I
am sad to say that I started to slide away (not purposefully) from my
mule school training once I entered grad school; my mind became focused
elsewhere a bit and Ruby could tell, she could read my attitude. I was drifting
away from the practice of slow concentration, clarity, and steady, purposeful
training (yes, my mule is my personal Yoda : ). I was more in a hurry (had tons
of homework to do), more easily distracted, and less patient. Ruby could tell.
One day she let me know she knew with a couple of good nips! She’s not a
nipper, so this really woke me up. Ruby speaks plain ol’ English, let me tell
you.
Well,
after some serious thinking and soul searching, I decided to quit grad school.
It was enjoyable, I loved the work, but I simply did not have the time and
energy to devote to it (exhaustion was a serious problem), and I was NOT about
to give up my mule time for it. (I’m also a musician, and my music life was
suffering – not acceptable. I also have a significant other, and he was not
getting the time he deserved.) I’m very happy with my decision, and am getting
back on track with my life and with Ruby's training. Priorities!
I
did a Google search for mule bits the other day (just out of curiosity,
because I still use my “Indian bosal”) and apparently the typical “mule bit” at
a general online store is a bicycle chain!! Yeah, put that in your mule’s mouth
and see how far you get. Well, you may get far – a half mile down the road
before your mule stops running because they’re in pain! Whose bright idea was
that bit design? I’m happy to see, however, that Mylar makes carefully designed
mule bits. The whole bicycle chain garbage goes along with the mule prejudice:
the incorrect assumption that you’ll need some sort of cruel equipment in order
to “control” your mule. Mules are more sensitive to bits (and other things)
than horses are. And their mouths are shaped a little differently. One needs to
select a bit, and all equipment, with utmost care! Bicycle chains belong on
bicycles.
My
Indian bosal is made of yacht rope with strategically placed knots – 2
knots over pressure points on each side of the face (made by Debbie Hanson
www.crazyropes.com). I'm very light handed, and I’ve trained Ruby to respond to
very light aids (leg, weight, and hand), so this bosal works very well for us.
The thought of trying to be a partner with your mule by using severe tools is
outrageous (and yes, even mild equipment can turn cruel in the wrong hands).
Your mule will not trust you if you use that kind of equipment/treatment. Trust
is everything.
I
have a new saddle – and LOVE it!! I worked with Debra at Crest Ridge
Saddlery to find a saddle tree that fit Ruby, and I got it. Crest Ridge’s
motto is “This one fits!” and it’s true. I bought the Sonata – a lightweight
leather/cordura combo – with a Guffey mule tree. The leather is of fabulous
quality, it’s gorgeous, sturdy as can be, and it fits, fits, fits. A cool
feature of this saddle is that the stirrups are set perfectly – I feel that my
legs are instantly set correctly, and with such close contact (no bulky skirts
or fenders). It’s like riding in a dressage saddle! I'm now in debt, but I
really don't mind : ) This saddle was a must, no if's and's or but's.
I
also bought the 5-Star pad with the spine cut out. My bridle, breechin
and breast collar are from Crest Ridge as well. These folks take such good care
of their customers, bending over backwards to help them and their equines,
providing exceptional quality equipment for excellent prices. They specialize
in gaited horses and mules and trail riding, but anyone can use their tack.
They also have mules for sale : ) Please check them out! http://www.crestridgesaddlery.com/
Happy
Autumn, everyone!
