Mules and More Magazine - April 2020

Published Monthly for Mule and Donkey Enthusiasts

Volume 30 • Issue 6

1 • April 2020

April 2020 • $5.50 mulesandmore.com

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Mules and More Magazine

April 2020

Volume 30 • Issue 6 6 10 14

Over the Back Fence B Y C O R I D A N I E L S Granny’s Adventures Continue: Hugo, Oklahoma B Y Five Key Maneuvers for the Trail B Y J E R RY T I N D E L L

ANNA ARNOLD

Trail Riding Special: 22 Bucket List Adventures for the Extreme Mule Rider B Y A N G I E M AY F I E L D 26 Electric Peak B Y M I K E D E L L O RU S S O 32 2019: 930 Miles in a Covered Wagon B Y Y O L O N D A S T RO U P 36 Grand Canyon Mule Ride B Y B O B H E R R I C K 41 Riding the White River Wilderness Area B Y A U D R E Y S TO G S D I L L B E G G S 44 46 47 49 50 52 55 56 58

Classified Ads Card Ads STILL B Y S A N D Y S A L L E E When Mules Ruled the Farm B Y L O N N I E T H I E L E Buying a New Mule B Y M A R L E N E Q U I R I N G Mule Crossing: Good Basic Training Includes Common Sense B Y How Many is Too Many? B Y N O E L S TA S I A K Calendar of Events Cook’s Corral B Y V I C K I E U P TO N

MEREDITH HODGES

On Our Cover...

Terry Larson, Jake Dodd (also pictured below) and Sean Larson climbing out of the valley below on their ride in the Gallatin Mountain Range in northwestern Yellowstone. Read Mike Dello Russo’s story about their trip on pages 26-30

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Mules and More Magazine

Having just celebrated our 25th anniversary as caretakers of equine trails in the Shoshone National Forest, we want to welcome you to America’s first national forest, a premier equine destination. It was and still is affectionately known as the “horse forest.” It consists of 1,389 miles of non-mechanized trails winding through 1.4 million acres, 56% of which is designated wilderness area.

The Cody, WY area has trailheads, trails and scenery that will make your vacation unforgettable, and is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Cody is centrally located to experience western hospitality at its finest. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West (a Smithsonian Affiliate consisting of five museums of western history at a single location), nightly rodeos, dining, lodging, entertainment, and western culture all await you in Cody, WY. Please go to our website at shoshonebch.org for more information on Shoshone Back Country Horsemen and our efforts to preserve this great heritage. Ride the trails less traveled and pack out the experience of a lifetime along with what you packed in.

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Mules and More Magazine

Over the Back Fence

by Cori Daniels, Editor

Published monthly for mule and donkey enthusiasts.

www.mulesandmore.com

Editor : Cori Daniels, Bland, Mo. mulesandmore@gmail.com (573)263-2669 Consulting Senior Editor Sue Cole, Bland, Mo. Writers:

Meredith Hodges, Loveland, Colo.

Donna Taylor, Puylaurens, France donnalovesmules@googlemail.com Anna Arnold, Romoland, Calif. fastmule@live.com Capt. Joseph Vaclavik, Chicago, Ill. Capt.JoeV@Gmail.com Angie Mayfield, Loogootee, Ind. profmayfield@yahoo.com Brandy Von Holten, Mora, Mo., vonholtenranch@yahoo.com Noel Stasiak, stasiaknoel@yahoo.com Jerry Tindell, info@jerrytindell.com

Mules and More is published monthly for $36 per year by Mules and More.

Periodicals postage paid at Bland, Missouri, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MULES AND MORE, INC., P.O. Box 460, Bland, MO 65014-0460.

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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.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MULES AND MORE, INC., P.O. Box 460, Bland, MO 65014-0460.

6 • April 2020

Sometimes I am scrambling for a cover photo at deadline. Choosing the cover is a very panic-inducing part of my job.

Sometimes I think I have a cover, and then when we get the proof from our printer, I change my mind at the last minute and swap it out for something else. (This has actually happened twice in the last six months...)

But sometimes, a subscriber sends in a photo, and when I see it, the metaphorical clouds part and I hear harp music in my ears. I think, “There will be no cover-related anxiety for me this month!”

And then we have months like this month. As more photos came in from subscribers, I realized that it wouldn’t be, “Will I have one photo for the cover?” but more like, “How will I choose which photo to use?”

Even though cover photos can be stressful, picking them is one of my favorite things to do each month. When I look back at the covers, I remember what it took to get not only the cover but the whole magazine together, to the printer, and mailed to our subscribers that month. It’s a lot of work, but it is a rewarding job.

(Side note: If anyone would like to reduce my coverrelated anxiety, I would love to encourage our subscribers to take photos with real cameras! Sometimes mobile phone photos work, but more often then not, they are too small to use on the cover.)

The Trail Riding issue is consistently my favorite issue to put together each year. The photos and stories we receive from our subscribers span coast-to-coast, and the views are stunning.

This issue comes just as the grass is turning green and the weather is starting to warm up here in Missouri. It can be hard to spend my day at my desk when I really want to be out on my mule! But spring brings more daylight and more time to ride in the evenings, so I will survive inside (for now....).

Mules and More has lots of sales and events on the calendar coming up. We are looking forward to being on the road, visiting with mule people, and seeing lots of beautiful mules and donkeys!

Connect with Mules and More:

www.mulesandmore.com Facebook.com/MulesandMore @mulesandmoremagazine Mules and More Magazine

Cody is a 14.2-hand, sorrel mare mule. She is 15 years old.

Cody is easy to catch, clip, and shoe. She is the kind everybody is looking for. Cody rides really well, neck reins, side passes, and has a nice stop and back. She has had lots of miles trail riding and doesn’t jump ditches or logs. She is very careful and goes wherever you point her. Cody stands good to be mounted and will stand by a mounting block. You can let her sit for six months and she will be like you have been riding her everyday.

She is a great trail mule that anybody can ride. $6,500

P air A D ice •

•

Loren & Lenice Basham 22801 Highway C, Belle, Missouri 65013 (573)308-2709 - Cell ∙ (573) 859-6793 - Home

www.pairadicemules.com If you have questions, please feel free to contact us!

M U LE FA R M

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Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/pairadicemules Mules and More Magazine

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The legendary Warren “Freckles” Brown, a young man with a long list of accomplishments, rode “Tornado, the Unrideable Bull” and took his final rest here. A well-known song of the time was sung by Red Steagall about his immortal ride, the “Ballad of Freckles Brown.” His gravestone says, “He was a legend in his own time.”

Granny’s Adventures Continue

Hugo, Oklahoma

by Anna Arnold ∙ photos by Pat McDaniel

I was born in a small (and I mean very small) town of about 100 called Cameron, Okla. It was one of the train stops for the Rock Island Line. Now, like many small towns, it is just a wide spot in the old road to Fort Smith, much forgotten, if not for the school that remains. I attended this school in the first grade and my sister went there for several years before we moved to Pomona, Calif.,. The school now has running water and electricity. I’m sure the outhouses are long gone by now.

I still have several relatives and friends who live in the Poteau area and relatives scattered all over Oklahoma and the Booneville, Ark., area. McCarson and Sharp are my family names and I try to see them every year or so.

The last time I was there I stopped with a friend and visited some folks in Hugo, Okla., but didn't do much sightseeing. I did see the cemetery but had no idea what its history was.

Well, come to find out, my friends Pat McDaniel and Sioux Munyon stopped there for a few days on a visit. Patty is a history buff and went over to the town and checked out the Hugo swap meet area along with the cemetery.

Come to find out, this is really a story in itself.

Hugo was known as Circus City, USA. It’s cemetery is the final rest10 • April 2020

ing place of some champion rodeo superstars and well-known performers.

Hugo was the winter headquarters for several circus shows, Kelly-Miller and Carson & Barnes. Those who didn’t rise to make the spring journey were laid to rest in Hugo at Mt. Olivet’s Cemetery in an area called ‘Showmen’s Rest and Bull Rider’s Reprieve.’

In this cemetery are a great number of talented and spirited people and animals who dedicated their lives to entertaining the rest of us. The cemetery is known as ‘A Tribute To All Showmen Under God’s Big Top.’ In addition to circus performers and entertainers, a number of world champion cowboys, bull riders, and even a Marlboro Man, are buried there. As you walk through the cemetery, the graves are well-remembered and many are decorated with flowers, small gifts, plastic horses, ropes, boots, horseshoes and “pennies from Heaven.”

“Daddy” Todd Whatley, the PRCA All Around Cowboy and Bull Riding Champ, was shot and laid to rest here in 1966. After the rodeo in Hugo, he went to a dance and was in his car with Opal Kizer when her inebriated husband tried to open the locked car.

When he couldn’t get in, he began shooting at the car, killing Whatley, who was buried here in Hugo.

Another young bull rider with a long list of wins was Lane Frost, who said he always wanted to be buried next to Freckles. Lane got his final wish when the bull “Takin’ Care of Business” killed him in Cheyenne, Wyo., at the young age of 25. His headstone reads, “Lane wasn’t perfect but he knew Jesus.”

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reflect that. A son of one of the circus founders, D. R. Miller, is buried under a headstone that reads, “Dun rovin.” A wagon wheel monument for Ted Bowman reads, “Nothing left but empty popcorn sacks and wagon tracks.”

Turk Robinson, The Marlboro Man, is laid to rest here in Hugo. Apparently, in the long string of Marlboro Men used for advertising, Turk was one of the most famous. He was also one of the very few Marlboro Men who didn’t smoke. He was recruited for the role at a local rodeo when he was just standing behind the chutes and was known as one of the most authentic Marlboro men.

Zefta Loyal was a top bareback acrobat rider in the Loyal Repensky troupe, a famous family of bareback riders for the circus. She was famous for performing flip flops and somersaults from horse to horse and was widely known as the “Queen of Bareback Riders.”

steady him. He and his wife, Maricela, performed dances on the high wire.

You can see them performing on their gravestone.

Frances Loter was a circus lady who chose to work with snakes. Her fitting epitaph was “To each his own.”

Truck Driver Hinsley’s stone simply reads, “God called home his Ramblin’ Man.”

I’m hoping that all of you find your own adventures this spring and you think of me when you’re out there having fun. Look for me along the way. I’m the granny with the big hat, great boots and a fine mule.

Another monument stone simply says, “Ya, you found me. Leave a message.”

The circus people were known for their interesting lives and wry sense of humor and many of their gravestones 11 • April 2020

Ken “Turtle” Benson loved his elephants and was an elephant man with several of the circus shows. He was so dedicated to the shows that he left a VA hospital in his final days to return to the Roberts Bros. Circus, passing away in the company of his beloved pachyderms.

Herbie Webber, a wire-walker better known as The Great Huberto, lived most of his life on a wire in the air with nothing but an umbrella to Mules and More Magazine

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Five Key Maneuvers for the Trail

by Jerry Tindell

When I think about the times before automobiles, or the Transcontinental Railroad, and the great migration West, I can’t help to think about the stock that made it all possible. I think about the many of thousands of miles that were traveled by wagon, buggy, horse, mule or donkey back. It was a way of life and the stock were used out of necessity. Riding down the trail was not done much for pleasure.

In today’s world, trail riding in most cases is a hobby, a pleasure, and a luxury. We can ride down the same trails close to home or venture out to new places and new territory. We can travel down well-groomed and traveled trails. Sometimes we come across the not so traveled path that can be difficult to maneuver. If we are lucky, we might be able to find a piece of untouched land to travel down and make our own path.

In the early days, the animals and their riders rode or drove day in and day out, and never thought twice about it. That’s just the way it was.

Today between work, family and our 14 • April 2020

ever-busy lives, most folks are lucky to find a chance to ride part-time, maybe a few days of the week, just on the weekends or maybe only once or twice a month. With our limited time, we want each trail ride to be safe and enjoyable.

I want to try to explain and help you understand body control and softness in our stock at all times, especially when we are riding, and definitely before we need it. In March’s article, I talked about the five key maneuvers that will help you be safe on the trail.

As a review, they are: 1. Forward movement 2. Back up 3. Leg yield to the left 4. Leg yield to the right 5. Stop It is very important that we practice these maneuvers at home in a safe environment before heading out on the trail. If you cannot get these steps when your animal is in a controlled and calm mind, you will not be able to get them when the situation gets heightened or out of control. I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice these steps before you need them. It seems that people don’t have the time to do it right, but we always have the time to do it over.

Commonly, when things start to feel unsafe, go south or get out of control on a ride, it’s when your mule/horse/ donkey does not feel confident to go forward. Forward movement is the first key maneuver that I want all my stock to have. Without good movement, especially moving forward, you cannot get softness in your animal’s body or mind. Remember, the feet are connected to the mind: Move the feet to get to the mind.

For example, if you come across a scary bush, rock, or man-eating hiker, and your mount will not go forward, you’re either staying right there or you are turning around and going back in the direction you came from. Hopefully, it’s the way back home or to

your trailer, or you got your bedroll and some grub for the night! All joking aside though, what happens if it is a more serious situation and you need to go that direction? What then?

Without forward movement, you are not going anywhere. So, practice at home in a safe environment before you need it. I sit up, apply my seat and legs to encourage and keep moving forward. Do not pull back on the reins while trying to go forward. Don’t worry if you get forward movement with a little sideways or moving into your leg. You should work on and reward one thing: the forward movement.

Once you have forward movement that is consistent and with good cadence, you can now work on the second key maneuver, the back up.

The backup, when used properly, can eliminate bolting, running off or getting in a hurry. It will also help build the fifth key maneuver, the stop.

Between forward and reverse is a stop. On the opposing side of lack of forward movement, you might have too much forward movement, which would be your animal bolting or running off when they are unsure or afraid of something. This is a very unsafe situation. Unless you can “ride ‘em like you stole ‘em,” you might want to work on your stop and back up!

To build a backup from a standstill, I sit down, take the slack out of the reins, and pull back softly on the reins until they move a foot backwards.

Remember your soft feel. Take note that I am not pulling back on the reins hard to pull them back, but I’m firm enough to not let them go forward. If they are moving forward at a walk or faster gait and I want to backup, I take my legs off, sit down, ask for a soft feel, exhale, say ‘whoa,’ and wait for a step back before I release.

You need to practice the backup and the stop at home before you need it.

If you are on the trail and your animal runs off, you’re most likely going to get stiff and braced in your body, and Mules and More Magazine

the more you pull the reins and stand up in your stirrups with a tense body, the faster they will run. There is the chance that they will stop before the cliff or the tree, but will you?

The third and fourth key maneuvers that I always practice and know before I go out on the trail are the left and right leg yields. The leg yields are very important body maneuvers that allow you to keep your animals from running into your legs. For example, if you are traveling down the trail and your animal spooks at that same scary rock or bush that they wouldn’t pass earlier, or you need to move off the trail for that man-eating hiker, you will need to be able to move them off your leg. When they spook or shy at something, they tend to move left or right running into your leg. I like my animals to stay in between my legs, as well as move left or right off my legs.

Like all the key maneuvers, practice your leg yields in a controlled area

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first. It is best to be moving forward, then ask for a soft feel (giving to the bit), slow the forward with both hands as you apply one leg to move sideways. Release as soon as you feel them move sideways. When using my legs for any movement, I start with my seat, then compress my calf, then if I need, I will bump my leg or use my spur. Only use what you need and no more. Remember, both legs at the same time means forward or reverse, where one leg at a time is one side, moving off your leg laterally. Repeat the same steps on side two.

In order to build and maintain a safe ride, I feel we must understand all these key pieces of control. It is also important for a rider to not only understand the pieces, but to know how to achieve them. With our limited time to ride and enjoy our animals, why don’t we take the time that is needed, before we need it? It is no different than driving your pickup down the

road and staying between the lines. It is unsafe to go into oncoming traffic, or to hit the ditch, or go too fast or too slow. This is exactly how I ride every animal. I want to stay between the lines, I want to go fast and slow, stop and backup and move left and right.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to practice all these maneuvers before you need them. It might just turn an OK ride into a great ride! We owe it to ourselves, and most importantly to our stock, to take the time that is needed. They will thank you in the long run.

Please contact me at (760)403-3922 or info@jerrytindell.com if you have any questions. Check out jerrytindell. com for a clinic near you. We also offer in house lessons and take in training stock throughout the year. You can find related training articles on our Facebook page (Tindell’s Horse and Mule School, Humans Too!) and Mules and More YouTube channel.

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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

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16 • April 2020

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17 • April 2020

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Trail Ride Suggestions from Mules and More Subscribers Across the Country

Idaho

Scott Nichols suggests the Alice Lake to Toxaway Trail from the Petit Lake Trailhead in the Stanley Basin

Missouri

Last summer, a group of us stayed at Brushy Creek Lodge and Resort in Black, Mo., and had an amazing time. The campgrounds, cabins, and stalls are fantastic. Riding in the Mark Twain National Forest is very beautiful, hilly, rocky and plenty of water crossings.

It is definitely worth visiting. --April Mulcahy

Tennessee

“This photo was taken while trail riding one of Tennessee’s best trails, Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee, at Badlands Horse Camp,” said Susan Stafford.

The Eastern Sierra

DiAnna Huntsman and ‘Gus the Wonder Mule’ riding in their ‘backyard,’ the Easter Sierra. DiAnna and Gus appeared on the cover of the April 2016 Trail Riding issue of Mules and More 18 • April 2020

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Mule Girl Trail Tips

“My recommendation would be to always take a day to acclimate your mule to the altitude, especially if you go out west,” said Kelli Beck, SK Ranch, Bolckow, Mo. “Also, plan your route by using a GPS trail app. And lastly, always trust your mule. My Lacey mule has showed me numerous times a better way for her to go on a trail or she has needed to stop and take a breather. I respect her and she respects me. This photo is me riding Lacey with my husband, Shawn behind me. We were in Pagosa Springs, Co., riding the Continental Divide Trail out of Palisades Horse Camp. It was one of the best rides I've ever had.”

“I have seen equine have a problem with altitude on occasion,” said Tammy Bradley. “Add plain salt to the ration a few days prior to gaining elevation to encourage plenty of water intake. Equines can deal with it better than humans, but those living at sea level can still have an occasional issue. Giving them salt really encourages the hydration, and just a teaspoon will do the job. If possible on your trip, gain your elevation slowly. We traveled from Florida and stayed in Colorado at over 8,000 feet elevation. We had no issues as our travel made our elevation go up slowly (it took three days) and we had our animals well hydrated.

We did a side trip to Texas for a week, and one of our mules was a bit lethargic upon return.

I don't think he drank enough while traveling, which I didn't expect out of this particular mule. I got him drinking and he was over it in a day. We had been at elevation for over a month before the side trip to Texas, but he still had an issue. Know your animals and listen to what they have to say. Prepare as best you can ahead of time for things you might encounter, like hikers with large packs and hiking poles, strange animals like llamas and goats that are used as pack animals could be encountered in the back country, as well as loose dogs. It's not always possible to prepare for everything, but having a good relationship with your mule will help bunches for these encounters.”

“I think it is important that your equine is in good physical condition and trained well enough to be ultra-attentive to your cues should any unforeseen and perilous situations arise,” said Meredith Hodges, Lucky Three Ranch, Loveland, Co. “To keep your trail riding safe and enjoyable, be sure to attend to the details! Spend plenty of time with the right kinds of exercises to adequately prepare your equine for the multiple tasks on the trail. Plan ahead to make sure trails are safe for the level of riding that you can manage. Do not load animals into the trailer in their tack. Make sure all your tack and equipment is clean and fits each animal. Check your equine’s feet before taking off down the trail. Check saddle placement and cinch up the saddle girth slowly in increments. Make sure the girth is snug, but not tight and use a crupper or breeching (in extremely steep country) if needed. Bring along essential safety equipment like a knife, fence pliers, lighters, food, and extra clothing, halters and ropes. Use good trail manners when riding in groups and know the rules if you meet other riders or hikers along the trail.”

“Email a copy of your coggins to yourself,” said Brandy Von Holten, Von Holten Ranch, Mora., Mo. “Also, take a picture of your coggins and then put it in your favorites folder. You could also message it to a friend you are traveling with, because then it would be in your history. This way if you forget your coggins or they get destroyed, and even if your phone is dead, you can get to a copy.”

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Mules and More Magazine

Bucket List Adventures for the Extreme Mule Rider

by Angie J. Mayfield

People ask me all the time where my next adventure is because I try to ride in at least two new places each year.

Even though I’ve trail ridden mules in all 50 states and six countries, there is an endless list of places I have yet to explore in North America (and Mules and More readers and my Facebook friends are always the first to hear about them when I do). However, here are a few of my most memorable adventures that I recommend for those ultimate bucket list trips. The scenery and riding is so good that you’ll want to go back again and again.

Pack Trips

You can’t really call yourself an extreme mule rider until you’ve experienced a week-long pack trip. It’s truly a roughing it, remarkable adventure. You’ll witness God’s canvas in a whole new light. Go to a packing clinic and travel with an outfitter or some experienced packing friends your first trip. To see country that vehicles and most humans have never experienced, Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana is the ultimate pack trip with mountains, prairies, and roaring rivers that make the eyes bulge and the heart skip a beat. Yellowstone is another great packing destination with abundant wildlife and varied terrain. We go solo, but for guided trips I recommend Scott and Sandy Sallee at Black Mountain Outfitters or Mike Thompson at Wilderness Yellowstone Pack Trips.

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Scott Sallee (pictured standing on his mule at left) and his wife Sandy, Emigrant, Mont., operate Black Mountain Outfitters.

They also operate Slough Creek Outfitters, two deluxe tent camps in the 980,000 Absaroka-Wilderness area in southwestern Montana. They are permitted to ride through Yellowstone National Park to access the camps, and take guests for outstanding riding and amazing Yellowstone Cutthroat fishing in July and August.

Photos at left by Sandy Sallee Mules and More Magazine

every event and contest imaginable on a more personable scale than those in Clinton, Ark., (though that’s my second favorite southern adventure on Labor Day weekend). Seven Springs also has some great trail riding, caves, and the unique Rattlesnake Saloon, with weekend bands and dancing in what looks like a small western town built under a rock overhang. It’s truly something you must see. The first Seven Springs Mule Ride will be held this fall October 1-4, so mark your calendars.

Another must see trail riding destination for the extreme trail rider is Caney Mountain Horse Camp. The riding is phenomenal, like Hocking Hills in Ohio on steroids. Waterfalls and steep overhangs are an added bonus, but it’s not for the flatlander or beginning trail rider. Another southern sweet spot is Virginia Beach Horseback and any of the camps that ride into Mt. Rogers in Virginia.

Rocky Mountains

Angie and Sonny at Shawnee

Midwest Trail Riding

If you’d rather stay within a few hours of home, but want a unique place to trail ride, then I recommend Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. You just can’t beat High Knob campground for great accommodations, whether you want a cabin or just an electric site with stalls. But the best part is the main trails go right through camp and the gorgeous scenery starts immediately with boulders and rock formations that are hard to imagine could be located in my least favorite state otherwise. The McAllister and Friends annual Mule Ride is April 13-19 at High Knob, so come on over for a week of socializing, guided rides, fun shows, clinics, mule and tack sales, and a pitch in hog roast and dance Saturday night. My son Tucker 23 • April 2020

will be opening up for the band with his banjo. There are plenty of primitive spots still available.

North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky also have my heart when it comes to good people and trail riding in the Midwest. We love Cataloochee Horse Camp in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Honey Creek Campground in scenic Big South Fork in Tennessee, and Red Hill Horse Camp in Daniel Boone Forest in Kentucky. All have scenic trails right out of camp with great people to help you find all those special landmarks.

Southern Sweet Spots

My new favorite southern sweet spot is Seven Springs Lodge in northern Alabama for weekend adventures.

Their Frontier Days Festival and Chuckwagon Races in late April has

John Denver was my idol growing up, and when my first husband was killed in an auto accident in 1999, I spent three weeks traveling and riding my way through Aspen, Snowmass, Colorado Springs, Denver, and then Estes Park to grieve and heal. The Rocky Mountains will always have a special place in my heart. If you’re looking for a Colorado trail riding adventure, there are several great trailheads and camps in Rocky Mountain National Park to choose from.

For a fun, rustic cabin retreat, go to Winding River Resort in Grand Lake.

The owners are great, and the riding is spectacular. We love riding near Gunnison as well.

Gila Wilderness

One of the most remote, isolated places to ride for that true off the grid getaway where you may not see a soul for days is Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. It’s rough and rocky but as close to a western cowboy movie as you’ll find with 3 million acres to explore. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is also a must see.

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Arizona

Booger at Glacier in Montana

Similar in landscape and varied terrain as New Mexico, but less remote, is the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction, Ariz. A really cool tourist town with every amenity one could want, the cowboy town has a dance and bar open every night. But the Goldfield and Kings Stable horse camps can accommodate your horse and camper and then allow you to take off for days of riding through the desert, mountains, along the Salt River to view wild horses, or in canyons with giant Saguaro cactus looming overhead. It’s a great place to ride when the temperatures plummet and the sun seems to disappear in the midwest. There is also great riding and several guest ranches near Florence, Ariz.

Of course all mule riders need to ride the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. There are day rides and overnight stays available at Phantom Ranch through Xanterra, where you can ride the South Rim on their mules. It’s not nearly as scary as people imagine and the view is worth it. Even better, most people don’t realize you can take your own stock and ride as well. Just complete a back country permit four months prior to your trip with your itinerary. A maximum of six mules and riders is allowed. We rode rim to rim and back across in four days, and it was phenomenal. And the North Rim, well, it is scary and dangerous, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world. Just make sure you and your mules are experienced and in good health.

Western Wonders

For humidity dodgers like myself, when the heat of June and July suffocates me I can travel west and still find snow and wildflowers as the short spring/summer is just beginning in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and South Dakota. You can’t go wrong trail riding in any of these beautiful states in the summer. Northwest Montana is my favorite – the most beautiful place on earth in my eyes - and where I hope to retire. You can virtually stop and camp almost anywhere with no fees, so we rarely stay at a campground and there are so many national forests with trail heads, it would take ten articles to mention them all. In Wyoming, we ride in the Big Horns and also like Absaroka Mountain Lodge near the east entrance of Yellowstone. In Utah, Ruby’s Campground near Bryce Canyon is highly recommended. We also like the Uinta Wilderness in northeast Utah. In South Dakota, we like Battle Creek and Broken Arrow Horse Camps to ride Mt. Rushmore and Custer. We also pull off on our way out west each summer and day ride in the Black Hills in various locations. There’s so much to see and do in that beautiful country, it’s hard to describe.

• California Dreamers

Doug and Tucker watching a bison herd 24 • April 2020

If you don’t mind a long drive and tourists, California has some of the most breathtaking riding available. I try to visit as many national forests as I can, so I made the northern California tour a few years ago, visiting Bishop Mule Days in May then riding in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia, and Yosemite. Most of the parks Mules and More Magazine

have small horse camps available, but reservations must be made online months in advance. A dream trip you must do is Yosemite. There were thousands of tourists, but we were the only riders making the loop around the waterfalls, valleys, and towering granite cliffs. Yosemite is truly a wonder to behold.

Alaska

For a true extreme mule rider, Alaska is the frontier of adventures. Imagine all the mountains, lakes, wildlife, and travel experiences all rolled into one. The only downfall is the bugs.

Alaska Horse Adventures in Palmer has a couple mules you can rent. We also rode with Denali Horseback Tours in Healy, but they only had horses. Fishing near Seward and Homer and watching the sea otters play in the bay was so cool. However, our favorite memory is canoeing through ice at Glacier Bay. Truly a trip of a lifetime.

Angie in Alaska

Once in a Lifetime Adventures

Besides amazing Alaska, for those with more time and money and who don’t mind renting a mule when you get there, visit a foreign country for a unique experience in not only scenery, but culture. Ireland was truly my favorite foreign adventure with some of the most remarkable green, lavish landscapes, stone walls and relics, unique cultures, and friendly people I’ve met. Total strangers took me fox hunting.

We chased the fox all day on horseback, jumping rock walls, then visiting local pubs to drink and socialize all evening – on a Sunday. If you go, be sure to ride at Killarney National Park in County Kerry and see the beautiful red stag deer. There are several “pony trekking” places available throughout the island country, and some allow you to ride along the beach.

My Future Bucket List Trips

What are some places I absolutely must trail ride before I die? Well, actually I want to see every national forest and mountain range in North America. However, realistically, I definitely want to go back to Alaska and this time go to Katmai National Park and watch the bears eat salmon at the falls in July. I also want to go to Olympic National Park in Washington State. But first, I want to ride with friend Lonnie King this May in New Mexico and explore the Guadalupe Mountains right on the Texas line. And there’s a thousand little places friends have recommended along the way because visiting with mule friends is half the fun.

Four foreign adventures I am planning include a trip to Costa Rica Mule Days in February 2021, a pack trip into Banff National Forest in Canada next summer, a hunting trip to New Zealand in a few years, and a trail riding adventure in Australia someday. Til then, happy trails. I’ll see you out there.

Angie J. Mayfield has logged more than 10,000 trail miles riding mules. She lives on a farm in southern IN with her husband, children, and a menagerie of pets and livestock, including 9 mules and 2 donkeys. To share your trail riding adventure or inquire about specific places in the article, email her at profmayfield@yahoo.com

The ‘Shawnee Gang’ in South Dakota

Angie and Babe at Yellowstone 25 • April 2020

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‘Remember Who Was Here Before’

Electric Peak story and photos by Mike Dello Russo, Kansas City, Mo.

27 • April 2020

Since this is the 10th annual Trail Riding issue of Mules and More, I decided to write a little bit about the history of trails and give you some insight to the trail we were riding on in 2019.

It is easy to take trails for granted.

They are just there; they are everywhere, there are maps of them, but for every trail that I have ever been on, it has always shown me something I have never seen before. It throws us back in time. At times during the ride, your mind might wonder about who came this way before us? How long ago were they here? What were they doing and where were they going? Pretty much all trails started with animal tracks, with the native people following. After the Europeans arrived, we had explorers and trappers. Of course, in the present day, we use them for recreation. So, learning the history of the trail and the area you are in will always add to your experience.

In the late 1800s, land protection, riding and hiking were rooted into American politics and society. Footpaths and tourist trails began as hotel companies in the northeast began marketing themselves. Migration routes for opening of the American west were established when 250,000 emigrants used the California National Historical Trail in the late 1840s. Also, in the late 1860s, 70,000 Mormons followed the Mormon Pioneer National Historical Trail. Other trails of migration included the Oregon Trail and the Sante Fe Trail. In the late 1850s, the trail system expanded to the western United States and were designed to guide stock and pack trains into remote areas such as Yosemite Valley and started the trail system of what we have today. The 1920s began the standardized design of trails. It was the ‘heyday’ of trail building which continued to the 1930s.

Two types of trails emerged. The first are narrow rough trails, usually cut along the line of least resistance and used by anyone who came across them.

The second type are the previously Terry Larson, Jake Dodd and Sean Larson heading towards Electric Pass Mules and More Magazine

discussed migration routes.

In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped near the confluence site of the Missouri River headwaters, just 70 miles north of where we were riding. The Expedition was likely the first white men to ever penetrate this landscape. Lewis and Clark named the three rivers which formed the Missouri River the Jefferson, the Madison, and the Gallatin Rivers. All three were traced back to their origins, and they found that the Madison and the Gallatin flowed through the Gallatin Range, and that the Jefferson flowed out of the Madison Range.

In 1971, Henry Gannett joined Ferdinand Hayden’s expedition through the unsurveyed territory that the following year would become Yellowstone as the mission’s chief geographer. His primary responsibilities included taking astronomic, meteorological, and hypsometric measurements. One specific responsibility involved determining the precise elevation of the region’s most prominent point, (left) Mike Dello Russo after the group climbed up and out of the valley below (below) Hobbled for the evening in northwest Yellowstone

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Electric Peak. Gannett began his ascent accompanied by mineralogist Albert People and his assistant T. B. Brown, the surveyor. Gannett was trying to reach the summit when he realized he was in the midst of an electrical cloud. All three men felt current passing through their bodies.

Their hair stood straight up on end and they felt tingling, prickling sensations that were absolutely painful. They retreated a couple of hundred feet down and waited out the storm, and then successfully summited the mountain. Gannett was so shaken by his experience that he named the 10,969-foot massif “Electric Peak.”

In 1872, scientists were still unsure of what electricity was and how it functioned.

Scientists, park advocates, and even trappers remained impressed by Yellowstone and Electric Peak’s high electrical activity. In 1901, John Muir wrote, “The air is electric and full of ozone, healing, reviving, exhilarating, kept pure by frost and fire while the scenery is wild enough to awaken the dead.” Muir actually believed Electric Peak possessed healthful and resorative qualities and urged the frail weak to “try and climb Electric Peak when a big, bossy, well-charged thunder cloud is on it, to breathe the ozone set free.”

Today, Yellowstone has a landscape with no shortage of impressive features. Just like Lewis and Clark saw in the upper Gallatin Range 215 years ago, and just like the Hayden Expedition saw 149 years ago when they blazed a trail to Electic Peak. Not to mention, 120 years ago John Muir was roaming these very trails. In late August 2019, my friends and I rode the Gallatin Mountain Range in northwestern Yellowstone and crossed the Electric Pass on our mules from Missouri.

This range extends 75 miles north to south and averages 20 miles in width.

It includes 10 mountains over 10,000 feet. The highest peak in the range is Electric Peak (at 10,969 feet). The first Jake Dodd (aka Big Swifty) and Alfon taking a break 29 • April 2020

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time we rode in the Gallatin Range was 10 years ago and we also went up over Electric Pass.

Now you know the history of Electric Peak and the surrounding area that we were in. And this is what I have been trying to get at: It’s amazing that nothing changes. Trees come and go, the tundra and native grasses always seem to thrive. The shades of brown mixed with yellow and green ribbons coming down the mountain shoulders all look the same. This is why there are wilderness areas, National Parks, and National Forests. They are there so future generations to come will be able to experience the same.

And while you’re on that trail, just remember the ones who came before you, the ones that established or maintain the trail have witnessed the very same view that you are seeing today, except some of them say it hundreds of years before you and it still looks the same.

Obey your wilderness rules and laws. Leave no trace. Happy trail riding, my friends. (right) A view through Candy’s ears on the downside of Electric Pass (below) Terry and Mike (aka Tumbling T and KC Kid) at 10,000 feet

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31 • April 2020

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2019:

930 Miles in a Covered Wagon

by Yolonda Stroup, Lowndes, Mo.

Tennessee

Special Olympics, Missouri

Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo. 32 • April 2020

In retrospect, 2019 was a fast moving year: travelling 930 miles in a wagon on 19 trips in 87 days. We drove in eight states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming) with Jerry and Yolonda Stroup five mules (Dixie, Jake, Janet, Judy, and Roxie).

Have you ever wondered about what you will do tomorrow? We have decided to live each day to the fullest. We are going to travel while we are physically able with the Lord’s blessings. We have a lot of friends who are no longer with us. We used to break and train, put in long days, and now we drive a wagon because of my knee surgery. He gave us friends, fellowship, and travel to serve Him. The word says if you put the Lord first, He will give you the desires of your heart. He has certainly been good to us.

Our journey began on March 7, 2019, when we left our home in Missouri and hauled 525 miles in 10-1/2 hours to Centre, Ala. It was 19 degrees when we started, so we couldn’t fill our water tanks in our horse trailer for fear of water freezing. But Alabama was beautiful, and we travelled 170 miles through the Talladega Mountain Range, which covers close to 392,000 acres of the Appalachian Mountains.

We had to work a four-up mule team for eight days using the pulley system heading to Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, Ala. We were hosted by the Forney Trail-Blazers. Out of the 13 wagons, three finished: two from Missouri (ours, along with Terry and Janet White), and a third wagon from Alabama, the lead wagon pulled by 18-hand Belgian mules and driven by John and Dennis Coley.

We had some trouble with our new truck’s rear end, however, we made it fine. We shared many hours in the wagon: coffee, snacks, meals, extra parts, coolers, covers, heaters, feed, water, hay, and buckets.

On a mountain-top in Delta, Ala., we had a hot dog feast with all the trimmings. We drove several 24-1/2 mile days.

The weather was very versatile (cold and coveralls, sunshine and light jackets) and we had some beautiful days. Jerry said, “I didn’t know there were mountains in Alabama.”

Our next journey began near Jackson, Tenn. We travelled 140 miles in beautiful weather. We were greeted by Brian and Codi Austin on a beautiful, sunny day. We set up camp and enjoyed a potluck meal while meeting the other riders.

When the ride began the next morning, a young man was bucked off his horse three times before we got started. One day our mule Dixie was resting and got her bridle hung Mules and More Magazine

up and almost causing a bad wreck headed downhill. Two guys jumped out and helped us. Wow! We had lots of fun. We rested on Sunday and had church. Steve Tinkersley (Cowboys for Christ minister) brought the message and Jerry also shared some words. In the afternoon, we had a fantastic potluck, resting and visiting.

We worked into Columbia, Tenn., for Mule Days which has been held since the 1840s.

Next we headed to Butler, Okla., for the 41st Land Rush Ride where we participated in a nine-day Cloverleaf Ride. Our wonderful hosts Lisa Wright and Lincoln Franklin greeted us on the Ralph Teeter Ranch in Butler. We drove out a different direction daily. The rides were one mile sections (15-20 miles a day) on flat ground and red clay. We had a wonderful Easter service with lots of good food and fellowship. We met Tim and Debbie Layfield who had a wagon with a patio porch, smoker, bathroom, and all the “amenities.” I loved their wagon. We travelled 100 miles on this ride.

When we returned home, we got ready to do Stoddard County Cowboy Church Revival and rode through Mingo Wildlife Refuge at Puxico, Mo., which was three days of driving and night services for about 50 miles. We were blessed to have Dr. Dave Harvey, President of Cowboys for Christ from Texas, to speak at the revival.

Our next outing was to the Special Olympics Ride at River Valley Park, Grassy, Mo., which covered 60 miles in the hills on gravel roads. This ride was an annual fund raiser for Special Olympics hosted by George Cox and others. Herb and Wanda Blattel’s team prepared great food and fellowship.

An auction raised $20,000 for Special Olympics.

We were on to Perryville, Mo., to the Old Timers Day Equipment fair hosted by Allen Muench and Davis Farm Supplies. There was a lot of history at this event. We covered 20 33 • April 2020

miles with lots of antique tractors, hit and miss engines, rock crusher, thrashing machine, sawmill, and a stationary hay baler. We gave rides and watched the machinery work.

There was lots of good food, competitions, and other activities. Then, we went to 4J Big Piney Trail Ride with the Cowboy for Christ gathering at Waynesville, Mo. This was about 15 miles on the Big Piney River (a clear, spring-fed river). There were good services, an auction, and seminars.

The Laughlin Family, Jerry, Jay, Betty, and Joey, were gracious hosts.

The next big event was Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyo., in July. We covered 50 miles over three weeks doing the cattle drive, four parades, and grand entries. Frontier Days is known as the “Granddaddy of ‘Em All,” and you haven’t seen a rodeo until you have experienced this event.

There are pancake breakfasts, rodeos, and 63 vintage carriages pulled in the parades. We haul ‘VIPs.’ We were hosted by J.D. Romsa and family (Beth, Larry, Lane, Quade, Kim, and Blair). We enjoyed lots of good food, auctions, fun and homemade ice cream. Then, we said ‘adios!’

We were on to Sikeston, Mo., where we hauled the Sikeston J-C’s Rodeo Committee in the parade. Then we drove 10 miles giving wagon rides at the Depot Museum in a pioneer covered wagon.

We were looking forward to Clinton, Ark., for the National Championship Chuckwagon Races. We camp at the Buffalo Rock. It’s very hot but lots of fun with over-the-top, thrilling races. We travelled about 50 miles working a three-abreast mule team.

There was lots of entertainment, including sales, shows, races, dancing, church, rides, BBQs, fish fries, and climbing up and down rock hills - and big rocks. Dan and Peggy Eoff at the Bar ōF Ranch are great hosts.

Home and barely rested, we headed to Mustang, Okla., for 50 miles of parades, wagon rides and grand entries in the rodeo during Mustang’s

Tennessee

Jacksboro, Texas

Mineral Well, Texas Mules and More Magazine

Clinton, Ark.

43rd Annual Western Days and Open Rodeo. Ms. Paulette Statler hosted us in her great city. We visited Cattleman’s and the Oklahoma Stockyards and met Kelli Payne, manager of the stockyards. We also met Congressman, Samuel Hill and his family. We met chuckwagon cooks Kevin Rommes and Jack Ramey.

We were then back in Missouri for Old Greenville Days, travelling 20 miles hauling a lot of people in a covered wagon. It was a beautiful day filled with was music, food, crafts, and working trade exhibits. Greenville was an old fort town on the St. Francis River.

Our next engagement was Doniphan, Mo., Heritage Days, covering 25 miles in beautiful weather. Schools came for history lessons, exhibits, and wagon rides. There were historical events, costumes, food, “goober peas,” a working blacksmith, and campfire cooking by Dennis and Karen Williams.

We were on to New Madrid, Mo., for 20 miles on the Mississippi River, home of the great earthquake that happened in the early 1800s. A beautiful day sponsored by Bass Pro for a catfish and bass tournament, where the catfish caught weighed 60+ pounds or more. We drove around the levee where barges came down the river headed to New Orleans giving wagon rides.

In October, we head to Jacksboro, Texas, on the 26th Red Steagall Cow34 • April 2020

Jackson, Mo.

boy Gathering for 11 days, driving 120 miles down the highway. We had great Highway Police support. We were given dinner at Mineral Wells.

We turned Weatherford, Texas, “Red,” and attended a Red Steagall concert.

We enjoyed good chuckwagon cooking, cowboy church, music, poetry, and fellowship. We also got to see Mr. Steagall’s life-sized bronze statue unveiled in Fort Worth.

We were back home for Thanksgiving, and on to Jackson, Mo., to turn on Christmas lights. We gave rides to look at the lights and many activities in the park covering five miles. Janet Lumsden and her committee did a great job.

In December, we headed to Williamsville, Mo., covering 10 miles doing a Christmas parade, rides, and hauling Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who gave each child a gift. There were real reindeer on sight. It was cold and the hot chocolate was great!

The next rides were in Advance, Mo., where we drove five miles.

Fusion Street Ministries and several other churches joined together for this special event. They sang songs, had hot chocolate, cookies, and rides.

On to Mayfield, Ky., for two days and 10 miles of wagon rides. Cartwright Village is a replica of Carson City, Nev., on Bonanza. It has a general store, jail, livery, church, saloon, doctor’s office, bank, hotel, dress shop, and wagon rides. Hugh and Jill Kirby have worked very hard

Janet White, Trail Boss Richard Lee, and Yolanda in Texas

to make this dream come true. Our mules, Jake and Dixie, stayed in the stalls in the livery. If you are in town this time of year, consider touring the village, seeing the lights, and enjoying a covered wagon ride, taking you back in history.

The grand finale came when Jerry hauled an 83-year-old lady who logged with a team of mules to a remote, rural cemetery (covering five miles).

In closing, our Creator has blessed us to live our dreams. Now we look forward to whatever service He has planned for us to do.

Who would have thought that a little boy with a team of goats would get to travel 930 miles in a covered wagon pulled by mules.

Jerry’s first team ∙ Jerry and Donnie Statler with a team of goats Mules and More Magazine

Event Canceled

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Grand Canyon Mule Ride

Bob Herrick (center) and friends on the South Kaibab Trail

by Bob Herrick

As a mule rider and outdoor enthusiast, one of my bucket list items has always been a mule ride into the Grand Canyon, and in December of 2019, I got my chance. I knew that the ride was popular, and some preplanning would be required, so I got to work. First, I found a couple of my mule riding friends and recruited them to join me on the adventure. Next, I went to the Xanterra website and clicked on the Grand Canyon Lodges link (grandcanyonlodges.com/plan/ mule-rides/) to start the research.

The first thing I learned is that there is a 14 month waiting period, so patience would be in order. I started looking in the fall of 2018, and saw the first available date was December 2019. I did not want to do the trip in the heat of the summer, so I said what the heck, let’s try December. How much snow can they get in December 36 • April 2020

in the desert anyway?

Well as it turned out, they can get quite a bit. The week before our trip they got a huge storm that shut down the mule ride for four days because of the ice and snowdrifts, so I was a little nervous. It turned out to be fine, though. When we took off it was snowing a little bit, but as we were descending into the canyon, it stopped and the trip was spectacular.

Two days before you are scheduled to ride you have to confirm your reservation via phone. When you arrive the night before you have to go to the transportation desk inside the Bright Angel Lodge and check in.

There they give you a yellow rain coat that says “Mule Rider” on the back (which is your “ticket” for the ride), a water bottle, and a small bag to put your overnight things in. Then, they ask you to step on the scale to see

how much you weigh with all of your clothes on. They have a weight limit of 200 pounds, and if you are over that you will not be going. You also must be in good health, over 4’9” tall, speak English, and not be afraid of heights or large animals. You also need to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, broad brim hats, and close-toed shoes. They also recommend a ski-cap, gloves, and rain pants for winter rides. I had all three and was quite comfortable.

We had a room at the Bright Angel Lodge the night before the ride, and that worked out great. You can get breakfast there in the morning before the ride, and you meet for the ride just a short walk away. The small bag they give you is the size of a 7-pound ice bag, and in it you will place everything you will need for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch. These bags will be placed in your saddlebags on Mules and More Magazine

the ride down, so as you can imagine you will not be bringing much with you. Your camera has to be on a strap around your neck (even if it is your cell phone), and you can carry nothing else. They do not allow backpacks, waist packs, extra camera lenses, camera bags, full-sized video cameras, two-way radios, or purses. They also do not allow talking or texting on cell phones during the ride (you won’t have service anyway). They recommend that you bring a swimsuit and flip-flops for the summer, as well as sunglasses and sunscreen. A small flashlight was also recommended.

On the morning of the ride, the adventure begins at the stone corral next to the Bright Angel Lodge at the trailhead. When you arrive, the group of up to 10 riders will first hear from the Livery Manager whom will prepare you for the ride by reviewing the safety requirements and provide you with information about the trail and Grand Canyon. They stress the use of the “mule motivators” each rider will be given to keep the group close together. The motivator is a riding crop that they want you to use on the mules to try and stop them from eating while along the trail and getting behind. As we all know, once the mules figure out that they are behind they like to run to catch up. Inexperienced mule riders on bumpy, running mules are not a good thing, so they work hard to and avoid that. Next, the Livery Manager will look at you as you walk into the corral to size you up and decide which mule to assign you to. He looks you over and decides if you need an easy mule or can handle a more challenging one.

He did not ask your riding experience, but looked at your outfit and familiarity around the stock to make his decision. He gave me Trooper, who I rode for both days.

The wranglers saddled us up and prepared us for the adventure. They asked you if you need a block to get on, and had one available at all designated stops. The decent down the Bright Angel Trail is 10.5 miles, drops 37 • April 2020

Looking down into the Devil's Corkscrew

about 5,000 feet in elevation, and took approximately 5 ½ hours. The trail starts out pretty steep, and goes right by where the mule riders used to get their pictures taken by the Kolb Brothers. Back in the day, the lead wrangler would stop at the spot, wring the bell, and the group photo would be taken.

Sadly, that tradition no longer continues, but you can go to the Kolb Studio and still look at the pictures. After about 10 minutes of riding you stop to have your cinch retightened and are

asked if anybody wants to turn back.

After that check, if you decide you do not want to continue the ride later on, you will be walking back. The first stop is at Mile-and-a-Half Rest house, where there is a pit toilet and drinking water available. They bring you up to the hitching rail and you have to wait for the Wrangler to help you off the mule. You stay there about 15 minutes and proceed down to the lunch stop.

The scenery is fantastic, as you would expect. (You are going down into the Mules and More Magazine

Grand Canyon, after all!) The weather for our descent was a little cloudy, so we rode through the cloud for a bit until we broke out of the cloud. The sun was not out, but we could see all across the canyon and had spectacular views from there on out.

We stopped for lunch at Indian Garden, which is a little oasis out in the desert canyon. They have water and a pit toilet here, as well. Many hikers choose this location to walk down to, rest and enjoy the beauty, and then walk back up. I was glad I was on a mule. We sat by the tree, listening to the creek, and enjoyed our box lunch, which were also carried in the saddlebags. After lunch, we proceed along the rock face of the Inner Gorge and down to the Colorado River. One of the more dramatic spots that we came to looking down into the Canyon towards the river is the Devil’s Corkscrew. As you came around the top of the Corkscrew, you realize that there is nothing but open air in front of you,

and it is a long way down. When you go around a sharp bend, you will find yourself on the side of a canyon wall, on a narrow ledge, staring down a near vertical drop-off to the valley floor below. The view is impressive, and almost straight down. If you are a little squeamish about heights, you may be a little uncomfortable on this section of the trail. Our group thought that this section was the most frightening part of the entire trail.

From the Corkscrew, we continued down to the Colorado River below.

You cannot see the river until you come around a corner, and then there it is. What a sight. It is larger and grander than I had expected. You look at all of that water, and up to the surrounding Canyon on the other side, and you get a sense of how powerful water can be. I am so glad I took this trip. The river is red with silt and the views looking up are impressive. The trail continues along it for another two miles to the Suspension Bridge,

and you are overcome with a sense of splendor as you take it all in. While riding along the river, we saw several rafting groups enjoying the Canyon as well. Phantom Ranch is one of the stops for the rafters on their adventure down the river. I might have to try a rafting trip some day, as it looked like fun. There are only three ways to get to Phantom Ranch: hiking, rafting, or by mule, and I am sure not going to hike down there. The employees have to hike in to get to work (and hike back up to go home). They stay down for 10 days working and have four days off, but the hike back up is a killer.

Phantom Ranch is on the north side of the river, but the Bright Angel Trial is on the south. This mean you need a bridge to get across. It just so happens there are two, one for hikers only, and one for hikers and stock. The suspension bridge we took is quite the engineering marvel, especially when you consider when it was built, and

Kaibab Suspension Bridge 38 • April 2020

Mules and More Magazine

how they got all the materials to it (by mule, of course). Right before you go over the bridge, you go through a rock tunnel that is not very high. I had to duck to not hit my head on the top.

The tunnel is dark when you go in, and lightens up as you go through. This makes for some interesting shadows, and when we were going through one of the mules in front of me decided she did not like it and decided to go back.

The tunnel is narrow, with not enough room to turn around, but she made it anyway. Now the mule in front of me and mine had to try and back out, all the while we were trying to not whack our heads on the top of the tunnel and run into the mules behind us. It was a little bit of a rodeo for a few minutes, but everyone stayed on and nobody was injured. We all got out of the tunnel, regrouped, and tried it again. This time everybody went through without a problem. When you emerge from the tunnel you step out onto the bridge for the 400-foot river crossing. The bridge is a cable suspension bridge, but it is well supported and does not sway.

The views up and down the river were breathtaking. Once across the bridge you have a short ride to Phantom Ranch.

The mule ride had the option of staying either one or two nights at Phantom Ranch. We opted for the one night stay. Phantom Ranch is a rustic historic oasis nestled deep in the canyon. Each cabin is furnished with bunk beds, sink, toilet, bedding, soap, and hand towels. Showers and bath towels are also available. There were three of us in our group, and we stayed in a small cabin with four bunk beds.

They can house up to 90 guests at one time. When you arrive, they take you into the round corral, help you off, and direct you to the orientation spot.

There they give you your room assignments and tell you the meal schedule.

They have one dining room for all the guests, which also acts as the lodge during the day. All of the meals are served family style, with the menu selected for you. They have three sittings 39 • April 2020

Crossing the Kaibab Trail Suspension Bridge

per meal, and we were assigned the first sitting for both dinner and breakfast the next morning. The first night they serve steak and potatoes, which fit me just fine. It is good and there was plenty of it. When you finish your dessert, they are ushering you out the door to get ready for the next group.

They do sell drinks and some snacks in the dining room. The adult beverage selection was somewhat limited, so if that is important to you, you’ll have to figure out how to fit it into your overnight bag.

While I was exploring around Phantom Ranch, I saw a public stock hitching post and overnight area. This peaked my interest, as I thought you could no longer take private stock down into the Canyon from the South Rim. I went into the adjacent Ranger Station and learned that I was mistaken. Private stock use is allowed on most trails. At Phantom Ranch they permit one stock group per night.

There is no corral, and the stock must be tied to the hitching rail at night with an attendant. (Go to nps.gov/ grca/planyourvisit/private-stock.htm to learn more about the requirements for travel and necessary permits). This facility is not too popular with private users, so getting a stock permit should not be too difficult. The difficult part

would be getting a camping permit or Phantom Ranch reservation. I think this would be a really fun adventure with mountain experienced pack stock.

The trails are well maintained, but they are steep. The stock must be in excellent physical shape to make this trip.

After early breakfast the next morn ing, we headed up via the South Kaibab Trail. You take a different trail back up the canyon, so that means we won’t be passing the next group of mule riders coming down, but we do get to pass the two pack strings making their daily trip down to Phantom Ranch.

Each day, two packers with up to five pack mules each make the trip down and back to Phantom. That is the only way supplies and food make it in, and trash makes it out. If you need to bring in more than your little overnight bag can hold, you can hire the packers to bring it down and back up for you.

They start early each morning from the mule barn, getting their loads and mules ready and descend down the South Kaibab Trail. The packers communicate with the guides via radio to make sure the groups’ meet where there is enough room for the two groups to pass each other. As we were going up the Canyon, we stopped at a wide spot and looked up as we could Mules and More Magazine

see the packers and mule strings descending down the trail. As a packer myself it was fun to see what they had loaded and how they tied it down. Being Christmas time, they had a big wreath tied on top if one of the mules, and the day before we saw they had brought in the Christmas tree. They used both deckers and sawbucks, depending on the load. The packers have to go down and back out each day, so they have a lot to do.

The ride back up is about 7.8 miles (five hours).

We made one stop at The Tipoff to get off and stretch our legs. There is a pit toilet, like all of the other stops, but this one has no water. Before you get off your mule, the wranglers ask you if you want a picture taken (using your camera) of you on your mule with the Canyon in the background. Of course everyone says ‘yes.’ That shot is one of my favorites.

The day we rode out, the sun was shining with only a few clouds in the sky. The views were stunning. It is hard to describe the wonder and awe that you experience looking out across the Canyon. We continued up the trail with huge smiles on our faces, and got great views of the Canyon all the way up to the top.

When you dismount for the last time, the guides have you gather all around and the hand out certificates proclaiming that all of the riders in the group now belong to the ‘Order of the Master Mule Skinners.’ The certificate states that “having faced the precipices, descended and ascended the perpendicular walls at and in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, endured the vicissitudes of this magnificent journey, and borne the whims and caprices of his gentle, faithful, educated, individualistic, long-eared mount-part horse, part jackass and all mule … you are now a member of the renowned Order of the Master Mule Skinners of the Grand Canyon Trails.”

The design of the certificate has not changed in over 50 years (which is cool) and it still says “issued by Fred Harvey,” which sold the mule concession to Xanterra in 1968.

Since we came up the South Kaibab Trail we came out at Yaki Point, which is a few miles East of the Bright Angel Trailhead where we started. Upon our return to the rim, we were met by a driver and van that us brought back to the Bright Angel Lodge to turn in our Mule Rider raincoats and reflect on the adventure.

The trip was outstanding. As a mule owner and rider, to be able to experience a trip that has been offered for over 100 years to one of the most scenic places on earth is a dream come true. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves mules and the outdoors. You will not be disappointed.

Mule Riders starting out at the top of the Bright Angel Trail

A pack string heading for Phantom Ranch

The Colorado River along the Bright Angel Trail 40 • April 2020

Mules and More Magazine

Cousins, Sisters And Best Friends:

Riding in the White River Wilderness Area

by Audrey Stogsdill Beggs, R – A Mule Ranch, Sims, Ark.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

--Hunter S. Thompson

This is my motto, and I have had it printed and framed for my dear husband. My dear cousin, sister and best friend Claudia Stogsdill Sharp shares this motto with me. She and I are first cousins according to our DNA, but we are actually sisters and best friends. Claudia does not own a horse or mule, but she volunteers at a HOH (Heroes on Horseback) facility in Bluffton, S.C. They help children with special needs and veterans to master the art of horse back riding.

We share a love of equine, and after being apart many years since we were small, we reconnected about five 41 • April 2020

years ago at a cousin’s get together at her house in St. Charles, Mo. Travis, our farrier, told me Marie Haskett, JML Outfitters, in Meeker, Colo. She is a third-generation outfitter with this company and is the most awesome lady. She has 24 horses and six mules in her remuda, and they are beautiful. She is very passionate about her animals and it shows. It’s a delight to meet someone that loves equine as much as we do. She teaches a children’s riding camp during the summer months along with the trail rides, and then does the elk, moose and mule deer outfitting in the fall.

Meeker is named for Nathan Meeker, the United States Indian Agent who was killed along with 11 other U.S. citizens by the White River Ute Indians in the 1879 Meeker Massacre. The site of the massacre, the former White River Indian Agency, is located along State Hwy 64 in the White River Valley west of town and is marked by a prominent sign. None

of the buildings remain.

After the massacre and the ensuing conflict known as the Ute War, in 1880 the US Congress passed legislation requiring the Ute population to relocate to reservations in Utah. The United States Army established a garrison on the current site of the town, called the Camp at White River; the town was founded in 1883 following the removal of the troops.

Claudia and I spent about three hours touring the White River Museum with the curator Libby Wilson.

What a delightful lady and such an awesome museum. This is one of the best in the state of Colorado, as far as I am concerned.

Even though we ride horses most of the time when we travel, I am a devoted mule lover and mules are my passion. I tell my husband all the time that we would be much richer if we didn’t have nine mules, three dogs and three cats. He always replies, “Then what would we be? Rich, but

Mules and More Magazine

Moose antler rubs on the Aspen trees

Snow on the ground in June on the Papoose creek trail 42 • April 2020

without the enjoyment that our animals give us.” We had quarter horses in the 1980s but in the 1990s we changed to mules and they have been with us ever since.

We planned to leave on June 11 and meet at the Denver airport. Claudia was flying from Savannah, Ga., and I was flying from Ft. Smith, Ark. I was up at 3 a.m., showered and dressing to go, when I get a text from the airline that my flight was delayed for five hours. Of course, as I live 1-1/2 hours from the airport, I was not overly excited that instead of a 6 a.m., my flight now left at 11:34 a.m. I contacted Claudia to tell her about my flight delays, and she informed me that she was stuck on the interstate due to a horrible wreck, and wouldn’t get to the airport in time for her flight.

It turns out she missed the first two flights to Denver, and instead of us meeting at the airport at 11 a.m., we finally connected at 6 p.m.

I had rented a car and as soon as we landed and got to the rental agency, we took off west for Meeker. Some things happen for a reason. Our delays gave us the most beautiful sunset in the mountains as we headed west on I-70 from Denver. We would have

never seen such an awesome sunset had we been on time and landed at 11.

We felt we were very blessed to be in the mountains at exactly that time of day! Claudia made the remark that God was smiling on us for our horrible travel day, and this was an awesome way to end the day.

We had planned to be at the old Meeker Hotel before six. I called ahead and told them our flights were late, and it would be very late when we got to Meeker. The lady at the desk told me to not worry; my key and paperwork would be at the desk if no one was there. We got to Meeker about midnight and Claudia pointed out that we were the only car on Main Street. Meeker is such a beautiful old town. When I parked, I asked Claudia to go into the lobby of the Meeker Hotel and see if my paperwork and key was there. Of course, it was. We got our key, unloaded the car and headed to our room. We both had been up for over 22 hours at this time, so needless to say we were exhausted and basically brain dead.

The next morning, we asked about breakfast and were directed to the Meeker Café, adjoining the Meeker Hotel. It was the same as it looked in

Guide Marie Haskett Mules and More Magazine

1898 and we had a great breakfast. trail that he had told her about. We You could almost feel the old cowrode for about three hours and I am boys and their boots and spurs on the not sure if we ever found his trail. It floor in the café. The people we met was quite the event, but Claudia and I in Meeker were absolutely the friend- are both OK with the unknown. One liest and most welcoming of anyfunny thing that happened, though. where we had been in a long time.

I was having trouble with my tack, After picking up some essentials and Marie got off to help me get my (sunscreen and ice), we headed to saddle in place. She ground tied her Marie’s place and JML Outfitters. horse, thinking he would stand still Claudia was so hoping to see a moose while she helped me, but he knew or elk along the way but that did not where he was and where the trailer happen. We drove into Marie’s with was, so he headed down the mounno problems and she was getting ready to take a family out on a short trail ride. She took the time to get her 4-wheeler and show Claudia and I the cabin where we would be staying. There had been a lot of snow in that area and the Papoose Creek was running crazy with snow melt. Claudia and I unloaded our gear, grabbed a beer, and sat on the front porch of the cabin listening to the creek and enjoying our quiet time after the travel nightmares we had been Claudia with little Freddy getting ‘mule love!’ through.

Marie asked us to meet her about 10 a.m., the next morning tain. She was yelling, “Whoa, Joe!” to head out on our trail ride. As usual, and running behind him, but Joe knew we got up early and were there early. where he was, and where the trailer She had the horses in the saddling was, and he was going home. We all area and her friend, Jesse, was there had a good laugh after she finally to help, as was his grandson Sawgrabbed his tail and got him to stop. I yer. It was a beautiful day for a trail did tell her I wouldn’t put that picture ride. Sawyer went with us and rode in my story! Marie was a good sport a beautiful horse named Tom. Marie about that. rode Joe, Claudia rode Clyde and I We rode the sheep ranch for about rode Pepper. three hours. We went back to the The Flattops still had almost five trailer, loaded the horses and headed feet of snow, so we did not get to do to the Ute Trail. This is a very rugged, that trail ride. We loaded the horses gorgeous trail. Claudia kept saying and trailered to another area where she wanted to see a moose. Not me! a friend of Marie’s had told her we We didn’t see a moose, but we did see could ride. It was a sheep ranch and lots of moose droppings, and we saw we had a great day, but we did a lot where they had been rubbing their of busting brush and trying to find the antlers on the aspen trees. That was 43 • April 2020

enough for me. Marie took us to one of her drop camps for her hunters, and we took pictures and headed back to camp.

After we got unsaddled and back to the cabin, Marie called and told us if we wanted to see a moose, to go out on the porch and look toward the cattle guard. We had just beat a storm in when we got back from riding and by this time the rain was coming down in buckets. We jumped in the little rental car and headed that way. Claudia finally got her wish, and we saw a young male moose at the horse salt lick. Such an awesome sight! I told Claudia that I was so glad I was in the car and not on the back of my horse.

I think I enjoyed it much more that way.

The second day, we met Marie at the barn and Celine, a beautiful young lady that helps at the barn, went with us. Marie changed Claudia’s ride to a nice young gelding, Telly.

We rode out of camp that day and rode the Papoose Creek trail. What a beautiful ride. We rode thru snow and up to the Camel Peak Lookout where the elevation was over 9,000 feet. It was a wonderful trail ride and the scenery was stunning. The black clouds started rolling in and we got back to camp just as another thunderstorm hit as predicted.

We were so lucky in that both days we got back to camp within minutes before the storms hit.

After the storms passed, Marie came by and picked us up in her SUV and took us to see the rest of her horses and mules. What a pleasure! They were all so friendly and came up to us immediately. Marie has raised most of them and they are like little kids.

They want her attention when she is there. She most definitely has imprinted them. She has one beautiful sorrel Mules and More Magazine

mule, Molly, that had some horrible sarcoids on her legs. Marie asked if I had any suggestions. I told her I would research it for her and try to help, as she really wanted to keep Molly but wanted her well.

I contacted Russell Dobkins, in Gila, N.M. Rickey had bought a nice wagon from him a couple of years ago and Russell had written a story in 2016 for Mules and More about sarcoids. I also called a friend who is a vet and asked what she recommended.

I passed this information on to Marie. She took Molly to the vet school in Colorado, had the sarcoids cut off and hot branded the area. Then, with the information from Russell, she wrapped them with colostrum and Aloe Vera gel. The last time I heard from Marie, Molly was doing much better and had healed about 90 percent.

The next morning, we headed back to Denver. We drove the Monarch Pass.

Claudia is afraid of heights, and I can tell anyone that she lost at least 20 years off her life traveling that pass. She laughed and squealed the whole way down the mountains.

We got back to Denver and checked in our rental car. I guess the crazy stuff wasn’t over yet, because when we checked in at our hotel and started to go into our room, a young lady yelled.”This room is taken!”

What a trip! Claudia went back down to the front desk to clear everything up. Of course, our flights out of Denver were cancelled the next morning...so it was happening all over again. I finally made it to Dallas/Ft. Worth, but my flight was delayed due to thunder storms and I sat on the tarmac for almost five hours before we could take off. This was the culmination of a trip that started out this way and ended up just the same, but what a memorable and awesome trip!

We are going to do it again in 2020, if possible.

JML outfitters and Marie Haskett are the real deal and we are looking forward to seeing her next year.

Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!

Audrey and her husband Rickey have nine mules, three dogs and three cats. They live in the Muddy Creek Management area of the Ouachita Mountains. They both ride and Rickey has two wagons. Audrey is a 13 years metastatic breast/ovarian cancer survivor and is grateful for every blessed day that she is given.

44 • April 2020

Cl-Ass-ified Ads

To place your classified ad online: mulesandmore.com/classifieds Mail to: PO Box 460, Bland MO 65014 ∙ Call: (573)646-3934 Email: mulesandmore@gmail.com

RATE: 35¢ per word per issue with a $7 minimum. $1 for each tear sheet. Additional $2 per month billing charge for ads that are not paid by billing date. Deadline for classified advertising is the 1st of the month preceding date of publication.

MULES

Two Mules For Sale: 8-year-old, 14.2-hand, black Fox Trotting john mule. $3,500. 4-year-old 14.1-hand, black turning grey john mule. Straight going mule. $3,000. These mules are good and gentle, easy to shoe and catch, and broke well. Anyone can ride them. Selling due to health reasons. Contact Will R Hargrove, Kentucky, 270-348-0760 4/20 Belgian john mule, 15.1 hands, gentle, broke to drive, plus harness $2,000 (918)773-6073 - home, (918)774-3408 - cell, Vian, Oklahoma 4/20 Three yearling mules for sale: Two black molly mules out of Walking Horse mares. One sorrel john mule out of a Quarter Horse mare. All three turn two in May/June. $1,000 each. Selling due to health reasons. Contact Will R Hargrove, Kentucky, 270-348-0760 4/20

WANTED

Looking for saddle donkey 13-15hh. Must be calm and friendly. For gentle trail rides, fun shows, rides for handicapped program. Prefer 7+ years old. Must be saddle trained. Located in NE, but can ship. Lost my beloved Caleb in January after 18 wonderful years. mawinslow49@gmail.com 914-393-8446 (text)

TACK

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TRAIL RIDING

TIN TOP RANCH Bed and Breakfast, oats and stalls to all riding. Located in western Scott County, Arkansas. Totally surrounded by the picturesque Ouachita National Forest. www.tintopranch.com, walls_sa@yahoo.com or 800/436-8199

VIDEOS & PUBLICATIONS

FARM TO WAR: A WORLD WAR I MULE STORY by Lonny Thiele. Tells how one month a mule can be working in a cotton farm and the next month fighting with the American Expeditionary Forces beside the French and British in a cruel and terrible conflict. The farm part of the book is based on Jake, a mule covered in my first book, THAT SON OF A GUN HAD SENSE: MULE STORIES FROM THE BOOTHEEL DURING THE 1930’S-1940-S ERA. Send $18 (includes shipping) to Thiele, POB 884, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902.

Phone (575)300-3085.

ENJOY VIDEO MIKE’S mule, donkey, horse training, Bishop Mule Days and more. VHS/DVD. See listing at www.video-mike.com, (707)226-9193 THE AMERICAN BEAGLER MAGAZINE – The Magazine Ahead of the Pack: Published monthly for Beagle owners and gundog enthusiasts as well as upcoming trials and results for competition hunters. The American Beagler is $24.00 for one year, $44.00 for two years, and $66.00 for three years. You may order the magazine on our website: www.theamericanbeagler.com with paypal, call 573-859-6866 with a debit or credit card, or mail your payment to: The American Beagler, PO Box 957, Belle, MO 65013. Find us on Facebook. WE WANT YOU IN THE PACK! tfn Mules and More Magazine

SOUTHWEST’S LARGEST

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April 17-18, 2020 Friday - 9 a.m.

Equipment, Trailers, Tools, Tractors, Primitives, and Misc.

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Wagons, Buggies, Harness, Wheels, Tongues & Parts Large Tack Auction Horses, Mules & Donkeys

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Comanche, Texas (325)330-0826 • (325)356-5950 Betty Hall (Clerk) • Wade Hall 9269

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1 Year Print - $36 2 Years Print - $65 1 Year Digital - $22 Include $5.50 for any back issues Name ________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ City __________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip __________________ Phone Number ________________________________________ Email Address __________________________________________

45 • April 2020

Mules and More Magazine

46 • April 2020

Mules and More Magazine

Mule Skinner and Mules and More Caps featuring a wide variety of NEW colors and styles

$17.50 - includes shipping

STILL

by Sandy Sallee, Black Mountain Outfitters, Emigrant, Mont.

Be Still. Let the Horse - Be a Horse.

Don’t push him to canter and lope figure eights Don’t prod him to sidepass and open the gates Don’t pen him up lonely away from his mates Don’t hold him up tight just to see how he rates Don’t flag him and chase him and play with his mind Don’t scold him because he’s sulled up in a bind Don’t watch him cross over, he can’t move his hind Don’t cinch him unknowing, he’s wearing a blind.

Don’t spur him to sidepass and quicken his feet Don’t bribe him and stall him with many a treat Don’t bute him or ace him to make him compete Don’t make him the reason that your life’s complete.

Be Still. Let the Horse - Be a Horse.

New Stickers!

"If It's Not Half Ass...

It's Just A Horse" “This Is How My Heart Beats...”

“LOVE” ∙ Mule Head (Available in left and right)

3” by 2” and 3” by 3” stickers. Made of thick, durable vinyl that protects these stickers from scratches, water and sunlight.

Stick on reusable water bottles, phone cases, or where ever else you can think of! $5 each or choose 3 for $10

Online: mulesandmore.com By phone: (573)263-2669 By mail: Mules and More, PO Box 460, Bland, MO 65014 47 • April 2020

‘Cause sometimes a hoss must be wild and free Unfettered, untouched, with complete liberty To run if he wants to and buck and to flee To be left alone - from you and from me.

A wet saddle blanket’s helped many a steed The right kind of training is sure what they need But sometimes - just sometimes - step away from your lead Let nature take over, renewing the breed.

Be Still. Let the horse - be a horse.

We turn out our horses and mules every night In one million acres, I sure love the sight They’re packing only a bell in their flight Wrangled next morning, their eyes sparkle bright A horse is as good as his breeding and care They’re willing to please, if you’re kind and you’re fair But sometimes just leave them - stud, gelding, or mare Ask them for nothing. Answer their prayer.

BE STILL. Mules and More Magazine

48 • April 2020

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 million in 1925, but there were still 1.9 million mules in 1940, that included 209,000 in Missouri. The three leading Missouri counties in 1940 in mule numbers were the Bootheel counties of New Madrid (9621), Pemiscot (9650) and Dunklin (7646). The mule was named Missouri’s official state animal in 1995. Quotes used in this column and most of the material used comes from stories in the book, “That Son of a Gun Had Sense: Mule Stories From the Bootheel During the 1930’s-1940’s Era.”

Dads Who Trusted Mules With Their Young Children

Are there any dads out there who would let their four year old son drive a mule wagon 10 miles alone at night? How many dads would trust a team of mules with a nine year old daughter for eight hours or more pulling a plow?

Four year-olds today don't even know what a mule is and nine year-old girls have no interest in breathing in dust all day while seated on a shaking-stiff iron seat.

It doesn't fit in today's world. But in the 1940s and before when the livelihood of families depended on mules, dads behaved differently while maintaining self-respect in the community.

Bud Henry estimates he was four years old in the early 1940s when he rode out one day with his dad and a mule team looking for cattle on open range. Late in the day, his father met a man who knew where the Henry's cattle were. But it was getting late and the cattle were in the opposite direction from their home.

Whitson Henry decided to look for the cattle and knowing the mules would get Bud home, he sent them on their way.

Bud Henry recalls, “Instead of following him in our wagon, Dad said I had to go back home because he might be gone all night. He turned those mules around. I was holding them lines up. I thought I was driving them. They never trotted. They walked the whole way. I got nervous when it started getting dark.

We lived on the river bank and I rode that wagon all the way back home.”

Green Vaughan owned lots of farm land and raised two sons, whom he counted on to help him farm in the 1930s.

Vaughan wasn't a forceful father, so when one boy left the farm and the other one refused to work with mules, he turned to his young daughter Marie.

Vaughan had watched Marie form a bond with a mule named Harry and decided if Harry was in the mix, Marie could and would guide a mule team while seated in an iron seat. But Vaughan always made sure Harry was one of the three mules pulling the plow.

The late Marie Vaughan Fikuart recalled, “I would hug him (Harry) around the neck every time I was close to him, like you would pet a dog or a cat. He was there for me when I needed him. I was just nine years old when I started working him full time.”

For more information, phone Thiele at 573-300-3085 or email lonthiele@ hotmail.com or to purchase a copy of, That Son of a Gun Had Sense, mail $24 to Lonny Thiele, POB 884, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902.

49 • April 2020

Donald G. Winn

Donald Gene Winn, 82 of Sturgeon, Mo., died Friday, February 14, 2020 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Donald was born on August 2, 1937 in Clark, Mo., the son of William Curtis and Lady Belle (Parrish) Winn.

On July 18, 1956 in Sturgeon, Donald married Carol Owings, and she survives.

Along with his wife, Carol, Donald is survived by, a daughter, Karen Abercrombie of Sturgeon; a granddaughter, Deanna Mahan of Sturgeon; great-granddaughter, Kaylea Fehling; nephews, Jerry Mathis, Jerome Mathis both of Columbia, David Winn of Arkansas; and several cousins.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Lawrence Truman Winn, Winfred Curtis Winn, and Lola Mae Winn Mathis.

Donald was a longtime member and Elder at Friendship Church in Centralia. He raised mules, particularly jumping mules, which became Missouri State Fair Champion Jumping Mules. Donald loved to trail ride with his mules.

Donald was a dedicated volunteer for the Sturgeon Fire Department, and Boone County Fire District from 1962-1978.

Donald loved his mules and coon dogs, and really enjoyed antiques. He loved to go to any and every auction he could. Donald never met a stranger wherever he went.

He especially loved spending time with his family, particularly his granddaughter and great-granddaughter.

Mules and More Magazine

Buying A New Mule

by Marlene Quiring

Landing in the position of being in the market for a new mule can be a humbling experience. Once you have owned and cherished a good mule, replacing that mule, or perhaps looking for a suitable mule if you are a first time mule convert, can be emotionally wearing and financially draining, especially if you have not done some homework first.

Jerry Tindell (Tindell’s Horse and Mule School in California) advocates that “buyer beware” is very much applicable in the industry today when looking for a new mule. Unfortunately, there are those who misrepresent the stock they are selling, and then there are folks who really don’t understand what they are selling. If you, the buyer, don’t have a basic standard of what you expect in a mount, or lack the ability to recognize a mule with a good foundation, or cannot judge the temperament you need in the mule, you definitely run the risk of buying something that does not work for you.

Tindell further advises that the problem he sees when buying stock is that the buyer often doesn’t see the animal out of its comfort zone. What this means is a lot of people, perhaps unknowingly, keep their mules, horses or donkeys at a nice even keel at home, where they are easy to manage and comfortable as long as their environment doesn’t change. They are compliant with their routine, but taken out of that environment and put in a new situation their reactions might not be what you desire. Unless you are a seasoned and experienced handler the safety of both might be compromised.

Personally, speaking from experience, it is very important to confer with someone you trust to access the mule you are interested in as to whether it would be a good match for your level of skill. Pick a mentor that is able to judge the mule’s reactions to different situations and gauge whether the seller is presenting an honest rep50 • April 2020

resentation of the mule. While conformation of the animal is important for soundness, temperament should always be at the top of the list for most riders. Beware of sellers that tend to “sugar coat” their stock and keep them in environments that make them appear quiet and calm or put riders on them that can make them look better than what they really are.

It seems to be all the rage right now to use tricks and/or gimmicks that can actually falsify the type of temperament the animal actually has in order to impress the buyer. Over-exposing the mule to outside stimuli (such as roaring chain-saws, cracking whips, and other noisy or disturbing distractions) doesn’t always mean that the mule will not react to that, or something else, once you own it. In fact, sometimes the over-exposure dulls them to things they should be wary of.

My preference is for a mule that still has its preservation instinct not totally taken away.

Now, we have a big part in this deal also: We need to make sure that we have the skill level that is at least up to the level of the training of the mule, and if not, we need to take the steps to educate ourselves up to the mule’s level of training, and beyond. This may mean lessons and clinics from several instructors until you find someone that resonates with you. They should be able to clearly explain all instructions and the reasons behind them, and they should instill in you confidence and the desire to learn more. It should be a fun and rewarding experience and they should always have you and your mule’s safety at heart. If you have a bad experience with a teacher or trainer, take what you can learn from the experience and move on.

If you are just beginning as a rider, it is imperative that you look for an older, well trained, but easy going mule to start with. Walk away from the young mules that may look ‘broke’ unless you plan to send that mule to a trainer and spend your time under a mentor that you trust. No matter what,

“This is my new mule Shadow, purchased at a Reese Brothers Saddle Mule sale,” said Marlene. “Jerry Tindell was watching for a mule that would be a good match for me, and is getting us going in the right direction. Shadow has been a joy to work with.

Use professional help when you can. The results are usually more successful.”

lesson or clinics with established and admired teachers and trainers is always a good plan. There are too many riders out there that get hurt because they never took the time to make sure they have educated themselves beyond what they learned as a kid, and too many mules out there that have not had a solid foundation and are being ridden by unaware and uneducated riders.

We’ve all seen or read about a mule selling for five figures. While it’s great that the value of a good mule can go through the roof, these steps I’m outlining still need to be remembered.

The high price tag doesn’t always guarantee success! This can partly be the new owner’s fault for over estimating their own skill level, however what also can happen is their new mule has been groomed to look good in the show pen, but might lack a good solid foundation which then sets the mule and the owner up for failure. There are a lot of things that become clear when the mule is put into a new environment.

When you prepare to visit a prospective new mule, ask that the mule Mules and More Magazine

not be caught, groomed, feet picked up, warmed up, saddled and bridled until after you arrive. It can be a big red flag when all this is already done and you have not seen how well the mule behaves with each step. Have the seller ride the mule first and watch the mule’s behavior. This is when your more experienced accomplice might pick up on things you might miss as you are very susceptible to seeing what you want, which is maybe not that which is being presented.

Whether you pay top dollar for a mule at a sale or from a private seller, you might be told that you can return the mule. But does that mean that you can get your money back or does it mean you can trade it in for another mule? If you thought you were getting the ‘cream of the crop’ for that high dollar animal, what are you going to get when you have to trade it in on something? That’s not a very promising scenario!

Tindell has worked with mules from clients that cost thousands of dollars, but once home the mule was not what they thought they bought and the original seller only offered them a few hundred dollars back or another mule with a lower price tag. So check these things out before you seal the deal.

Take your time, do your research and don’t be pressured by sale tactics.

Take the advice of a trusted trainer or knowledgeable friend who has your best interests at heart. The amount of money you spend does not always equate to the best mule for you. Remember and practice “buyer beware!”

Marlene has been a passionate mule lover and past breeder for many years.

She believes the best way to ensure a good life for those long ears she loves is to help educate their owners. She resides with her husband, 6 beloved mules and several special felines on an acreage in central Alberta. She manages an informational website www.longears.ca and also a Facebook page Donkeys and Mules of Alberta.

51 • April 2020

NASMDA and AGMA to Hold National and World Championship Level Show

by Candace Shauger, NASMDA President

If you haven’t made your summer vacation plans let me offer a great longear themed suggestion.

NASMDA and AGMA will be holding a National and World Championship Level show on the 9th, 10th and 11th of July at The Roane State Community College Expo Center which sits in the heart of some of the most scenic country in the United States.

There are opportunities for families to enjoy the local attractions which include the Knoxville Zoo, museums, kayaking and canoeing on the Emory River, rock climbing, antiquing, the adventures are endless.

Trail riders can enjoy arguably the finest trail system in North America at the Big South Fork Park which is just a short drive away.

You can put your week together by camping on the grounds at the Expo Center or staying in one of the many hotels in town and enjoy the local attractions early in the week and then on Thursday thru Saturday enjoy a premier mule and donkey competition held at a spectacular venue.

For those of you who want to bring your trail animals you can reserve stalls and camp on the grounds, and use the Expo center as base camp for your trail riding adventures.

For those of you who want to reserve camper sites or stalls please contact our show secretary Joy Brigham, muledonkeyshow@gmail.com If you are bringing your mule or donkey to trail ride and you plan on staying at the Expo Center you will be required to have a current Coggins and Health certificate done with in 30 days.

Please visit these sites to plan your adventures for what could be the best longear vacation you and your family will enjoy.

Please visit this website for more about the South Fork trail system: nps. gov/biso/planyourvisit/horsebackriding.htm Visit these sites to learn more about Harriman TN local attractions: roanealliance.org, roanetourism.org, tnvacation.com We are looking forward to seeing you and your families at Harriman in July!

Mules and More Magazine

MULE CROSSING:

Good Basic Training Includes Common Sense, Part 4

by Meredith Hodges

In Part 3, your equine was properly strengthened and balanced in good posture during the more passive exercises in leading training over obstacles. Now, in the fourth and final part of this article, you and your equine will head to the round pen and learn how to balance correctly on the circle at the faster gaits. You’ll also learn the more advanced and quicker moves that are required under saddle and in harness.

Only after you have adequately completed lead line flatwork and obstacle training is your equine truly ready to move on to the round pen and begin lunging and learning to balance on a circle at the more active gaits. At this stage, he should be complying willingly, walking with the lead rope slung over his neck and with his head at your shoulder. By now, his core muscles should be properly conditioned and strong enough to support his skeletal system during more active use and more complicated movements. Note: The equine that has not had this prior lead line balance and good posture training will have difficulty in the round pen because he has not learned to stay erect and bend his body through the rib cage when on arcs and circles When you are lunging your equine, 52 • April 2020

stand close to the center of the round pen, focus your eyes on the lower part of your equine’s haunches, and then give the verbal command to “Walk on.” Let your eyes and whip follow his haunches while you stand in the center of the round pen. If you want him to stop, say “Whoa,” and then move your eyes and body sideways so that you are more in front of him. Then raise your head and eyes to meet his eyes. If you want him to do a reverse, give the verbal command to “Reverse,” move your body sideways and crack the whip smartly in front of him. You should now be almost directly in front of him, looking him straight in the eye. It is the movement of your body that will make the difference between the halt and the turn. Notice how these subtle differences in your body affect what he does. If you practice these movements correctly and consistently, you will begin to see an improvement in your own body language and in your equine’s response.

It doesn’t matter what anyone else does or says; you go right ahead and take the time you need to work out each maneuver with your equine. Accuracy is preferred over speed.

Lunging involves a lot more than just running your equine around in a circle.

It affords you a tremendous opportunity

to see the affect your body language has on your equine’s reactions. Lunging also helps you to understand how you can fine-tune the communication between the two of you while developing balanced, cadenced and rhythmic gaits in your animal. So start slow and don’t let things go beyond what you can easily control.

With the use of the “Elbow Pull” (instructions on how to make an “Elbow Pull” are given in the Equus Revisited DVD), your equine will begin to build muscle over a correct postural frame. This is much better than letting him develop muscle out of good posture, and then having to go back later and break down established muscle that is out of frame and causing problems. The “Elbow Pull” is not in any way abusive. It is, in fact, a “self-correcting” support, designed to simply suggest to an equine that he stay in good posture. If he stays in good posture, he feels nothing uncomfortable. But if he gets out of good posture, it puts a humane but firm pressure on his poll, his bit, behind his forearms and over his back. This is not unlike the grandmother who insisted that, to assure good posture, you walk with a book on your head. It may have sounded silly at first, but as you got older, you were happy you did it because it taught you good posture that eventually became a healthy and habitual way of moving. The “Elbow Pull” serves the same purpose for your equine and provides support when he cannot consistently hold good posture—he learns a healthy and habitual way of moving.

Before your equine learns to balance with a rider, he must first build muscle so he can sustain his own balance on the circle before carrying a rider. This is also true if you want your animal to learn to lunge on a lunge line. An equine that has not had enough time in the round pen establishing strength, coordination and balance on the circle will have difficulty on the lunge line, because even the slightest pressure on the line will Mules and More Magazine

pull him off-balance. Loss of balance will cause stress and even panic in your equine, which can result in him pulling the lunge line right out of your hands and running off. This is not disobedience but rather, fear caused by a loss of balance so do not punish him for this reaction. The animal that has had strength built on the circle before lunging and riding will not exhibit these undesirable behaviors, which are often misinterpreted as disobedience.

Lunging will begin to develop hard muscle over the core muscles and tendons you have already spent so many months strengthening. It will further enhance your equine’s ability to perform and stay balanced in action.

As this becomes his true way of going, you will notice that even his play patterns begin to change dramatically. Be sure to be consistent with your verbal commands during these beginning stages, as they set the stage for better communication going forward.

After your equine has learned verbal commands while lunging, your next step is to train him to be equally responsive to verbal commands in conjunction with the drivelines. This is done first in the round pen, and then in an open arena, (which will introduce him to a larger space where he will need to become even more responsive to your rein cues).

I have found that, in most cases, the larger the animal, the more docile the personality, which seems to be a general rule of thumb. I have also learned that, if a donkey or mule has a tendency to bolt and run, it’s because they don’t necessarily agree with what you are trying to do or how you are trying to do it. Even though horses usually comply fairly easily, it is important to remember that any disobedience on the part of any equine is ALWAYS the handler’s fault. Regardless of the personality type of an equine, he will always have an honest response to any stimulus. If you ask in the right way, you will get the desired response.

If your equine wants to bolt when you ground-drive from behind, walk 53 • April 2020

beside him and gradually lengthen the distance, one inch at a time, until he has accepted the drivelines correctly—no matter how long it takes. But don’t work on lessons more than 20 to 40 minutes every other day, and make sure he gets his crimped oats reward for “Whoa” and “Back.” I give a lot of “Back” commands while ground driving close to an animal, and I repeat “Back” frequently at every increased or decreased distance behind him. Keep things at a very slow walk until you feel relaxation through the drivelines (there should be no hint of pulling). Stay calm and deliberate and go slowly— be willing to take all the time in the world, if necessary. Whether you are just beginning training, or are already working under saddle, while you and your equine are going to and from the work areas, and during any ground interaction, always review the lessons in showmanship covered in DVDs #1, #8 and #9 of my series, Training Mules & Donkeys before moving on to any new exercises. This will help your equine to really and truly bond with you on a very personal level. If you have multiple equines, be sure to treat every equine as your very favorite whenever you interact with them.

Certain personality types such as slow learners, over-achievers or sensitive individuals do take longer to come around, but when treated with plenty of patience, kindness, trust and respect, they usually do. These personality types may not necessarily be suitable for driving, but they can be quite suitable for under saddle.

In fact, once they do come around, the more “difficult” equines, especially those that have previously been neglected or abused, often bond more strongly with you and look to you as their “protector.” They are grateful for your patience and kindness. These are sometimes the ones who will end up having more “spirit” and thus, more athletic tendencies and ability.

Because I have dealt with many animals that were high strung, I have learned that they require tremendous

patience, but I also know that they can come around. You might just need to back up and do things even more slowly and more meticulously than you ever thought you would need to, but if you do, you should see some positive results. If you lower your expectations for a while and try to have more fun with the basics, chances are that your equine will, too.

Always make sure you work in areas that are adequately and safely fenced so that, if your equine bolts, you can more easily catch him again.

If he bolts, DO NOT, under any circumstances, hold onto the reins, lead or drivelines. Just let go of the lead or drivelines if you are on the ground, and let the reins loose if you are in the saddle. Whether he is on the lead line, in the drivelines or under saddle, when your equine realizes that you aren’t going to play “tug-o-war,” that he will get a reward for staying put, and that it is a waste of his energy to keep running, he will bolt less and less until the unwanted behavior has stopped.

When ground driving, you should not worry about the whip while in the round pen, as the walls will help guide your animal in maintaining the correct position. What you really need to do is keep even contact on both lines (reins) when going in a straight line (or, when in the round pen, on the circle).

Mules and More Magazine

To get your equine to begin stepping laterally, slightly tighten the outside driveline while maintaining contact on the inside driveline, so that he cannot complete the turn. Stay directly behind his haunches and urge him forward.

This will cause him to begin to step sideways, with his face to the wall.

Take only a couple of steps this way, and then slowly straighten him out again—you can build-in more lateral steps as he begins to understand what you want. Be sure to reward him with crimped oats every time you halt.

Once you begin ground driving in the open, you can then carry your whip in your right hand. Feed the line into your right hand under your third, fourth and fifth fingers, and then up between your thumb and index finger. The whip handle will be held in the palm and also come up between your thumb and index finger. Tilt this hand to tap the right and left sides of your animal’s body. The left-hand driveline is fed over the index finger and held by the thumb, and then falls down through the palm. To set the bend for the leg yield (opposite from the way your equine will be tracking), shorten the inside rein and hold it steady. Not too much of a bend—you just want to be able to see his eye on that side. Then squeeze and release the directing (right-hand) driveline to indicate that you want him to move in the direction you are squeezing and releasing. Be sure to give plenty of release between pulls so he doesn’t go too far sideways at first. This should be a leg yield action and not a “side pass.”

54 • April 2020

The “side pass” will come later, as he better understands what you want. If he doesn’t follow your leading rein, you can encourage him to move over by tapping him gently on his opposite side.

It can be very awkward at first, but with time and patience, these movements (both his and yours) will continue to improve.

Only after he is light and responsive to all commands in the round pen and he ground-drives well in the open arena, should you mount him and begin riding in the round pen. When he is light and responsive in the bridle in the round pen, you can then ride in the open, but continue to work in the open arena on perfecting his technique and his responsiveness in the snaffle bit.

You need to be willing to spend the time to teach these things slowly and in an order that will make sense to your equine, so he is not faced with learning too much too quickly. As you have probably already experienced, when you hurry through this process, he may be able to do certain movements, but he will not be responsive to your cues. Unresponsiveness is a sure sign that there has just not been enough time for the lessons he is learning to become his habitual way of responding.

If an animal is trained with sequential, resistance-free training techniques and is given adequate time on groundwork training (a minimum of one year on the lead line and a second year on lunging and ground driving), he will warm up to other people more

easily and will be more “sensible” than those animals that are not trained this way. Each new owner should take the time to review these techniques with newly acquired equines, just to create their own personal relationship with that animal and dispel the negativity of any prior relationships the animal might have had. Spending time doing simple basic groundwork training before actually riding allows your relationship with your equine to develop in a safe and healthy way. It will teach both you (the handler) and your equine how to communicate clearly and effectively.

The exercises described in this article will condition your equine’s body so he can more easily carry a rider (whether the rider is balanced or not), and help your equine to be more capable of executing whatever demands the future may hold.

Remember that patience, kindness, respect and consideration from you will yield the same qualities in return from your equine. When you take the time to cultivate a good relationship with him, you will find that you have a much safer and happier riding and driving companion.

To learn more about Meredith Hodges and her comprehensive allbreed equine training program, visit LuckyThreeRanch.com or call 1-800816-7566. Check out her children’s website at JasperTheMule.com. Also, find Meredith on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. © 2015, 2016, 2020 Lucky Three Ranch, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Mules and More Magazine

How Many is Too Many?

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

I started out with two. Then it was three, then four, then five, and now I have six (and thinking about buying another which will make seven). Six mules and one donkey, when does it stop? I guess when the money runs out.

I got into this hobby with expectations of only having one mule that I could rid,e but the seller said the two mules I was looking at had been together for over six years and would be better off if they stayed together. Was this a sales pitch?

Well, it worked. I bought both. Thus was the beginning of a wonderful new life, the life of a mule skinner and equine enthusiast. I would have never thought I would own all these animals six years ago, but these guys grow on you, as most of you can attest to.

You can’t just own one saddle or one bridle or one of anything once this crazy fad takes hold. My tack room is full, mostly of stuff I thought I would need or looked really cool at the auction, like a collar with a picture of a horse in it. It looked like my white mule Becky, so I just had to have it.

So far its small potatoes compared to all the amenities that I needed to buy, like wagons, carts, sleds, harnesses...

I could go on and on. I haven’t even mentioned the barn, the stalls, the loafing shed, the fencing, the hay, the tractor needed to move all this stuff, including the manure. How about blankets, fly mask, repellent, brushes, combs, shoes and of course the vet bills from shots and other ailments.

Don’t forget a trailer to haul them around and a truck to pull the trailer.

My head is spinning, and if I added all this up I’d probably faint. Why do we keep catering to these beasts? How does it get into our blood?

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind, as the song goes. One thing I do know, I love every minute of it. It’s like a dream come true, I’ve always been an outdoor-type of person, hunting, fishing, camping and 55 • April 2020

One of Noel’s past purchases, and one of Noel’s possible future purchases

working outside at my civilian job and during my military career. At one time, many moons ago, I actually thought of homesteading in Alaska. I sent away for all the books, did the research on the laws, studied the logistics, and worked it all out in my head. It was exciting, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger. I also had a wife and that was a big consideration. Now that I’m retired I can live the fantasy (sort of).

I’m in the middle of 76 acres, a mile from the nearest paved road, and six miles from a town that doesn’t even have a stop sign. It’s not Alaska but it’s my sanctuary with fewer mosquitoes and only an hour or so away from the big city. It’s like a second childhood; I can have all the animals I want (or can afford to take care of) and not a care in the world. I’m on a retirement income, so I do watch my pennies.

So, the question remains, how many is too many? Now that I’ve become an “expert” on mules and donkeys, I’ve ventured into other activities that require mules. I have two wagons, a two-mule hay wagon and a single. My last driving mule died from colic, so I had to buy another driving mule, so I bought a team for the wagons. Now that I have a team of mules, I joined the Draft Horse and Mule Association and plan on doing some old-fashioned plowing. My mini mule Jennie needs a cart to pull the grand kids around, so now I’m also looking for a two-wheel cart. My donkey gets bored too, so I

decided to train him to be a pack mule to carry the beer on trail rides.

When is it ever enough? Probably not until I die, because I’m having way too much fun. As long as my health is good, I’m going for it. My new undertaking is Cowboy Mounted Shooting. (Hey, they have a senior class!) I’ve bought the six shooters and the holsters and blanks, now all I have to do is practice and hope my mule likes loud noises.

The mule that I’m considering now has been trained by some Amish folks and I was told she drives, rides and was used for coon hunting. I haven’t tried her out yet but she would fit right into my program if things work out.

She is about seven years old and about 14 hands. She looks a little slim but I was told the Amish folks worked her about 10 miles a day to get her to drive. Maybe I could make her a competitive jumper too since she used to coon hunt. I’m taking on way too many projects, but my life is never boring. She would be number seven. Is that too many?

I’ve asked the editors of Mules and More if I could sell subscriptions at the mule festivals/sales/auctions that I attend. Since I like to attend these events and write articles for the magazine it makes sense. Plus, I like to promote the mule industry and help out anyway I can, -so look for me at some of the mule events by a Mules and More banner.

Mules and More Magazine

Calendar of Events

March 28-29 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Spring Series Kickoff 1 Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com CANCELED: April 2-5 - Equine Affaire, Columbus, OH https://equineaffaire.com/ CANCELED: April 2-5 - Mule Day, Columbia, Tenn. http://muleday.com/ CANCELED: April 3-4 Salmon Select Mule Sale, Salmon, Idaho https://www.facebook.com/Salmon-Select-Horse-Sale-604740072937117/ CANCELED: April 3-5 - Missouri Mule Makeover Draw Event, 4-J Big Piney Horse Camp, Duke, Mo. https://www.facebook.com/Missouri-Mule-MakeoverOzark-Mule-Days April 7-9 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Huntington, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com CANCELED: April 10-11 - Oklahoma Mule Sale Cataloge Sale, Ada, Okla. https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaMuleSale/ April 13-19 - Shawnee Mule at High Knob Campground, Equality, IL (618)275-4494 April 17-18 - Hall’s Two-Day Mule, Wagon, Equipment, and Old West Auction, Comanche, TX (325)330-0826 April 17-19 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 1 Clinic, Ramona, Calif. (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ or (619) 729-1200, ridingranny@yahoo.com CANCELED: April 17-19 - Midwest Horse Fair, Alliant Engergy Center, Madison, WI https://midwesthorsefair.com/general-information/plan-your-trip/2020-event-canceled CANCELED: April 24-26 - The Mane Event, Red Deer, AB, Canada https://www.facebook.com/ManeEventExpo/ (which includes the Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic that was set to be held) April 25-26 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Spring Series Kickoff 2, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com CANCELED: April 29 - May 2 - Dawson Springs Mule & Draft Horse Days, Dawson Springs, Ky., 270-339-6150 270-871-1959 April 29-May 3 - Mule Days at Leatherwood, Ferguson, NC, (336)973-5044, Facebook Page / Featuring Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com May 2 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Ranch Workshop: Prepare Your Mule for a Win! (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ May 2-3 - Kenda Firkins Cowboy Dressage Clinic, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com May 7-9 - Diamonds in the Desert Premier Mule Sale during Bryce Canyon Mule Days, Tropic, Utah https://diamondsinthedesert.sale/bryce-canyon-mule-sale/ May 14-16 · Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Huntington, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com May 19-24 · Bishop Mule Days Celebration https://muledays.org/ May 23-24 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Spring Series Kickoff 3, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com May 23-25 - Memorial Day Trail Ride and Scavenger Hunt, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com May 23-30 - Caney Mountain Summer Mule Ride, 870-688-1047, www.caneymountain.com May 28-30 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Dunnigan, CA (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com May 31-June 3 - 50+ Chix in the Sticks All Inclusive Weekend, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com June 3-6 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Spokane, WA (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com June 5-7 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 1 Clinic, Reno, NV (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ June 8-10 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Whitehall, MT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com June 12-14 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Montana Mule Days (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com June 12-14 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 2 Clinic, Reno, NV (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ June 12-14 - Lee Hart 3-Day Horsemanship Clinic, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com June 19-21 - Missouri Horse Expo, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com June 18-20 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Tres Piedras, NM (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com June 25-27 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Gunnison, CO (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com June 26-28 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 1 Clinic, Foothills, AB, Canada (877) 820-0233 https://jerrytindell.com/ or (403)540-4242 bonnie.koetsier@gmail.com July 3-5 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Clinic, Groundwork: Laying the Foundation, Olds, AB, Canada (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ or (403)996-3105, kimbaerg@hotmail.com July 6-8 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Driving Clinic, Olds, AB, Canada (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ or (403)996-3105, kimbaerg@hotmail.com July 8-11 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic,Fountain Green, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com July 9-11 - NASMDA National Show & AGMA World Championship, Herriman, TN, www.nasma.net www.americangaitedmule.com July 10-12 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 1 Clinic, Olds, AB, Canada (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ or (403)996-3105, kimbaerg@hotmail.com July 11-12 - Country Tough Trail Versatility Trophy Series 1, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com July 15-17 - Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Wainfleet, ON, Canada (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com July 17-19 - Tindell’s Horse and Mule School Horsemanship 2 Clinic, Olds, AB, Canada (877) 820-0233, https://jerrytindell.com/ or (403)996-3105, kimbaerg@hotmail.com July 17-19 - Mounted Police Clinic with Bill Richey, Mora, MO (660)668-0880, www.vonholtenranch.com July 22-25 Ty Evans Mulemanship Clinic, Fountain Green, UT (801)598-7465 www.tsmules.com 56 • April 2020

Mules and More Magazine

Advertisers Index A.D.M.S....................................................................................................45 Atlas Horsepower Solutions LLC................................................................8 Bishop Mule Days . ...................................................................................9 Canadian Donkey & Mule Association......................................................16 Chrome in the Canyon Premier Mule Sale.................................................21 Dawson Springs, Ky., Mule & Draft Horse Days...........................................35 Design Central/TextTees............................................................................16 Hall’s Two-Day Mule, Wagon, Equipment & Old West Auction (TX).......45 Jake Clark’s Saddle Mule Days & Auction .................................................2-3 Jasper the Mule .........................................................................................15 Lucky Three Ranch/Hodges.......................................................................59 Max Harsha Mule Products by Mark Roebuck...........................................12

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Montana Mule Days..................................................................................17 Mule Mania, Dayton (WA)........................................................................12 NASMDA National Show/AGMA World Championship (TN)................19 PairADice Mules................................................................................ 7 Shoshone National Forest/Shoshone Back Country Horseman...................5 Small Farmer’s Journal.................................................................................16 TS Mules/Evans, Ty....................................................................................60 Tuskers . .....................................................................................................51 UC Davis Production Sale..........................................................................31 Wagner’s Saddle & Tack.............................................................................16 Western Mule Magazine..............................................................................45 What About Bob Chuckwagon Races.........................................................12

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Mules and More Magazine

Cook’s Corral

by Vickie Upton Winter is winding down, and we’ve only gotten a dusting of snow here in Pope County. It was our first winter here and I was looking forward to a big snow, but that may have to wait until next year.

Other than cold and sinus-type sickness, we have both been lucky with our health so far. I hope all of you out there are healthy and getting ready to ride and camp this summer.

For my recipes this month, I chose a soup recipe that I love and a dessert that is equally good. Hope you enjoy them while camping this summer!

Creamy Cauliflower Chowder

6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 tablespoons bacon grease 1 large head of cauliflower, cut in small pieces 1/2 cup yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped 3/4 cup diced onion 2 cups diced celery 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon thyme 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 4 cups chicken broth 1/2 block cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum or corn starch if you want a thicker chowder

Prep all veggies and set aside. Fry your bacon and save the grease. Set bacon aside to cool. Add bacon fat and butter to a large pot over medium heat.

When the butter starts to bubble, add the bell pepper, onion, celery, garlic and thyme. Increase heat to medium/ high and cook until the onions begin to turn brown. Add the bacon to the veggie mixture and sauté. Next, add in the cauliflower, chicken broth, cayenne, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, 58 • April 2020

and reduce heat to the lowest setting and simmer for about 10 minutes until the cauliflower is soft. Next, add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir frequently until all has mixed in well. If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can use xantham gum or corn starch to your desired thickness.

knife and swirl the topping into base.

Bake in oven for 28-30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare glaze and set aside. When the cake is done, add glaze while cake is still warm.

Cinna-bun Cake

3 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar 4 teaspoon baking powder 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs 2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup butter, melted

Topping

1 cup butter softened 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoons cinnamon

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar 5 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degree. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Mix all base ingredients together except butter. Mix well, then add butter and pour into prepared pan. Mixture will be really thick. Combine all topping ingredients in a bowl and mix well, then drop by teaspoons over base as evenly as you can. Take a butter

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March 11-13 ∙ Wickenburg, AZ March 18-21 ∙ Sedona, AZ March 31- April 1 ∙ Salmon, ID April 7-9 ∙ Huntington, UT Canceled: April 17-19 ∙ Madison, WI Canceled: April 24-26 ∙ Red Deer, AB April 29-May 1 ∙ Ferguson, NC May 4-6 ∙ Tropic, UT May 7-9 ∙ Bryce Canyon Mule Days May 14-16 ∙ Huntington, UT May 18-24 ∙ Bishop Mule Days May 28-30 ∙ Dunnigan, CA June 3-6 ∙ Spokane, WA June 8-10 ∙ Whitehall, MT June 12-14 ∙ Montana Mule Days June 18-20 ∙Tres Piedras, NM June 25-27 60 • April 2020∙ Gunnison, CO

July 8-11 ∙ Fountain Green, UT July 15-17 ∙ Wainfleet, ON July 22-25 ∙ Fountain Green, UT August 5-8 ∙ Fountain Green, UT August 13-15 ∙ Driggs, ID August 20-22 ∙ McCook, NE August 27-29 ∙ Wall, SD September 9-10 ∙ Enterprise, OR September 17-19 ∙ Elkhart, IA September 24-26 ∙ New Berlin, NY October 1-3 ∙ Palmyra, ME October 15-17 ∙ Cripple Creek, VA October 28-30 ∙ Huntington, UT November 12-14 ∙ Springfield, VIC November 16-18 ∙ Narbethong, VIC November 19-21 ∙ Narbethong, VIC Mules and More Magazine