Mules and More's February 2022 Issue by Mules and More Magazine

Published Monthly for Mule and Donkey Enthusiasts Volume 32 • Issue 4 February 2022 • $5.50 1 • February 2022

Mules and More Magazine

2 • February 2022

Mules and More Magazine

3 • February 2022

Mules and More Magazine

February 2022 Volume 32 • Issue 4

31st Annual Jack Issue 6

Over the Back Fence B Y

On The Cover

Water Tank Thoughts: Being Aware B Y

Preparing For Your Foal B Y

Losing a Long-Eared Family Member B Y

Fifth Annual Caney Mountain Mule Ride B Y

Calendar of Events

Live Your Life Bold, Italicized and Underlined B Y

Wolves in the National Forests

CORI DANIELS

J E R RY T I N D E L L

DR. AMY K. MCLEAN

｜ 39

BY LENICE BASHAM

Preserving the West Out Wickenburg Way: Boyd Ranch Mule Days

Amanda - On the CrossCountry Adventure and After B Y M E L I S S A A . P R I B L O

A N G I E J . M AY F I E L D MARIAN NIPPER

Card Ads

｜41

Classifieds

B R A N D Y VO N H O LT E N

Riders cross the river on the fifth annual Caney Mountain Mule Ride R E A D M O R E O N PA G E S 3 2 - 3 4

CHAPMAN

Association News

Early Imports of Jacks & Jennets B Y F R A N K C M I L L S

AND

HELEN L HALL

Mule Crossing: Understanding the Use of Cruppers and Breeching B Y M E R E D I T H HODGES

End of the Trail B Y

NOEL

S TA S I A K

When Mules Ruled the Farm B Y LO N N I E T H I E L E

Cook’s Corral B Y

4 • February 2022

CO R I D A N I E L S

Mules and More Magazine

Olan, Jardot’s Jewels El Patron, & Jardot’s Jewels King are all nominated to the 2022 Long Ear Futurity. Their foals are eligible to compete in the Futurity held during the Color Breed Congress in November in Tulsa, OK.

Olan - owned jointly with Wayne Lackey. Breeding fee:

$600 for mares and jennets, $500 for multiple mares. Live foal guarantee.

Jardot’s Jewels El Patron 2018 and 2019 Pinto Longear World Champion. Breeding fee: $600 jennies only, $500 for multiples. LFG.

Jardot’s Jewels King

Sire of World Champion Halter and Performance donkeys. Breeding fee: $600 - jennies only, $500 for multiples. LFG.

Jardot’s Jewels Carbon Copy

Jardot’s Jewels Illustration

2020 and 2021 Pinto Longear World Champion. We will be starting him this year to mares only. Breeding fee: $600 and $500 for multiples. LFG.

Breeding fee: $600 - jennies only, $500 for multiples. LFG.

Jardot's Jewels Mammoth Donkeys & Mules

Bartlesville, Okla.

Where Champions Are Born

Stephen . (918)332-0411 5 • FebruaryJardot 2022

Bonnie CrouchmanMules . (918)440-6311 and More Magazine

Over the Back Fence Published monthly for mule and donkey enthusiasts.

www.mulesandmore.com Facebook.com/MulesandMore @mulesandmoremagazine Editor : Cori Daniels, Bland, Mo. mulesandmore@gmail.com (573)263-2669 Writers: Meredith Hodges, Loveland, Colo.

Donna Taylor, Puylaurens, France donnalovesmules@googlemail.com Anna Arnold, Romoland, Calif. fastmule@live.com Capt. Joseph Vaclavik, Gallatin, Tenn., Capt.JoeV@Gmail.com Angie Mayfield, Loogootee, Ind. profmayfield@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 7 a.m.-3 p.m. central time

Advertising Inquiries: (573)263-2669 mulesandmore@gmail.com

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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 2022

by Cori Daniels, Editor In January 1992, Mules and More debuted our Jack Issue. In the following 30 years, this issue has connected jack owners with potential clients and resulted in countless mule and donkey foals. “I have been very pleased with the response from Jack handlers (ads from 12 different states) and the special articles written for this issue,” editor Sue Cole said in her editorial for the January 1992 issue. On the cover was Siemon Glen Spot, who resided at Four-Star Acres in Paris, Ky., and was owned by Larry and Betty Overly. He was a 62.5-inch black, dark brown and white spotted jack. His fee was $100 for mares and in the 1991 season, 60 percent of his offspring were spotted. In that issue, Sue reprinted an article from the book The History of the American Jack and Mule by Mills and Hall. I reprinted that story again in this issue, because I found it very interesting. Her editorial also mentions that while she typed up this article, her mind wandered back to the trials and experiences that must have taken place while traveling to foreign countries to purchase jackstock in the late 1800s. “Without the assistance of our modern-day conveniences, I’m sure there were many interesting experiences in just arranging the purchase of the jacks and jennets, and then there was the arrangement of handling their transportation from where they were purchased to the farms here in the United States.” She said this in 1992, and the ‘modern-day convenience’ has only increased since then. I wonder how they would have felt if they could have just done a quick FaceTime with the donkey breeders in Spain, sent a payment online, and had shipping and delivery arranged, all while never leaving their kitchen table? I needed to know some additional information to understand some of this article. I know most readers probably know this already, but just in case, I’ve included it here. Many of the jacks purchased in the article are Andalusian. Andalusia is a historical region of Spain, encompassing the southernmost provinces in Peninsular Spain. According to americanjackstock.org, “The gift of an Andalusian jack and two jennets to George Washington from the King of Spain in 1785 is widely recognized Mules and More Magazine

as the event that revolutionized Jackstock breeding in the United States. These foundation stock, and a Maltese jack later bestowed on Washington by his European ally, Lafayette, produced Jackstock and mules of a quality not previously attainable with the inferior domestic stock.” The information found at americanjackstock.org/ breed-characteristics/ also mentions that one of the most influential jacks in jackstock history was known as Imported Mammoth and he was imported to northern Kentucky prior to the Civil War. In the article we reprinted in this issue, Mills and Hall refer to him as Mammoth (Imp.) after his first mention as Imported Mammoth. He was 16 hands with large feet and bone. “Said to be far superior to any other jacks at that time, he was credited with having improved the jack and jennet stock in bone and size more than any other in his nine year breeding career.” The article by Mills and Hall also mentions Catalonian Jacks. These donkeys are from the historic region of Catalonia, now north-eastern Spain and south-western France. Catalonia consists of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Donkeys from that region are called Catalan donkeys and are considered the oldest donkey breed. At one time, their numbers reached 50,000, but now only about 500 purebred Catalon donkeys are left. Majorca Jacks are also mentioned, which are from an island in the Baearic Islands, in the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain. I’ve also been indexing all of the articles from our archives by Earl Sunderman. He collected so much information, interviews and history on jackstock in the United States. As I was going through these articles, I found one from January 1996 which mentioned Siemon’s Glen, which caught my attention since the jack on the cover of the The January 1992 cover January 1992 issue was Siemon Glen Spot. In the article, Mr. Sunderman said, “The well known Jack Siemon of Kenton, Ohio, stood a famous jack, Siemon’s Glen. Black Bart, a son of Siemon’s Glen appears in a great many pedigrees on the west coast.” In another article that ran in January 2003, he said, “Siemon’s Glenn has an untold number of descendants. There are jacks such as Night Train, another National Champion jack, Dry Gulch Cody, a Texas jack, Siemon’s Aristocrat, and on and on and on.” It’s been so interesting to read about the lineage of the jacks that built today’s mule industry, both in the late 1800s and the late 1900s. Without these jacks, our world would be quite different. This issue is filled with today’s top jacks from across the United States. I hope it helps you find the sire of your next mule or donkey. 7 • February 2022

Jacks For Sale Coming 4-yearold. 15.1 hands. Proven breeder, out of good breeding stock. $5,500 Coming 2-year-old. Broke to ride and drive. Very gentle. Could be used for breeding or pleasure. $4,500 OBO.

Call (717)205-7972 Dillwyn, Virginia

Mules and More Magazine

GENESIS Farms

HOF Jarratt’s Desert Prince HOF A-Jack’s El-Gato HOF TJC Clyde

Jacci Gaines riding Genesis Odyssey the AMA 2021 end of year Champion Halter Donkey and 2021end of year Champion All Around Donkey

Candace Shauger riding Genesis 1.0 the NASMDA end of year Reserve Champion High Point Donkey

In both National Performance Donkey Association 2021 Championships,

Genesis Farms was there. (740) 215-8215

candace@genesisfarmsjacks.com

Candace & Kat Shauger 2647 TWP, Rd. 185 S.W. Junction City, OH 43748

Like us on Facebook at

Genesis Farms

www.genesisfarmsjacks.com 8 • February 2022

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Genesis 1.0

2017 Sorrel Jack By three Hall of Fame Sires Shipped cooled semen Mares $350 LFG, Jennets $500

El Rey Clyde’s El Jaguar Gato 2005 black jack 2016 Brown and Barred jack. Last son of TJC Clyde Reference sire. We will on occasion have offspring of this jack for sale.

These lovely mollys are owned by Natalie Miller-Hill and Leon Hill. They are by Desert Full Metal Jacket and out of their incredible mare Serious Intentions.

Reference sire We will on occasion have offspring of this great Jack for sale.

Desert Full Metal Jacket

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

Miss Patience

We are humbled that they would choose our jack for a return breeding to their fine mare and as thrilled as they are at the outcome.

Miss Fit

9 • February 2022

Don Grimm riding Xtreme Reyn. Reyn is in foal to Genesis 1.0 for a fall of 2022 baby, this should be a dynamic cross of two outstanding performance donkeys

GENESIS Farms

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Letters From The Other Side... We love to hear from you! Send us a letter to Mules and More, PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014, or email us at mulesandmore@gmail.com

On the Cover: Look At That Madalina and Shannon St. Clair Hoffman

Look At That Madalina and Shannon St. Clair Hoffman share a post-show ring moment at the 2021 NASMDA Nationals in Shelbyville, Tenn., on this month’s cover. “We had just finished a class, and she was so good I dismounted and was thanking her for trying so hard for me,” said Shannon. Look At That Madalina is a 6-year-old, 15-hand jennet who Shanonn shows in the Training Level Donkey division. “I’ve owned her since she was 15 months old and trained her myself,” said Shannon. She came from Missouri and is out of a jennet who was named FrankieBelle, but her jack is unknown. She was the 2021 NASMDA National Champion Training Level Donkey in Pole Bending and Reserved Champion in Training Level Ranch Riding. Shannon is based in Zebulon, NC, has over 20 years experience with mules and donkeys and also is an open show judge. She regularly judges hunter and open shows, including ranch and gaited classes in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Along with being an avid trail rider, in the past she has successfully competed at the AQHA Congress, Dressage at Devon and the Western Dressage World Show with her mule, Seven. Her business, St. Clair Equine, offers marketing and event management as well as offering horsemanship, western dressage clinics and lessons with owners at all stages of working with their horses, mules, and donkeys. Shannon is currently serving as Vice President for NASMDA. “I got Madalina from a friend who had several mammoth donkeys,” said Shannon. “She brought her along to my farm one day when she came over to ride. She knew I wanted a young donkey to start myself and told me to just keep her for a week or two and see if I liked her. I was not really wanting a red donkey, but she was so sweet and kind, how could I send her back?” Shannon plans to show Madalina in Western Dressage in 2022. She is pictured above at their first Western Dressage attempt where they scored 64.33 percent. “My plans moving forward are to continue her training, making sure she stays willing and happy with her jobs,” said Shannon. “We do lots of trail riding and this spring we will start some light showing in Western Dressage. I also plan to attend NASMDA Nationals in July again. I will enjoy doing whatever she enjoys doing, and hope to have her in my life for a long time.” 10 • February 2022

Mountain’Ear Mules, John D. Hays, sent us a Christmas card featuring this photo and signed it, “Christmas Greetings! From John, Pistol, Eileen, Kitty and Phred”

Our January 2022 cover featured the ETI Corral #14 Death Valley Wagon Drive as they approach Desolation Canyon. Tom Moessner was accidentally left off as the photographer for the cover photo, as well as the photos with Dolly Kouri's story. We wanted to be sure Tom was recognized for his fantastic photos depicting the group's trek across Death Valley Mules and More Magazine

11 • February 2022

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Jerry and Yolonda Stroup 7566 Wayne, Route P

Lowndes, Mo. 63951 573-495-2625 or 573-714-3860 Westernroseranch@yahoo.com

Working Ranch: Breed, Raise, Train, Ride, and Drive Teams

12 • February 2022

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PET ERSON’S QUALIT Y MULES Standing: Scooter’s Rawhide

Scooter’s Rawhide

grandson of Texas Scooter

We are pleased with the conformation and disposition we have received from Rawhide’s crop of colts. We will be standing him to a limited number of bookings. We would like to thank everyone for the opportunity we’ve had to work with you on producing the next generation of quality mules. We will also have colts, jack stock and mules available throughout the year. Breeding Cost: Stud fee for mares $750 Stud fee for jennies $1,250 A.I Fresh shipped semen available

PET ERSON’S QUALIT Y MULES Dwayne Peterson (641)777-2046 Charity (660)956-2961 11355 220 Ave, Ottumwa IA 52501 “Where the riding mule halters, and the halter mule rides.”

13 • February 2022

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Water Tank Thoughts:

Being Aware by Jerry Tindell

Howdy, friends and neighbors. I hope this article finds you healthy, wealthy, and wise, and that you are staying safe and happy, and enjoyed the holidays with your family and friends, and being thankful for everything that we have. We are looking forward to a great New Year! I’d like this article to be a real simple visit, just a chat around the water tank. This time around, I’d like us to think about a few simple things that relate to being attentive with our stock, being safe with our stock, and enjoying our stock. First off, I want to condition myself to be aware of and be attentive to my actions and the actions of my stock. As I work, I want to remind myself to be paying attention to the little things and to be keeping things simple. Part of being able to enjoy my stock is being attentive to them and knowing what their needs are. I’d like them to be comfortable and safe. It’s so easy to not pay attention to detail, but I try to be observant, and I just like to look at them and see how they’re shaping up. I’m always asking myself: Is my horse or mule comfortable and connected? Are they bothered in any way? Then I ask myself: What can I do while I’m with them daily to make things better for both of us? Now, I’m not afraid to fix them – if I’d like them to stand, I teach them to stand. If I’d like them to not be afraid, I teach them to be more confident. I’m always teaching them to be resistant-free. They should be willing to give to me and gradually get more comfortable in everything we do together. And as I’m fixing them, I’m also paying attention to the signals they’re giving me. In my relationship with my stock, I want to think about and come up with ideas on how to have a better work ethic. You know, this applies to me just like it does my mule. I like them 14 • February 2022

to be confident, work well, know their job, and not be bored. That’s why I remind myself often to fix a few things at a time, repeat that until they’ve got it, then let them go and move on to something else. That way we won’t get bored, and it keeps them happy and keeps them wanting to do their job. I also try to notice if they are distracted. Are they shy or spooked? Are they engaged and paying attention? I just want to be aware of what they are doing. I really can’t fix all of it at one time, otherwise, I would still be out when the sun goes down. I just want to be mindful of what I notice, if there are any trouble spots, and to work on those things early next time so my lesson will have more meaning. This way, I’m not always after them. I’m able to help them and keep them in a little better frame of mind as we work. If we become aware of this and we fix them a little at a time, it becomes easy to fix because we start to create good habits all the time. I like to have tools and I want to know how to use those tools. I want to have good technique with them, and I practice a lot. I’m always trying to improve my skills, my awareness, and my timing. The way I know I’m

getting better is I can see my stock getting better. The lessons need to be simplified–you don’t have to train on them all the time, just create good habits. Keep them safe, keep them honest, and keep them focused on you. These are some of the most important things that they need. Keep your lessons simple; make the changes that you need, release them, reward them, pet them, and then go on and do it simple again. When you need to teach something, repeat it over and over, bit by bit. Work steadily on the things that you’d like to do. Make a difference patiently, make a change gradually. If we build this habit, we’ll be better for it and so will our stock. I’m hoping that these thoughts will inspire you a little bit and help us think and getter deeper with our stock. I want to thank everyone for contacting us, letting us know that they are enjoying the articles and that they’re making sense. If you have something that you’d like to have me talk about, let us know. Give us a topic that you’d like for me to cover, and we’d be happy to discuss. You can call me at (760)403-3922 or info@jerrytindell. com. Thank you all very much, we’ll see you on the trail! Mules and More Magazine

15 • February 2022

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Rock Point Farm Terry Bates

BOE-7

STANDING AT STUD

Bloomfield, MO 63825 www.rockpointfarm.com

Rock Point Bubba Sire: ThomAS’S TexASS by Rancho La Burrada Walter Dam: MRS Scooter’s Superstar by Texas Scooter Bubba’s colts are eligible for PtHA Longears Futurity

16 • February 2022

Height: 55” (13 3/4 hands tall) Weight: 780 lbs Stud fee $400 plus $5 a day mare care

- RON AND CINDY PRALL 111 Lindy Lane Kamiah, Idaho 83536 home phone: 1-208-935-2781 cell: 1-208-702-2179

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17 • February 2022

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A comparison of estimated gestational length in ponies, Thoroughbreds, mares carrying mule foals, donkeys carrying donkey and hinny foal: Gestation Length Estimations (in days)

Preparing For Your Foal A few tips to help your mule and donkey foal thrive by Dr. Amy K. McLean, PhD University of California Davis

It’s that time of year when foals start hitting the ground! Are you ready for the arrival of your new foal? A few tips that can help prepare you and your jenny or mare will include setting up a safe place for her to foal and doing your homework before the big day. Both jennies and mares can safely foal outside, but most owners choose to bring them indoors and allow them to foal in a foaling-type stall. A foaling stall should ideally be larger than a regular standard 12’ x 12’ stall and the size will relate to the size of jenny or mare that’s ready to foal. A standard foaling stall is roughly 14’ x 16’ but granted this may be to big for a miniature donkey or not large enough for a large warmblood or draft mare. There should be enough room where the jenny or mare can lay down and then stand back up without getting cast (or stuck). A good bedding would be straw on top of shavings. The typical gestation period for jennies carrying donkey foals is around 12 months. Keep in mind male foals may take up to 10 days longer to be born compared to females. Mares carrying mule foals have been reported to go 11 months to 11 ½ months - it will just depend on the mare. The table at the top 18 • February 2022

Mean Gestational Length

Gestational Range

Pony

330

320 - 345

Thoroughbred

340

320 - 360

Donkey (carrying donkey foal)

370

360 - 380

Mare (carrying mule foal)

344

330 - 350

Donkey (carrying hinny)

365

360 - 380

of this page shows an estimation of when foals are likely to be born according to species or hybrid cross. The lengths are estimations, each mare and jenny may be different. Do keep in mind, premature foals born 300 days or early will need neonatal care. During the pregnancy, keep in contact with your veterinarian and have them monitor fetal growth and development. It’s not uncommon for mares carrying mule foals to have a lower circulating level of progesterone compared to mares carrying horse foals. In this case, your veterinarian may need to prescribe a supplemental form of progesterone called Regumate. The theory behind why this occurs is due to a difference in placental development and fewer placetones, a structure found on the placenta and produces an important hormone called equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) - once called pregnant mare serum - is produced at a lower rate due to the mare carrying a hybrid foal. Regardless, develop a good working relationship with your mare or jenny’s veterinarian and begin checking and monitoring her pregnancy at an early stage. Also, begin vaccinating for equine herpes virus strain 1 (EHV) also known as equine rhinopneumonitis, one of the most common causes of early term abortions. Donkeys can be vaccinated for this as well but keep in mind donkeys may have asinine herpes virus and currently there are no vac-

cines available for AHV. Another consideration for jenny breeders includes checking for twins at an early stage, ideally 14-22 days. Jennies, especially mammoth or other larger breeds of donkeys (Catalonian, Andalusian, Pega, Zamora, Poitou, Mirandes) will often double ovulate and the same is true for larger mares like Thoroughbreds or Warmbloods, so check for twins. If you are planning to flush embryos from your mares or jennies, consider waiting a day or two longer on flushing donkey embryos compared to horse embryos. Little work has focused on the best time to flush mule embryos but following similar protocol for horse embryos has proven successful. Some research from Brazil and Argentina has suggested a higher survival rate of mule embryos being placed in jennies compared to mares, so keep this option open. The jennies or mares that are receiving the embryos (recipients) will need to be synchronized in estrus (in heat) with the donor. Mules can also serve as recipients for carrying horse, mule, and donkey embryos. If you are concerned about the size of the foal compared to the size of the mare, jenny or mule carrying the embryo, it’s important to remember the fetus will grow to the size of the uterus of the mare or donkey. Studies in the past have transferred draft horse embryos to pony mares and foals were born the size of a pony foal yet had the genetics and the Mules and More Magazine

19 • February 2022

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potential to grow to the normal size of a draft horse. Other changes to monitor for include a change in the placenta (the membrane covering or protecting the foal in the uterus) which can lead to a condition called placentitis and can cause a premature foal or even foal death. Placentitis can develop from a bacterial infection in the uterus. Prior to your mare and jenny foaling, keep in mind the need to provide a good source of nutrition. The foal will grow the most the last three months of pregnancy. Consider supplementing with additional Vitamin E to help improve muscle development. Bioavailability of Vitamin E varies so check with your vet for a good recommendation. We have conducted several studies in donkeys (in Portugal and Italy) on low Vitamin E and Selenium levels and donkey foals born to jennies with low levels have weaker muscles, more orthopedic complications, and often die. One of the problems that occur is the fact that the muscles in the throat are weak when Vitamin E is low and the milk will go down the trachea versus the esophagus and enter the lungs and create aspiration pneumonia. Granted, the donkey foal will hide this quite well and many times breeders will not notice this is occurring for a day or two and the foal becomes very ill, lethargic and you may even see milk coming from the nostrils. This is an emergency case. Also, do not allow your mare or donkey to consume fescue grass the last three months of pregnancy. This can cause thickening of the placenta, the mare or jenny to not produce milk and other complications such as prolonged gestation, due to the endophyte found in fescue to make the grass drought tolerant. One month prior to foaling, you should consider vaccinating and deworming your mare or jenny. This 20 • February 2022

will help boost her immunity and allow her to make a higher or richer colostrum, the first milk where the foal will gain its immunity. Deworming at least a month prior to the foal being born will also reduce parasite transfer in the milk and in the mare or jenny’s manure. For mares carrying a mule foal, breeders should test for neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). This is not a disease to mess around with and often leads to a very weak and even fatal case in foals. The blood type of the mare essentially does not match with the jack. There are close to 16 blood types in horses, but we truly have not tested or identified different blood types in donkeys. You will need to have your veterinarian draw a blood sample in a red top tube and submit to a lab capable of testing for NI. In the past, most of the samples were sent to UC Davis pathology lab but many large equine clinics can now test for NI. So, be prepared and test before your foal arrives. You can perform a secondary test when your mare foals by drawing a blood sample from your mule foal and taking a milk sample to see if they coagulate. This test is called Jaundice Foal Agglutination, JFA test. If your mare tests positive, then you will need to supply an alternative source of colostrum to the foal that is from a mare that tested negative for NI. Prepare a bottle by using a sheep or goat nipple and feed 120 grams a day for 48 hours. In between feedings, it’s important that the foal stays muzzled, and you milk out the mare. What if you find your new mule foal the next day and you have not had your mare tested? Then what? Immediately test the milk and blood. Look for signs such as a lethargic or weak foal, increased heart rate, increased respiration (which you will likely notice before the heart rate), decreased interest in standing, suckling and the foal will continue

to “crash” or not thrive. This is a medical neonate emergency so call your vet hospital immediately. Signs of foaling or parturition are similar in both the mare and jenny. Consider the following signs: 1) Development of mammary gland, may occur for two weeks before foaling 2) Closer to foaling, “bagging up”may occur two weeks or less before foaling, this refers to the mare/ jenny developing a udder/bag 3) Elongation and relaxation of the vulva and pelvic muscles, palpate along the tailhead to document a difference 4) Restless behavior a. Mare behavior: Mares will generally stand up and exhibit signs such as colic-like behavior, rolling, standing, walking and more rolling. During this period the foal is changing positions in the uterus and preparing for partition. b. Jenny behavior: Jennies will tend to stand more and eat less close to foaling. 5) Foaling- mares generally break into a sweat before the first stage occurs, the appearance of the amnion or white bubble-like structure that protrudes through the vulva (stage 1) but jennies normally do not go through a sweat prior to the first stage. There are commercial tests available that you can purchase to try and predict the time of foaling. Both tests will require a milk sample and will test either the calcium level which increases closer to the time of foaling or the change in pH which also changes close to the time of foaling (e.g. Predict-a-foal and Foal Watch). In addition, there are sensor type devices that can be used as well to tell the onset of foaling such as a sensor that’s sutured into the vulva of the mare or jenny or smart halters (e.g. Nightwatch) that will send an alert to your phone that the mare or

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jenny is laying down and heart rate is elevated, rolling, etc. The stages of foaling are the same in both mares and jennies but with some slight differences such as mares often sweat before foaling and jennies do not, as mention above. Stage 1- signs may include the mare standing, laying down, rolling, sweating and then release of water along with the appearance of the amnion or white bulb like structure, if you do not see white and see red, known as a red bag, have a set of sterile scissors on hand to cut the placenta. Stage 2- explosion of the fetusthe foal should be delivered in this stage and in some cases, you may have to assist with the foal pushing through the fetal membrane/placenta. This is the stage where dystocia may occur. Dystocia tends to be more common with donkeys than mares. You should see two front legs and hooves followed closely behind with a nose and then of course big ears. In a dystocia case, you will not see this. Have you veterinarian’s phone number on hand and have your truck and trailer ready to go if you need to take your mare or jenny to the clinic. Some dystocia cases can be addressed on farm and depending on your level of comfort and experience you may be able to assist in manipulating limbs and shoulder locks at the pelvic brim but others will require immediate veterinary attention and possible c-section. The position of the foal happens right before stage 1. Since jennies tend to move less prior, this may contribute to jennies having a higher rate of dystocia compared to mares. Also, keep in mind jennies tend to foal at any time of the day where mares more commonly foal late at night or early in the morning. Stage 3- passing of the placentathe placenta should be completely 21 • February 2022

passed at the end of this stage. The three stages of foaling should follow the 1-2-3 rule meaning, the first stage should be completed within the first hour, the second with the second hour and the third within the third hour and any stage taking longer should be treated as an emergency and you should contact your veterinarian for help. When the foal arrives consider keeping the environment quiet and clean. Remove the placenta and then check the placenta to make sure no pieces are missing. The placenta will look like a “Y” and one end of the Y will be longer than the other, this is the side where the foal was growing. The nonpregnant side of the placenta will be smaller and often a small piece may remain in the uterus of the mare and can lead to an infection and making your mare very sick. So, check to make sure the entire placenta is present. Also, the placenta tells the story about the foal and its health. So, it’s not a bad idea to keep the placenta on hand in a refrigerator for a few days. If something goes wrong, the placenta can be submitted to pathology to run further tests. Also, keep on hand a milk replacer in case your jenny or mare is not producing enough milk. Your veterinarian can administer a medication called Domperidone that will help with milk let down. Watch and monitor that your foal stands OK and then starts to nurse. A healthy foal will play, bounce around and act healthy. Both mule and donkey foals can be stoic like an adult, so watch for any signs of the foal’s health going downhill. Remember, a mule or donkey - even as a foal - will not show signs of discomfort until the condition is more advanced, so you will need to act immediately. To test your foal’s immunity and if the foal has received enough colostrum, a blood sample should be taken within 24 hours. A healthy foal both don-

key or mule will have ideally over 400 IgG (immunoglobin G) and the higher the better in their serum or plasma. Anything less that 400 is a sign of failure of passive transfer and the foal will need to receive additional plasma that’s rich in antibodies to thrive. Consider dipping the foals’ naval with betadine or chlorohexidine but not straight iodine. Also, check the naval or umbilicus often for any swelling after birth, do not cut the umbilicus when the foal is born it will separate from the placenta when the mare or jenny stands. Finally, watch for the foal to pass its first manure called meconium. Foals can have impactions and colic. In a few days consider allowing your mare/jenny and foal to be in a larger environment and if you have a safe paddock or field/pasture they can be turned out into, that will be great for orthopedic development of your foal. From a nutritional standpoint, continue to supply a good source of nutrients including hay offered multiple times throughout the day and a concentrate/grain to your jenny and mare. The most energy demanding time for an equine is the first month of lactation. So, provide enough food for the mother and foal and especially if you want to breed back on the foal heat or within the next month or two. A mare or jenny with a low or compromised body condition will increase the difficulty of getting her in foal the next time around and can also influence the growth of your foal. Hopefully, these tips will help your new long eared foal to survive and thrive! If you have any additional questions about foaling or breeding for donkeys, mules or hinnies please don’t hesitate to reach out by email, acmclean@ucdavis.edu.

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22 • February 2022

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gory Stables

Raising good, quality gaited trail mules. (Jack services not provided to public)

Future jack prospect,

Rio’s Radar

Owned by the Gregory Family

Monticello, Ky 23 • February 2022

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Max HARSHA MULE PRODUCTS

BY Ma r k Roebuck Harsha Show Bit $185

5 1/4” width shape of show bit

Available in 4 sizes

Harsha Mule Bit, Headstall, and Reins Harsha Mule Bit: $170 One Ear Headstall: $40 Browband Headstall: $50 Snap Crown Headstall: $65 7-1/2’ Single Rein with snaps: $40 7-1/2’ Split rein: $50

Mule Skinner’s Bible $28 The Harsha Designed Crupper $68

(includes shipping)

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.

← Heavy Harness Leather Breast Collar $65 Britchen with Padded Butt Strap $225 → Pulling Collar $120 . Leather Hobbles $50 ↓

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. Subscriptions now available! (no member benefits) $35 to Canadian addresses, $47 to US addresses. Order subscriptions on our website at: www.donkeyandmule.com

To order Harsha Mule Products send Check or money order to: Mark Roebuck, 278266 Hwy 53, Comanche OK 73529 Or pay with PayPal - rockinrmules@pldi.net Phone (580)251-5534 Include $10 Shipping

49th Annual FTB Montgomery Wagon Train

March 7th - March 18th, 2022 185 Miles in 11 Days From Forney, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama

• • • • • •

Gathering Day, Monday, March 7 - Centre, Alabama, 35960 Ride March 8-12: Wednesday, March 9 -Hotdog Lunch followed by Soup & Chili Dinner hosted by FTB Saturday, March 12 - Lunch hosted by Clay Co. Cattleman’s Association, Ashland, AL Sunday, March 13 - Layover/rest day with a Pancake Breakfast followed by Cowboy Church hosted by Clay Co. Cattleman’s Association, Ashland, AL. Dinner hosted by FTB Club Ride March 14-18: Thursday, March 17 - Spaghetti Dinner hosted by FTB Club. Friday, March 18 - Arrival in Montgomery for the 65th annual SLE Rodeo. Free Rodeo admission for participants that ride into Montgomery with FTB Wagon Train.

•

Horseback riders are welcome!

•

Ride any or all days, 15 to 20 miles (rain or shine) 2nd and 3rd days are in National Forest Lands, very scenic but mountainous terrain Primitive camping every night, water availability only at certain locations. Trucks and trailers pull up at 6:30 a.m. with shuttle service provided. Daily door prize drawings and giveaways. Ride fees listed on FTBSC Facebook page.

SLE Rodeo March 18-20, 2022 (Montgomery, AL) • • • • •

Follow us on Facebook for more information: FORNEY TRAIL-BLAZERS SADDLE CLUB @ftbsaddleclub Information Contacts: John Coley 256-557-9226 • Todd Hill 256-310-2255 forneytrailblazers@gmail.com Participation in equine activities is at your own risk. No alcoholic beverages allowed on ride. Route and Camps Subject to Change

24 • February 2022

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3 X N AT I O N A L C H A M P I O N N A S M D A J A C K

DRIFTER’S JOAQUIN

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27 • February 2022

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Losing a Long-Eared Family Member by Angie J. Mayfield

I’ve owned and trained a hundred long ears in my 54 years – and some trained me. Only a dozen or less, however, were considered family. Their love, loyalty, and companionship earned a permanent place in my heart and pasture. We lost one of those beloved, un-replaceable equines last month, and if you’ve ever loved an animal you know the pain and emptiness involved. Each time you go to the gate or load the trailer, you miss them, their face, and that personality that only a special mule, donkey, or dog possesses. Booger was named at two weeks old when trail riding at Hoosier National Forest. As we rounded a trail and rode down to the bottom of a hill, we noticed the mule foal was missing. Then here she came barreling through the brush, flying down the hill at full speed. Her owner, family friend Norman Matthews, yelled “Look at that booger go!” The name stuck. Seventeen years later, Norman was still riding Booger every week at Hoosier National while fighting a losing battle with cancer. Three weeks before he died, he gave me one of his old McClellan saddles but had promised his mules to his best friend. A week after the funeral, I inquired about Booger and found she had already been sold on Craigslist. I was devastated. The next spring we were camping when I saw a 14-hand bay mule tied to a hitching post that looked like Booger. I walked over and sure enough, she had the same white shoulder marks from Norman’s poor fitting saddle, the same soft eyes, the same fat rolls on her butt, and the same habit of nuzzling my cheek and checking my pockets for treats. I hugged her and was overcome with tears that Booger was OK, still local, and looked well-cared for. I asked the new owners about buying her, but they weren’t selling – and I didn’t blame them. I gave them my card in case they ever 28 • February 2022

Angie and Booger

changed their mind and asked if I could ride her a lap. So I put Tucker on the front of the saddle, who was a year old at the time, and we took good ole’ Booger for a spin. She was as smooth and steady as always. I laughed as she hesitated in one area of the trail that she always stopped for a second because she had seen a big snake there years ago. Mules never forget. A year later I received a surprise call from Booger’s owner. She said the couple was splitting up and her husband told her to sell the mules and give him half. “So I just wondered if you were still interested in buying her?” she asked. “Of course! What do you want for her?” “Well, if I have to give that sonofagun half, I want a dollar.” “A dollar? I’ll be there in 20 minutes!” Ah, the rewards of a bitter divorce. Booger became Tucker’s best friend and the trustworthy, tolerant babysitter that every parent dreams of. She was bombproof and an autopilot mule that

didn’t need steering or brakes. She just followed along while her rider sang, rode backwards sometimes, flipped a stick or his reins against a tree, swung a rope, carried a dog, or stood up showing off for whoever would pay attention to him. Tucker and Booger rode together in 41 states, in every terrain imaginable. They also performed in fun shows and mule races, including the chuckwagon races in Clinton, Ark., for three years. Booger wasn’t fast and usually placed toward the end, but she had heart and tried her best for her boy. In addition to riding at Shawnee almost every weekend, we took Booger, Sonny, and June to Montana each summer for 10 years in a row. However, we didn’t take old Booger this past July. She’d slowed down a lot this past year and sweat more easily as well, so we didn’t want to risk injuring her with such a difficult trip. However, I think not taking her caused her even more stress. Something told me this was Booger’s last winter. She looked a Mules and More Magazine

Angie on Sonny and Tucker on Booger at the Clinton Chuckwagon Races

little thinner, was slower coming up to eat, staying more to herself, and had lost that gleam in her eye. We brought her up to the house and gave her extra rations and pampering, but she was distraught away from the rest of the herd, so we moved her back. We’d lost two other babysitters of old age years earlier during the cold months, finding Maude, 34, and Rambo, 30, dead in the barn. Susie, 32, our old Belgian mule, had been the hardest to lose because it was unexpected. All the older kids learned to ride on lovebug Susie, then after they were grown she was my husband’s main riding mule. She was struck by lightning while eating at the round bale in March 2016. On a Thursday evening in December, we found 33-year-old Booger dead in the pasture. There were no signs of struggle, so we were relieved that at least she appeared to have died quickly and peacefully. She’d lived a good, long life, but it didn’t hurt any less. It was the end of an era, and 12-year-old Tucker, who has already grown up too quickly for us, was forced to grow up a little more. We buried Booger next to Susie and Rambo under the pine tree grove

29 • February 2022

where they liked to stand. Friend Toni Beckelman is making us some mementos made from the hair of her tail. We’ve been trying for a few years to find a suitable second mule for Tucker to ease him into this transition, but he refused to ride any mule but Booger. Without any other option, he rode my little mule Sonny while in Montana last summer but they just didn’t connect. Plus, Sonny is in his mid-20s, so I don’t want Tucker to go through grief again anytime soon. Therefore, this month I brought our sweet young Foxtrotter mule Bubba Gump up to the house to love on Tucker this winter and convince him to give her a try. She looks like Booger and has that same disposition – eager to please, curious, and sweet as pie most of the time, but a bit bossy when she doesn’t get her way. I think they’ll be a great match when Tucker’s ready. It’s been a difficult year for all of us. In September, we also lost one of our best friends and our packing buddy, Bob Westin, from Kalispell, Mont. He was an original cowboy with a contagious laugh and taught Tucker to throw a tomahawk. I bet he’s petting Booger right now while she

Tucker and Booger in Missouri

Tucker and the late Bob Westin

munches on green grass. Life is short, so go out and spend time with those longears, feed treats, give ear and butt scratches, go for that ride even in the off season, and be patient and forgiving of those that don’t move as fast as they once did – whether equine or human. We all grow old and die eventually, but the love we share, the lessons we learned, and the memories we make will live on in others. RIP Booger and Bob. May you be riding happy trails in Heaven. We miss you. Angie J. Mayfield is a lifelong mule lover who has trail ridden in all 50 states and 6 countries on mules. She can be contacted at Profmayfield@ yahoo.com Mules and More Magazine

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31 • February 2022

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Fifth Annual Caney Mountain Mule Ride by Marian Nipper The fifth annual Caney Mountain Mule Ride at Caney Mountain Horsecamp, in Big Flat, Ark., is in the books. The 2021 held November 29-December 5, was the best yet, with perfect weather that ranged between 60-80 degrees during the day and 30-40 degrees at night. With around 200 mules in attendance, the number of riders increased again this year and hosted riders from as far away as Pennsylvania and Texas. Riders ranged in age from 4 months to over 73 years old, and we were glad to have several 32 • February 2022

children enjoying the mule ride. Charles and Teresa Taylor, owners of Caney Mountain Horsecamp, continue to offer their beautiful Caney Mountain Horsecamp located in the middle of the Ozarks for these annual mule rides. Along with the increasing number of mule riders, the number of guides has also increased. There were ten guides this year: Charles Taylor, Thomas, our favorite Cajun, Lynn, John P., Bob Box, David Woods, and our personal favorite Angie Lee, permanent campers, Bob Taylor and

Brad Hart, expert trail hands, and Rick, a local resident. With ten different groups going out each day to different destinations, the group sizes were kept small. Each day was an exciting adventure, crossing the Buffalo River and riding the high bluffs that overlook the river, the popular Sidewalk Trail, the Snazzy Trail, the Alligator Bluff Trail, the Cascade Falls Trail, the Box Canyon Trail, the Roy Ridge Trail, the Genesis Park Trail, the Tassel Falls Trail, riding the Big Creek area, and overlooks throughout the four different Wilderness Areas that intersect around Caney Mountain Horsecamp. The different destination rides average around 15 miles and last about 6 hours with a nice lunch break each day. Riders meet at the Caney Mountain Horsecamp Lodge each day at 9:30 and chose which ride they would like to go on for the day. After a wonderful day of riding, riders can also enjoy an evening of fine dining at the Caney Mountain Lodge. Mrs. Teresa Taylor, Sue, Sharon, Brenda, Teresa Box, Gwen, Kim, and Kathy all work hard to prepare wonderful meals with homemade desserts each day. We want to thank the permanent campers at Caney Mountain Horsecamp, Kim and David Woods, Teresa and Bob Box, and Gwen Ray, for stepping in and adding innovative ideas to the mule ride and organizing the rides. They made all the schedules and packets for the campers to use. The Poker Run and the Aggravation Tournament were huge hits. Everyone enjoyed seeing more sites and the nightly games. There were also door prizes each evening, with Kevin and Tucker Tack donating nice gifts. There was an auction one evening that raised a little over $4,000. This money went to help neighbors who needed help purchasing heating gas, and to buy medical supplies and equipment for the camp. There was live music on Friday evening with Uncle Bill Nipper and Steve Dawson singing our favorite cowboy Mules and More Magazine

songs. They even sang the theme song for the mule ride, “Whoa Mule Whoa, I Ain’t Got Time To Kiss You Now, My Mule Has Run Away.” If you are just starting to ride and camp with your mules, this ride is an excellent place to start. If you are having problems with your mule or are new to mules, some of the best mule handlers in the United States are at this ride to help you with problems and answer questions. Everyone here enjoys helping each other. There were several tack vendors at the ride: Tucker Tack (Rob and Tina Tucker), Loan Oak Saddles (Jim and Angie Lee), Crest Ridge Saddles (Debra K Racheter), Milam Mules (Brock Milam). If you are having tack issues or wanting new custom tack made, these outstanding saddle makers and tack vendors will help. As you continue to attend the mule rides each year you make several new friends. It is like a family reunion when the ride starts, and you visit with your old and new friends. We love to have families and young kids at these rides and are hoping for a good turnout at both the June mule ride at Caney Mountain Horsecamp and the

Steve Dawson and Jim Lee at the Elephant Head rock formation 33 • February 2022

Jim Lee and Anthony McAllister at Tassel Falls

The view from a bluff as riders cross the Buffalo River Mules and More Magazine

April mule ride at Shawnee National Freest in Illinois. For more information on the Mule Rides please join the Facebook groups that have been developed for McAllister and Friends Mule Ride and Caney Mountain Mule Ride. Thank you again Anthony McAllister for all the hard work you do each year to organize the mule rides. This ranges from hauling mules for people to helping people learn more about their mules. Regardless of what questions or concerns you have about your mule; Anthony is always willing to help. A group of riders crossing the river

34 • February 2022

Charles Taylor, owner of Caney Mountain Horsecamp Bill Nipper and Jim Lee playing in the Buffalo River

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35 • February 2022

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Calendar of Events...

February 3-12 - South Texas Trail Riders Annual 63rd Trail Ride, Corpus Christi to San Antonio, Texas www.STTR. net (361)779-0715 February 11-12 - Central Livestock Special Draft Horse & Mule Sale, South Hutchinson, Ks. (620)639-4235

Feb 19 - Donkey’s Horse Sale Special Work Horse, Mule, Pony, Riding Horse, Equipment and Tack Sale, Clarinda, Iowa (712)542-0300 (see page 7) February 23 - Mel’s Stables Mule Sale, New Holland, Penn. (717)354-6431 (see page 37)

March 3-5 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Sahuarita, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) March 4-6 Illinois Horse Fair, Springfield, Illinois

March 7-9 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Wickenburg, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) March 7-18 49th Annual FTB Montgomery Wagon Train, Alabama (256)557-9226 Forney Trail-Blazers Saddle Club on Facebook (see page 24)

March 7-13 Boyd Ranch Mule Days, Wickenburg, Arizona www.boydranch.org (see page 49) March 9-12 - Boone County Draft Horse & Mule Sale, Sedalia, Mo. (719)431-3137 (see page 22)

March 12 -Waugh Livestock Sales LLC Spring Catalog Sale, Ewing, Ky. (6060)748-9721

March 12-13 Beginner/Intermediate Mounted Archery Clinic with Brandy Von Holten, Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880

March 16-18 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Sedona, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) March 19 - JR Gregg’s Mule & Horse Sale, Winnsboro, Texas (930)440-4181 (see pg 40)

March 19-20 - Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Donkey & Mule Show, Houston, TX (832)667-1012

March 19-20 Luck of the Irish Treasure Trail Ride & Scavenger Hunt/Shamrock & Roll, Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880 March 22-25 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Sedona, AZ (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover)

March 23 - Mel’s Stables Mule Sale, New Holland, Penn. (717)354-6431 (see pg 37)

March 25-26 - Dixie Horse Auction, Mule & Carriage Sale, Troutman, NC, dixiehorseauction.com March 26-27 Brandy Von Holten & Laurn McCain CT2V Two-Day Clinic, Mora, Mo., www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880 April 2-3 Beginner/Intermediate Mounted Archery Clinic 36 • February 2022

with Brandy Von Holten, Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880

April 8-9 - Oklahoma Mule Sale, Ada, Oklahoma, (580)465-8727 (see pg 3)

April 4-10 - McAllister & Friends Mule Ride, High Knob Campground, Shawnee, Ill. (618)275-4494 April 6-8 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Utah (801)5987465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover)

April 7-10 - Equine Affaire, Columbus, Ohio www.equineaffaire.com (see page 25)

April 9-10 Country Tough Trail Versatility Series Kickoff, Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880 April 20-22 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Ferguson, NC (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) April 22-24 - Midwest Horse Fair, Madison, Wisconsin April, Madison, Wisconsin | Midwest Horse Fair

April 27-29 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Lebanon, Tennessee (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) April 28-30 Tri State Horse And Mule Sale, Abingdon VA, 330-775-0011 April 30 - Reese Brothers Tennessee Mule Sales Annual Riding Mule Sale, Lebanon, Tennessee (615)973-0391 www.reesemules.com (see page 45)

April 28 – May 1 - 4-J Big Piney Horse Camp Mule Ride, Waynesville, MO, 4-j.net May 2-4 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Tropic, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover)

May 5-7 - Chrome in the Canyon Premier Mule Sale, during Bryce Canyon Mule Days, premiermulesale.com (877)725-3636 May 6-8 Chix in the Sticks All-Inclusive Weekend, Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880

May 12-14 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Dunnigan, CA (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) May 19-21 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, John Day, OR (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) May 21-22 Country Tough Trail Versatility Series Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880

May 25-28 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Nine Mile Falls, WA (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com (see back cover) May 28-30 Memorial Day Trail Ride and “We Remember” Scavenger Hunt, Mora, Mo. www.vonholtenranch.com (660)668-0880 June 3-5 - Montana Mule Days, Hamilton, Montana Montana Mule Days - Montana Mule Days See the full calendar of events at mulesandmore.com/calendar-of-events

Mules and More Magazine

Mel’s Stables 2022 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

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Load of 3-year-old mules from Ohio If you have top mules to sell or looking for mules don’t miss this sale!

Will be selling weanling to aged mules... riding and draft type

2022 Sale Dates: Wednesday, February 23 Spring Round Up - Wednesday, March 23 Hitch Time 8 a.m. • Starting at 9 a.m.

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 2021 and look forward to being able to serve you in 2022! 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

37 • February 2022

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Classy Ass Acres Spotted Mammoth Jack at Stud

Class Ass AssKem Reg. Number A-16392 Breeds both Jennets and Mares. Fee $350

Classy Ass Blossom. 60” Black Reg. E-17380

Bess Jackstock Black Bug. 60” Dark Brown Shinner daughter. Reg. E-17041

We will have foals for sale this spring from both of these Jennets, as well as others. All our donkey foals are handled at halter and trimmed regularly, microchipped and registered with ADMS.

Sue & John Jazdzewski, Wautoma, W isconsin (920)787-7522 or (715)281-0314

38 • February 2022

Visit Classy Ass Acres on Facebook and go to Photos Mules and More Magazine

How to Advertise in the “Here’s My Card” section: • Color card ads - 3 months for $105 or one year for $400 • Black and white card ads 3 months for $60 or one year for $200 Text card ad to (573)263-2669, email to mulesandmore@gmail.com, or mail to Mules and More, PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014 Payment can be made by mail with a check, by phone with a credit card, or an invoice payable online. 39 • February 2022

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40 • February 2022

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Cl-Ass-ified Ads To place your classified ad online: mulesandmore.com/classifieds Mail to: PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014 Call: (573)263-2669 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.

JACKSTOCK

MAMMOTH JACKS & JENNIES FOR SALE. Jennies bred to a 16-hand, nice sorrel jack. 3-year-old jack. 1-year-old and some weanlings sired by a 15.2 hand heavy boned blonde jack. Call Ben at (717)205-7972 (4/22) TWO OUTSTANDING BLACK JACKS with white points. 5 year old, 59 inches. 2 year old, 58 inches. Both jacks breed mares or jennies. Indiana (574)753-2726 Leave message. (2/22) MAMMOTH GELDINGS AND JACKS from 6 months to 2 years old. Arkansas. 870-892-3209 leave a message or email obrienfarms@yahoo.com (2/22)

WANTED

WANTED TO BUY: a team of lightweight, 15-hand mules that can be ridden or driven with water crossing and traffic experience. Please email info and/or pictures to richreid@reidhomes.ca or phone (519)222-9999 (5/22)

TACK & WAGONS

S. A. WALLS handmade Stirrups, Spurs and Bits. walls_sa@ yahoo.com, www.sawalls.net or 479-923-4748

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 479-923-4748

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.

41 • February 2022

Jack Stock And Mules In Missouri is a 92 page paperback book published by the Extension Division, University of MissouriColumbia, in cooperation with The Missouri Mule Skinners Society. Revised Edition, copyright 1987, originally published as History of Jack Stock and Mules in Missouri by the Missouri State Board of Agriculture, August 1924. Introduction by Melvin Bradley. $11 plus $5 shipping. Purchase online mulesandmore.com/ books/jack-stock-and-mules-in-missouri or send a check to Mules and More, PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014 Mules and More Magazine

Live Your Life in Bold, Italicized, and Underlined by Brandy Von Holten

Right now, someone has the same goal as you, and they are sticking with the plan! Let it be you with the amazing story one year from now. Let it be you that others look up to gain strength to achieve their goal. Consistency is the key to achieving all goals. If you are reading this article, then you have seen all the pictures in the magazine of people living their lives in what I like to call “Bold, Italicized, and Underlined.” Their adventures are the main parts of the chapters in their life! If 2020 and 2021 have taught me anything it’s that you need to live your life now and not wait for a better time. There might not be a better time and you are not guaranteed anything. If you are an aging rider, you will not be any younger than you are right now. Regret is going to be a hard pill to

swallow when you realize you no longer are able to do the very thing you can do right now. If your mule isn’t ready, get it ready! If you can’t get it ready, hire someone to get it ready! If you do not know where you want to go and ride, ask people, and write them down! Research! Make a plan! Find out if there are groups that annually visit the places you want to travel to and make your own plans. Do not cancel. Call and put your money down for reservations or even pay in full. When you risk losing out on money, you are extremely more likely to follow through. There’s a world out there that is waiting on you. Go get it, tiger!

Imagine this as your next adventure’s view. Photo by Leslie Ballard You never know who you are going to meet when you say YES!

42 • February 2022

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2001 Bainbridge’s Long Ears Acres Black Cole, 15.1 hands

2008 Coyote Lane Rhett Butler 15.3 hands

Cooley's Mammoth Jackstock Offering Exceptional Quality American Mammoth Jackstock For Sale Since 1998, through much research, travel and selective breeding we have created one of the finest Jackstock breeding programs anywhere. We have four breeding jacks with exceptional size and conformation producing outstanding offspring. Within our herd we are using old foundation bloodlines including Preacher, Rancho La Burrada Walter, Bully Boy, Jen Jack, 3 Jumps Big Louie, Siemon’s Perfection, Siemon’s Glen, Grumbien Bill, Old Mississippi, Dodger, Peerless, Old Sid and Julio. With almost 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 several adult Mammoths for sale plus a lot of 2022 babies coming!

Visit our website: cooleysmammothjackstock.com

21441 Old Wire Road • Wagram, NC 28396

John Cooley, Owner/Operator (910) 318-2700 Beth C Newton (910) 384-4870 cooleysmammothjackstock@gmail.com

2012 CMJS Hank, son of Cole • 16 hands 43 • February 2022

Breeding Herd Jennies

2010 CMJS Slate, 15.2 hands Mules and More Magazine

at the wolf and he sort of looked back at the dog and ran slowly up the trail. We put Ace between the mules and continued up the trail. The wolf stayed by Lenice Basham with us for four miles down the trail. We stopped in a clearing and waited Wolves are a polarizing subject – for the wolf to find something better to and have been since their reintroducdo. The wolf laid down by a log and tion into the Yellowstone National waited for us to continue. We decided Park in the 90s. In the 1990s, after Ace and I would lope up the trail and being absent for almost a century, the Loren would run at the wolf and get it National Park Service reintroduced 41 to go away. This also did not dissuade wolves to Yellowstone. In 2015, the the wolf to go on about his business. population had grown from 41 to 400. We loped another mile up the trail, me 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of in front, Ace in the middle, and Loren the wolf reintroduction in to the parks. behind until we chased a rabbit across The National Park Service did a the trail as we headed out of the timseries of videos on the positive reinber and up into the rock troduction of the animals. slide that is on the trail. (The series can be found That is where we lost at nps.gov/articles/000/25the wolf – assuming he years-of-wolves.htm). found an easier food According to the source than the dog or asNational Parks website, suming the lack of timber the elk killed per month coverage made his job per wolf is 1.83 and the harder. We finished our elk killed per wolf per ride to Lake Angeline and year is 18-22. National then headed back down. I Geographic indicates was particularly nervous that wolves have helped about crossing through the stabilize the ecosystem same area – but we did not by reducing populations run into the wolf again. and thinning out weak and When we returned to sick animals and creating camp – the camp hosts a resilient elk herd. said that they had others Online, most website report seeing the wolf but vouch that the six best Nahad not had an experitional Parks to see wolves ence with them. We also are Yellowstone (WyoA warning sign displayed at the entrance of Yellowstone learned upon talking to ming, Idaho, Montana); others that the wolf was not alone. The Grand Tetons (Wyoming); Isle Royale stopped and looked but did not see anything so continued on the trail. Park Service indicated that the wolf (Michigan); Voyageurs National Park In a few minutes, April really started had a pack nearby that would have (Minnesota); Katmai National Park circled and attacked the dog once it (Alaska) and the Denali National Park looking and riding with her head watching something somewhat above left our sides. We have ridden in the (Alaska). us to the right on the trail – again, not Big Horns for nearly 20 years and You’ll notice that the Big Horn Nahave had many wildlife stories – but tional Forest was not listed on the best spooking just really actively observing. A wolf appeared out in a more this was one of our top two wildlife places to see wolves. Loren and I had open part of the trees. Loren called to interaction stories. a wolf experience while riding in the Ace to return and as he did the wolf In July of 2021, a group of us went Big Horn’s in June of 2021. We were ran out and hit the dog on the trail. to New Mexico to stay at the N Bar not expecting to have a wolf experiAce was very unconcerned about the Ranch and ride the Gila National Park ence – so we were somewhat unpreanimal and Loren called him back to and Wilderness. The wolves were pared. We hope that no one riding in us. The wolf chased Ace down the abundant in this area. At the ranch the Big Horns this years has the same trail towards the us, and Loren yelled each morning you could hear the wolf unexpected experience.

Wolves in the National Forests

44 • February 2022

We annually ride in the Big Horns in June. We always take a dog – (yes, I am aware that not everyone believes this is acceptable. We typically ride alone. Our dog is well behaved and responds immediately to voice command.) We had set out to the Cloud Peak Wilderness to ride to Lake Angeline. Our dog Ace is out ahead on most trails. I noticed that my mule April kept looking to the right at something in the heavy woods. She wasn’t upset – just aware. I was riding behind Loren and commented that April was looking at something over to the right and had been for a mile or so as we headed on the trail. We

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pups call and the other wolves howl each morning around day break and in the evening as the sun sets. There are huge numbers of elk in the area. Mexican wolves were all but eliminated in the wild in 1970s. Mexican wolves were introduced in 1988 in Arizona and New Mexico. The National Parks indicate there are more than 200 Mexican wolves in the area. The owner of the N Bar Ranch said in conversation that wolves had been particularly destructive to his cattle operation. We had a large group of 10 riders while at the Gila. As we left Snow

Lake, we rode up the hills rather than riding across the bottom. Headed back to camp, we came across a wolf pack very close to the area we were riding. We did have a dog with us (but it was not Ace this time) and that dog had no interaction with the pack. The wolves stayed near a downed tree and did not venture towards the rider. We were able to watch them for five or 10 minutes as they walked around a small area. They had no aggression towards the mules or dog. When we returned to camp, we were told that was a normal interaction with the Mexican wolves. How-

ever, had we been a smaller group or had the dog been more curious – we could have had a different outcome. My goal for this story is to have trail riders prepare a plan for wildlife interaction and not be caught unprepared as we were in the Big Horns. In New Mexico, there is a large sign that shares the Mexican Wolf story with riders as they enter the National Wilderness area. The sign gives a description, a list of things “to do and not to do” and to be aware that these animals are in the area. We did not have the same warning when we left for Lake Angeline in Wyoming.

Accommodations: Cedar Valley Inn (615)444-0505 631 S Cumberland St., Lebanon TN 37087

Live webcast with internet bidding through Horse Auctions USA! horseauctionsusa.com

Annual Riding Mule Sale . April 30, 2022 $100 early consignments fee . Deadline for Early Consignment is April 15 Commission is 7% . Vet will be on site for vet check (upon request)

Annual Riding Mule Sale Schedule of Events: April 27-29 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic For more info or to sign up, visit tsmules.com

Thursday, April 28

Sale Mules Arrive for Previewing

Friday, April 29 - Trail Course Preview

Trail course starts at 4 p.m. Mandatory for early consigned mules. Trail course will stream online. Complimentary BBQ Dinner at 6 p.m. for buyers and sellers

Saturday, April 30 - Riding Mule Sale Sale starts at 10 a.m.

Sale order: 1. Early consigned mules/horses 2. Colts and yearlings 3. Mules and horses under saddle that are not loose pens After all riding animals are sold, we will sell loose pen stock. Consignors are responsible for getting their mules to the sale ring, except for the loose stock. Online bidding and early bidding available.

For more Rilla/ Consignment (615)973-0391 . Rufus / Mule Info (615)452-2478 information:

Richard / Mule Sale (615)943-6375

45 • February 2022

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Preserving the West Out Wickenburg Way:

Boyd Ranch Mule Days

Come to a place where time stands still and nothing matters but you and your mule. March 7-13, 2022, marks the first Mule Days at Boyd Ranch. The Boyd Ranch has hosted an annual Mule Ride for several years but they are ramping up the event to a full week of activities. This year there will be three clinicians offering mulemanship, packing and driving clinics, with clinics on Monday and through Wednesday. Guided trail rides, music and catering begin on Thursday. The vision of Mule Days at Boyd Ranch is to bring mule lovers together for a unique opportunity to enjoy the Boyd Ranch and all it has to offer. All proceeds from the event go to fund children’s programs at the ranch that preserve the western way of life. Boyd Ranch is a 160 acre ranch just north of Wickenburg, Ariz., purchased by the late Alex Boyd and given to the 46 • February 2022

Desert Cabelleros Western Museum to provide a unique facility for educational programs and equestrian activities that preserve the Western lifestyle. The ranch, situated in the upper Sonoran desert, allows riders to enjoy the best riding Arizona has to offer. The desert here is the most biologically diverse desert in the world. The area offers riders opportunities to ride next to giant Saguaros, Ocotillo, and many species of desert trees and plants, while getting the chance to see mule deer, coyotes and javelina. The ranch is surrounded by vast areas of public land and is near the Hassayampa River Wilderness area with unlimited miles of trails to ride, from the steep rocky canyons south of the ranch with fascinating geologic formations, sweeping vistas and the opportunity to ride in Box Canyon, one of only two places the Hassayampa river runs year

round. Riding to the north offers wide open trails with less rocky conditions crossing multiple washes large and small as you head toward the base of the Bradshaw mountains or into the Hassayampa River Wilderness area. Facilities include comforts for humans and equine alike. There are 70 stalls for your animals with water available to each group of stalls, large flat camping areas, a large arena, and two bunk houses each with two separate sleeping areas. There is a bath house with flush toilets and hot showers. Electricity is provided by a large yet quiet generator operated during mornings and evenings to light the facilities and provide hot water. The ranch is available for rent to equestrian groups, hiking groups, weddings and other events. Proceeds from all ranch uses are used for ranch operations and to fund children’s outdoor education programs For more information or to sign up for Mule Days at Boyd Ranch go to www.Boydranch.org

Mules and More Magazine

47 • February 2022

Mules and More Magazine

Amanda – On the Cross-Country Adventure and After by Melissa A. Priblo Chapman

This is a follow-Up to the story about Amanda the Mule, from Distant Skies, An American Journey On Horseback by Melissa A. Priblo Chapman (featured in Mules and More’s December 2021 issue) What happened after Amanda joined the travelers on their journey? Rainy, my horse, and Gypsy, my dog, and I were in the middle of a cross country ride, so we were a wonderfully bonded team by the time the little mule Amanda joined us. She joined our caravan in eastern Kansas, and she walked from there across the United States, to California with us. We had only a few weeks to try working together before resuming our long distance ride. It was a bit nerve wracking, wondering how the mule would fit in and how it would work out. I had some learning to do as well, as Amanda was the first mule I’d ever worked with. It was apparent very quickly that she was a fast learner, a hard worker, and a positive addition to our traveling family. She possessed a strong and colorful character, and she taught me that she was willing to do as I asked and work hard, but I had to try and make sure that what I asked made sense to her. I once heard Monty Roberts say don’t ask a mule to do something stupid and that kind of sums up my first and most important mule lesson. Despite our very limited time to learn to work together she fit in well and became part of our little traveling group as we headed west. It’s hard now to imagine the journey without her. Living so closely and so constantly together with her and the other animals, I observed right away that she was quite good at communicating and expressing herself. She was only with us for a few days when she somehow bucked off the packs and all our provisions. After I picked up our scattered possessions, I rethought how I packed, then carefully placed and balanced our packs. She was fine after that reorganization and never tried to buck off the packs again. Another time, after walking willingly with us for many miles, she began to stop and tug at the lead rope in my hand. I trusted her enough by then to stop 48 • February 2022

and check things out, and sure enough, there was a girth sore just starting on her. She had communicated with me, in her own way. We were often photographed and filmed as we traveled but adding Amanda the mule really spiced things up. She was small, comical, and pretty, with her long mule ears. Seeing her all packed up like that made several people stop and ask if I was prospecting for gold. After a few weeks on the road she learned, along with Rainy and Gypsy, to stop and pose whenever a camera was pointing at her. She accepted camping at night with no fence enclosing us. I sometimes hobbled Rainy, but I knew I didn’t need to hobble her – wherever Rainy was, she would stay. Honestly, I hardly ever had to take that precaution at all – the sense of us being a herd was ingrained in Rainy and Gypsy, and soon it was with Amanda, too. She was a character and it appeared that she considered Rainy “hers.” I remember a night I had to put them in a coral with an established herd, and that little mule stood guard over Rainy all night, chasing away mares twice her size if they came near him. As our trip across the country progressed, Amanda calmly handled the changes in terrain and weather and all the variables of traveling this way. She shared in all the hardships and joys of life on the road. Amanda the mule certainly made our trip interesting. And funny. She learned our routine quickly, though no two days on the road were ever the same. She seemed to understand that what mattered was moving forward, taking our time, and most of all, staying together. And that is what we did, the rest of the way across the country. We stayed in California for a little while, and then, she joined us as we made our trek back east. She stood out

Melissa, Gypsy, Rainy and Amanda on their cross-country adventure

when we stayed at the AQHA world show in Oklahoma City, making one exhibitor there scream “What the hell is that?!” when she stepped off a trailer among the world’s top Quarter Horses. We eventually settled back in upstate New York to stay. There were no mules anywhere around us once we were back home, and often neighbors who heard her unusual call – not a bray, not a whinny, but something altogether unique – would stop and ask what it was making that noise. I sometimes ponied her along when Rainy and I went riding. And fairly often, when I didn’t take her, she demonstrated her remarkable jumping skills and joined us anyway. There were many times I’d be riding in the woods or up the road, and Rainy would start to flick his ears or show interest in a specific direction, and sure enough, soon I’d hear her little hoofbeats and a minute later she’d breathlessly join us. Once, while riding, Mules and More Magazine

I could tell that she’d gotten out and Rainy and I turned back, only to come upon Amanda a minute later, standing in the life-sized nativity display at the Conklin Forks Church. I wouldn’t make this up. There were so many funny times and special times with her, I could go on and on. Because of her small size, along with her strength and good sense, all of my children would sit on her when they were toddlers. She was a constant in all of our lives. I don’t know if we would have made it all the rest of the way across the country if Amanda had not joined us. It’s hard to know for sure, but it is a sure thing that that little mule had

a huge impact on our journey and its success. She had a huge impact on my entire life. Amanda helped me fulfill my dream of riding horseback across the United States. She more than earned her way into my heart and my life. I even named my small business after her. When she outlived and outlasted my other beloved animals and a few humans in my life, too, I used to tell her, “Amanda, you are my longest and dearest friend.” She soaked up that kind of attention and was a light in all of my adult life. I know how blessed I am to have had this very special mule with me for almost 40 years. Amanda back in New York with Starbuck and Mel

49 • February 2022

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PtHA Long Ear Futurity

Pinto Horse Association of America hosted its first annual PtHA Long Ear Futurity in conjunction with the 2021 Color Breed Congress Show in Tulsa, Okla. The following five jacks were nominated into the futurity before the show, Drifters Joaquin owned by Daveta Vana Wood, Rock Point Bubba owned by Terry Bates, and Jardots Jewels El Patron, Jardots Jewels King and Olan owned by Stephen Jardot. Any yearling/weanling sired by one of the five jacks was eligible to enter into the Donkey Weanling/Yearling Halter Futurity non-ROM class. To be eligible to participate in the Long Ear Futurity, a weanling/yearling long ear must have been sired by a Jack who was nominated into the Long Ear Futurity. The Weanling/Yearling must be registered in the PtHA Long Ear Registry. The Jack must be registered in the PtHA Long Ear Division. The mare or jenny must be registered in either a PtHA Division or in the Broodmare/Jenny registry. First place was awarded to Jardot Jewels Dancing In The Rain shown by Lora J Hinkel and owned by Stephen Jardot. Second place went to Jardots Jewels Rock Point Ryder owned and shown by Stephen Jardot and third place went to Rock Point Ima Son Ova Gun owned and shown by Terry Bates. “This was our first futurity with the Long Ear Association and it was really fun,” Stephen Jardot said. “I am just proud to be an exhibitor and happy we were able to participate.” Jardot, a donkey breeder out of Bartlesville, Okla., has a heart for donkeys. He wants to see the PtHA Long Ear Futurity grow for the next years futurity. “I think this futurity is a great idea and could turn into a great program for the long ear owners, breeders and even exhibitors,” Jardot said. “I would like to see 10 to 15 donkeys nominated in the futurity and 30 to 40 babies here next year.” Pinto Horse Association is one of the only horse associations to have a program for the long ears and the PtHA Long Ear Futurity was a success. Our first place winner, Jardots Jewels Dancing In The Rain shown by Lora J Hinkel and owned by Stephen Jardot, was able to walk away with $396 and their first participation in a long ear futurity. To participate in the Long Ear Futurity for Color Breed Congress 2022, the Jack owner pays the $250 nomination fee by March 21, 2022. Late deadline will be $350 from April 1 – June 20, 2022 or $450 from July 1 – September 30, 2022. Incorporated in 1956, the Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc, was formed to encourage the promotion of quality horses, ponies and miniatures with color to establish a registry for maintaining their pedigrees and records. Currently, the association serves approximately 80,000 members and boats 157,000 registered Pintos. 50 • February 2022

NISMC

NISMC President Donna Lourenco said in the January newsletter, “Looking ahead, we are already pulling together an active ‘Calendar of Events’ for 2022: banquet in the spring, rides, clinics, parades, playdays, shows and more. We would like to take this opportunity to openly invite all founding members of the North Idaho Saddle Mule Club to attend our spring ride, followed by the banquet. It would be our honor to be able to personally thank you for the gifts of longtime friendships you provided the spring board for, that greatly enhance our lives. The solid foundation built has sustained the test of time and we are a thriving, growing and financially healthy club. One we hope you are proud of.” The 2022 banquet will be held in Twin Lakes sometime in April or May. Come to the meeting in February and/or April to help brainstorm and plan this exciting event. Go to facebook.com/groups and search ‘North Idaho Saddle Mule Club’ for more information on this club.

Carolina Mule Association

In November 2021, CMA members rode at Kings Mountain. Kings Mountain State Park is a state park located in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. Teddy Royal reported: “On Friday, we saddled up and rode a 15 mile loop through the many trails in the park. We rode through the forest and creek crossings and were amazed by the beauty of the changing leaves and the clear skies. Part of this ride took us to the Visitor Center, where there is a lot of information and displays about the Revolutionary war. Unfortunately, the Center was closed, but we were able to see some displays and talk with the staff outside the building. Our Saturday ride took us for a 17 mile loop. This trail took us to the Revolutionary encampment and the more modern camps of the CCC, made in the depression era.” The group photo from the Kings Mountain is below.

Sandra and Steve Hyder hosted the CMA ride at Hard Labor Creek in Rutledge, Ga., in November 2021. There are more than 24 miles of equestrian trails. Riders have their own private camping area near the stalls. There are also cabins available nearby. It was a nice facility with beautiful trails. Find out more about this group on Facebook under “Carolina Mule Association.” Mules and More Magazine

51 • February 2022

Mules and More Magazine

Early Importers and Breeders of Jacks and Jennets as it originally appeared in History of American Jacks and Mules by Frank C. Mills and Helen L. Hall, and in the January 1992 issue of Mules and More magazine

In Volume 1 of the American Jack Stock Stud Book, Dr. L. W. Knight, assisted by W. H. Goodpasture, secretary, wrote of his reminiscences of Jack and Jack Breeders in this country. I am using herewith some of these recollections, as wells as some of my own that I received from many Jack breeders in Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, with whom I am well acquainted. According to Dr. Knight’s recollections, Major Knox of Danville, Ky., was considered one of the foremost breeders prior to the Civil War. The earliest pioneer breeder in Tennessee, according to Dr. Knight, was Col. James Ridley of Davidson County. About 1820, he purchased a Jack named “Compromise.” This Jack was the sire of Col. Ridley’s Old Wonder, considered the largest and best Jack of his day in Tennessee and was to that state what Imported Mammoth was to Kentucky, as a sire of outstanding Jacks and Jennets. One of the first imported Jacks ever brought to Tennessee and was taken to Maury County was owned by a Mr. Thomas. This Jack was Knight Errant and was imported about 1840. The late Pleasant Akin, of Maury County, owned some very superior Jacks, among others King Philip , that took the $500 premium at the State Fair at Nashville. In this exhibition he contended against some of the best Jacks in the state, among others the noted Barcelona (Imp.) then owned by C. Oldham, Maj. Sam and Col. J. R. Davis of Wilson County, Tenn. There was difficulty in determining this premium. The contention has been King Philip and Barcelona (Imp.). Several 52 • February 2022

extra judges were called in before the decision was made. They finally resorted to the tape line and measured the Jacks carefully, the native Jack, King Philip being at last awarded the premium. The late William Younger of Santa Fe, Maury County, was a pioneer and successful breeder, as was also the late M. H. Mays of the same county, and who owned the following imported Jacks, that were used exclusively for Jennets, viz: Moro Castle purchased in Kentucky from the late Anthony Kilgore at a fabulous price; Napoleon the Third, an exceptionally finelooking animal, and considered one of the finest show jacks in the state. Mr. Mays stood each of these Jacks at $50, perhaps the highest figure that any Jack had ever commanded up to that date. This being about 1835. He also owned the native “Mohawk” by Mammoth (Imp.). All the Jacks made their marks in Tennessee. The late Wyatt Lane of Coffee County, introduced into his section some good Maringo Mammoth Jacks before the war that improved the stock of that county greatly. The history of importations after the Civil War is most interesting: One, if not the first after the Civil War, was made by A. C. Franklin and Major Tul Craig of Sumner County, Tenn., in about 1867 or 1969. They were excellent Catalonian Jacks. Among them were the noted “Rifle” and “Laberdale.” They were taken to Western Tennessee, and greatly improved the Jack stock of that section. Mr. Franklin reserved from this importation the Jack “Black Forest” for his own herd. About the year of 1882, Mr. Lyle of Kentucky, imported Andulsians from near Seville, Spain. One of his most notable Jacks was “Abram” sold to W. L. Caldwell of Danville, Ky. He proved to be an exceptional sire of Jacks and Jennets. Messrs, Leonard Bros. of Mt. Leonard, Mo., (Hon. Charles E. Leonard was a member of this firm) imported in 1882, a large number of

Andalusians in and round Cordova and Seville. Several of these were large Jacks, over 15 hands in height. A Jennet by one of them, at the dispersal sale of William Gentry, Sedalia, Mo., brought $750. Other Jennets, at the same sale, sired by some of these Jacks, also brought high prices. Messrs. Kniffin and White of Danville, Ill., imported ten Jacks, all from the Island of Majorca and sold most of them around Higginsville, Lafayette County, Mo. They were excellent Jacks. In 1889, a firm from Arkansas imported from the province of Andalusia, Spain; these Jacks were considered among the best ever imported from this region. The majority of them were gray in color, exhibition and for sale at the St. Louis, Mo., fair in the fall of 1889. Most of them sold there and the balance were taken back to Arkansas. The total importation numbered about 25 head. J. D. and W. H. Goodpasture and R. H. Hill made an importation that arrived at Nashville, Tenn., in March 1886. There were Andalusians, brought from the vicinity of Cordova, Spain. There were about 25 head and included both Jacks and Jennets. Some of these were over 15 hands in height. In the fall of 1886, this firm made one of the best importations of Catalonian Jacks ever made to America. Included in this group of Jacks was “Jumbo” that sold for $2,000; “Peacock” for $1,500; and “Boy Monarch” for $1,500. There were several others about $1,000 each. These were sold at auction. In 1887, J. D. and W. H. Goodpasture imported from Cerdan (the frontier of France and Spain, in Pyrenees). In this importation was the Jack “Great Eastern.” Later that year they made a second importation from the same place. In 1888, J. D. and W. H. Goodpasture and Lyles and Farmer imported 30 head of Catalonian and Majorca Jacks. This was considered the largest individual importation ever to the Mules and More Magazine

United States. In 1890, they imported 20 Jacks and Jennets...all of them Catalonians. In the fall of 1886, Whitworth, Perry, Lester and Burrton imported 20 head of Catalonians. This included the Jack Pargon that sold for $2,000 to George Tarkington of Danville, Ky. In 1887, Perry and Lester, Burrton and Frank Lester, Jr. imported a number of excellent Majorca and Catalonian Jacks. Some of these were large and were used as Jennet Jacks. In 1888, Perry Lester, Knight and Son again imported Jacks from Spain. William E. Knight and Frank Lester, Jr. did the buying in Spain. Among this group of Jacks was “King James” that at the age of years and sixteen days was sold to Smith Bros. of Murfrees-

boro, Tenn., for $2,000. This was one of the highest prices ever for a twoyear-old imported Jack in the United States. He was said to be a full 16 hands in height and proved to be an excellent sire of Jacks and Jennets. Frank Lester, Jr. imported a large number of Catalonian Jacks in 1889. In 1886, Dr. B. Stone Plumlee imported two Andalusian Jacks and one Jennet. They were shipped to the United States with an importation made by J. D. and W. H. Goodpasture. One of these Andalusian Jacks proved to be a great sire and was used in Jackson County, Tenn. Dr. Plumlee, in 1887, imported from the Isle of Mata; in 1888, from Italy, and in 1889, from Catalonia. In the spring of 1889, Lyles and

Palmer imported about 20 Jacks and Jennets which were sold at auction at Lexington, Ky. Most of them were Jennets. In 1889, Pierce, Burford, Lyles, Palmer and others imported a large number of Catalonian Jacks. In 1890, the same firm, with A. B. Harlan of Maury County, imported from the same place. Berry and Murray of Hendersonville, Tenn., made importation of Catalonian and Majorca Jacks in the years of 1887, 1889, and 1890. Included among those was the noted Jack “King of Inca.” It was estimated that in a period of five years, approximately 800-1,000 Jacks and Jennets were brought into and near Nashville.

ATTENTION TRAIL RIDERS:

We are working on our annual trail riding guide for the April 2022 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, text to 573-263-2669, 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 1.

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 1.

Contact Mules and More for more information: mulesandmore@gmail.com . (573)263-2669 53 • February 2022

Mules and More Magazine

MULE CROSSING:

Understanding the Use of Cruppers and Breeching by Meredith Hodges The purpose of tack and equipment has always been to give man leverage against the equine’s resistance during training, but I believe that the equine is “talking” with his resistance and this is a cue to find another alternative to achieve harmony when something isn’t working. There is an ongoing discussion about the use of cruppers and breeching when riding mules and donkeys, and even some horses. The purpose of both is to keep the saddle from sliding forward when the equine is in motion, whether he is tracking on flat ground or going up and down hills. Inappropriate use of both devices could give the equine problems. Whether or not to use a crupper or breeching is not an either/or decision. My equines taught me that in order to make an educated decision about which to use, one needs to take into account the anatomy of the equine and the effect that each has on his body in motion during different activities. Good conformation is important in allowing the equine to perform to the best of his ability, but the tack we use has an effect on the equine’s movement in spite of his shape. In order to obtain freedom of movement, the elements of the equine’s anatomy must be allowed to move freely through every joint of his body. Energy and blood circulation finds open tracks throughout the body and when unobstructed, will run freely from the core of the body to the extremities in a healthy equine. Core and bulk muscles that are developed symmetrically support the skeletal frame, the cartilage and ligaments that surround the joints, and the tendons that tie the skeletal frame together. All work to support the proper internal organ functions and when the equine in good posture with symmetrical strength, they are unobstructed. Many people have approached me with questions about cruppers. Their primary concern is that the crupper can break the tail when under pressure. If there is enough pres54 • February 2022

sure put on the crupper to break a tail, then the crupper should break first! When surgeries are performed, veterinarians use lifts that pick up the sedated animal by the tail to put him on the surgery table, so when pressure to the spine and tail is done properly, it can support the animal’s weight. When the skeletal system is adequately supported with symmetrical muscle strength and especially over the top line, the animal is better equipped to use his body efficiently, tucking his tail and using leg muscles to support his own weight while his spine remains flexed upward along the top line to support the weight of the rider. The extremities have full range of motion so he can pick each step with confidence and no obstructions. An animal with insufficient conditioning will hollow his back and neck and try to compensate for his inefficiencies in muscle conditioning and movement. When pressure is put on the crupper of an animal with inadequate muscling, there is weakness over the top line and tail that will not support heavy weight of going downhill and could possibly do damage to the spine at the dock of the tail. Just for the record, I have done lots of trail riding and three years of cross country (3 miles, up and down hills, over twenty jumps) and have always ridden with a crupper on all of my mules with nary an incident. Breeching originates with pack and driving animals and has a distinctive purpose to keeps loads from shifting on pack animals and to provide “brakes” for those in harness. Breeching generally has a “crupper” built in with straps on both sides to attach to the saddle and help to stabilize the load. But in each case, the breeching is being used with an inanimate object that will not resist against any adjustments or corrections that the animal might make in his own body. An unbalanced rider is more difficult for the animal to balance than an inanimate load. The equine can adjust his load with his own body movements, but he cannot easily adjust a live load that works against his balance like an unbalanced rider would inadvertently do. If using a crupper, the animal has full range of motion in his body and legs with the maximum strength to back up any movement that would help to correct the rider’s position and keep him over the equine’s center of balance. The problem with breeching on a saddle equine is in the configuration and the way it sits anatomically. When going downhill, the breeching must be snug to do its job properly and it will keep the saddle from sliding forward. However, it also compresses the biceps femoris, a large muscle in the hindquarters that functions to extend the hip and hock joints, and also causes a flexion of the stifle, and a rotation of the leg inward. When pressure is applied to this area, it restricts circulation and extension of the hind leg backwards and causes compromises in the muscles groups Mules and More Magazine

resulting in asymmetrical conditioning. This doesn’t pose a real pressure problem going downhill. The stifle joint is configured so it can lock when needed through a stay mechanism between the stifle and hock, but it should still have the freedom of full range of motion if it is to function properly and not get unduly locked up. When the actions in the animal’s body remain symmetrical and orderly all of the joints, including the stifle, are able to function properly. The stifle will usually get locked up only when there are chaotic and unsupported directional actions coming through the joint.

When going uphill, however, the breeching must still be snug to do its job, but the animal is not allowed full extension of the hind legs, so more pressure is put between backward motion of the femur and the breeching. This results in compromised circulation, restricted movement in the hind legs and an inability to control hind quarter foot placement. In a crupper, the animal going uphill has full extension in his hind quarters, an ability to maintain good posture and balance and this results in exact foot placement to maintain that balance comfortably and safely. The weight and ability of the rider will determine how much pressure is put against the animal and how much resistance it will cause. Even though mules can carry pro-

55 • February 2022

portionately more weight than a horse of the same size, this doesn’t mean you can indiscriminately weight them down until their knees are shaking. Be fair and responsible and do your part in the relationship. Do not expect the animal to carry an obviously overweight body that doesn’t know how to control itself! Participate in training activities that prepare you both, first with groundwork and later under saddle. As you learn to ride correctly and in balance, you also learn how to ride supportively and take the stress out of going uphill and downhill. You will then find the crupper much safer and more efficient when riding in all kinds of terrain…even if you are a little heavier than you should be. You and your animal will be conditioned properly and he will be able to pick his way efficiently, safely and unobstructed!

To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive all-breed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800-816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. © 2017 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. MULE CROSSING All Rights Reserved.

Mules and More Magazine

End of the Trail

by Chief Petty Officer Noel Stasiak U.S. Navy Seabees, Ret.

It's been a fun ride but all good things must come to an end sooner or later. With the pandemic, old age, upkeep and a few other things that interfered with the enjoyment of having mules, it's time to start downsizing. I still love them to death but I can't do them justice if I can't take care of them properly. At one time I had eight mules and a donkey, 76 acres to roam, lots of energy and enthusiasm. But since we sold the farm I've had to lease 20 acres 125 miles away from home to accommodate the two mules and my donkey that I have left. Old age is creeping in slow, but sure. My sight is not what it used to be and driving at night is more difficult and dangerous. I thought about buying a new place but reality dictates. The old gray muleskinner is not what he used to be. A young man in an old body. Where did the time go? It's time to make some changes. I still love to ride my Becky and Jack is fun to be around but galloping, hauling heavy saddles, shoveling manure and all that goes with maintaining a small herd is winding down. I'm not giving up, just adjusting my life style. Golden years is what some people call it, I call it the rusty years. I can hear the bones creak and if something falls on the floor, well, it can just stay there. I've sold my Harley so that's not a worry anymore. It was getting too heavy. I plan to keep my Becky but am looking for a place to board her that's closer to our home in the city. She's going on 25 and is blind in one eye but since I've been giving her senior feed she has put on a little weight and still likes to get on the trail. I think she might be my last mule. I still love being around them, interacting with them, observing them, and writing about them. I can still do it all but it just takes a little longer and things go a little slower. Don't write me off yet, I'm still in the game, I just don't play as hard. But I still love to play. 56 • February 2022

Noel’s two mules and donkey on the property he is leasing

I plan to be at the Boone County sale in Sedalia in March, along with a a few other events, selling my donkey milk soap, selling subscriptions to Mules and More and interviewing mule and donkey people. I love to hear their stories and unique experiences with their mules. I still love to smell the mule manure in the morning and hear my donkey serenading the warmth of the sunrise at the crack of dawn. I have plenty of memories to relish at night in my easy chair and a plethora of photos in my phone to smile at. The hard part of downsizing is giving up all the things that made you happy over the years that you know you really don't need anymore. Modern technology has replaced most of the old tools I have in the garage so I don't need them, plus I don't have much of anything to work on anyway. You need an extension cord? I must have 50 of them and there is a can of WD 40 just about everywhere you look. I have a collection of T-shirts

that go back to my teenage years. Old photos? I have boxes of them, some of the people in them are long forgotten but still nostalgic to look at on occasion. It’s hard to throw away memories. When I'm gone, they'll be gone, too. A few weeks ago when I came to the realization that the end of the trail was getting closer I had a sad conversation with my mules and donkey. They have brought me so much happiness over the years. They seemed to know what I was talking about and they all bowed their heads to listen. It's hard to say good bye to an old friend, especially when you know you may never see them again. If I had the proper place to keep them and lived on site it would be a different story, but even then I know some day I might not be around or capable of caring for them so for their sake it's time to look at opportunities that would benefit them and make the end of the trail a little easier for all of us. Mules and More Magazine

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Advertisers Index

A.D.M.S.................................................................. 41 Boone County Draft Horse & Mule Sale (Mo.)....... 22 Boyd Ranch Mule Days, Arizona.............................. 49 Canadian Donkey & Mule Association.................... 24 Distant Skies............................................................. 42 Donkey’s Horse Sale, Clarinda, Iowa........................ 7 Equine Affaire.......................................................... 25 FTB Montgomery Wagon Train, Alabama...............24 Jasper the Mule ....................................................... 16 Lucky Three Ranch/Hodges........... Inside Back Cover Max Harsha Products by Mark Roebuck.................. 24 Mel’s Stables Mule Sales, Pennsylvania...................... 37 Oklahoma Mule Sale................................................ 3 Poncho (Consigned to Boone Co. Sale)/Miller......... 19 PTHA Long Ear Futurity......................................... 12 Reese Brothers/Tennessee Mule Sales........................ 45 Shop Talk!................................................................. 24 Signature Equine...................................................... 15 Small Farmer’s Journal............................................... 41 Tuskers ..................................................................... 43 TS Mules/Ty Evans.....................................Back Cover Western Mule Magazine............................................ 41 Western Rose Ranch................................................. 12

Jack Advertisers Index Buckeye Buttons/Raber............................................ 17 Classy Ass Acres/Jazdzewski...................................... 38 Clyde’s Gallant Fox ........................Inside Front Cover Cooley’s Mammoth Jackstock................................... 43 Drifter’s Joaquin/Wood.......................................26-27 Genesis Farms/Shauger............................................8-9 General Bob/Diamond D......................................... 47 Gregory Stables........................................................ 23 Greystone/McLean .............................................30-31 Jardot’s Jewels........................................................... 5 Marrow’s Mammoth Mules/Bice.............................. 35 Peterson’s Quality Mules........................................... 13 Prall, Ron & Cindy.................................................. 16 Rock Point Farm/Bates............................................. 16 Smucker, Ben........................................................... 8 Troyer, Brandon....................................................... 22 UCD Actions Protege..............................................11 Mules and More Magazine

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. This story came from a letter from Dale Kincaid.

Dale Kincaid- 4th Generation Farmer.

My father-in-law and Dad worked mules. Dad used to tell me some funny stories about one of his mules. Grandpa had this one team of mules Dad would use when shucking corn. When it was muddy and the wagon was getting full this one mule would look around and if Dad was pushing on the wagon it would pull. If Dad wasn't pushing on the wagon this one mule would quit pullin. I'm 92. I'm the fourth generation on our farm. My greatgrandfather Alf had four boys and a daughter. They plowed some land in 1872 when still prairie grass was as tall as a man's shoulder, sitting on a plow with a team of oxen named Jolly and Bright. Lot of arrow heads were found. I still sleep in the bedroom where I was born in, except in 51-53 while in army during Korea. I started working at 10 with four horses, plowing and harrowing, chucking corn and shocking oats and wheat. Still have my peg I would use shucking corn and a pair of double thumb corn shucking gloves. My grandpa Kincaid gave my Dad another 160 acres that he bought in 1895, that I still have. My wife Judy, is 10 years younger. She retired after 37 years as a registered nurse, 20 of which was as a school nurse. I retired from farming, working in Alice Chalmers tractor and combine cabs. Mom and I raised three children, two girls and a boy. They are all college educated, two with master degrees and son from University of Illinois. We always went on a two week vacation in summer after beans had been put up. I take after my grandpa Kincaid, who never bought anything he didn't need and always paid in cash for everything. I'm that way and don't have a cell phone, computer or GPS in my car and a lot of that other stuff. Never been in debt except for some land, but only for about five years when paid off, raised around 20 head of Hereford cattle and 10 sows of Duroc hogs and sheep. We used six red farm tractors till John Deere came out with their 4020 then it was green all the way. Thanks for listening and thanks for the books. Dale's farm is 35 miles southeast of Champaign, Il. It grew from 280 acres to 6,000 acres, 58 • February 2022

The Cook’s Corral by Cori Daniels

It’s been established that I am not the world’s best baker, but I do have a few things in my rotation that consistently are a hit at get-togethers. Quality over quantity, right? These cookies are soft and delicious, and super easy to make.

Funfetti Gooey Butter Cookies

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1 egg 1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 ounce) 1/4 cup powdered sugar In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add in the egg and continue mixing, scraping sides as necessary. Add in the cake mix and beat until combined. Chill dough in the refrigerator for an hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form dough into 1 inch balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place on prepared baking sheet two inches apart and bake for about 10 minutes. We add sprinkles to the top as soon as they come out of the oven, usually in the color of the Funfetti cookie mix. They sell it in several different colors and holiday themes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes and then transfer to wore rack to cool completely.

Editor’s note: We are looking for guest Cook’s Corral contributors for 2022. If you would like to be part of this column, please email mulesandmore@gmail.com for more information. Mules and More Magazine

59 • February 2022

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