Meet Molly

Molly is 18 and just graduated from High School.

In the fall Molly will be starting an Equine Science program at a Tech School in Iowa. How I wish they'd had a program like that when I was her age! She says she will learn to ride, train, AI a horse, collect from a stud, be present at the birth of a foal...and many other cool things. When finished with her program I hope she will be able get a great job.

A few weeks ago I was lying on the ground trying to clean grass gunk out from under the riding lawn mower. I was full of grass goo, dirty, hot sweaty, and frustrated. I'd just learned to change the oil in the simple little mower and had wet juicy grass to unclog under the large mower.

Molly came walking down the driveway. When she walked up to me, she smiled and stuck out her hand to introduce herself and let me know that she and her family had just moved in on the ridge to the house that had been empty since last spring.
I stuck out a gooey hand and we shook.

Molly explained that she'd heard there was two people on the ridge who owned horses was I one of them? I laughed and said I had one horse, but I owned mules.
She commented that she'd never met a mule and that her dad said they were stubborn and mean.

I laughed and immediately took her to my mules. She was surrounded by the red headed sisters and Siera, all who were curious and wanted to a pet.
I took an instant liking to this 18 year old and decided to ask her if she wanted to learn a bit more about equine before she went off to school in the fall.

Last week she came out and helped me curry some winter coats. I introduced her to some of my basic safety rules to have around the mules. We quickly went over body parts and I showed her how to saddle Siera.

Sunday morning she arrived along with my neighbor farmer Linda. Linda had been checking her field for planting above our place on the ridge when she'd seen Molly walking and offered her a lift.

We visited and then got to work.
Molly hadn't forgotten her saddling lessons, she did everything properly. I explained what a crupper was and why we used both a crupper and a breast-collar while riding in our hills. Most flat work doesn't require it, arena work doesn't require it... but we were not going to be on the flat or in an arena. I was going to show her a different aspect of riding.
Hill riding. We first worked in the relatively flat area of the pasture in front of the house.
Molly had learned mount and dismount and how to softly drop into the saddle. She had to combine that with making sure that Mica didn't walk off while she was mounting or dismounting.

Mica can be a 'creeper' when she wants to.

Her posture in the saddle was nearly perfect. And once we worked out all the commands, I took her on a small trail ride. Mica had been a roping mule at one time and she was a 'heeler'. She'd also been my husband's team penning mule as well as his speed event mule. 

I didn't take any photos of us down in the woods other than a view from the top of Sunshine...who really needs a trim on her mane! That will be one more job that I will inherit. Rich says he won't be able to do it.

We ended up doing a bit of brush busting so I could locate the path that takes me to the neighbor's ridge top and snowmobile trail. I hoped to take Molly on a ride through the neighbor's land one of these times.

I told her that what I was introducing her to would be a lot different than the riding she would do in school so I hoped I was not teaching her any bad habits.
I also told her that she can share her knowledge that she gains!

Since Molly works part time at a Dairy Farm, she will now have Fridays and Saturdays off. I know she has duties to be done at home but we are hoping to spend a bit of time each week to work with Sundance and some riding.

I'm pretty happy that Molly came walking down my driveway.

What a great young lady.

Kids and Mules

This is a very unflattering photo of Siera's rear end. As you can see none of these animals are suffering from any kind of malnutrition. They are all glossy and a bit 'round'.

I pulled them out of the meadow and tied them up while I figured out who we were going to put in the winter pasture. The grand kids were coming and they had .... well... they wanted to ride.

I understand deeply what the urge to ride and the want to ride is like. I of course just wrote about being a kid and aching to ride. I don't want the kids who visit here to have to feel that ache.

However, the kids who want to ride can't just walk on the place and jump on and go.
Nope.
Siera, Fred, and Sunshine are really great mules. They are calm and patient. Well, after yesterday, I think Siera is the calmest one I have.
Don't get me wrong. Siera is calm because she is so lazy!
After Ariel and Dennis did a refresher 'class' with Fred in the round pen, I saddled Siera and brought her in.

While I talked about Siera and held her reins, she stood like some Zen Statue. Siera is 14.2. That means she is 56" tall. Fred is 52" or perhaps 53" tall. You may think that those few inches wouldn't be an issue. That is until you try to get your foot in the stirrup that is now 4" higher than the one you are used to!

So the kids practiced getting on and off from Siera safely. I guess that is one of my sticking points when teaching kids anything. Dismount, remount. Be able to dismount on either side and mount on either side.
Note...my mules have been trained to be mounted from either side and are used to quick neat dismounts as well as horrid sloppy dismounts. Why?
Safety!

Siera just stood there while the kids practiced. She just sighed and waited. She didn't try to walk away or move. Siera is one of those mules that is just happy when she has a human with her.

The kids then rode her around the round pen a bit.
We were ready for the next step.

I put Sunshine in the pen and the two kids mounted up and started riding. At first I told them specific things. Then I realized that they would learn more by simply just going about the field without me nagging them on this or that.

Siera didn't want to 'work' for Ariel and I didn't realize why. Rich watched from inside the house and pointed out some things.

I've pretty much been Siera's only rider since she was started under saddle. My body language is very different than Ariel's on top of Siera.
When I settle back in the saddle and simply lift my hands, it is a silent cue for Siera to stop.

Mostly so I can take a photo.

Siera halts and waits until I sit forward and lightly cluck to her while tapping her side with my foot.

Rich saw the difference in how we rode. Siera was taking a cue from Ariel to stop, stop, stop.
When the kids swapped riders Siera moved for Dennis, but the way he sits the saddle is different.
Fred moved for Ariel and did what she asked.

I think Ariel got a bit frustrated with Siera and I could see why. She is the ultimate Lazy Gal. However, she also does not spook.

The kids spent until nearly sundown riding.

After we put away the mules, there was some daylight left.

Those who ride, must take care of their equipment. My saddles were dusty and dirty from last year and I hadn't taken the time to clean things.
I had two sort of willing folks who did a rather nice job on the porch.

The kids want to get up early and help with chores so they can start riding while it is still cool out.
Today I will saddle Sunshine up and join them.

We may even decorate the mules up and ride them up the hill past the neighbors, and out to the Y in the road. A mule parade?
Why not?

There is nothing better in life than a good mule [or horse] and a kid.

Siera Becomes a Million Dollar Mule

It isn't often that a mule 'earns' that 'degree' from me. Although I must say that Badger was the very first one to earn that title.

He most definitely was a 'kid' friendly mule. Even if he was 15 hands tall. He was always careful with the children and walked as though he was carrying eggs on his back.

He was calm and cool headed.

Today I rode out with Ariel and then Dennis. Ariel has a bit more experience with riding and has more confidence in herself.
Fred picks up on that right away. He worked like a charm for her.

Ariel can ride independently from Siera. 
Oh, by the way. Fred is another one of those Million Dollar Mules. He has at least 20 years of experience with novice riders and even experienced young riders.

When Dennis and I rode, Fred walked slowly and carefully. He only followed where Siera walked. Dennis is doing very well but I don't think he quite has the presence of his sister while on top of a mule.

We rounded a corn strip and stopped to admire some Monarch Butterflies that were flitting about.

Suddenly a doe burst from the corn and raced in front of us. Siera stiffened and perked up her ears.
The doe's twin fawns still had their spots, and raced across in front of us also.

Siera stood and watched them intently. I glance back at Fred and Dennis.
Fred was nonchalantly playing tug of war with Dennis to get a snack of nice green alfalfa.

I was relieved that Siera had done her usual. She rarely spooks and generally her spook reaction is to stiffen and then after a big breath it is okay to go on. Had she whirled and fled I would have probably run into Fred and Dennis.

I patted her and told her she was a good mule.

We finished the ride and then I had the kids put on their blue t-shirts from the Titanic Canoe Rental place. Lily, Dennis, and Ariel had all survived canoeing with Morris and I. We all have t-shirts to attest to that fact.

I asked Ariel if she'd get on Siera and we'd take a photo of her, Dennis, and myself for fun and memory's sake.

Boots, helmets, and mules, along with the bright blue t-shirts made for a nice photo.

The kids still wanted to ride, so I asked Ariel if she'd like to ride Siera.
She shrugged. We let them into one of the paddocks and stood back to let the kids ride.

I strongly feel that kids can learn a lot after they've had the basics by just putting more time in the saddle.

Siera performed beautifully. Once Ariel figured out how to 'operate' her, they worked well together.

It looks like I'll have to get Sunshine out if I want to ride with the kids next summer.

Sunshine is a great little red molly mule that we raised out of my old mare. 
She should be getting used more. I think she'd do well again with a job.

After all, she did start out her riding career as a grand kid mule also.

I think I'm pretty lucky to have grand kids who want to ride and mules who love to work well.

Siera has officially gotten her 'kid' stripes.

Would I ever sell her?
Oh, just like I said to the man who wanted to buy Badger from me years ago.

"You got a Million Dollars?"

Firsts

The world of 'firsts' is a wonderful thing.

Dennis got to experience his first fishing jaunt at the Veteran's Memorial Park in DeSoto.

It is a beautiful park located near the Mississippi. Access is from the Mill Road in DeSoto.

We enjoyed the nice floating fishing area and Dennis caught the most fish of course. 

After getting enough fish for supper, we headed towards home. We had lunch and a Siesta.  Well the guys did. I took my little mower and did some trimming.

Dennis had his second lesson on Fred. I found a pair of riding shoes that actually fit him. Dennis worked some more on his balance. He called it his Yoga Balance. Apparently Football players do use Yoga and since he is a huge sports fan, this was a great analogy to 'getting your balance' while riding.

We started the lesson with some leading and ground work. Then Dennis practiced mounts and dismounts. We went back to riding while balanced and then when Grandpa Rich joined us, we added riding balanced while holding the reins.

At this point we don't let the new rider 'rein' the animal. They learn to ride while holding the reins and not directing the animal.

Dennis did very well, so we started with how to use the bridle.
Right, left, stop, walk, backup. All commands needed to 'drive' Fred.

A word about Fred. He gets bored in the round pen, being a mule. And he will decide to test his new rider by not wanting to move at all. This is a mule protest saying "THIS is boring!"

However I love this photo of the guys. The cell phone camera didn't do great, but the sunlight and the dust...sort of sum up the first day with learning to guide Fred with reins.

That night we had fried panfish. Another first for Dennis. He wasn't sure he'd like it, but ended up leaving the corn on his plate and chowing down on fresh fried fish.

We got up early Thursday morning and hustled around. Dennis had made and packed our lunch for our Kickapoo River outing.

We nearly had the river to ourselves which was pretty nice. We stopped at bridge 4 to have lunch.

When we got into Wildcat State Park, we canoed alongside an older fella who was a photographer. He bemoaned the age of digital and said he was upset that all of his film equipment was out dated now.

We canoed and discussed wildflowers, the river, and he pointedly told Dennis that he was a lucky fellow to have someone take him canoeing!

Let's not forget the Navigator!

We made bridge 5 on time and one of the guys from Drifty's helped us pull the canoe up. The driver showed up a few moments later and we were headed back to Ontario.

Dennis talked excitedly and suddenly was very interested in the Kickapoo River as we drove home on highway 131. This highway has the Kickapoo wind back and forth underneath it.

We got back home and Dennis hurried to change into his riding clothes. 
He caught Fred and led him to the gate.

It was time for him to ride in the paddock in front of the house.

We practiced.
Right, left, whoa, back up, mount, dismount, and leading.

Then I left the boys [Fred and Dennis] to experiment and explore while I watched.

In no time at all...

they were taking on challenges.

Today, I'll join Fred and Dennis with Siera.
We'll do some pasture riding.

Dennis's turn on Fred!

Dennis is learning to ride just like the other kids have been doing this summer.

I've thought that by teaching them that they can control their mount while walking alongside them, it will help build the confidence for being on top and...being in charge later.

They learn that it is amazing how with such a light touch they can control this huge animal. This hopefully transfers to a light touch with the reins later.

Let me say that I am not a certified trainer, I've just had many opportunities over the years to work with kids and equines. Fortunately the horses and mules I've worked with have been of exceptional temperament and have had lots of experience with all types of riders.

I think a donkey would work well in this sort of situation also. However most kids wouldn't want to learn how to ride a donkey. We, in this country glorify the horse and tend to look down upon mules and donkeys.

Balance without reins is first taught. Eventually the rider learns to balance without hanging onto things and without using the stirrups.

I was taught as a kid to first ride bareback. But my training was pretty informal. 
Get on the pony, ride and try not to fall off.
I fell off a lot.

Today Dennis will wear some boots. I'd rather see all kids wear the proper footwear, but unless they are riding a lot, I don't insist on having boots.
In the future? I hope all the kids can have a pair of boots to wear!

Today dawned cold and clear. In fact it was downright chilly on the porch this morning while I was having my coffee and watching Morris do his 'thing'.

A big thanks to Dennis yesterday for helping me clean up the porch after I mowed around it and spit grass all over it.

We sat outside and had supper on the makeshift table and watched the sun go down. 

What a good day.

Focus

Well the focus has been on riding. Ariel has ridden Fred every day this week.  She has come a very long way with her skills.

Before riding I have had her take Fred into the round pen and work a bit with him.
Here she was getting Fred to 'Heel' off from her shoulder.

It took a bit, but since he already does this with me, Ariel was able to get him to do it with her.

It helps enable a new rider's confidence when they don't have to touch the equine and the equine mimics their every move while not on a lead line.

Fred has never had any formal training on lunging and since he is about 30+ ish years old, we aren't going to confuse him. He has done such a fine job with Ariel this week.

We started out the week just sitting on Fred and learning to balance and move with the mule.
I can't tell you how many hours we worked with that because I didn't keep track. I just wanted Ariel to learn how to find her seat and feel light and airy on top of Fred.

When we moved outside to a small paddock, she felt confident in her abilities. We keep working on a better leg position for her, but I feel as though I need to try a different saddle. 
The stirrup fenders in this one are so stiff, okay for my husband, but not quite what I'd like to see for a new rider.

Taking care of Fred before and after riding is as important as the ride itself.

Learning that you need to stay focused and confident is all about learning.
Well, at least that is my opinion.  I am not a trainer, I've just done informal work with 4H kids over the years.

Yesterday we got dressed up for our All Two Mule 4th of July Parade.

I put my camera on a tripod and used a remote with a delay so we could get this shot. 
We rode together along our gravel roads but kept the mules on the edges of the hay fields to avoid any traffic if it were to come through.

We never saw a car. And we still had a wonderful time.

After 'the parade' Ariel's folks showed up. We weren't quite ready to stop riding. Ariel didn't want to get off. 
[Not a surprise, I didn't want to at her age either. I was always sad when my rides with my cousins ended.]

So we set up some obstacles in the large empty paddock. Hula hoops, balls, a 'bridge', and a black door mat.

We tested our own confidence with this exercise. Ariel learned that if she believed she couldn't get Fred near the balls, then Fred wouldn't do it.
However, I talked to her and said that no matter what people say, a mule can tell what you are thinking and they feel your confidence in them through your body language.
If you see nudging the ball with the hoof as something you can't do, then Fred will believe he can't either.

We ended up playing kickball with our mules. Not a wild game but where we'd take a few turns getting our mules to bump the balls with their hooves.

Ariel and Fred have made a good team. I think this shot says it pretty clearly.

I am pretty impressed with Ariel's focus and attention to detail. She listened all week as we progressed daily with Fred.
Even when Fred gave her a hard time, she was patient and didn't lose her poise.

Her week of learning to ride is ending and I'm pretty sure that this will be the thing she misses most.

After Ariel finished, her brother was given a ride by Grandpa.

He wants to learn to ride too.

Riding progression

We waited until the afternoon cooled off a bit before getting Fred out for ride number two.

Ariel and I cleaned Fred up and just talked about mules and equine safety. Something I usually do with kids near these large animals.

Ariel has ridden on and off since she was pretty small.
We started working on riding in 2008 with my mule Badger.

Badger left our world in 2012 and we sort of let things go by the wayside. 

We didn't have extended periods of time with the kids and so we really didn't have enough time to really get into riding.

At Grandma & Grandpa Camp in 2014 everyone got a ride on Fred.

And Fred seemed to take to being with kids very well.

Fast forward to the present.
We worked hours on balanced and calm riding with quiet hands and gentle hands. Towards the end of this ride Ariel started to hold the reins.

"Ride like you are a ballerina, with poise and confidence at all times." I told her. "You are a dancer on top of a very powerful animal who is willing to take his cues from you. If you are relaxed, he will relax."

In a round pen or small paddock, I've gotten Fred to 'heel' me off a lead rope. I showed this to Ariel yesterday. I walked along and made serpentines as he heeled at my shoulder. Fred stopped when I stopped, he stepped out when I stepped out. He backed up when I backed up. 
Again I made a reference to working with animals and dancing. "It is a dance between partners. Fred is my partner," I told her, "He knows to mimic my movements."

Ariel watched for a bit and then said, "Siera does this for you too!"
Indeed Siera does.

Then we started working on light hands and reining. Ariel is extremely calm with animals. It shows in this shot where Fred decides to cry out and bray for his mule buddies.
She waits it out unfazed and continues riding.

We move outside as Fred gets bored with the round pen. Mules do get bored and need a challenge.

We practice mounting/dismounting and emergency stops and dismounts. 

Ariel nails all of it quite well and we move to riding in the larger winter paddock. 

The next step after another warm up and review will be fun. I will get Siera and we will ride the paddock together.

Learning to ride.

I had a request by a reader to write something about learning to ride and riding safety which are both very good topics to write about.

This entry will be a bit about what my impressions are about 'learning to ride.'

Let me say first off that although I do ride quite a bit, I am no expert at teaching riding.

However for 4 years I was involved in a 4H program where I was a leader for our group for the Horseless Horse Group.

Children who did not own a horse, got to 'borrow one' and use that horse to show at the County Fair at the end of the year.

The children spent all spring and summer preparing for their 15 minutes of walking and trotting in front of a judge.
They also learned showmanship as it was mandatory for all horse showing.

The learning was done in an enclosed area.  I didn't have a riding arena, so we had a section of pasture that was roped off.

The first part to learning to ride is getting to know the animal.  I usually started with body parts and grooming.

Next came all the saddle parts and tack uses.  
In riding, one uses the tack, the saddle, and their entire body to communicate to the equine they are riding.

It is not a process that is learned immediately.
It takes time and practice.  

It is amazing at how well certain animals will behave around children.
In my life I have been blessed with some incredible equine.  

There was Red, an ugly quarter-mix gelding who was probably Mr. Bombproof.  He was in the Horseless Horse Program for 4 years.

I had Cheyanne, who was not a 'child' horse, but worked with kids very well in an arena setting.  She took many older-young riders to blue ribbons in the fairs.

There was Badger the mule.
Big and Gentle.  

There is Fred.  Old and wise.  He is always willing to work quietly with youngsters.

There is no trick to learning to ride.
It takes time and patience to learn to balance on a moving, living, breathing animal.

My uncle taught us to ride bareback.  In the 60's there were no safety helmets.  We learned by eventually getting a sense of balance.
Each summer we'd ride for hours and hours.  Sometimes so long that our legs would be incredibly sore the next day.

The photo above is of me on the pony when I was about 15 years old.

Note the bare feet and the twine string reins.  My sister is on the horse next to me.  She was riding Charlie Brown and I was riding Thunder.