explained the rules and how things were going to work, some safety pointers and passed out paperwork to be filled out. More people started to show up and the count was 24 before we headed outside to get our mounts. Once outside, the owner, Brennan Wells began to evaluate everyone’s riding experience and assigned horses. I asked if they had any mules and he said no unfortunately but he wished he had some. (Well, Mr. Wells, you’re talking to the right guy,
34 • February 2020
hopefully you’ll get some feedback on where to get some mules to ride on the beach.) No matter what your riding level is, they have a horse for you. My wife had fallen in the snow at the farm a week or so before we left on our trip and had a hairline fracture in her elbow and we weren’t sure if she should ride. By the time we got to the beach she was feeling pretty confident but was still wearing a sling. They said they had the perfect horse, named Cash, for her if she was willing. She agreed, and I was proud of her for having the courage to ride with a busted elbow, she’s a real Cowgirl. My horse was named LD and we got along just fine. Marcia had no complaints about her horse Hobo either. The 90 minute ride was very peaceful. There were other people on the beach (fishermen and cars were allowed on the beach, too). We had several guides with us to keep us out of trouble with the cars, fishermen and sightseers. The horses were not afraid of water but I could tell they would prefer to walk on dry sand rather than in the surf. I had an opportunity to talk with the owner Brennan for just a few minutes and he told us they were planning to move further down the beach due to
previous hurricane damage to get a fresh start. Where they are presently located is getting too popular and congested and that all takes away from the serenity of the experience. While we were there we saw a wedding party on the beach. It’s a big and long beach so I was not bothered by a few cars or people. Even though there were not any mules, we were not disappointed. We did get to ride some equines and next time there may be some mules! We spent two nights there and had a great time, after our ride on the beach we washed the sand out of our throats with some fresh shucked oysters and cold beer. The next morning we headed for the WinStar casino to celebrate the New Year with John Fogerty. After contributing a few dollars to the slot machines on New Year’s Day, we headed to Eureka Springs, Ark., for a one night stay with a nice steak dinner and some libations. I didn’t see as many mules as I had hoped, but the trip was great and I highly recommend a ride on the beach. If you go, make sure you tell the owner that he needs a few mules in his stable.
Mules and More Magazine
Mel’s Stables 2020 Mule Sales Held at Mel’s Stables - 834 Wallace Road
New Holland, Pennsylvania
Directions: 3 miles south of New Holland, 3 miles North of Intercourse
Load of 3-year-old mules from Ohio If you have top mules to sell or looking for mules don’t miss this sale!
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
New Dates!
Wednesday, February 26 Wednesday, March 25 Hitch Time 8 a.m. Starting at 9 a.m.
Will be selling weanling to aged mules... riding and draft type
Consignors include: Johnny Kelso, Murray, KY Ivan Stoltzfus Ron Wheatley Mel Hoover Mose Hershberger Brian Austin Jason Wilf
Mel & family want to thank all the consignors and buyers for your support in 2019 and look forward to being able to serve you in 2020!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to attend a great mule sale!
For More Information Or To Consign:
Mel Hoover 717-354-6431 (barn) • 717-989-8050 (cell) Calvin 717-989-7499 • melsstable@yahoo.com Auctioneer: Mel Hoover AU-003111-L 35 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Genesis Farms
Genesis Farms Foundation Sires:
Our Journey with the Modern Saddle Donkey by Candace Shauger It’s such a thrill to be once again on the cover of Mules and More. It seems like the latest craze on social media has been to show pictures of where we were ten years ago compared to ourselves now. Ten years ago, my daughter Kat and I were on the cover riding and driving the father son team of A-Jacks El Gato and Gato El Rey. Ten years before that I was on the cover riding A-Jacks El Gato at the very dawn of Genesis Farms. This year I’ve chosen to use the cover to present our home grown jack Genesis 1.0, lovingly known as Onesy. When we first started Genesis Farms, Junction City, Ohio, we had some loose idea of having jacks and making mules. Looking back on it now, we did so many things that I would never recommend someone do if they were coming new into this industry. I’ve said it so many times when I talk about our beginnings, that it was shear dumb luck that within a
few short years we ended up acquiring three very talented and genetically powerful jacks. If I have a regret, it is that I didn’t focus our program on blending the genetics of these jacks sooner. In the beginning, like for most jack owners, it was all about the mules. Eventually, our focus narrowed to developing performance donkeys that were athletic, tractable, and that came with the pedigrees of three Hall of Fame jacks. For those of you who are not familiar with our farm, I’d like to introduce our three foundation sires in order of their acquisition: A-Jacks El-Gato, Jarratt’s Desert Prince, and TJC Clyde. Each of these jacks were inducted into the NASMDA Hall of Fame based on their individual and progeny achievements. These three amazing jacks are now a part of our past, today we stand their three sons. Our future jacks will be the blended lines of all three of our foundation sires.
Genesis Farms on the cover of the February 2011 and January 2001 issue 36 • February 2020
A-Jacks El-Gato
Jarratt’s Desert Prince
TJC Clyde Mules and More Magazine
These very special offspring are called our Genesis line and each is identified with our farm brand. Our first crop of Genesis line donkeys were born in 2017. Onesy, featured on the cover this month, will be staying with us and he will be added to our breeding program as he gets older. Genesis Odyssey is now owned by Jacci Gaines of Coarsegold, Calif. In his very first year of showing as a two year old, Odyssey was the end of year high point halter jack for the American Mule Association.
Genesis Odyssey
Genesis North Star is owned by DawnMarie Henderson of Healdsburg California. To have these animals so well placed, with people who are so respected in the realm of performance donkeys is humbling. It’s taken 20 years of selection, breeding, trial, and error to get to this place and that others see your work and have responded so favorably is everything. Our second crop is also off to a similarly promising start with Genesis Chase’N the Moon now owned by Kathy Rhode of Oakdale, California. I’ve had this vision based on the belief that donkeys are a remarkably intelligent and wonderfully adaptable equine. When developed and shaped by proven genetics along with the respect of gifted trainers and riders, they can evolve into a performance donkey that any equine enthusiast can admire and enjoy. When I think back on where performance donkeys were 20 years ago and see how far they’ve come since then, I get very excited for their future. To be a part of the story of the modern performance donkey will be my life’s work. I can’t see myself anywhere else, doing anything else, living any other way. In ten years, I hope to be here on the front cover again, being out and proud about how crazy in love with performance donkeys I am and showing you what I’ve been cooking up in “my kitchen.”
Genesis North Star
Genesis Chase’N the Moon 37 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
George Washington's Mules by Martha Deeringer
George Washington, an expert horseman, was often pictured in works of art astride his elegant warhorse, Old Nelson, a steadfast white Arabian who bore his master in battles with the Redcoats and in countless paintings hanging on museum walls. But it would be equally accurate to show America's first president posing with a mule. In 1783, after the Revolution, Washington returned to his beloved Mt. Vernon along the Potomac River in Virginia, a place never far from his thoughts. Agriculture was one of the great interests of the general's life, and he pioneered agricultural reforms that were as important to him as his political accomplishments. Among numerous other experiments in animal husbandry, Washington set out after the war to replace the workhorses on his 8,000 acres of farmland with mules. The hybrid offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare), Washington believed that mules would revitalize the American farm economy. He believed that a mule lived longer than a horse, ate less, recovered from hard work faster, was more sure-footed in rough terrain, and needed less care. Most donkeys and mules in America during the 18th century were too small to pull heavy wagons and farm implements, but Washington knew that in Spain there existed a race of asses that were as large as horses. The animals were so highly prized by Spain's King Charles III that exportation was forbidden by royal edict. Through diplomatic channels, Washington sent word to Spain of his enthusiasm for acquiring one of their large Andalusian jacks, and the Spanish King recognized that friendship with this influential American hero might serve Spain well in the future. He sent two fine jacks and two jennets to Washington from his own stables. One of the jacks succumbed during the journey across the Atlantic, but the others arrived safely. When Washington learned that the animals had arrived in Boston in the company of a Spanish groom, he sent one of 38 • February 2020
his overseers to escort them to Mt. Vernon. On December 5th, 1785, the entourage arrived to find Washington waiting with a Spanish interpreter, who translated as the general asked the groom countless questions about their care and wrote down the answers in one of his numerous agricultural journals. Then he proceeded to measure the animals, recording the jack's height at the withers as 60 inches (15 hands), and the length of his ears as 14 inches. Washington christened the jack "Royal Gift," and was delighted with its large frame and superior conformation. In preparation for the jack's arrival, Washington had assembled 33 of his best mares to begin the much-anticipated experiment in American mule breeding. After a suitable rest and recovery from his long voyage, he introduced Royal Gift to the most worthy and receptive of these mares. With his regal nose held high, the handsome gray jack turned away. Washington tried another mare, and then another. Same result. “Perhaps,” Washington wrote to his friend Lafayette, “the jack is too full of Royalty to have anything to do with a plebeian race.” When the aristocratic jack refused to partake of “republican enjoyments” with mares during the next few months, Washington was forced to employ the services of his prized Arabian stallion, Magnolio, to avoid losing an entire breeding season. By the following June, the general had devised a scheme to trick the pompous ass into performing. He acquired a lovely jennet, which he used to pique the jack's interest and then quickly switched her for one of his chosen mares. The system worked, and soon mule foals cavorted in the pastures of Mt. Vernon. Still another year passed before Washington was able to state proudly of Royal Gift, “He never fails.” In time, the general sent Royal Gift on a tour of the south so that he might sire mule foals for other prominent breeders. Due to their odd number of chromosomes, mules are sterile, each the end of its genetic line. Farmers who wanted to raise big work mules had few large jacks to choose from. Because of this, Royal Gift commanded a higher stud fee than the finest of horses, and collected $678.64 for his owner during a single season. When General Washington's jack passed along the road, crowds assembled in many Southern towns, and when the new race of young mules was put to work at Mt. Vernon, they surpassed even the general's expectations. With the success of Royal Gift, Washington expanded his mule-breeding enterprise by adding a jack and two jennets acquired for him from the island of Malta by the Marquis de Lafayette. Although smaller than Royal Gift and with an ear length of a mere 12 inches, the new jack, Knight of Malta, was said to have “the fire and ferocity of a tiger.” “The Spanish Jack,” Washington wrote, “seems calculated to breed heavy, slow draught, the other for saddle or lighter carriages. From them, altogether, I hope to secure Mules and More Magazine
a race of extraordinary goodness, which will stock the country.” By crossbreeding Royal Gift with jennets sired by Knight of Malta, Washington eventually raised a jack whom he called Compound, which combined the size and strength of Royal Gift with the vitality of Knight of Malta. The progeny of George Washington's mule-breeding experiments contributed to the mammoth jackstock found in America today, and produced many of the mules which served in America's fields from the late 18th century through the invention of the internal combustion engine. Mules became so popular with farmers in the mid 1800s that a large jack for mule breeding once brought $5,000 in Kentucky at a time when a good horse could be had for $50. According to Washington's step-grandson, the general's retirement following his two terms as president was the happiest period of his life. His experiments with breeding mules, horses, hounds, cattle and sheep gave him pleasure. “Of all occupations,” he wrote, “I find agricultural pursuits and rural amusements most congenial with my temper.” It seems likely that George Washington would smile and nod sagely if he knew that, in recent years, mules have returned to favor in the American military after years of obsolescence. The army has discovered that the Humvees and helicopters of the modern military are still not as efficient at carrying heavy loads through rugged, mountainous terrain as the ‘lowly’ mule.
Canadian Donkey and Mule Association Canada’s only national registry and association for donkeys and mules. Our quarterly magazine, Canadian Donkey and Mule News, is included with membership and offers news and information for longear enthusiasts across North America and worldwide. Editor: Jan Loeppky-Mackay Email: editor@donkeyandmule.com
Annual membership in Canadian funds: Canada: $45 (family $55) USA & foreign: $55 For memberships, send international money order in Canadian funds to
Canadian Livestock Corporation, 2417 Holly Lane, Ottawa, ON K1V 0M7, Canada
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39 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Luke and David Van Holten
The Journey of a Donkey Named Luke by Brandy Von Holten
Our donkey Luke hit the jackpot in terms of finding a forever home at our trail riding facility in Missouri. He will have the task of being loved by children and adults during birthday parties and being kissed by brides that want to have unique wedding photos. It is a pretty good gig that is filled with love, treats, ear scratches, and lots and lots of brushing. Luke had quite the journey before landing at our ranch. We don’t know much about his journey, but we know it started in Cleveland, Tenn., at an auction for horses, mules, and donkeys. We don’t know where he came from before this auction, but we do know he was young. He was bought by Mill Creek Farms and moved to Louisiana. I’m sure that was a fun drive with a trailer full of mules, seeing how he is a wee guy and tends to be an instigator of mayhem. He was only in Louisiana for six months until he was given to my father as kind of a joke. My father, Ronnie, ask if the donkey had a name. He didn’t. One of the ranch hands helping was named Luke. Since this was a day filled with surprises, Ronnie said that he would 40 • February 2020
just name him after him, as he pointed to the ranch hand. Luke entered Arkansas, and my immediate family had the joy of hearing the bray of a donkey. Luke sounds like an ogre and steamboat combined at the highest volume possible filled the air. He chased the chickens and chewed off the tails of several horses, but most importantly, he found his way into my niece Kaytlynn’s heart. Luke was like many donkeys. Sometimes he was easy to catch, but if he didn’t like you then you did not get to touch him. He always had a sweet spot for any little child and especially for Kaytlynn. One day, Kaytlynn wanted to ride Luke. Her father put her on Luke, and he was on his best behavior. To this day she is the only person that ever rode Luke. This is where Luke’s journey took a turn for the worst. Kaytlynn, like too many others in this world, thought the world would be better without them in it. We lost Kaytlynn to suicides ugly face when she was 15 years old. After a few months, my family was put into a whirlwind of decisions about what to do with her horse, Santana, and Luke. Luke came to our ranch in 2016, but only for a few months. Luke and our mule JoJo played way too violently, and it ended with JoJo having to have his lip repaired with stitches. Luke also came to us needing to be gelded. Our female vet was eight months pregnant, it was raining, and we had a horsemanship clinic going on in our covered arena. Nothing like having to use the corner of the arena to geld a donkey that was a bit of a handful. A month later, Luke pinned down one of our ponies after a birthday party. That was the final straw, and it bought him a one-way ticket from Missouri back to Arkansas. My mother never could part with Kaytlynn’s Arabian horse, Santana. When Luke returned, he was officially a companion animal until 2019. But tragedy struck again. In Arkansas, people have been going around shooting horses for no reason. It was not a
hunting accident, but a random act of violence. Santana was shot, and Luke found himself alone. We decided to make it work with Luke at the ranch. It took around two weeks for Luke to decide we were OK. In order to get Luke to come around to us, we required him to live in the round pen for us to establish that we humans are the food supplier, and to help us get our hands on him. Literally everyday an activity was in store for Luke, from checking the mail, to just standing tied while I rode a mule, to keeping him with me while I mucked stalls, to playing with stuffed animals. He went to the University of “What Can I Do With Him Today?” Many people have watched Luke’s transformation here through social media. He now lives with the cows and eagerly meets us at the gate for his daily ear pets and butt scratches. I no longer have to catch him, he catches me.
Luke’s journey has taken him from Tennessee to Louisiana, to Arkansas to Missouri, back to Arkansas, and then back to Missouri. If Luke could talk, I am certain that his story would include learning to love and learning to be loved. It is a story many of us can relate to. *In memory of our beloved niece; the National Suicide Hotline number is available 24-7, 1-800-273-8255. Mules and More Magazine
Cooley's Mammoth Jackstock
2001 Bainbridge’s Long Ears Acres Black Cole, 15.1 hands
2008 Coyote Lane Rhett Butler 15.3 hands
2012 CMJS Hank son of Cole • 16 hands
Offering Exceptional Quality American Mammoth Jackstock For Sale
Since 1988 through much research, travel and selective breeding we have created one of the finest jackstock breeding programs anywhere. We have five breeding jacks with exceptional size and conformation producing outstanding offspring. Within our herd we have collected one of the largest gene pools of old foundation jackstock bloodlines including Preacher, Rancho La Burrada Walter, Bully Boy, Jen Jack, 3 Jumps Big Louie, Dodger, Nonami, Thomas’s TexAss, Siemon’s Perfection, Siemon’s Glenn, Old Hickory, Old Mississippi, Old Sid, and Julio. With two decades of breeding experience, we are offering for sale outstanding high quality jackstock with balanced conformation, size, athleticism, intelligence, personality and gentle natures. We have breeding quality jackstock for sale
2010 CMJS Slate 15.2 hands
For Sale:
CMJS Parson 5/2/2018 14.2 hands, will make a great mare jack
Visit our website: cooleysmammothjackstock.com P.O. Box 676, 21441 Old Wire Road • Wagram, NC 28396
2016 CMJS Deacon, 14.3 hands 41 • February 2020
John Cooley, Owner/Operator (910) 318-2700 Beth C Newton (910) 384-4870 cooleysmammothjackstock@gmail.com Mules and More Magazine
MULE CROSSING: Good Basic Training Includes Common Sense, Part 2 by Meredith Hodges
Proper training is much more than just teaching your equine to do “movements.” You are conditioning his body so he can do those movements easily, which in turn produces an equine with a happy and healthy working attitude. In order to do this, you need to be prepared to spend plenty of time during the leading stage of training both on flat ground and then over obstacles, conditioning the “core” muscles that support your animal’s skeletal frame. When training any equine for saddle or driving, you will need to spend an adequate amount of time on correctly conditioning his body. To assure that there is no undue stress on his body, your equine should be at least three years of age when a rider is introduced. If you look at the configuration of the equine spine, it’s easy to see how important it is to strengthen the muscles that support the tall, finger-like spinus processes that protrude from the equine’s interlocking vertebrae—these spinus processes are what a rider actually sits on and must be supported along the topline by strengthened musculature on both sides of the spine.
Approach to Obstacles, Stage One:
At this stage, you need only focus on negotiating the obstacle: replacing fear with curiosity, instilling trust and confidence, and just getting your equine through the obstacle. When doing obstacles on the lead line, keep in mind that you are not only teaching your equine to negotiate an obstacle, you are also conditioning the muscles (especially the ones that are closest to the bones) while, at the same time, teaching balance, coordination and self control. In showmanship training, you focused on strength and balance on the flat ground. While working with obstacles on the lead line, you will now begin to add coordination during this second phase of obstacle 42 • February 2020
training. Remember: Do not put obstacles in your equine’s stable area and/or living quarters, in an attempt to make him “live” with the obstacle. This only serves to create insensitivity and in some cases, cause greater fear. The stable area should always be your animal’s resting place, just as our bedrooms are for us—a place of rest, relaxation and privacy. If your equine is not easily approaching an obstacle such as a bridge, tarp, ground poles, etc., do not wait and withhold the reward until he actually makes it over or through the obstacle. Lower your expectations and go back to your lead line training: Walk to the end of your lead line, hold it taut and wait for your equine to step toward you. Even if he only takes one step at first to comply with your request, give him his crimped oats reward, tell him how brave he is being and praise him for his accomplishment. Let him settle, leave him where he is and walk to the end of the lead line again, getting even closer to the obstacle, and repeat the same routine. When you finally reach the obstacle, step up onto the bridge or tarp, or over the first ground rail, and ask again. Stop him if he tries to run through or over the obstacle and reward him for standing with his front feet on the obstacle. You might even want to back him up, and then reward him for doing the back up before proceeding forward. Next, lead your animal away from the obstacle and then come back, requesting that he put all four feet onto or into the obstacle. Repeat this procedure again and ask him to negotiate the entire obstacle slowly and in control. Breaking the obstacle down into small steps like this will facilitate your animal’s body control and help him to learn to keep his attention on you—and don’t forget your verbal commands. When your equine is more willing to come through the obstacle, you can regain your showmanship position, with your left hand carrying the lead line and your right arm extended
in front of you, pointing toward the direction in which you will be going. When he is finally listening and will follow at your shoulder over or through the obstacle and stop or back up at any point during the negotiation of the obstacle, you can then turn your attention to whether he is actually traveling forward and backing up in a straight line, and whether or not he is stopping squarely. Do this the same way first on the lead line, then much later in the drivelines and, lastly, under saddle. How he negotiates the obstacles will have a direct bearing on how his muscles are being conditioned and how his balance and coordination are being affected so don’t be afraid to ask for more precision going forward.
Approach to Obstacles, Stage Two:
Now you will be going through the same obstacles, but with body strengthening and coordination in mind. Since, in the beginning, balance is very sketchy at best, you should break all of the following obstacles down into very small steps. Ground Rails and Cavalletti: Four ground rails and four cavalletti are good tools for straight, forward exercises that will promote stretching of the body in true and correct forward motion. These exercises will also develop rhythm, balance, cadence and suspension within the gaits, first on the lead line, and then later during ground driving and under saddle. Ground rails and cavalletti are also great for enhancing your ability to stay in stride with your animal. You should first do the exercises over the ground rails. Then, for jumping training, you can graduate to the 6" cavalletti setting, then the 12" cavalletti setting and, finally, the 18" cavalletti setting. Your equine will learn to suspend and place his feet in a balanced and deliberate fashion while you learn to do the same. Getting in rhythm with your animal’s stride will improve your equine training experience and make things a lot easier and safer. The Bridge: The bridge obstacle will help develop your animal’s eye/ Mules and More Magazine
hoof coordination. Those first steps onto a bridge will determine how the rest of the body will follow. Approach the bridge, and then stop at the base, square up your equine and stand for a few seconds. Then ask him to put his two front feet on the bridge, square up and, again, stand for a few seconds. Next, ask him to put all four feet on the middle of the bridge, square up and stand still for a few seconds. Now ask him to take his two front feet off the bridge and leave the two back feet on it and square up again. Most equines can do the first few positions pretty easily, but when the front feet go off the bridge, the equine’s balance is often thrown forward and they find it very difficult to stop in this position. If he is able to sustain this position for
43 • February 2020
several seconds before you give the command to continue forward, he has completed the bridge work. If your animal is having difficulty with this position on the bridge with you in the showmanship position, you can use a second technique when coming off the bridge. Stand directly in front of your equine and hold the halter on both sides of his face to help keep him from falling forward. This is one time when it is preferred to have a nylon webbed halter that fits his face. If he has been properly trained up to this point, he should not run over you, but will accept the aid of your arms to help support him in the correct position. This is one time when it is acceptable to violate the rules of being in the “danger zone,” which is the area
directly in front of your equine. The equine that is trained in this manner will be able to negotiate the bridge and halt at any time upon request with no visible effort (i.e., no change in stride, balance, rhythm or cadence) and will learn to wait and listen carefully to each of your commands, first on the lead line, and then later on the drivelines and finally under saddle. To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive allbreed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. © 2015, 2016, 2020 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Mules and More Magazine
Shop mule and donkey merchandise at mulesandmore.com
Perry Mule and Donkey Suspenders
$22.00 Won’t come off until you take them off, easy to attach and even easier to remove, and won’t damage your pants or belts. Perry Suspenders attach to the belt by an innovatively designed “stud” made of durable nylon material
Mules Skinner and Mules and More Caps featuring a wide variety of NEW colors and styles
$17.50 - includes shipping
Praying Mule Rider Decal
Removable, can be reused. Great for vehicle windows, or decorate a window or mirror in your home or office. Be creative! Available in white in Western or English saddle. $5.75
Decals available in black or white 6 x 8” Small Decal - $10 10 x 13” Large Decal - $16
Silver & Brass Mule Head Conchos
Available in all antiqued silver OR silver with brass mule head and dots. Please indicate preference. $7.00 each
How to Order: Online:
(prices include shipping)
mulesandmore.com
By phone: (573)263-2669 By mail: Mules and More PO Box 460 Bland, MO 65014 Visit our website to see all of our mule and donkey merchandise! 44 • February 2020
New Stickers! "If It's Not Half Ass... It's Just A Horse" “This Is How My Heart Beats...” “LOVE” Mule Head
3” by 2” and 3” by 3” stickers. Made of thick, durable vinyl that protects these stickers from scratches, water and sunlight. Stick on reusable water bottles, phone cases, or where ever else you can think of! $5 each or choose 3 for $10 Mules and More Magazine
45 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
Thomas Deshotel, Buzzard Blacklock, Marty Ray Gordon, Marie Levert and Frank King
The flag raising ceremony 46 • February 2020
Caney Mountain Winter Mule Ride by Anthony and Cathy McAllister, Rinard, Illinois
The third annual Winter Mule Ride, held December 1-7 at Caney Mountain in Big Flat, Ark., officially opened with a flagpole and flag raising dedication ceremony. Permanent campers Bob and Teresa Box had collected donations from permanent campers and purchased a flag and flagpole to dedicate and present to camp owners Charles and Teresa Taylor. Recognition was given to Veterans who were present and they assisted with the flag raising. It was very patriotic and we were all proud to be a part of it. Delane Hooten gave a blessing for the ride with prayer.
This was by far the biggest mule ride held at the camp so far. There were 100plus mules in camp the day before the ride began, and many more came in during the week. This was the first time that Charles and Teresa Taylor had ever had to turn people away due to lack of room. This is a testament to the awesome riding and the people who live and work here. Lots of other factors made this an impressive feat, like how the weather is temperamental this time of year, how the camp is solar powered, how it’s a busy holiday season for a lot of people, etc. It was just amazing Mules and More Magazine
Steve Dawson, Licking, Missouri
that the ride filled up as it did. Twenty states were represented, with the farthest rider traveling 1,200 miles from Pennsylvania. There were once again quite a few “new to Caney Mountain” riders. At the end of the ride, many had already made reservations for next year and said they would definitely be back. Grady Poor, from Herold, Ill., was the oldest rider present and Jackson Sonnier, from Louisiana and grandson of Caney Mountain Mule Man Thomas, was the youngest. When we try to describe the riding throughout the Ozark National Forest, Leatherwood Wilderness, and Lower Buffalo Wilderness, we sound like a broken record. How many times can you write about the bluffs, waterfalls, rocks, caves, creeks and rivers? The answer to this is simple: never stop sharing the beauty of this great country with others. This country is vast, rugged wilderness with breathtaking scenery. Everyone that travels, rides and camps should put an adventure to Caney Mountain Horse Camp on their bucket list. Jim Yates, Missouri, collected toys and monetary donations for Project Navajo Christmas on behalf of Action Missions. He was in attendance at the beginning of the mule ride and was going on to present the toys and money to Navajo Indian Reservations for this project. As always, mule riders are generous to a fault. They really came through with toys and donations to help give these Navajo children a wonderful Christmas. Action Missions is on Facebook and you can read very heartwarming testimonials and see photos of these children. Debra Racheter, Missouri, assisted him in requesting and gathering the donations. Debra Racheter (of Crest Ridge Saddlery) also put on a free clinic on squeaks in your saddle and welcomed anyone that wanted to stop by her camp for a free saddle fit. Lynn Titsworth won the $50 gift drawing 47 • February 2020
An aerial shot of the Hot Dog Roast on Big Creek Caney Mountain Santa Claus (aka Anthony McAllister) on the Sidewalk Mules and More Magazine
donated by Debra. Jim and Angie Lee, Lone Oak Saddle and Tack, were in camp all week to visit with and talk about what they have to offer. Skito Saddle Pads sent several pads that could be purchased and a demo to try before buying. The camp itself has a little shopping area located in the dining hall with t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, etc. The dining hall offers up breakfast, served buffet style and dinner with a large home cooked meal topped off with dessert. These meals are really special. Not only is the food great, but you can sit around in a relaxed atmoJ.D. Timm of southern Illinois overlooking a cave at Caney A group of mule riders pause in the creek, including Lynn Titsworth, Joe Titsworth, Deedrea Harold, and Red Munholland
48 • February 2020
Mules and More Magazine
sphere and talk to friends, old and new. Nightly entertainment could be heard in the dining area or on the porch after the evening meal. Uncle Bill Nipper, Steve Dawson and singer/songwriter Travis Coffman picked and sang, inviting anyone to join in. Butch Suitt and Earl Heis members of the bluegrass band “Highway 36” entertained the crowd on Saturday night. On Friday, a very large group of mule riders rode to Mill Pond, Big Creek area for a Hot Dog Roast and Group Photo. This was something we had wanted to do and everyone had a great time. There was another first at this ride – we had a “Mule Fairy” amongst us! The Mule Fairy was responsible for a large number of secret presents handed out to lucky winners via drawings during our Friday night get-together. (Thank you nameless Mule Fairy!) Join us Memorial Day weekend, May 23-30, 2020, for the summer ride. Plans are being made for a mule consignment sale at this ride. The ride has been moved back a week due to farming season, hay harvest, heat and humidity. It’s not too soon to make plans to attend this ride. Caney Mountain is a great place for a family vacation. And we promote families at all of our mule events. With the success of the winter mule ride, Charles and Teresa Taylor plan to add additional camping to accommodate all who want to attend next time. The Winter 2020 Mule Ride will be held November 29-December 5, 2020. Call 870-688-1047 for reservations or visit the website www.caneymountain.com and email your reservation. We want to thank everyone that continues to come to these gatherings. The idea of these gatherings is to bring the best mule people together for a great time. This is a great place to learn. If you are just getting into mules, camping,or riding, or if you are having mule problems, bring your mule and join us at these gatherings. Everything except for your camping is free. Vendors and anyone having a service to offer the mule world are welcome. It takes continued participation and involvement to keep these mule gatherings going. 49 • February 2020
Cl-Ass-ified Ads To place your classified ad online: mulesandmore.com/classifieds ∙ Mail to: PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014 ∙ Call: (573)646-3934 ∙ Email: mulesandmore@gmail.com RATE: 35¢ per word per issue with a $7 minimum. $1 for each tear sheet. Additional $2 per month billing charge for ads that are not paid by billing date. Deadline for classified advertising is the 1st of the month preceding date of publication.
MULES
Very gentle 12-year-old mule, 14-hands, had 90 days training when he was 4 but has not been rode since. Loves attention, easy to catch, good with farrier. He is not good with dogs. Located in Texas. To good home only $500. 940-631-1584 ssu1959@sbcglobal.net 2/20 6-year-old Percheron Mule, turning grey, 17.2 hh. Big, beautiful, and very sweet. Started in saddle and harness. $5,000, Contact Donn, 607-849-4442. Located in Marathon, NY 2/20 For Sale: Registered 12-year-old sorrel john mule, 16-hands, gaited. Ambitious. Can catch easily in pasture. $5,500. (519)222-9999 3/20 7-year-bay molly. 13.2-hands, for smaller person. Soft, responsive to snaffle bit. Ridden 100+ miles Colorado Trail, Ty Evan’s Rock Crawling, ground work, and clinics. Quiet on group trail rides. Lopes, trailers, high lines, good for trimmings. $3,000. 13-year-old bay, white legs, gaited 15-hand molly. Gentle, friendly. Also, Ty clinics, ground work, trailers, high lines, good for trimmings. $5,000. Colorado 719 627-0268 . Can transport to Arizona, Utah, Wyoming this spring. 2/20
TRAIL RIDING
TIN TOP RANCH Bed and Breakfast, oats and stalls to all riding. Located in western Scott County, Arkansas. Totally surrounded by the picturesque Ouachita National Forest. www.tintopranch.com, walls_sa@yahoo.com or 800/436-8199
TACK
S. A. WALLS handmade Stirrups, Spurs and Bits. walls_sa@yahoo.com, www.sawalls.net or 800/436-8199
VIDEOS & PUBLICATIONS
FARM TO WAR: A World War I Mule Story by Lonny Thiele. Tells how one month a mule can be working in a cotton farm and the next month fighting with the American Expeditionary Forces beside the French and British in a cruel and terrible conflict. The farm part of the book is based on Jake, a mule covered in my first book, THAT SON OF A GUN HAD SENSE: MULE STORIES FROM THE BOOTHEEL DURING THE 1930’S-1940-S ERA. Send $18 (includes shipping) to Thiele, POB 884, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902. Phone (575)300-3085. Enjoy VIDEO MIKE’S mule, donkey, horse training, Bishop Mule Days and more. VHS/DVD. See listing at www.video-mike.com, (707)226-9193 tfn THE AMERICAN BEAGLER MAGAZINE – The Magazine Ahead of the Pack: Published monthly for Beagle owners and gundog enthusiasts as well as upcoming trials and results for competition hunters. The American Beagler is $24.00 for one year, $44.00 for two years, and $66.00 for three years. You may order the magazine on our website: www.theamericanbeagler.com with paypal, call 573-859-6866 with a debit or credit card, or mail your payment to: The American Beagler, PO Box 957, Belle, MO 65013. Find us on Facebook. WE WANT YOU IN THE PACK! tfn Mules and More Magazine
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive Day of the Donkey by Yvonne Kay
On Saturday, December 7, 2019, 33 donkeys from around the country came out to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive Day of the Donkey. It turned out to be a fun day for all involved. The donkeys did an incredible job getting donations (as well as ear scratches and pets). There were a lot of photos taken—who can resist getting their picture taken with a cute donkey dressed in festive apparel. Elizabeth and Michael Slater learned about this event through Mules and More. The Slater’s contacted Angie Starkey at their local Salvation Army. Mrs. Starkey was immediately enthusiastic about the project. The Slater’s donkeys do regular public appearances at libraries, schools, and nursing homes. They were recently in a live Nativity in Strasburg, Ohio. The Slater's say they have “busy donkeys.” Since the donkeys don't drive or clean themselves up, I would say it’s the Slater’s who are busy!
a photo! And, of course, they made a donation! She saw a few $20 bills go in the kettle. Neil A Young of Young’s Funny Farm had a great loss this year when his wife died. She was a great partner in caring for their therapy animals. Yet, while broken-hearted, Neil has carried on with their work. Neil brought his donkeys from Berwick, Penn., to help Kiwanis Club of Wilkes-Barre collect money in front of Boscov's. “It attracts attention, especially with children. People want to come out and pet the donkeys and they are always friendly. They always like to be petted.”
Nancy Pine-Willmes and Loleta Sonora, Calif.
John and Martha Hovre with Blossom Onalaska, Wisc.
Justine Smullen and Teddy Colorado Springs, Colo.
Justine Smullen noted that she arrived a few minutes before her husband arrived with the trailer and the donkeys. She had a few people who dropped coins in the kettle while she waited. Once the donkeys arrived, they had mobs of folks waiting to pet them, feed them a candy cane, and/or snap 50 • February 2020
of John and Martha, Maisy was put on Blossom’s back to have her picture taken.
John and Martha Hovre brought out their donkey Blossom to participate, and Blossom brought smiles and donations, raking in the dollars outside Farm and Fleet in Onalaska, Wisc., for the Salvation Army of LaCrosse, Wisc. Blossom also rang in Galesburg, Wisc. Fifteen-year-old Blossom was dressed in Green Bay Packers colored leggings and Christmas lights. Martha Hovre said, “Everyone loves a donkey.” Blossom also plays a key role in the Christmas nativity scene at Christ is Lord Free Lutheran Church. One especially cute incident at the bell ringing was when a father walked up with his three-year-old Maisy and was charmed and surprised to see a donkey outside the store. With the help
Poor Nancy Pines-Willmes and Loleta had to stand out in the rain to ring the bell, but being the troopers that they are, they gladly did it! The local 4H group was there and took a photo with Loleta (pictured above).
John and Kim Sullivan with Lewis the Donkey, Round Rock, Texas
John and Kim Sullivan, along with Lewis rang in front of a Wal-Mart. The Salvation Army representatives were excited to have them there. It turns out Mules and More Magazine
that one of them has mini donkeys, too. Kim says that they may do some other things for the Salvation Army. (You can find more on the Lewis the Donkey on his Facebook page).
the Solvang Rotary to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. They said it was pretty quiet until the pair arrived. Twinkle was a big hit, especially with the children. They collected lots of donations and had fun doing it. Leslie Reece actually came with two donkeys, Harley and Ziggy. When they got there, Harley decided to stay in the trailer! One of Linda’s stories from donkey day was a very large man literally jumped out of his truck and excitedly ran up to Ziggy and asked to take a selfie!! He was so excited and exuberant and giggling like a small child. Just watching him enjoy the sight of little Ziggy almost brought tears to my eyes!! He was older and had grey hair, we never expected to see an adult get more excited than the children who came to see Ziggy!
I also need to say a big thank you to Lt. Mylie Hadden and Jeff Ruffin who made the Salvation Army Day of Donkey possible. Without their guidance on how to set this up, it wouldn't have happened.
Denny and Yvonne Kay with Jack, the Bible Donkey, in Pittsburg, Kansas
Denny and I, who are from Girard, Kans., along with Jack, the Bible Donkey, rang the bell in front of Tractor Supply Company. Denny said, “If you just ring the bell once, you'll be hooked on it.” People love taking photos with him and put generous donations in the kettle. Jack, the Bible Donkey makes regular visits to nursing homes, vacation Bible Schools and churches to help share the message of salvation. (You can find more on the Jack, The Bible Donkey on his Facebook page.) Diana Johnson Trader brought her Christmas donkey to hang out at Rural King Supply in Muncie, Ind., on the Day of the Donkey. He was a wonderful fund-raiser for their local Salvation Army. Margaret Rose McCarty rang the bell with Junebug in DuBoise, Penn. Junebug is a therapy donkey, and they go to churches in nearby communities and give messages about why Jesus chose a donkey to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They also attend nursing home facilities. She brings so much joy to our community! Linda Marchi and Twinkle joined 51 • February 2020
Lt. Mylie Hadden, Corps Officer, Trent Cannon, General Manager at Tractor Supply, and Jeff Ruffin, Salvation Army, with Jack, the Bible Donkey
Patrick Murphy and Merrie
I have saved the top prize picture for last: Patrick Murphy. Patrick is a member of LIFE Mower County (in Minnesota). He does not have a live donkey but he wanted to participate, so he improvised. As you can see from his smile, he was really into it. Meet his donkey ‘Merrie!’ Thank you, Patrick, for a job well done! We’d like to thank all the donkeys and their owners for their participation. We know dressing your donkey in their festive attire and trailering them to the bell ringing location was a lot of work. We also would like to thank all those who supported the Salvation Army through these donkey bell ringers.
Next year’s donkey bell ringing day is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020. For those of you who did not have the opportunity to ring this year, you have time to prepare your donkeys, so mark your calendars! You can contact me on Facebook at Jack, the Bible Donkey.
Linda Marchi and Twinkle
Diana Johnson Trader and Dusty Muncie, Ind. Mules and More Magazine
Cart and Slipe by Ian Sherry, Ireland
Ian with a cart (above) and slipe (below)
52 • February 2020
The tractor arrived late with us; it was a Ferguson T3, and that ended the morning ritual of harnessing the horse and putting him in the cart. The Scotch Cart tipped up with its shafts in the air had been part of the street furniture of every hill farm. Putting the horse in - or more importantly taking him out of - the cart was a time (in modern speak) fraught with health and safety risks. Fidgeting, or worse plunging forward, by a 17 hands high powerhouse with the cart just partly hooked could cause catastrophe. On our hill farm, I had worked with a horse and cart. Now its gentler stuff with a cob and slipe. A while back I was in church (of all places) when my thoughts drifted to putting John Doyle’s donkey in the cart. It settled on me as something I wanted to do. John has a donkey he puts in a cart and takes to fund-raising events. I asked him, “Could I spend a little time with the donkey myself?” Working with a donkey is working in a different dimension. Stressed professionals trying to achieve fulfilment have no need to travel to Tibet, they can go well beyond the material world working with a donkey at home. I’m very taken with his feet; they’re tiny. I know donkeys feet can be neglected and grow and curl to cruelty, but John’s donkeys feet are so well cared for that they would remind you of bars of Pears Soap. I lifted them and looked at them and marvelled. The harness for the donkey is the same design as that for a horse but understandably much smaller. Your reaching down instead of up. And I am taking time to marvel at its design and at the workmanship of the saddler. Bridle, collar, hems, straddle and breeching... I note the brass medallions inlayed in the leather. ‘James Magee. Newry.’ A business lost to my time. The carts quite recent – a masterpiece by John and a carpenter friend. I didn’t climb into the cart but I led the donkey out into the field; he came along willingly at a leisurely walk. Then with the long reins I drove him while walking along the side of the cart. I began to think of the kind of work we could do. I’m told a donkey is very strong. It’s four miles down to the village. I could get in the cart and go to the ‘town’ - get a bag of coal, a bag of meal, a bag of flour and other provisions. I suppose to a maximum of 400 weight. I couldn’t now expect to add to the weight (in places it’s a steep climb) but I imagine as we walked back Mules and More Magazine
up I could occasionally get a bit of a tow holding the side of the cart. Hopefully there’d be people to talk to and no doubt my outing would take all day. While I no longer put a horse in a cart I still work with a slipe. It’s a basic transporter that generations of Irish hill farmers have used to work the land. I was lucky enough to stand beside my uncle Peter as he made a prime example for me. And after all these years I’m using it still. It’s a wonderful exercise in carpentry, engineering and historic craft - almost lost. The slipe is a complex structure of chamfers and bevels, light yet sturdy, able to withstand years of everyday use while its design is such that the wooden body and steel shod runners are relatively friction free. Its runners just wide enough apart to give a stability while close enough together for its contents to be easily tipped out. I have over the years found the slipe to be a great ‘vehicle’ in the schooling of a young horse. Over exuberance can be countered by putting a couple of bags of ballast into the device and backsliding generally causes no harm. And now I come to another advantage of the slipe, you don’t even need a donkey, a mule or a horse. Made from oak, dovetailed, inlayed with walnut, it can be a challenge to the cabinet maker and hold pride of place in the home. A few pillows and its an excellent cradle for a small child, in the garden it can be filled with flowers, and turned upside down it is comfortable to sit on. And another wonderful advantage is the opportunity for new stimulating conversation. Instead of endless droning about holidays, skiing or golf you can talk about what you have done or about to do with your slipe. Real old stock will have had one in the family for years.
53 • February 2020
Cook’s Corral by Vickie Upton Mother Nature apparently was struggling to figure what she wanted to do this fall. Illinois had snow to go along with cold and wet weather. Fall riding was short and the fall colors were not very pretty. I didn’t get to ride as much as I like to because of our ever changing weather, but spring will eventually show up. Meanwhile, these two recipes are worth trying. The potatoes are simple to make and great for taking to winter potlucks. The pie is unbelievably delicious and has become one my favorite recipes. As always, “If you’re lucky enough to be riding, you’re lucky enough.”
Caramel Pecan Cheese Cake Pie
1 sheet refrigerated pie crust 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1-1/4 cups chopped pecans 1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) fat-free caramel ice cream topping Additional fat-free caramel ice cream topping, optional Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or cast iron skillet with pie crust. Trim and flute edges. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, one egg and vanilla until smooth. Spread into pastry shell; sprinkle with pecans. In a small bowl, whisk remaining eggs; gradually whisk in caramel top-
ping until blended. Pour slowly over pecans. Bake 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned (loosely cover edges with foil after 20 minutes if pie browns too quickly). Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight before slicing. If desired, garnish with additional caramel ice cream topping.
Small Batch Funeral Potatoes
3 cups frozen cubed potatoes -thawed at room temperature for at least 30 minutes 1 (15 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For the corn flake topping 2 cups corn flakes cereal 1/4 cup butter -melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 7x11” (or 9x9”) baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, add the potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated. Pour the potatoes into the baking dish and spread them out into an even layer. Place the corn flakes in a plastic food storage bag. Seal the bag and use your hands to gently squeeze the bag and crush the corn flakes. Pour the crushed corn flakes into a small bowl. Add the melted butter. Stir to coat the cereal. Spoon the corn flakes evenly over the potatoes. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving Mules and More Magazine
Calendar of Events See mulesandmore.com/calendar to see the full list, as well as submit an event to appear on the calendar Jan 30-Feb 1 - Leon Raber Mulemanship Clinic, Osteen, Florida (330)439-3285 Jan 30 - Feb 7 - South Texas Trail Riders 150 Mile Ride from Corpus Christi, TX, to San Antonio, TX (361)7790715 www.sttr.net Jan 31-Feb 1 - Central Livestock Special Draft Horse & Mule Sale, South Hutchinson, KS (620)200-7971 www.centrallivestock.com Feb 7 - Southern Farm Show Draft Horse Pull & Coon Mule Jump, Raleigh, NC 336-504-1877 Feb 22-23 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Ranch Workshop: Driving/Open, Oak Hills, Calif. (877) 8200233, https://jerrytindell.com/ Feb 26 - Mel’s Stables Mule Sale, New Holland, Penn. (717)989-8050 melsstable@yahoo.com (see pg 5) Feb 27-29 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Sahuarita, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see page 60) March 7 - Tindell Horse and Mule School Ranch Workshop: Riding Outside, Oak Hills, Calif. (877) 8200233, https://jerrytindell.com/ March 11-14 - Boone County Mule Sale, Sedalia, MO (260)350-4637 www.BooneCountyDraftHorseAndMules.com (see pg 22) March 11-13 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Wickenburg, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see pg 60) March 11-12 - Double Up Equine Mule Clinic, Westmoreland, TN (940)765-7177 (330)231-2311 (see pg 27) March 11-14 - Reese Bros. Tennessee Mule Sale 100 Year Anniversary Celebration (Friday) and Annual Riding Mule Sale (Saturday), Westmoreland, TN (615)452-2544 www.reesemules.com (see pg 27) March 14-15 - Luck of the Irish Treasure Trail Ride and Scavenger Hunt, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com March 18-21 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Sedona, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) March 18-22 Mule Gathering at Just Ride Horse Camp, Gloster, MS (769)204-3082 March 19-21 Dixie Horse Auction Horse, Mule and Carriage Sale, Troutman, NC, www.dixiehorseauction.com (330)893-3541 (see pg 23) March 21 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Ranch Workshop: Driving, Oak Hills, Calif. (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ March 21-22 - Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Donkey & Mule Show, Houston, TX (832)667-1012 www.rodeohouston.com March 25 - Mel’s Stables Mule Sale, New Holland, Penn. (717)989-8050 melsstable@yahoo.com (see pg 35) 54 • February 2020
March 28-29 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Spring Series Kickoff 1 Mora, MO (660)668-0880 www.vonholtenranch.com March 31- April 1 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Salmon, ID (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see pg 60) April 2-5 - Equine Affaire, Columbus, OH www.equineaffaire. com (740) 845-0085 (see pg 19) April 3-5 - Missouri Mule Makeover Draw Event, 4-J Big Piney Horse Camp, Duke, Mo. (573)512-0793 or (417)343-9412 / Featuring Mulemanship Clinic by Double Up Equine (940)765-7177 (330)231-2311 (see pg 5) April 7-9 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Huntington, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see pg 60) April 10-11 - Oklahoma Mule Sale Cataloge Sale, Ada, Okla. (580)465-8727 www.facebook.com/OklahomaMuleSale / Featuring Mulemanship Clinic by Double Up Equine (940)7657177 (330)231-2311 (see pg 14) April 13-19 - Shawnee Mule at High Knob Campground, Equality, IL (618)275-4494 April 17-19 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 1 Clinic, Ramona, Calif. (877) 8200233, https://jerrytindell.com/ or (619) 729-1200, ridingranny@yahoo.com April 17-19 - Midwest Horse Fair, Alliant Engergy Center, Madison, WI April 17-19 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Madison, WI (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see pg 60) April 24-26 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Red Deer, AB, Canada (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see pg 60) April 25-26 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Spring Series Kickoff 2, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com April 29 - May 2 - Dawson Springs Mule & Draft Horse Days, Dawson Springs, Ky., 270-339-6150 270-8711959 (see pg 9) May 2 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Ranch Workshop: Prepare Your Mule for a Win! (877) 820-0233, https:// jerrytindell.com/ May 2-3 - Kenda Firkins Cowboy Dressage Clinic, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com May 7-9 - Diamonds in the Desert Premier Mule Sale during Bryce Canyon Mule Days, Tropic, Utah https://diamondsinthedesert.sale/bryce-canyon-mule-sale/ (see pg 11) May 14-16 · Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Huntington, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) May 19-24 · Bishop Mule Days Celebration www.muledays.org (see pg 2) May 23-24 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Spring Series Kickoff 3, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com May 23-25 - Memorial Day Trail Ride and Scavenger Hunt, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com Mules and More Magazine
55 • February 2020
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56 • February 2020
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Advertisers Index
Jack Advertisers
A.D.M.S...........................................................39
Choice’s 1st Edition/Joe Dimmerling.......................... 10
Bishop Mule Days.............................................2
Clyde’s Gallant Fox/Dan & Tabitha Holland . ............ 13
Boone County Draft Horse & Mule Sale..........22
Clyde’s El Jaguar/Candace & Kat Shauger . ................ 19-20
Canadian Donkey & Mule Association.............39
Colonel’s High Definition/Meadow View Mules ........ 10
Chrome in the Canyon Premier Mule Sale........11
Cooley’s Mammoth Jackstock/John Cooley ................ 41
Dawson Springs, Ky., Mule & Draft Horse Days..9
Desert Full Metal Jacket/Candace & Kat Shauger....... 19-20
Dixie Horse Auction, North Carolina...............23
General Bob/Diamond D Mule Farm......................... 25
Equine Affaire, Ohio.........................................19
Greystone/Dr. Amy McLean....................................... 7
Jasper the Mule ................................................32
Horseshoe Hill Bendito/Meadow View Mules ............ 10
Lucky Three Ranch/Hodges..............................59
Rocky Top Ranch/WJ Beard....................................... 22
Max Harsha Mule Products/Roebuck................25
SK Ace of Spades/Shawn & Kelli Beck........................ 15
Mel’s Stables Mule Sales....................................35
SK Royal Cartel/Shawn & Kelli Beck.......................... 15
Missouri Mule Makeover/Ozark Mule Days......5
UCD Actions Protege................................................. 29
Oklahoma Mule Sale Catalogue Sale.................14 PairADice Mules...............................................2 Reese Bros. Tennessee Mule Sales......................27 Signature Equine.........................................30-31 Small Farmer’s Journal........................................39 The Natural Horse Wormer...............................45 Tuskers . ............................................................8 TS Mules/Evans, Ty...........................................60 Wagner’s Saddle & Tack....................................39 Western Mule Magazine.....................................39
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57 • February 2020
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When Mules Ruled the Farm by Lonny Thiele
Mules were used for farming in this country roughly 1785 to 1950 or 165 years. Mule numbers peaked in the US at 5.8 million in 1925, but there were still 1.9 million mules in 1940, that included 209,000 in Missouri. Most of the material used comes from stories in the book, “That Son of a Gun Had Sense: Mule Stories From the Bootheel During the 1930’s-1940’s Era.”
Mules and More’s 10th Annual Trail Riding Guide
Three Sisters and Their Brother Took Turns Harrowing
As told in above mentioned book by Willie Velma Whitney My older brother, Charles, was overseeing our work. I think he must have made the harrowing resemble as much fun as Tom Sawyer did the painting of a fence. He would always take his turn, and then watch us to see that we were harrowing correctly. Daddy would be working in a field nearby, with our other mule team. He worked the middle buster and the cultivator. I was 9 years old, and I guess I thought I was pretty big to get to work the mules. I was the youngest one working at that time. I only did the harrowing one summer for maybe two weeks. I had two older sisters, Ora Lee, and Wandara, and we took turns harrowing. After I would make a round, each of my sisters would make a round. The rows were almost a quarter of a mile long and sometimes they seemed longer. The harrow was wide and covered three rows. When I was really enjoying the harrowing, it seemed as if the round was over before I knew it. Our black mules were named Rodie and Kate. They were good gentle mules. All I had to do was to guide them as I held the lines in my hands. When I would get to the end of the rows, I would pull back on the lines and say, “whoa.” Then I would say “gee” or “haw” depending on which way I wanted to go. Since it was a mile or more to the field, we'd sometimes ride the mules to the field. Often, we would put a bridle on Rodie or Kate and ride them around the pasture. To get on a mule, we would lead it to the steps at the fence. Dad built really sturdy steps over the fence so that we could carry buckets of milk into the house without having to open the gate. Each day as we went to work in the fields,, my sisters and I would leave home wearing overalls, bonnets, and long-sleeved shirts. We soon pushed our bonnets to the back of our heads and rollled up our sleeves. The sun was so hot that we would get sunburned, but it didn't take long for us to get a tan. We went to the fields early and came home late in the afternoon. Then we all had to share in doing the chores. We had to feed (often mixing cottonseed and sorghum) and milk the cows, feed the horses and mules, pump water for the cattle, feed the pigs, grind the chops, feed the chickens, and gather the eggs. The 298 page Son of a Gun book sells for $24 (includes postage). Mail check to Thiele at POB 884, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902. Ph. 573300-3085. 58 • February 2020
ATTENTION TRAIL RIDERS:
We are working on our 10th annual trail riding guide for the April 2020 issue of Mules and More. Do you have a favorite place to trail ride, a destination trip or local trip, that you would like to see featured? Send your story and photos to us! Email mulesandmore@gmail.com or mail to PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014. If you email photos, be sure to send them in their original file size and format, and at least 300 dpi. The deadline is March 2. Also - the last several years we have chosen our April cover from submissions to the trail guide. So this might be your chance to be on the cover of Mules and More!
ATTENTION TRAIL RIDE OWNERS:
Do you own a campground, trail ride or overnight campground? Let us help you start the season out on the right foot, by getting your business in front of the eyes of thousands of mule owners! Contact us for information on how to advertise in the Trail Riding Issue, which comes with a complimentary spot in our online Trail Riding Guide. This year’s deadline is March 2.
Contact Mules and More for more information
mulesandmore@gmail.com (573)263-2669 or visit mulesandmore.com and click on Trail Guide Mules and More Magazine
59 • February 2020
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February 27-29 ∙ Sahuarita, AZ March 11-13 ∙ Wickenburg, AZ March 18-21 ∙ Sedona, AZ March 31- April 1 ∙ Salmon, ID April 7-9 ∙ Huntington, UT April 17-19 ∙ Madison, WI April 24-26 ∙ Red Deer, AB, Canada April 29-May 1 ∙ Ferguson, NC May 4-6 ∙ Tropic, UT May 7-9 ∙ Bryce Canyon Mule Days May 14-16 ∙ Huntington, UT May 18-24 ∙ Bishop Mule Days May 28-30 ∙ Dunnigan, CA June 3-6 ∙ Spokane, WA June 8-10 ∙ Whitehall, MT June 12-14 ∙ Montana Mule Days 60 • February 2020 Piedras, NM June 18-20 ∙Tres
June 25-27 ∙ Gunnison, CO July 8-11 ∙ Fountain Green, UT July 15-17 ∙ Wainfleet, ON July 22-25 ∙ Fountain Green, UT August 5-8 ∙ Fountain Green, UT August 13-15 ∙ Driggs, ID August 20-22 ∙ McCook, NE August 27-29 ∙ Wall, SD September 9-10 ∙ Enterprise, OR September 17-19 ∙ Elkhart, IA September 24-26 ∙ New Berlin, NY October 1-3 ∙ Palmyra, ME October 15-17 ∙ Cripple Creek, VA October 28-30 ∙ Huntington, UT November 12-14 ∙ Springfield, VIC November 16-18 ∙ Narbethong, VIC November 19-21 ∙ Narbethong, VIC
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