New pack mule

[CX5Ranch]

This is how I hold the lead when packing. I can squeeze it really hard if they pull back. Or I can let some rope slide if I need to. Sometimes I will loop it over my saddle horn if coming to an obstacle. In case they pull back hard it wont jerk it from my hand. Never tie anything off solid. That's a great way to get killed.

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[CX5Ranch]

We can't quit until we finish the obstacle course. I will just put up several pics here. It is all just practice for now.

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[CX5Ranch]

More pics.

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[theleo91386]

Looks like hes coming along good. Hopefully you've got some neighbors with llamas so you'll know the mules reaction to them before you run into any in the back country.

 

[CX5Ranch]

I'm more worried about what the llamas think of my new mule

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[Schleppy]

Great post, I’m glad I found it. I’ve been thinking about getting a mule and I really enjoy the training tips. Cute kids too. My wife and I bought a small farm two years ago and we finally got to have some stock. My kids just started riding a little and they’re not too brave. Your little guys look like oldschool cowboys. Thanks for sharing.

 

[CX5Ranch]

You're welcome.

Don't get a mule. Buy a horse. You'll thank me someday.

Mules are not for beginners. Especially kids. An old horse like ol yeller that belongs to my youngest son, will teach you more than you could ever learn if you'll listen to him. And they will baby sit those kids all day long.

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[CX5Ranch]

Here is something I thought of today. Even though I hunt in wilderness areas and bicycling is not allowed. ...I figured joemule might as well have a look at one. He jumped and ran plumb off the first time. As soon as he would come back to the hay I would send the boy flying in. Watch the progress.

As you can see both boys had to give it a whirl lol.

He never would continue eating while the bike was close. But he did quit acting stupid. I cant fault him for paying attention.

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[loggerchas]

I have to say straight off - I am not a horse/mule guy, but have been around plenty and rode my share doing backcountry range and forestry work for 12 years. I really enjoy this thread showing how to do it right. Every critter I have the "blessing" to ride had a weird phobia of some kind and it is obvious here that dedicated training and familiarization was lacking in all of those cases. High kudo's to you for sharing this. Should I ever trade my iron horse for a real horse/mule, I'll definitely be looking your threads up for pointers!

One would not step in or over flowing water - would only jump like a bronco over the creek but had no problem swimming the beaver pond when you weren't ready for it. One would let my daughters and female trainer ride, but never a male rider. One freaked out into rodeo mode at the sound of a map unfolding. Another was deathly afraid of anything white on the ground (bag, mushroom, hat, skull, shed antler, etc.) that was not snow. One would never lead on a trail, but only followed. One did lot like the sound of cicadas and got extremely jumpy whenever he heard them. One would not come close enough to an aspen tree to tie off, but had no problem at the corral being tied to the rail. The list goes on. The one thing they all had in common was I was always told "that horse/mule is old and gentle - you'll be OK!!"

 

[CX5Ranch]

Thanks for the comments.

I guess some folks are just ok with mediocre stock. Not me. I want the best.

It doesn't pay to have crazy untrained animals. Matter of fact it costs. Mainly in the form of ER bills

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[Logan T]

I'm more worried about what the llamas think of my new mule

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If you haven't had horses or your new mule around a llama... I would try it. Once they are desensitized to a llama, they are pretty much desensitized to anything out there. But boy oh boy can they get crazy when you drop one in the pen with them for the first time.

 

[ianpadron]

There was a nasty wreck a few years back here in WA, in the GPW where some horses got scared by llamas and ended up falling into a ravine and dying. No bueno.

If you haven't had horses or your new mule around a llama... I would try it. Once they are desensitized to a llama, they are pretty much desensitized to anything out there. But boy oh boy can they get crazy when you drop one in the pen with them for the first time.

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[CX5Ranch]

Could they be any worse than sheep?

You guys have me about half worried about a dang llama.

If I get killed in a llama wreck could somebody please make up a story that has nothing to do with llamas and a lot to do with grizzly bears and snowstorms!

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[wyosteve]

I concur about llamas. My mules can't stand them!

 

[Logan T]

Llamas are about the “worst” animal for horses/mules as far as their fear goes. Once they are used to llamas.... bears, moose whatever- don’t hardly bother them at all.


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[blackdawg]

Good thread, keep the tips coming.


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[CX5Ranch]

Well I did a little more trail work with Joe last night. The boys cut some hickory trees and skidded them up with their horses.

Just some basic stuff here. There is a lot of protruding sticks and stuck in dark timber. This stuff really jabbed ol joe. He took it pretty good.

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[CX5Ranch]

And after considering ol bay horse may just decide to run off the edge of a cliff after the llama encounter, I figured I'd see if Joe could (would) haul me back out.

"Well Woodrow I reckon this is where we find out if were meant to be cowboys or not"

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[CX5Ranch]

Wyatt ponied us around a bit. I wanted some pics of me mounting joe for the first time. But my wife was too worried about videoing it. I guess she wanted proof she didn't kill me when she cashed the life insurance check.

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[ianpadron]

This thread is awesome. You should consider writing a book or doing a YouTube series on training a pack string. Perfect combo of information and entertainment.

The one-liners are hilarious!

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