Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Grab life by the ears???


Yeah so don't laugh, that is an ugly self portrait, but hey, it celebrates the coming out of the 'Elmer Fudd' Hat. I'd really like a red and black checked one someday...but this does fine.
I got home from work and hubby needed a small rest. Lo and behold I ran out to the pasture with ideas of catching Badger for a little bareback jaunt through the woods we are cleaning up.
What surprised me to NO end. Was that Fred, the pony mule...the mule who believes it is not within his dignity to be 'caught' walked right up to me. I haltered him and took him instead.
Much to Badger's disappointment.

Fred is about 20 yrs old. He has always been sly about getting caught. Two years ago I began a campaign to make him a bit easier to catch. Oh the Big Time Clinicians tell you that you must use a round pen and spend endless mindless hours teaching the mule to come to you.
Right.
This mule knows that in a round pen he is caught. He does everything classically perfect. Turn him out in acreage and good luck...he knows you have NO power.
Yes I have a secret and it is bribery. But not the food kind. I won't share it because I don't think it will work for everyone. But I've converted two very hard to catch mules with my 'secret plan'.

Anyway. Fred is easy on and easy off while riding bareback. And so off we went to enjoy a little adventure.
What a GREAT time I had!



2 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:20 PM

    The first time I looked at this entry I only saw Fred but tonight you appeared wearing that hat!!! OMG!! You are a kick in the pants woman! I want Fred. He sounds perfect for me.

    Dinah is her ol' cranky self but has stopped drinking tons of water so maybe she had an infection somewhere that has cleared up. Poor thing needs a buddy and more attention from me. The bathroom is just about done so I will have no excuses.

    Great entries btw.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Val,
    That hat is too much.

    ReplyDelete

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