Sir, I still have to go back and watch the first videos in the series but I woke up and saw this one posted and was immediately intrigued. I think I have watched it three times total now and am just amazed and inspired at your dedication and determination to train your animal and do so in the proper manner. Ultimately I have never broken a horse or mule however I grew up riding and have trained with pack animals at high elevation desert training sites for mountain operations over seas. Your commitment to the way you conduct yourself with all aspects of everything you do whether it be hunting or this new arena, you are inspiring to an aspiring hunter. You display a great model for all huntsmen to follow and I look forward to more projects from you.
Jason Munson thanks a lot Jason! Click on the Project Hunting Mule playlist and you can watch from the first episode when we bought her to everything in between.
Jason Munson I was pretty much going to say the same. I'm subscribed I found this video as a recommendation from RUclips. I'm also impressed and touched how gentle and caring you are with this gorgeous animal. Best of luck and safe travels.
Bear Hunting Magazine i have two donkrys one named quey and pete i love them both so mych i have made a inceradible bond with them both.I havent seen them in a while but i look forword and seeing them this summer.they live in Arizona. U are such an inspiration to the world and i love that u take the time and detication to help these animals because another person could have them and hurt them cause they dont know what to do with them. So thank u sur i respect u with all my heart. 😄 coming from new york
I’ve been in the horse industry for 54 years. The simple fact that you acknowledged when it was your fault, that’s what makes a horseman! You love them and they’ll love you right back. I’ve seen Olympic level riders, with tempers! Thank you for being so kind to her!!
I used to break and shoe full time and I still do every now and then. I can’t believe the snobs commenting on the fine job you did. For a first timer that was fantastic. The ones nitpicking you aren’t professionals; a professional knows that there are as many opinions as there are farriers and trainers. Keep up the good work!
The people complaining about how you trained YOUR Mule probably watch RUclips videos and think they’re professional horse trainers. Keep up the excellent work buddy, enjoyed the videos
They worse than that partner , way worse . It's absolutely none of Anyone's business how,who,when,why this Man trained and Got to Know this animal an it learn to trust an know him. They a wanting to get into a whole lot of the Wrong folks buisness lately, I know that ! I could saddle and bridle my own animal before I ever saw the inside of a schoolroom ! I Thank God for it too !
I agree! He clearly did an excellent job!! Ive decided recently with my project mare to stop trying to go "by the book" amd just let her guide me. Its actually going better now and i know it will be worth the work. She has the sweetest smooth little lope, im dying to just lope her around the pasture. So far ive only had the pleasure of experiencing it when our sheep ram is chasing her lol
In the future, and given the right circumstances that you could do this. Tip for trailer training. Park the trailer with the door open out in the pasture for a few days and throw some hay in it. Horses being curious animals will eventually go check it out, and the hay is just an incentive to coax them to hop in on their own. Once they realize the trailer isn't as scary as it seemed, and they were aloud to check it out/get in without being forced, it makes that first time being asked to hop in a lot easier. Don't know if it'll work as well with mules, since I've never directly worked with one, but this trick tends to work on horses in my experience. Another small tip. If you're horse/mule has a buddy, load the buddy first, then try and load the other. The draw from their pasture mate will coax them in and make the situation less scary for them if their buddy is calm about it. Good luck in the future!
Had a horse that had been accustomed to loading onto trailers this way. Only problem was that he thought ALL trailers were his and full of food. Used to keep escaping at shows and raiding other people’s trailers
"The heightened sense of awareness you feel in a situation like this feels almost superhuman. The human experience doesn't feel truly lived until you've been on the back of an animal like this." Thanks for the inspiration man. The challenging but fulfilling reward of pursuing ownership of such a complex animal is so compelling to a young Jersey boy like me. I'm planning on settling down in the Pacific Northwest in the next couple years with career goals as a game warden, and having a mule sidekick seems like a solid option for a companion inside and outside of work. Hope all's going well with ya'll!
I've been horseman an cowboy for most of 40 years and with that experience there are somethings I would have done different, but all in all you where great. Your goals and fundamentals were right on. True horseman leans along with their partners be it a mule or a horse. Its a relationship of working though the mistakes and sharing in experience. You learned how to keep breaking it down in more simply transitions that helped her relax and communicate with you better. Every horse/mule is different an all videos an fancy tack,won't make any difference if you're not in it for relationship. I've often said that horse-man-partnership is a 51/49 % split you only need 51% of controlling interest. In the end you where there an your little mule showed it. You did a fine job an will have a great partnership for a long long time. What twists my tail is all negative feedback. If you're anything close a horse person, would seen your self in these videos. If you never tried the right thing an got the wrong result you've never worked with a horse or mule at least not a live anyway. This the worst part of an industry I've worked in most my life. To many trainers so full of their own insecurities they have nothing good to say. There's an old horsemans code that most of you tin horns should learn . Never tell a man how to ride his own horse, unless he asks, cause its not your partnership. Good job young man we should get us a string of those pretty young mules and go into business, the world needs more good mules like you have, so they don't end up with these bull s*** wouldabeens.
That was one of the best comments I have seen. I have started a few colts in my day and made plenty of mistakes but learned from them. This young man did a fine job and will end up with a gentle dependable partner.
I see a lot of “experts” on here who likely have never owned or handled a mule- they truly are 100% different than a horse. You made mistakes, but you worked and corrected. You wound up with a mule you could get on without a rodeo, and that’s a win in my book! There’s got to be a first time for anyone who breaks a green equine, and there isn’t a trainer alive who doesn’t mess up, push too hard, use the wrong technique when another would have done. Making mistakes is a part of learning, and a mule is a hell of a teacher who won’t let you forget when you screw up. I wish you many happy trails with this molly, and good job on working so hard with her as a new trainer! Can’t wait to see the next one :)
I watched several videos, professional and non- professional, and this is by far one of the best videos I have saw. You don't have to watch hours and hours of videos to see what you do with this mule. You definitely have a gift and you use it!
After reading more of the comments regarding the trailer loading process, and having experience myself with loading horses who are basically "untouched" or barely halterbroke... you get the horse into a small-ish area such as a round pen or small paddock. Back the trailer right up to the gate and secure the gate and trailer door open. Use your basic round penning techniques to get the horse or mule moving, turning on cue in both directions, and stopping to face you when asked. When done right, this is less than 15 minutes of work even with a feral horse or mule. Next, you get the horse moving and you take pressure off (allow to stop and relax) every time the horse/mule's nose is pointed toward the trailer. Big reward. The instant their attention goes away from the trailer, get moving immediately. Just like you said in your video... make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. You're essentially turning the trailer from "danger zone!" into "comfort zone" by taking off pressure and allowing to rest as long as the horse/mule is moving toward the trailer, and putting pressure on and increasing "work" whenever the horse/mule turns away from the trailer. Within a 1/2 hour, you've got a mule jumping into the trailer happily, as that is the calm resting space for her, and everything outside of that is work work work and somewhat uncomfortable. If this is not an option, and you have access to using round pen panels (and rearranging them to set up a sort of squeeze gate), you can get some really great ideas from the youtube videos on the wild mustangs... just search for "blm mustang pickup day 1" and you'll learn a lot of safe practices for very quickly getting a wild equid on a trailer without harm or even much stress.
So impressed with your determination, and heart and compassion working with this beautiful mule. For your first time training, you can see the amount of study and prep work you did so that you can be a better leader for her. Well done!
Good work, you are now ready for a lotta really pleasant times with your mule. My grandpa farmed with mules so when I got out of the army and started my own small farm I got a team of mules. That was 48 years ago and I have owned and used 5 mules in that time; I broke and sold all but 2 which I kept to use. I worked the farm, logged, went on wagon trains and rode trail rides until I was crippled up and can no longer go out and do physical stuff. When my daughter was growing up at 8 years old she started riding one of the mules. By 10 she would come home from school, saddle her mule by herself and ride the mountains behind our farm with her cousin who had a horse. I envy guys like you who can still do that, but I also salute you for a job well done. Happy trails my friend.
Pay no attention to all the negative nellies and naysayers! I've trained wild and feral horses, and have been breaking horses to ride for decades. Nobody does things "right" or "perfect" the first time around, and there will always be tons of people who would do things differently than you and feel they must put you down because they don't exactly agree. We all have to learn somehow. And, you Sir, are on your way. You recognized your difficulties that came up and you thought through them, you remained steady and did what you felt was right in your gut. End result, you have a great little mule who respects you and listens to what you need from her. I wouldn't do things exactly as you have, but, at many points in my learning process I have done every thing you have shown in this video, as I was trying to figure it all out, too. It is good to see some people here in the comments sharing their experiences and having positive discussion about the video. And it's disheartening to see the negative naysayers who are just kinda being mean and "know-it-all" instead of initiating constructive discussion about things that they would do differently than you. For your first time, I think you did leaps and bounds better than most people do! Just keep at it... you and your mules will continue to learn and grow, together. Confidence and knowledge from hands-on learning (sometimes the hard way! lol!) is far more meaningful and solid than any other type of education :)
@@VentureTime_ow Do you Know the thickness of those animals hide? Didn't think so, it's not the "hitting' that has effective results as it's the snap an Pop of the wrong move verses the gentleness in his praising the animal when she does the task correctly.. least We forget it's a animal , a Owned piece of property as well !
@@VentureTime_ow You are being an exhibit A to the wrong mentality. Simmer down and present a persuasive counter arguement or realize you are wasting your breath
This is exactly how I back every single horse. Time, patience, understanding. Every one of my horses is wonderful. I thought I was an odd ball. This is the first video I have come across that does things like I do. Glad I'm not alone.
I also broke out my first mule not really having any idea but some Clinton Anderson foundation material, it was definitely the most rewarding experience I have encountered as well. You are right about it being indescribable especially to someone that has not taken the risk of it. It is very unnerving, but the most awesome thing when they do not get bucked off and knowing it is because the time you took putting in the ground work and fundamentals, that's the best. Riding my mule today and knowing I did this on my own, super proud, way better then paying for training any day. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Wow, also just going to say thanks, because WAY too many people out there don't know anything and think they do so they go and try train a horse and end up messin the poor thing up. thank you for doing it right.
Pretty Pally 2017 Anymore examples of him doing wrong besides how he tied, where he tied, and how he loaded? I get you're 14, but have you actually dealt with a half ton (or more) animal that has never been touched, never even seen humans before, or they have but never had good expierences? Best bet is you don't, and you'd be too scared to approach the horse. If you have, you wouldnt have only complained about where he tied the mule. So you, like all the others in this comment section, will attack and pick at the little things instead of seeing the big picture. As someone who works on a farm, and has trained mustangs, retrained thoroughbreds, and even my own horses, I can tell you he did just fine, especially for the first time. This is exactly how he can learn. Looking back on himself, and improving instead of reading hateful comments from people who barely know as much as he did on his first time.
Tying the mule to the panels, using a Tom Thumb bit, didn't do the bareback method to gain trust, it lets the animal know you aren't going to eat it when you're on their back. Using fear and punishment by making the animal go towards something without showing them it's okay first. Equine animals learn by leaders, mules work differently than horses. They're smarter but they also need to know they can trust you. It took him much longer than it should have taken because he didn't have help like he should have. The list goes on. I cringed so much watching him. He could have really gotten hurt several times by not doing the "right" thing. Such as pulling the mules head into his knee when mounting. Instead she took off and he's lucky he didn't get a hoof to the face. I do hope he looks back and sees everything he did was not correct. That is in fact how we all learn.
@@SmolBean98 Um, that 14 year old seems to know better than you, and many 14 year olds are excellent horsemen. How he tied that mule could have resulted in serious injury or death. Also, the guy says "I whack her when she doesn't do what I want" which shows that he doesn't understand the most basic concept of horse training: horses don't learn from pressure, they learn from the release of pressure.
Thank you sir for taking time and doing it RIGHT. I had a stud colt that I trained that way. Laid a hand on him when he was first born. Turned him out for a year and on his 1st birthday he got his first halter and began learning touch. 1 year and a half we began saddle training. By two he was ready to be ridden. No bucking fighting or hassle involved. Everything was built in trust with spent time.. Best horse I've ever owned.. Most trainers are in for the money not the love of the animal and with their mentality a lot of innocent sweet companions get hurt or destroyed...
You, young man are AMAZING and have EXACTLY the strength, calmness, kindness and ability to see things from her perspective. I've no doubt you will end up with the most priceless molly mule in the world. I, like you have NEVER believed in pushing an animal and my mustang proved me right on that view. I didn't break him but worked with him to learn what I wanted and Ive never since had that type of special connection because Ive not found another mustang like him yet. God bless you for your kindness with your beautiful mule.
What an amazing job and shame on you all for putting a dislike to this video he saved this precious mule most people wouldn't have even given this animal 2 seconds but he gave it months and months God bless him for giving this animal a chance
Ah I love this! I love mules so so so much! They are so under appreciated! They are so smart and loyal and kind animals! I have a bond with my mule unlike any iv had with a horse. She is all around amazing. She has her moments but I love riding her and I love working with her! ❤️ I don’t know what it is with mules but they are just my heart!
You did a great job, showed the precepts of Natural Horsemanship. It's obvious that you studied hard and applied what you learned. Thank you for posting this. You are a great animal person.
This was very interesting, you see my great,great grandfather worked for the Mule train. I know that the mules are very great st long travels and harsher terrain. Will watch the other ones. Thanks.
Brilliantly Done !...for a self confessed amateur you did a wonderful job. I have been a jockey, breaker the whole nine yards and you done a great job of earning her respect first, trust and confidence..I had a go at that "Kat" too....
That was great! Reminds me of training my birds of prey. Slow and steady without forcing anything on them that could lead to resentment. Your the man Clay
He did his home work ,,,now it pays off ,,,no need to rush take yr time ,,,work together as a team , in the end u have a bond ,,,,,man u are grate person ,
Thank you I enjoyed your video. I loved how calm and thoughtful you were, and how the mule clearly came to trust you. I was smiling when she stood so nicely with you sitting on her, and moved off without bucking. Well done!
mules are awesome, I learned to train horses by training mules.. my mentor always said "If you can train a mule you can train any horse!" which is true, Mules are so much more smarter then horses you have to build a better connection with them.. great job! loved this video.. and you've earned a new subber!
You are my second Animaltarian today. Well done. You don't have to be crewel breaking any animal in. A bit of love and patience brings both together in a special kind of bond. The other way is the wrong way.
I can't believe there are so many negative comments and "armchair" experts! This guy has never done this before and he did a better job than most so called trainers! He took time and learnt by his mistakes. They both took the journey together and I think he did a bloody fantastic job. Each to their own. I'm no horse trainer but I backed my appoosa myself 10 years ago and just went day by day. I have a horse who takes precious care of me now I have severe pain with arthritis because of our strong bond. Think outside the box and be more positive to others instead of criticizing. I guarantee he has a great partner for life there.
You show fantastic patience and commitment. It’s not easy and it’s great that you are showing your frustrations. It makes it all that much satisfying to reach success.
@@khtriding7427 well yeah...thats the point isnt it? Someone who can properly weild a whip will train a mule much faster than someone who doesnt. So what is the criticism? Its like whatever your idea is, reality is saying somethin else. Reality us saying if you use both positive and negative reinforcement, and are balanced with both those, then you can train a mule faster than only someone who uses one form of motivation
Thats a pretty little mule. Good job being patient with her and having the humility to understand when you were not communicating to her correctly. Nice video.
This is my opinion; I believe he did decently well, this is the first video I've watched from him, but I believe there is other ways besides using the whip constantly. Mules are pretty smart but stubborn at the same time, even though I lack experience with mules. I loved how he took his time with getting on the saddle, it was amazing. I enjoy the lunge work but I would lie off the whip. You can always make the wrong thing hard even without the whip otherwise good job.
I have 2 ponies. They are green-broke meaning i just got on them and rode. One is a good girl. The other is EXTREMELY skiddizh. Ive had her since zhe was one. She was a nurse mare baby saved by a woman when she was being taken for slaughter. As wild asshe gets, she goes out of her way trying not to hurt me. In the past shes allowed me to get on her back. After a few minutes she rubs me against thinhs trying to get me off. When i tried to get her to trot she begins bucking. I will have alot of trouble now becaue i havent tried again. Doc gavememed for horses that jave been stall bound due to illness in an attempt to calm her enough for me to work with her. Because of you, i now know how to approach this. Thank you so much. This was better than any training video. Rather than talking about fancy technigues, you demonstrated training through trust. I love it. Thank you so very much
This is the only one I've seen in your series and coming from a Singular HORSE background, no mule experience whatsoever, I have to say, you did an amazing job with Izzie!!
Mules are so much smarter than horses, teaching an untouched but halterbroke 18mo mule is about 5x as hard as a wild mustang. Currently training my 7mo molly mule that’s been handled everyday since birth and it’s still a struggle ! She’s so strong already and she knows it. -you can tell a horse but you have to ask a mule
Hey thanks for the comment and good luck with your mule! We're going to do an update video sometime in the next few weeks. It's been a year since we got Izzie and she's doing really good.
Good job! Going slow with mules is the key. So glad you were smart enough to acknowledge what needed to be done. There are a lot of trainers out there that don't have success with training mules because they don't realize how slow and the trust you HAVE to build with them. Congratulations man!
Hey man that was a good way to break your mule. I enjoyed watching you, I did exactly what you did when I was 12 and you brought back all the fear that I went thru, I've got to say I was regretting asking for this wild pony,, she never ever was in the presence of a human being, the day we rounded her up she kicked my uncle thru a wooden coral lol. Enjoy your hunting!!!
Coming from someone who has worked with trainers, trained horses myself, and have been around them all my life: you did a really good job with your roundpen and ground work. Your way of thinking/training is great, and you should be proud!
I’m so happy how well you’ve treated and not “broken” the mule, and I’m not hating but the only thing that bugged me was that when he got on her after he got on the first time her asked her to move. I understand that she was behaving but I personally think that once you’ve done in reward her and start moving a day or 2 or maybe 3 days after, just so they’re used to having someone on their back more. Otherwise I loved it!
Amazing thing you have accomplished. I have had horses all my life and packed into the cascade mountains behind my home. But only road a neighbors mule one time. I wish life was a little longer for me to have some mule stories and experience. Good wishes to you and thank you for sharing.
Well you've done it now. You dared to train and ride that mule not having done it ever before. Thanks I so love to see someone do anything right.I would ignore all of them naysayer's! You and the mule figured it out ! Made me want to try to do it .I'm to old now. I'm going to look around for pictures of my family packing into Mt. Saint Helens to hunt and fish.Back in 40s 50s and 60s. There is so much more to see astride and less noisy. After the mountain blew we all left. I subscribed I'll send you one with a couger or bear in it.!
Tom Morgan Hey Tom, thanks for the comment and encouragement. Sounds like you’ve got some experience riding in some neat places. If you subscribe, thank you.
The thing I like the most is that you did not use pain to train her and that when you got on the first time, you used a rope halter and not a bit, no spurs or martingale or anything. Please continue to ride her bitless like you do now. I think you know it's much better for her and that's why you started her like that. Well Done!!!
Hey I'm not trying to be rude or negative. I love what u have done for this animal but when it comes to training a horse or mule, when u are breaking it with the saddle you want to put the saddle on both sides and get her used to having the saddle and heavy weight on both sides of her body. I know from experience that it helps to have the animal used to having the saddle put on both sides of the body. It also helps to get on from both side. I hope u take my advice. It will truly help you in the future
Ranch Chick We used 2 sandbags on a rope in balance after the horse (or pony) got used to the saddle, adding more weight as necessary. We were country kids so don’t know if that was the right thing to do but it worked. The old timers were of the “get on, hold on and ride “ school but I liked my face and wanted to keep it. What you said makes sense.
Honestly when I was watching the beginning of this video, I thought "This is a disaster waiting to happen." But as I continued watching I was impressed. I can see that you have gained knowledge and understanding as the video progressed. I hold you in high regard for pointing out when you made a mistake and taking the blame, not placing it on the mule for acting badly. I think this is an important aspect of working with equines. Their actions are a direct reaction of our actions, whether we realize it or not. Don't let the negative comments discourage you. We all have to start somewhere and we all make mistakes. That's just how we learn to be better. You're doing great for this being your first time training, and with an unhandled mule at that. Keep up the good work!
You have already figured out how negative and judgemental horse people can be. I'm surprised you got so many positive comments considering those folks seem to be here in force. Funny thing about most horse people; they have never and would never do what you did. They'd rather pick at you. Makes them feel better about themselves I guess. Well let ' em. They didn't do what you did. They didn't learn what you learned. Keyboard warriors full of hot air and Cheetos the lot of ' em.
carp614 Even though I had rather just buy one that is a been there done that, he has done a great job! I finished off a green mustang at age 12. That was before having 4 kids. My kids need me. Lol! It is a FULL TIME JOB teaching a horse!!!
I am TRIGGERED- naah I’m kidding, but not all horse people are like that, I myself am a horse person and would gladly train a horse/mule, id love to actually, but I hope you know that not all horse people are are snobby and or rude and judgmental. (Note, I have never trained a horse nor mule, I know the basics as I have seen it done, but I myself have never trained one.)
There are some things I would've done differently, but overall, I am very surprised at how both you and her turned out. The first time you train a horse/mule is scary, but it's also a learning and rewarding experience for both you and the animal. Good job.
You and your mule crack me up. Outside you're calm and collected, inside you're internally screaming. We've all been there lol. I saddled my gelding for the first time today, and let me tell you, I felt like I needed to pee and scratch my face the entire time. They learn our body language and facial expressions, so I try to keep it neutral, when truly, I am internally screaming also. I've had some 900IQ ideas that have almost got me hurt, you're braver
Clay, you did a great job with this mule. I can tell you she is a more donkey type mule. Not easy. I have started one, another green broke as well as a couple horses and the part you missed was ground driving. Using long lines would be very helpful. My number one mule right now I spent 8 weeks on the ground and he was easy so it was great to see you spend so much time on the ground. Not near the mule Izzie is in terms of temperament. Izzie is like a 8 and he is like a 2. I would never mount a training equine without ground driving first. Also I never like to use the term "broke" or "breaking". While we understand what it means, the idea is we are "starting" for a life of service. Certainly you are not breaking Izzie's spirit but rather getting her started. Learn to trust, learn to forgive and learn to enjoy. Thanks for the great videos.
What an interesting series of videos! I say excellent job, first time or not. Good for you on taking it slow and respecting the animal and treating the training process not least as one of personal growth. From animal training perspective the journey could've been easier on all of you had there not been so many times where she learned the wrong lesson, meaning the situation was such that she was able to get release by pulling/rearing/bucking/running. But having the foresight to predict and plan around those situations takes a lot of practice. It was wonderful that you didn't blame her when those situations occurred and it looks like towards the end you were able to better control the environment and not get in a situation where you have to physically fight her. Another thing is that it seemed from the footage you could've made it clearer that you relinquish pressure immediately as she does the right thing. The pressure on prey animal is not just direct touch or pain, it's also physical proximity, movement towards, psychological pressure, as you know and showed, and release of that pressure is a major reward. More than vocal praise or lack of punishment she might appreciate that you clearly step back from her and let her be for a moment when she does what you asked - like when you were pushing her to go past the barrel you could've put the whip and your hands down, relaxed, looked away and allowed her to stop or walk, and then after that reward made a point to change your energy and intent, when you asked her to pick up trot again. It might make the pressure/release clearer for her and keep her thinking. I'm not sure where the difficulty with training mules comes from, maybe their intelligence, but making both pressure (direction, type, strength and timing, your intent) very clear as well as release of pressure as a reward (timing, your energy) - the "make the right thing easy, wrong thing hard" idea in other words -, should always help no matter what the animal. I find starting from my own intention makes it easier to coordinate everything, to respond faster and to control my own fear. Even if it doesn't help the animal, it helps the human to keep better track of what we're doing... Well all in all you must've done a lot of things right and of course the animals also adjust to us stupid humans, even when we make mistakes, and everyone makes mistakes. So well done and thanks for sharing your journey. And the honesty is truly inspiring! You've trained her to fulfill a practical purpose, but for a modern human using animals it should be about personal growth, as it clearly was for you. It also came across from the footage, how much all of it meant to you personally. That's brilliant and what a beautiful mule she is.
Fast great comment and excellent input. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. It was a tremendous experience indeed! Soon we’ll be making another project mule video showing how’s she’s doing after a year. This video was made in 2017, so we’ve been riding her for a year now. Thank you
it's 12/18 & I am watching ep 6 only. AWEsome Bear Hunting Magazine. I have had 4 horses in my life and they came to me well trained. this week I bought a 7 yr old Molly. she has been saddled 3x and packed 1x. but that is all I really know... I have been one of her rides but she has had only, maybe an hour and half with the saddle. she is so quick to catch on and remember.. so very smart. I am looking forward to developing a relationship and communication with her. I see from reading through the comments that you will do an update... looking forward to it. I would have done a couple things different U were incredible. I doubt I would have done as well as you without the experience I already have from my horses... Happy Trails
You did a very nice job for your first time! There's a first time for everything and you did very well with yours. Congratulations on your beautiful mule :)
She senses your heart racing, believe me. You've spent enough time with her, she probably knows more about you than you know about her. Beautiful mule, nice job.
I have never trained an animal. To be honest I've always been afraid of them. What you did took an amazing amount of patience. More than I had with my children. Many thumbs up to your effort.
You did a great job, this is how you learn and grow as a person/rider...you try new things and set goals. I love how you didn't get frustrated and were patient. I poked around your youtube channel and found you riding her on a turkey hunt. Having a mule trust/respect you is more important than anything else. She looks happy and relaxed in VLOG11, the trust and respect is clearly there. I also broke my own mule to ride. It was not an easy task compared to training horses.
My grandpa breeds and trains Andalusian horses in costa rica, when it comes to saddle training, he would put a heavy sack on their back for several days/weeks before actually riding the horse, that way they get used to carrying the weight around.
this, and water. They generally like water, and walking in it. You can lead them in deep, and float out over their backs without weight on them, so they get used to you there and as they go into shallower water, gradually more weight. And a plus is they can't kick as easily in water.
Really good job. I have started several hundred English colts and it's cool to watch a mule get started. I have always heard that the mule colt is harder to start because of their high standard of self preservation which may link to the fable of stubborness. Once again, you did good. Thanks for the post.
Awesome work! The fact that you got on her and just let her go in any direction was a good thing! That’s exactly what I do with all the colts I started on their first ride!
Your patience and understanding paid off. She's going to be a good, quick little hunting mule, once y'all are totally used to eachother. I love mules, and she's particularly spirited, which is a bonus. I bet she'll be fearless, too.
I feel like it would have been better when you tried to mount her to balance out the wait, the saddle was crooked and looked really uncomfortable when you mounted her
This is an awesome video series. Many thanks for uploading the series. RUclips is full of "horse" training videos. But very few mule training videos ... And the ones that are on youtube want to charge an arm and a leg buying their videos. Can't afford these fancy, high dollar videos. You did a fantastic job of working with this mule. Especially seeing how she was from the beginning. And not having any training experience yourself. Just an awesome job my man!!!
I have a mule, I rescued from slaughter, that I'm working with now ... Your videos have given me confidence that I can train this mule. I've worked with horses, but mules are a little different. Getting their trust is the most important thing.
I'm sorry RUclips is a harsh place.... But I personally think that you did wonderful, especially for your first time training a mule. And to all the haters, maybe give some positive input, so that he can get better, instead of acting like he should completely stop.
Like Jason , I have to admire the " proper manner " with which you went step by step in the training. It is probably one of the reason you didn't experience some air time when you first got up on lzzie . I was first intrigued with a mules strength and perseverance when I saw a very dangerous trek in the mountains of Peru ( on RUclips ) during a rain storm . A mules rear right leg actually went through a make - shift wooden (rotted out ) small bridge , but it pulled and pulled until it freed itself . The pulling had to be extremely painful , but the Mule wouldn't quit . Absolutely amazing tenacity inbred ! Evidently they don't know what "Quit" means . If I can find the video , I'll forward it to this site . I know you'll see something that you never thought an animal would do . Well done !
Trust my man...equals respect...did a bridle and saddle to an Arabian when she was 2...you teach them manners..you don’t break their spirit...great job, and great heart...
Well, I am a late viewer, but this was an excellent job. Especially so when you say you've never done it before. One thing though. A mule can duck out from under a saddle if it wants to. That's why they need a strap under the tail - to keep the saddle from sliding forward. Some use the flank cinch and simply go around the rear end. Some have a single strap that fits around the tail and goes straight to the cantle. This method lets the flank cinch be used normally. Even without the mule trying to get rid of the saddle, steep terrain can let the saddle move forward and increase possibility of galling. Of course, convincing a mule to accept something under its tail is a process also 😁.
You did a really good job overall but just one thing. The only reason she ran away when you put all of you weight in the stirrup was because the saddle was pinching her withers. It's really best if you just get on at first. But you did really good!!
People don't realize what makes a good rider, and trainer. What that is , is good horsemanship. You followed, and did rather well for the first time. You understood her more than most of these people commenting. You took it slower than most, you understood the signals she gave, and you definitely used common sense. People train in different ways, but you trained heading the right direction. A lot of these comments are by people who /think/ they can train, have been taught wrong, or train with very little understanding of the animal they work with. You did a lot of things right, for a first timer. Of course the people complaining will disagree with anyone who challenges what they know, and were taught. It's not difficult to understand animals, as long as you have common sense. Frankly half the time I see a Bird training animals better than humans can. Hopefully she will, or has made a great riding mule.
He bought her from someone and she was unhandled. How the hell is he supposed to train her on a trailer driving hours away to pick her up. People like you who comment on videos having zero experience is annoying.
@@Drewmack22 Funny how you act like others have no experience just because they are commenting on a youtube video. Newsflash: People with experience ALSO have internet access. And this was factually a bad method. On a sidenote, tho I doubt you'd bother wanting to know about actual horse training: Trailer loading can be done without force and within a short amount of time as well. 30 minutes or less even, if you ain't got that much time don't pretend to be a trainer to begin with. Just because this guy, and likely you as well, doesn't bother wanting to take time and NOT traumatize the animal (which, if you knew anything about animals, is a sure-fire way to LOOSE their trust and hecne something you should not do while training) doesn't mean it cannot be done otherwise. And it definitely doesn't mean it's a good or the right method either. Rule of thumb: If you cannot be patient with an inexperienced or even previously traumatized animal, don't bother trying to work with them and get yourself one that you don't need to work with. Because unlike what you yeehaw wannabe cowboys think, training an animal shouldn't be done by mentally breaking them (which I know people with cowboy attire love to see as the right way) but by teaching them slowly. But neither you nor this guy seem to understand that. And YOU have the arrogance to call others inexperienced and annoying? Now that's a good joke right there.
@@Managable_Mayhem if you can load an untouched animal in 30 minutes post it. I can say I can build a rocket ship that can fly to Mars and back but it's all talk unless I prove it.
@@Drewmack22 Dude, there's even videos of this on YT of ACTUAL trainers doing so. Whether you're able to use the search or not is up to you tho. Your ignorance on a topic does not mean that everyone else is automatically lying. Just because YOU haven't heard of/cannot do something someone else mentions, doesn't make it a lie. That's why educating yourself and researching is a thing.
I was surprised at how good the video is. The trust needed to train the mule was pretty sweet to watch. The mule is a beautiful animal, I have yet to ride a mule just horses. Congratulations.
Sir, I still have to go back and watch the first videos in the series but I woke up and saw this one posted and was immediately intrigued. I think I have watched it three times total now and am just amazed and inspired at your dedication and determination to train your animal and do so in the proper manner. Ultimately I have never broken a horse or mule however I grew up riding and have trained with pack animals at high elevation desert training sites for mountain operations over seas. Your commitment to the way you conduct yourself with all aspects of everything you do whether it be hunting or this new arena, you are inspiring to an aspiring hunter. You display a great model for all huntsmen to follow and I look forward to more projects from you.
Jason Munson thanks a lot Jason! Click on the Project Hunting Mule playlist and you can watch from the first episode when we bought her to everything in between.
Jason Munson I was pretty much going to say the same. I'm subscribed I found this video as a recommendation from RUclips. I'm also impressed and touched how gentle and caring you are with this gorgeous animal. Best of luck and safe travels.
Amber Binderup thank you, Amber! Appreciate it.
Bear Hunting Magazine i have two donkrys one named quey and pete i love them both so mych i have made a inceradible bond with them both.I havent seen them in a while but i look forword and seeing them this summer.they live in Arizona. U are such an inspiration to the world and i love that u take the time and detication to help these animals because another person could have them and hurt them cause they dont know what to do with them. So thank u sur i respect u with all my heart. 😄 coming from new york
seneca_shaff _2007 thank you.
I’ve been in the horse industry for 54 years. The simple fact that you acknowledged when it was your fault, that’s what makes a horseman! You love them and they’ll love you right back. I’ve seen Olympic level riders, with tempers! Thank you for being so kind to her!!
I used to break and shoe full time and I still do every now and then. I can’t believe the snobs commenting on the fine job you did. For a first timer that was fantastic. The ones nitpicking you aren’t professionals; a professional knows that there are as many opinions as there are farriers and trainers. Keep up the good work!
That's what I'm saying, the one thing that I saw is that he didn't have his reins when he got on
I am a born and raised New York City guy. I am absolutely fascinated by this video. Such patience and skill. Beautiful " Many thanks
Longfordboy thanks for watching and for the comment. We’ll have some more mule content in the near future. Good luck in the big city!
All it takes is some intelligence on your part. 100% consistency, 80% kindness, 20% firmness, and patience. The secret is short sessions EVERY DAY.
The people complaining about how you trained YOUR Mule probably watch RUclips videos and think they’re professional horse trainers. Keep up the excellent work buddy, enjoyed the videos
NorthTexasFisherman thanks for the comment! Appreciate it.
They worse than that partner , way worse .
It's absolutely none of Anyone's business how,who,when,why this Man trained and Got to Know this animal an it learn to trust an know him.
They a wanting to get into a whole lot of the Wrong folks buisness lately, I know that ! I could saddle and bridle my own animal before I ever saw the inside of a schoolroom ! I Thank God for it too !
I juat work them until you can get on them and get ready for a buck
⁰in bvb
I agree! He clearly did an excellent job!! Ive decided recently with my project mare to stop trying to go "by the book" amd just let her guide me. Its actually going better now and i know it will be worth the work. She has the sweetest smooth little lope, im dying to just lope her around the pasture. So far ive only had the pleasure of experiencing it when our sheep ram is chasing her lol
In the future, and given the right circumstances that you could do this. Tip for trailer training. Park the trailer with the door open out in the pasture for a few days and throw some hay in it. Horses being curious animals will eventually go check it out, and the hay is just an incentive to coax them to hop in on their own. Once they realize the trailer isn't as scary as it seemed, and they were aloud to check it out/get in without being forced, it makes that first time being asked to hop in a lot easier.
Don't know if it'll work as well with mules, since I've never directly worked with one, but this trick tends to work on horses in my experience.
Another small tip. If you're horse/mule has a buddy, load the buddy first, then try and load the other. The draw from their pasture mate will coax them in and make the situation less scary for them if their buddy is calm about it.
Good luck in the future!
I did that exact thing. Pretty soon, the trailer seems like part of their every day life, and a source of food and pleasure.
What a idiot....almost destroyed the poor animal when loading.
@@lenbornman3899 you obviously have never loaded an animal in a 2 horse trailer that hasn't been handled before
Had a horse that had been accustomed to loading onto trailers this way. Only problem was that he thought ALL trailers were his and full of food. Used to keep escaping at shows and raiding other people’s trailers
🤡
"The heightened sense of awareness you feel in a situation like this feels almost superhuman. The human experience doesn't feel truly lived until you've been on the back of an animal like this."
Thanks for the inspiration man. The challenging but fulfilling reward of pursuing ownership of such a complex animal is so compelling to a young Jersey boy like me. I'm planning on settling down in the Pacific Northwest in the next couple years with career goals as a game warden, and having a mule sidekick seems like a solid option for a companion inside and outside of work. Hope all's going well with ya'll!
But .Atingeți un decupaj pentru a-l insera în caseta text.
I've been horseman an cowboy for most of 40 years and with that experience there are somethings I would have done different, but all in all you where great. Your goals and fundamentals were right on.
True horseman leans along with their partners be it a mule or a horse. Its a relationship of working though the mistakes and sharing in experience. You learned how to keep breaking it down in more simply transitions that helped her relax and communicate with you better.
Every horse/mule is different an all videos an fancy tack,won't make any difference if you're not in it for relationship. I've often said that horse-man-partnership is a 51/49 % split you only need 51% of controlling interest. In the end you where there an your little mule showed it.
You did a fine job an will have a great partnership for a long long time. What twists my tail is all negative feedback. If you're anything close a horse person, would seen your self in these videos. If you never tried the right thing an got the wrong result you've never worked with a horse or mule at least not a live anyway. This the worst part of an industry I've worked in most my life. To many trainers so full of their own insecurities they have nothing good to say. There's an old horsemans code that most of you tin horns should learn . Never tell a man how to ride his own horse, unless he asks, cause its not your partnership.
Good job young man we should get us a string of those pretty young mules and go into business, the world needs more good mules like you have, so they don't end up with these bull s*** wouldabeens.
Michael Foth excellent comment and thank you. You get it.
That was one of the best comments I have seen. I have started a few colts in my day and made plenty of mistakes but learned from them. This young man did a fine job and will end up with a gentle dependable partner.
I see a lot of “experts” on here who likely have never owned or handled a mule- they truly are 100% different than a horse. You made mistakes, but you worked and corrected. You wound up with a mule you could get on without a rodeo, and that’s a win in my book!
There’s got to be a first time for anyone who breaks a green equine, and there isn’t a trainer alive who doesn’t mess up, push too hard, use the wrong technique when another would have done. Making mistakes is a part of learning, and a mule is a hell of a teacher who won’t let you forget when you screw up.
I wish you many happy trails with this molly, and good job on working so hard with her as a new trainer! Can’t wait to see the next one :)
ponymare1 thank you for the comment! Right on.
ponymare1 check out the other five episodes if you’re interested.
I watched several videos, professional and non- professional, and this is by far one of the best videos I have saw. You don't have to watch hours and hours of videos to see what you do with this mule. You definitely have a gift and you use it!
After reading more of the comments regarding the trailer loading process, and having experience myself with loading horses who are basically "untouched" or barely halterbroke... you get the horse into a small-ish area such as a round pen or small paddock. Back the trailer right up to the gate and secure the gate and trailer door open. Use your basic round penning techniques to get the horse or mule moving, turning on cue in both directions, and stopping to face you when asked. When done right, this is less than 15 minutes of work even with a feral horse or mule. Next, you get the horse moving and you take pressure off (allow to stop and relax) every time the horse/mule's nose is pointed toward the trailer. Big reward. The instant their attention goes away from the trailer, get moving immediately. Just like you said in your video... make the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy. You're essentially turning the trailer from "danger zone!" into "comfort zone" by taking off pressure and allowing to rest as long as the horse/mule is moving toward the trailer, and putting pressure on and increasing "work" whenever the horse/mule turns away from the trailer. Within a 1/2 hour, you've got a mule jumping into the trailer happily, as that is the calm resting space for her, and everything outside of that is work work work and somewhat uncomfortable. If this is not an option, and you have access to using round pen panels (and rearranging them to set up a sort of squeeze gate), you can get some really great ideas from the youtube videos on the wild mustangs... just search for "blm mustang pickup day 1" and you'll learn a lot of safe practices for very quickly getting a wild equid on a trailer without harm or even much stress.
McNamee Mustangs great input. Thanks and will research this.
Damn good technique/advice.
So impressed with your determination, and heart and compassion working with this beautiful mule. For your first time training, you can see the amount of study and prep work you did so that you can be a better leader for her. Well done!
Good work, you are now ready for a lotta really pleasant times with your mule. My grandpa farmed with mules so when I got out of the army and started my own small farm I got a team of mules. That was 48 years ago and I have owned and used 5 mules in that time; I broke and sold all but 2 which I kept to use. I worked the farm, logged, went on wagon trains and rode trail rides until I was crippled up and can no longer go out and do physical stuff. When my daughter was growing up at 8 years old she started riding one of the mules. By 10 she would come home from school, saddle her mule by herself and ride the mountains behind our farm with her cousin who had a horse. I envy guys like you who can still do that, but I also salute you for a job well done. Happy trails my friend.
rclaws sounds like you’ve had a lot of great times with your mules and kids! That’s what it’s all about!
Hi
The patience of a good horseman is really a wonder to behold. Well done. Compassion and care won out.
Pay no attention to all the negative nellies and naysayers! I've trained wild and feral horses, and have been breaking horses to ride for decades. Nobody does things "right" or "perfect" the first time around, and there will always be tons of people who would do things differently than you and feel they must put you down because they don't exactly agree. We all have to learn somehow. And, you Sir, are on your way. You recognized your difficulties that came up and you thought through them, you remained steady and did what you felt was right in your gut. End result, you have a great little mule who respects you and listens to what you need from her. I wouldn't do things exactly as you have, but, at many points in my learning process I have done every thing you have shown in this video, as I was trying to figure it all out, too. It is good to see some people here in the comments sharing their experiences and having positive discussion about the video. And it's disheartening to see the negative naysayers who are just kinda being mean and "know-it-all" instead of initiating constructive discussion about things that they would do differently than you. For your first time, I think you did leaps and bounds better than most people do! Just keep at it... you and your mules will continue to learn and grow, together. Confidence and knowledge from hands-on learning (sometimes the hard way! lol!) is far more meaningful and solid than any other type of education :)
McNamee Mustangs thanks for the comment. Very balanced. I can tell you’re a good trainer.
McNamee Mustangs still he doesn’t have to hit it there’s other ways he’s literally turning it into a slave braking it down you don’t know shit
Couldn’t have worded it any better! I love your comment 💖
@@VentureTime_ow Do you Know the thickness of those animals hide?
Didn't think so, it's not the "hitting' that has effective results as it's the snap an Pop of the wrong move verses the gentleness in his praising the animal when she does the task correctly.. least We forget it's a animal , a Owned piece of property as well !
@@VentureTime_ow You are being an exhibit A to the wrong mentality. Simmer down and present a persuasive counter arguement or realize you are wasting your breath
This is exactly how I back every single horse. Time, patience, understanding. Every one of my horses is wonderful. I thought I was an odd ball. This is the first video I have come across that does things like I do. Glad I'm not alone.
I also broke out my first mule not really having any idea but some Clinton Anderson foundation material, it was definitely the most rewarding experience I have encountered as well. You are right about it being indescribable especially to someone that has not taken the risk of it. It is very unnerving, but the most awesome thing when they do not get bucked off and knowing it is because the time you took putting in the ground work and fundamentals, that's the best. Riding my mule today and knowing I did this on my own, super proud, way better then paying for training any day. Thanks for sharing your experience.
angry acres sounds like you had a great experience breaking your mule. Congrats and thanks for watching.
Wow, also just going to say thanks, because WAY too many people out there don't know anything and think they do so they go and try train a horse and end up messin the poor thing up. thank you for doing it right.
Leah van Leeuwen right on. Thank you!
He said he's never done it before and yet he did it better than some "experts" I've seen.
He wasn't that good. I'm 14 even I know that you don't tie an animal to the float np matter what the reason
Pretty Pally 2017
Anymore examples of him doing wrong besides how he tied, where he tied, and how he loaded? I get you're 14, but have you actually dealt with a half ton (or more) animal that has never been touched, never even seen humans before, or they have but never had good expierences? Best bet is you don't, and you'd be too scared to approach the horse. If you have, you wouldnt have only complained about where he tied the mule. So you, like all the others in this comment section, will attack and pick at the little things instead of seeing the big picture.
As someone who works on a farm, and has trained mustangs, retrained thoroughbreds, and even my own horses, I can tell you he did just fine, especially for the first time. This is exactly how he can learn. Looking back on himself, and improving instead of reading hateful comments from people who barely know as much as he did on his first time.
Tying the mule to the panels, using a Tom Thumb bit, didn't do the bareback method to gain trust, it lets the animal know you aren't going to eat it when you're on their back. Using fear and punishment by making the animal go towards something without showing them it's okay first. Equine animals learn by leaders, mules work differently than horses. They're smarter but they also need to know they can trust you. It took him much longer than it should have taken because he didn't have help like he should have. The list goes on. I cringed so much watching him. He could have really gotten hurt several times by not doing the "right" thing. Such as pulling the mules head into his knee when mounting. Instead she took off and he's lucky he didn't get a hoof to the face. I do hope he looks back and sees everything he did was not correct. That is in fact how we all learn.
Sky wagon. That mule didn’t ride off and spin like a top. You wanna see an expert search Sherri Cervi
@@SmolBean98 Um, that 14 year old seems to know better than you, and many 14 year olds are excellent horsemen. How he tied that mule could have resulted in serious injury or death. Also, the guy says "I whack her when she doesn't do what I want" which shows that he doesn't understand the most basic concept of horse training: horses don't learn from pressure, they learn from the release of pressure.
Thank you sir for taking time and doing it RIGHT. I had a stud colt that I trained that way. Laid a hand on him when he was first born. Turned him out for a year and on his 1st birthday he got his first halter and began learning touch. 1 year and a half we began saddle training. By two he was ready to be ridden. No bucking fighting or hassle involved. Everything was built in trust with spent time.. Best horse I've ever owned.. Most trainers are in for the money not the love of the animal and with their mentality a lot of innocent sweet companions get hurt or destroyed...
You, young man are AMAZING and have EXACTLY the strength, calmness, kindness and ability to see things from her perspective. I've no doubt you will end up with the most priceless molly mule in the world. I, like you have NEVER believed in pushing an animal and my mustang proved me right on that view. I didn't break him but worked with him to learn what I wanted and Ive never since had that type of special connection because Ive not found another mustang like him yet. God bless you for your kindness with your beautiful mule.
What an amazing job and shame on you all for putting a dislike to this video he saved this precious mule most people wouldn't have even given this animal 2 seconds but he gave it months and months God bless him for giving this animal a chance
Ah I love this! I love mules so so so much! They are so under appreciated! They are so smart and loyal and kind animals! I have a bond with my mule unlike any iv had with a horse. She is all around amazing. She has her moments but I love riding her and I love working with her! ❤️ I don’t know what it is with mules but they are just my heart!
You did a great job, showed the precepts of Natural Horsemanship. It's obvious that you studied hard and applied what you learned. Thank you for posting this. You are a great animal person.
jane Afrika thank you, Jane.
This was very interesting, you see my great,great grandfather worked for the Mule train. I know that the mules are very great st long travels and harsher terrain. Will watch the other ones. Thanks.
Johanna Chalk thank you.
Brilliantly Done !...for a self confessed amateur you did a wonderful job. I have been a jockey, breaker the whole nine yards and you done a great job of earning her respect first, trust and confidence..I had a go at that "Kat" too....
Digga Down Under thank you!
That was great! Reminds me of training my birds of prey. Slow and steady without forcing anything on them that could lead to resentment. Your the man Clay
He did his home work ,,,now it pays off ,,,no need to rush take yr time ,,,work together as a team , in the end u have a bond ,,,,,man u are grate person ,
Great job. I love how patient you were with her.
Thank you I enjoyed your video. I loved how calm and thoughtful you were, and how the mule clearly came to trust you. I was smiling when she stood so nicely with you sitting on her, and moved off without bucking. Well done!
mules are awesome, I learned to train horses by training mules.. my mentor always said "If you can train a mule you can train any horse!" which is true, Mules are so much more smarter then horses you have to build a better connection with them.. great job! loved this video.. and you've earned a new subber!
I think if I was to have another 4 hoofs they’d belong to a mule
You are my second Animaltarian today. Well done. You don't have to be crewel breaking any animal in. A bit of love and patience brings both together in a special kind of bond. The other way is the wrong way.
You’re doing great work with her! She’s come a long way. Just keep in mind that she is a baby, she’s gonna have her baby moments😉
kelly Slone thanks
Try jumping on a bull I ride bulls
I can't believe there are so many negative comments and "armchair" experts! This guy has never done this before and he did a better job than most so called trainers! He took time and learnt by his mistakes. They both took the journey together and I think he did a bloody fantastic job. Each to their own. I'm no horse trainer but I backed my appoosa myself 10 years ago and just went day by day. I have a horse who takes precious care of me now I have severe pain with arthritis because of our strong bond. Think outside the box and be more positive to others instead of criticizing. I guarantee he has a great partner for life there.
I love how respectfully you treat your mule. Great job!!!
You show fantastic patience and commitment. It’s not easy and it’s great that you are showing your frustrations. It makes it all that much satisfying to reach success.
“abuse this and abuse that” come on now y’all, look at the damn mule. the mule is perfectly fine, and he did a damn good job.
Thanks, Valerie! Some people just don't get it, but you do. Thank you.
It’s not abuse, but don’t whip it. He took every thing to fast, it sould take about a year to train a horse/mule
@@khtriding7427 well yeah...thats the point isnt it? Someone who can properly weild a whip will train a mule much faster than someone who doesnt. So what is the criticism? Its like whatever your idea is, reality is saying somethin else. Reality us saying if you use both positive and negative reinforcement, and are balanced with both those, then you can train a mule faster than only someone who uses one form of motivation
Yeah he wasn’t whipping her hard just enough to scare her away from doing something she isn’t supposed to do
@@khtriding7427 siLeNtLy AgReEs
Thats a pretty little mule. Good job being patient with her and having the humility to understand when you were not communicating to her correctly. Nice video.
This is my opinion; I believe he did decently well, this is the first video I've watched from him, but I believe there is other ways besides using the whip constantly. Mules are pretty smart but stubborn at the same time, even though I lack experience with mules. I loved how he took his time with getting on the saddle, it was amazing. I enjoy the lunge work but I would lie off the whip. You can always make the wrong thing hard even without the whip otherwise good job.
Hi
I have 2 ponies. They are green-broke meaning i just got on them and rode. One is a good girl. The other is EXTREMELY skiddizh. Ive had her since zhe was one. She was a nurse mare baby saved by a woman when she was being taken for slaughter. As wild asshe gets, she goes out of her way trying not to hurt me. In the past shes allowed me to get on her back. After a few minutes she rubs me against thinhs trying to get me off. When i tried to get her to trot she begins bucking. I will have alot of trouble now becaue i havent tried again. Doc gavememed for horses that jave been stall bound due to illness in an attempt to calm her enough for me to work with her. Because of you, i now know how to approach this. Thank you so much. This was better than any training video. Rather than talking about fancy technigues, you demonstrated training through trust. I love it. Thank you so very much
When you said you’d never done this before I was blown away. You did that better than some of the experts out there! Congrats, keep it up!
This is the only one I've seen in your series and coming from a Singular HORSE background, no mule experience whatsoever, I have to say, you did an amazing job with Izzie!!
Lexi Feldmann thanks, Lexi.
Mules are so much smarter than horses, teaching an untouched but halterbroke 18mo mule is about 5x as hard as a wild mustang. Currently training my 7mo molly mule that’s been handled everyday since birth and it’s still a struggle ! She’s so strong already and she knows it.
-you can tell a horse but you have to ask a mule
Hey thanks for the comment and good luck with your mule! We're going to do an update video sometime in the next few weeks. It's been a year since we got Izzie and she's doing really good.
Bear Hunting Magazine would love to see updated videos and Izzies progress
Elle Pitman look for one pretty soon.
I read somewhere in a mule book, "Tell a horse, ask a donkey, and *negotiate* with a mule." I think this is so true.
KK Icons you can’t “make” one do something they don’t want to - you have to convince them or “negotiate” as you say! Really unique animals.
Good job! Going slow with mules is the key. So glad you were smart enough to acknowledge what needed to be done. There are a lot of trainers out there that don't have success with training mules because they don't realize how slow and the trust you HAVE to build with them. Congratulations man!
Thank you, Amber! Appreciate the comment.
Hey man that was a good way to break your mule. I enjoyed watching you, I did exactly what you did when I was 12 and you brought back all the fear that I went thru, I've got to say I was regretting asking for this wild pony,, she never ever was in the presence of a human being, the day we rounded her up she kicked my uncle thru a wooden coral lol. Enjoy your hunting!!!
Coming from someone who has worked with trainers, trained horses myself, and have been around them all my life: you did a really good job with your roundpen and ground work. Your way of thinking/training is great, and you should be proud!
Bless you for not being an asshole or arrogant rider. Keep it up, spread this way to ride... Love it
You are living the life. I also want to raise horses and mules but I'm stuck in the city. Till then I'll learn from you. Thank you
Right on, Sumit! Thanks for watching.
@@bearhuntingmagazine thanks for the reply! It means alot
sumit katyal NO DO NOT LEARN FROM HIM PLEASE
I’m so happy how well you’ve treated and not “broken” the mule, and I’m not hating but the only thing that bugged me was that when he got on her after he got on the first time her asked her to move. I understand that she was behaving but I personally think that once you’ve done in reward her and start moving a day or 2 or maybe 3 days after, just so they’re used to having someone on their back more. Otherwise I loved it!
Hi
I just watched all 6 episodes, Clay. Good for you buddy, good for you. I'm very impressed. Nice work.
bushpilotintraining thanks man! Appreciate will have a video up next that shows Izzie today. She’s doing really good.
Does it heart the mule when you whip it ???
Amazing thing you have accomplished. I have had horses all my life and packed into the cascade mountains behind my home. But only road a neighbors mule one time. I wish life was a little longer for me to have some mule stories and experience. Good wishes to you and thank you for sharing.
Well you've done it now. You dared to train and ride that mule not having done it ever before. Thanks I so love to see someone do anything right.I would ignore all of them naysayer's! You and the mule figured it out ! Made me want to try to do it .I'm to old now. I'm going to look around for pictures of my family packing into Mt. Saint Helens to hunt and fish.Back in 40s 50s and 60s. There is so much more to see astride and less noisy. After the mountain blew we all left. I subscribed I'll send you one with a couger or bear in it.!
Tom Morgan Hey Tom, thanks for the comment and encouragement. Sounds like you’ve got some experience riding in some neat places. If you subscribe, thank you.
Tom Morgan please send a pic with a bear or cougar!
The thing I like the most is that you did not use pain to train her and that when you got on the first time, you used a rope halter and not a bit, no spurs or martingale or anything. Please continue to ride her bitless like you do now. I think you know it's much better for her and that's why you started her like that. Well Done!!!
Anja Willemse thank you! Good comment.
Hey I'm not trying to be rude or negative. I love what u have done for this animal but when it comes to training a horse or mule, when u are breaking it with the saddle you want to put the saddle on both sides and get her used to having the saddle and heavy weight on both sides of her body. I know from experience that it helps to have the animal used to having the saddle put on both sides of the body. It also helps to get on from both side. I hope u take my advice. It will truly help you in the future
Ranch Chick good input. Thank you.
How do you know he didn't desensitize the horse from both sides? He did a wonderful job for a beginner. He'll get there.
Ranch Chick
We used 2 sandbags on a rope in balance after the horse (or pony) got used to the saddle, adding more weight as necessary. We were country kids so don’t know if that was the right thing to do but it worked. The old timers were of the “get on, hold on and ride “ school but I liked my face and wanted to keep it. What you said makes sense.
I was always taught to always get on with your left foot first? Same side?
Honestly when I was watching the beginning of this video, I thought "This is a disaster waiting to happen." But as I continued watching I was impressed. I can see that you have gained knowledge and understanding as the video progressed. I hold you in high regard for pointing out when you made a mistake and taking the blame, not placing it on the mule for acting badly. I think this is an important aspect of working with equines. Their actions are a direct reaction of our actions, whether we realize it or not. Don't let the negative comments discourage you. We all have to start somewhere and we all make mistakes. That's just how we learn to be better. You're doing great for this being your first time training, and with an unhandled mule at that. Keep up the good work!
You have already figured out how negative and judgemental horse people can be. I'm surprised you got so many positive comments considering those folks seem to be here in force. Funny thing about most horse people; they have never and would never do what you did. They'd rather pick at you. Makes them feel better about themselves I guess. Well let ' em. They didn't do what you did. They didn't learn what you learned. Keyboard warriors full of hot air and Cheetos the lot of ' em.
carp614 thank you for the positive comment. Appreciate it.
carp614 I agree with some of that. But you should teach a horse or mule that good things come from the right thing.
carp614
Even though I had rather just buy one that is a been there done that, he has done a great job!
I finished off a green mustang at age 12. That was before having 4 kids. My kids need me. Lol!
It is a FULL TIME JOB teaching a horse!!!
I am TRIGGERED- naah I’m kidding, but not all horse people are like that, I myself am a horse person and would gladly train a horse/mule, id love to actually, but I hope you know that not all horse people are are snobby and or rude and judgmental. (Note, I have never trained a horse nor mule, I know the basics as I have seen it done, but I myself have never trained one.)
Truthfuly spoken.
All your patience and baby steps will build a bond and trust. This is called “gentling” not breaking! Well done. This is how my daddy did it.
There are some things I would've done differently, but overall, I am very surprised at how both you and her turned out. The first time you train a horse/mule is scary, but it's also a learning and rewarding experience for both you and the animal. Good job.
Hi
You and your mule crack me up. Outside you're calm and collected, inside you're internally screaming. We've all been there lol. I saddled my gelding for the first time today, and let me tell you, I felt like I needed to pee and scratch my face the entire time. They learn our body language and facial expressions, so I try to keep it neutral, when truly, I am internally screaming also. I've had some 900IQ ideas that have almost got me hurt, you're braver
That was so cool, I love working with animals
Clay, you did a great job with this mule. I can tell you she is a more donkey type mule. Not easy. I have started one, another green broke as well as a couple horses and the part you missed was ground driving. Using long lines would be very helpful. My number one mule right now I spent 8 weeks on the ground and he was easy so it was great to see you spend so much time on the ground. Not near the mule Izzie is in terms of temperament. Izzie is like a 8 and he is like a 2. I would never mount a training equine without ground driving first. Also I never like to use the term "broke" or "breaking". While we understand what it means, the idea is we are "starting" for a life of service. Certainly you are not breaking Izzie's spirit but rather getting her started. Learn to trust, learn to forgive and learn to enjoy. Thanks for the great videos.
What an interesting series of videos! I say excellent job, first time or not. Good for you on taking it slow and respecting the animal and treating the training process not least as one of personal growth.
From animal training perspective the journey could've been easier on all of you had there not been so many times where she learned the wrong lesson, meaning the situation was such that she was able to get release by pulling/rearing/bucking/running. But having the foresight to predict and plan around those situations takes a lot of practice. It was wonderful that you didn't blame her when those situations occurred and it looks like towards the end you were able to better control the environment and not get in a situation where you have to physically fight her.
Another thing is that it seemed from the footage you could've made it clearer that you relinquish pressure immediately as she does the right thing. The pressure on prey animal is not just direct touch or pain, it's also physical proximity, movement towards, psychological pressure, as you know and showed, and release of that pressure is a major reward. More than vocal praise or lack of punishment she might appreciate that you clearly step back from her and let her be for a moment when she does what you asked - like when you were pushing her to go past the barrel you could've put the whip and your hands down, relaxed, looked away and allowed her to stop or walk, and then after that reward made a point to change your energy and intent, when you asked her to pick up trot again. It might make the pressure/release clearer for her and keep her thinking. I'm not sure where the difficulty with training mules comes from, maybe their intelligence, but making both pressure (direction, type, strength and timing, your intent) very clear as well as release of pressure as a reward (timing, your energy) - the "make the right thing easy, wrong thing hard" idea in other words -, should always help no matter what the animal. I find starting from my own intention makes it easier to coordinate everything, to respond faster and to control my own fear. Even if it doesn't help the animal, it helps the human to keep better track of what we're doing... Well all in all you must've done a lot of things right and of course the animals also adjust to us stupid humans, even when we make mistakes, and everyone makes mistakes. So well done and thanks for sharing your journey. And the honesty is truly inspiring!
You've trained her to fulfill a practical purpose, but for a modern human using animals it should be about personal growth, as it clearly was for you. It also came across from the footage, how much all of it meant to you personally. That's brilliant and what a beautiful mule she is.
Fast great comment and excellent input. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. It was a tremendous experience indeed! Soon we’ll be making another project mule video showing how’s she’s doing after a year. This video was made in 2017, so we’ve been riding her for a year now. Thank you
it's 12/18 & I am watching ep 6 only. AWEsome Bear Hunting Magazine. I have had 4 horses in my life and they came to me well trained. this week I bought a 7 yr old Molly. she has been saddled 3x and packed 1x. but that is all I really know... I have been one of her rides but she has had only, maybe an hour and half with the saddle. she is so quick to catch on and remember.. so very smart. I am looking forward to developing a relationship and communication with her. I see from reading through the comments that you will do an update... looking forward to it. I would have done a couple things different U were incredible. I doubt I would have done as well as you without the experience I already have from my horses... Happy Trails
I think this man did a excellent job. Somebody always has something negative to say.
GOOD JOB
Thanks, Tim! You can see how Izzie's been progressing in this new video: ruclips.net/video/juQVOEcUFEA/видео.html
You did a very nice job for your first time! There's a first time for everything and you did very well with yours. Congratulations on your beautiful mule :)
Dear Lassen thanks for watching!
How AWESOME is that!!!???
She senses your heart racing, believe me. You've spent enough time with her, she probably knows more about you than you know about her. Beautiful mule, nice job.
He sounds like Forest Gump 😂😂
Bailey's Vlogs haha!
I have never trained an animal. To be honest I've always been afraid of them. What you did took an amazing amount of patience. More than I had with my children. Many thumbs up to your effort.
Nice effort, but check your tack next time. You had your bridle on backwards
Parker Applegate haha. Thanks. We were just happy to get it on!
hahahahahaha that’s actually hilarious 😂😂
If you don't know how to put on a bridle right should you really be training a horse/mule.
Tedz the Bear great question! I guess the proof is in the pudding.
Parker Applegate ya
You did a great job, this is how you learn and grow as a person/rider...you try new things and set goals. I love how you didn't get frustrated and were patient. I poked around your youtube channel and found you riding her on a turkey hunt. Having a mule trust/respect you is more important than anything else. She looks happy and relaxed in VLOG11, the trust and respect is clearly there. I also broke my own mule to ride. It was not an easy task compared to training horses.
My grandpa breeds and trains Andalusian horses in costa rica, when it comes to saddle training, he would put a heavy sack on their back for several days/weeks before actually riding the horse, that way they get used to carrying the weight around.
CryptoCurrency Line thanks for the comment.
this, and water. They generally like water, and walking in it. You can lead them in deep, and float out over their backs without weight on them, so they get used to you there and as they go into shallower water, gradually more weight. And a plus is they can't kick as easily in water.
Really good job. I have started several hundred English colts and it's cool to watch a mule get started. I have always heard that the mule colt is harder to start because of their high standard of self preservation which may link to the fable of stubborness. Once again, you did good. Thanks for the post.
I have broke many horses to ride and ponies to drive throughout my years and you did alot better then I did breaking my first horse to ride!
marinar17 thank you!
You should NEVER break a animal!! You train them but you NEVER break them!!
country18lover exactly. Well said.
country18lover did you watch the video? That was the whole point of this? Thanks for the comment.
marinar17 Are u dumb or something ITS A FUCKING MULE
Awesome work! The fact that you got on her and just let her go in any direction was a good thing! That’s exactly what I do with all the colts I started on their first ride!
Very Nice way to approch a new experience ❤
Great job ! Kindness rules. Myles and donkeys like to think about things before they move. I love long ears.
Such an inspiration! Im going to train with my young paint mare from this spring, and I will use your advise! You're amazing!
Thanks, but I know there are better resources for training horses/mules. This video was mainly just for entertainment! Good luck with your mare!
Bear Hunting Magazine even if its for entertainment, there is still some good points there. Thank you sir, and the same with your mule!
Your patience and understanding paid off. She's going to be a good, quick little hunting mule, once y'all are totally used to eachother. I love mules, and she's particularly spirited, which is a bonus. I bet she'll be fearless, too.
I feel like it would have been better when you tried to mount her to balance out the wait, the saddle was crooked and looked really uncomfortable when you mounted her
Lily Puppywatcher agreed
Bear Hunting Magazine I could see though the next day the saddle look a lot better 😁
This is an awesome video series. Many thanks for uploading the series. RUclips is full of "horse" training videos. But very few mule training videos ... And the ones that are on youtube want to charge an arm and a leg buying their videos. Can't afford these fancy, high dollar videos. You did a fantastic job of working with this mule. Especially seeing how she was from the beginning. And not having any training experience yourself. Just an awesome job my man!!!
kat r thanks a lot. Appreciate it.
I have a mule, I rescued from slaughter, that I'm working with now ... Your videos have given me confidence that I can train this mule. I've worked with horses, but mules are a little different. Getting their trust is the most important thing.
kat r great. You’ve just got to persistent, stern, but not rough.
I'm sorry RUclips is a harsh place.... But I personally think that you did wonderful, especially for your first time training a mule. And to all the haters, maybe give some positive input, so that he can get better, instead of acting like he should completely stop.
Like Jason , I have to admire the " proper manner " with which you went step by step in the training. It is probably one of the reason you didn't experience some air time when you first got up on lzzie . I was first intrigued with a mules strength and perseverance when I saw a very dangerous trek in the mountains of Peru ( on RUclips ) during a rain storm . A mules rear right leg actually went through a make - shift wooden (rotted out ) small bridge , but it pulled and pulled until it freed itself . The pulling had to be extremely painful , but the Mule wouldn't quit . Absolutely amazing tenacity inbred ! Evidently they don't know what "Quit" means .
If I can find the video , I'll forward it to this site . I know you'll see something that you never thought an animal would do .
Well done !
Is she like a rare mule or something because I know my horses and mules but I have never seen one like her 🤔
bridget holladay are you referring to her coloration or temperament?
Trust my man...equals respect...did a bridle and saddle to an Arabian when she was 2...you teach them manners..you don’t break their spirit...great job, and great heart...
i just found this channel and wanted to know what you were breaking in the mule for.
Planning to ride it and pack on it while hunting in the mountains!
makes sense, horses are a bit too delicate for the terrain
D-4ortune well, there are plenty of good mountain horses that could do what we’re doing, but we just like mules.
What an achievement , well done, your gentle patience paid off, amazing work!
A lunging crop is a exstention on the arm not to smack it
Thank you! Someone who is not clueless in these comments!
Well, I am a late viewer, but this was an excellent job. Especially so when you say you've never done it before.
One thing though. A mule can duck out from under a saddle if it wants to. That's why they need a strap under the tail - to keep the saddle from sliding forward. Some use the flank cinch and simply go around the rear end. Some have a single strap that fits around the tail and goes straight to the cantle. This method lets the flank cinch be used normally. Even without the mule trying to get rid of the saddle, steep terrain can let the saddle move forward and increase possibility of galling.
Of course, convincing a mule to accept something under its tail is a process also 😁.
You did a really good job overall but just one thing. The only reason she ran away when you put all of you weight in the stirrup was because the saddle was pinching her withers. It's really best if you just get on at first. But you did really good!!
People don't realize what makes a good rider, and trainer. What that is , is good horsemanship. You followed, and did rather well for the first time. You understood her more than most of these people commenting. You took it slower than most, you understood the signals she gave, and you definitely used common sense. People train in different ways, but you trained heading the right direction.
A lot of these comments are by people who /think/ they can train, have been taught wrong, or train with very little understanding of the animal they work with. You did a lot of things right, for a first timer. Of course the people complaining will disagree with anyone who challenges what they know, and were taught. It's not difficult to understand animals, as long as you have common sense.
Frankly half the time I see a Bird training animals better than humans can. Hopefully she will, or has made a great riding mule.
the way you introduced the trailer to her was a very traumatizing method
He bought her from someone and she was unhandled. How the hell is he supposed to train her on a trailer driving hours away to pick her up. People like you who comment on videos having zero experience is annoying.
@@Drewmack22 Funny how you act like others have no experience just because they are commenting on a youtube video.
Newsflash: People with experience ALSO have internet access.
And this was factually a bad method.
On a sidenote, tho I doubt you'd bother wanting to know about actual horse training: Trailer loading can be done without force and within a short amount of time as well. 30 minutes or less even, if you ain't got that much time don't pretend to be a trainer to begin with.
Just because this guy, and likely you as well, doesn't bother wanting to take time and NOT traumatize the animal (which, if you knew anything about animals, is a sure-fire way to LOOSE their trust and hecne something you should not do while training) doesn't mean it cannot be done otherwise. And it definitely doesn't mean it's a good or the right method either.
Rule of thumb: If you cannot be patient with an inexperienced or even previously traumatized animal, don't bother trying to work with them and get yourself one that you don't need to work with. Because unlike what you yeehaw wannabe cowboys think, training an animal shouldn't be done by mentally breaking them (which I know people with cowboy attire love to see as the right way) but by teaching them slowly. But neither you nor this guy seem to understand that.
And YOU have the arrogance to call others inexperienced and annoying? Now that's a good joke right there.
@@Managable_Mayhem if you can load an untouched animal in 30 minutes post it. I can say I can build a rocket ship that can fly to Mars and back but it's all talk unless I prove it.
@@Drewmack22 Dude, there's even videos of this on YT of ACTUAL trainers doing so.
Whether you're able to use the search or not is up to you tho.
Your ignorance on a topic does not mean that everyone else is automatically lying. Just because YOU haven't heard of/cannot do something someone else mentions, doesn't make it a lie. That's why educating yourself and researching is a thing.
@@Managable_Mayhem there are videos of trainers showing up 2 states away to buy an unhandled mule and loading them? Send me the link
I was surprised at how good the video is. The trust needed to train the mule was pretty sweet to watch.
The mule is a beautiful animal, I have yet to ride a mule just horses.
Congratulations.
I remember the first time I trained a horse and getting on its back.. My knees were doing a tap dance all on their own.
gail LeDuc great memory!
I love your first-timer approach! I few mistakes you could talk to a trainer about but I enjoy that you were patient!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
She is beautiful, and you're a great mule daddy lol
Misty Gilbert Izzie has really turned into a nice looking mule! Thank you
YES!!!! It's always better to start without bucking, than it is to get on & buck it out.
Excellent Job.
I don't agree with everything in this video but, I did like how you didn't punish her before not doing what you wanted because she was confused.
Scout Graham that’s what a normal person would do with their dog. It’s simple really. Horses just take more effort because they aren’t dogs
Okay? Your point is...? I don't really understand your reply.