I Rode A Mule!

[AlbertaGirl]

I rode a mule for the first time yesterday, and it was so much fun! I went for a day trip to visit a friend, and we rode at her trainer's place. They said they had a mule there, and were trying to get someone to ride him. They said he'd done 4-H, jumping, etc, but I thought they had picked him up at an auction, so said that if they saddled him, I'd ride him, as no one else there had yet. I ended up being coerced into riding him bareback with a halter, after the trainer led him around for a bit. Then we went solo! I walked and trotted him, then even trotted him over a cavelletti jump! Then he finally got saddled and bridled and I rode him some more, W/T/C and over the little jump (I've never jumped before that day ).

His trot and lope were so neat and smooth, I just had so much fun! His name is Lucas, and he was quite chubby, and under 14hh. Except for the trainer's wife, no one else would ride him for some reason, but that's fine - I got him all to myself ! AFTER I was done riding him, they clarified that they were boarding him, he wasn't from an auction, not sure how that misunderstanding came up , his history was much more solid than I originally thought - lol.

Sorry, no pictures as I had no camera with me, because didn't expect there to be any excitement . Wanted to share anyway though, as I'd always wondered what it would be like, and it made my day !

Who else has ridden mules and donkeys? What did you think of the ride?

[cascy]

Every rode a mule? I grew up on a mule! My first "horse" was a mule named jerry, he was my baby sitter and we've been all over the country, everywhere from arkansas, missouri, Arizona, colorado, you name it, we've been there.

We became a "team" when I was 6, he was my first "horse" that was actually MINE! he's old now, late 20's but he still takes my grandpa coon hunting sometimes in the summer. Other then that, he's retired. I sure miss him, we did everything together, I also learned to do the mounted shots on him and you couldn't of asked for anything better for kids to learn on. He was awesome!

[iris_surreal_euphoria]

You lucky butt! I've never rode a long ear unless you count the times I've strandled ms. Piggity the 34" donk...

[Thunderz Gurlz]

I never have I want too....

[Mule360]

My equine of choice is a mule. I grew up around mules, dad raised them, but I didn't get the "fever" until I started riding my personal riding mule, Jose Quervo, seven years ago. He's out of a standard jack and my quarter horse mare. I would never let Dad breed his jack to her while I was at home, so, when I left for college she "accidentally" ended up with a mule baby the following spring. I paid him back by claiming Jose as mine four years later. Now, I'm a mule junkie. I love them because they're never boring.

[AlbertaGirl]

Originally Posted by Mule360

My equine of choice is a mule. I grew up around mules, dad raised them, but I didn't get the "fever" until I started riding my personal riding mule, Jose Quervo, seven years ago. He's out of a standard jack and my quarter horse mare. I would never let Dad breed his jack to her while I was at home, so, when I left for college she "accidentally" ended up with a mule baby the following spring. I paid him back by claiming Jose as mine four years later. Now, I'm a mule junkie. I love them because they're never boring.

Pretty good pay back ! I've seen the pictures of your mule, he's really nice looking!

Before I realized they were boarding Lucas, I was trying to get them to give me a price, as I honestly would've loved to take him home. Unfortunately, he's not theirs, and isn't for sale . What a sweet boy! Maybe one day I'll own one...

[Mule360]

Thanks, he's my boy.

Lucas sounds awesome and a credit to the long ears. It's obvious you're smitten, so I'm sure in the near future you'll be telling us your new purchase brays instead of neighs. Or, based on your avatar, maybe a flashy appaloosa mule? I've got to say, a mule baby is about as cute as it gets! And spots couldn't hurt it any...

[annag307]

Cool! Sounds like you had a blast. Good 4 U!!

[JoAnne]

he sounds great what a nice post!

[dproaps]

Years ago I rode a mule down into the Grand Canyon, and it was one of the most awesome things I've done in my life. The mule I was riding was extremely smart, sure footed, and had the most wonderful smooth trot.

I don't know why I haven't ever bought one after that. Maybe because the good riding mules around here tend to be really expensive.

[barrelracer94]

I have a lil donkey & he is so fun to ride! He's retired now, but he gets to come on little trail rides around the house every now & then! I LOVE my little Jack Pot and don't know what I'd do without him!

[kindredspiritsia]

I wanna ride a mule.

[Bandit]

I never rode a mule but would love too. Also want to learn to drive. Thinking I might get up on my donkey this week while I am home from work and see how he does. I have him pretty responsive to pressure and such from the ground now and I've had saddle blankets and such up on his back so I don't think it will take too much work if my husband starts out leading him around for me.

[dproaps]

Haha, that reminds me!

Years ago an old farmer loaned me a pony mule to keep with my weanling filly. He bought him at an auction and didn't really know anything about him. I thought I would get on him bareback to see if the neighborhood kids could ride him and he tossed my right over his ears!

[Bandit]

Hope JJ doesn't do that! LOL - however I have been told he has had someone on his back before for a little bit so it shouldn't be something brand new to him.

Oh, did you see all those mules that they had listed at that rescue you were looking at? Some of them gaited as well. Wow, very tempting to bring home a mule! But hubby would K-I-L-L me! He's still not 100% certain about our donkey yet. LOL.

[dproaps]

Bandit - Don't you know the old saying "Its easier to get forgiveness than permission"?

That's right, they do have mules for adoption there!

[Bandit]

Originally Posted by dproaps

Bandit - Don't you know the old saying "Its easier to get forgiveness than permission"?

That's right, they do have mules for adoption there!

Funny thing is I know that saying very well. My new boss told me that the first day I started under her. It floored me when she said that.

But if I brought home another animal right now my husband would literally kill me. Besides right now I don't have a trailer to get it home or else I would be even more tempted. But I think that might be one of the reasons hubby is dragging his feet on getting a trailer - he knows me too well!

[Gotta Love Duns]

Oh it sounds like you have had a blast!!
I have never ridden a mule, but maybe one day!

[Bandit]

I think I need to have santa leave Bud or Buddy Lee under the christmas tree...

http://www.kyehc.org/adopt-horse.shtml

I wonder if anyone besides Bud is gaited. White ones are pretty as well, but bays are my passion...

[AlbertaGirl]

Originally Posted by Mule360

Lucas sounds awesome and a credit to the long ears. It's obvious you're smitten, so I'm sure in the near future you'll be telling us your new purchase brays instead of neighs. Or, based on your avatar, maybe a flashy appaloosa mule? I've got to say, a mule baby is about as cute as it gets! And spots couldn't hurt it any...

Hmmmm... . Certainly something to consider! My mare, Cheyanne, certainly would be a great one to cross with a donkey, great disposition and conformation. It would definitely be a cute baby!

Too bad my donkey is gelded... . I've had people drive in and ask if he was intact, and when I said "no", they were pretty disappointed. I guess he's quite well put together, and my farrier always comments on how great his feet are *sigh*. Oh well...