Steve Edwards

Teaching folks to communicate with their mules and donkeys for a more fulfilling life for owner and animal! #MuleTraining #donkeys

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

If the head turns away, stop. If it comes back looking at you, go on.

As long as he's looking at me, I approach. When he stops looking at me, I stop and wait.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

The Buckaroo Bit is one of the bits I find works well for a whole lot of mules and donkeys.

Built for clear communication and a softer mouth.
https://t.co/Regb42IL5V

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Age doesn't matter here.

Dave asked if this kind of relaxation, getting the head down, is something you can teach an older, more experienced donkey. Yes. Absolutely.

This can be taught to the babies all the way up to the older, older mules. Any of them can learn to do this.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

You might not be riding in July heat, but you can still sharpen your mule and donkey sense.

We’re rolling out the Top Ask Steve episodes every Tuesday this month at 3 PM PDT on Facebook Live.

https://t.co/orUYwJQI82

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

When that head comes up and he gets worried, I don't rush ahead.

I touch him on the nose, ask him to bring his head down. Then I wait for him to relax.

I moved a little too fast in this one and the mule got stiff. So I backed up, waited, and let him settle before the next step.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Buddy sour, barn sour, and herd sour behavior may be normal, but that does not mean you have to accept unsafe behavior.

Join me August 5 at 5 PM PT for our free online clinic and I’ll show you how to build a more willing partner.

https://t.co/Z6kMWUIo8w

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Getting the Come-A-Long hitch on is not the goal.

I want the mule’s head down, ears relaxed, and body soft before I put it on.

That is what I am looking for: softness and consistency.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

If you are not sure what size cinch your mule or donkey needs, watch the demonstration and learn how to measure correctly.

https://t.co/NGpK4NReMQ

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

I use light pressure on the nose to guide the mule’s head, then release when he responds.

A lowered head, quiet eye, and relaxed ears tell me the neck is soft and the mule is relaxed.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Queen Valley saddles go everywhere and anywhere.

Bill sent in this great photo from up in Idaho; he has been riding in my saddles for over 15 years!

When a saddle is built right for mule and donkey anatomy, it is made to keep going wherever the trail leads.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

When I pick up the lead rope, the mule is looking for release.

I use one finger at a time and follow a simple progression: ask, tell, demand. No yanking. I want to play the tune with my hands.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Can donkeys use the Surcingle?

Absolutely.

It is a great teaching tool for building softness, respect for the halter, and a better foundation before riding.

https://t.co/KSuELs4cJC

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

The Come-A-Long hitch communicates across the upper nose, under the chin, and through the pull of the rope.

Used correctly and without rushing, it helps a young mule understand what I am asking from the beginning.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

If you missed June’s special Ask Steve with Larry and Kiki, go back and watch it. They made great progress with their mules because they built the foundation and did the work themselves.

Watch it here.
https://t.co/QG8B7Df5Ic

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Mules and donkeys learn from their nose. That is where I teach the turn, stop, and backup.

But getting the movement is not enough. I want softness, quietness, and willingness too.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

A breast collar helps balance the front of the saddle and keeps it from shifting too far back when you climb or ride rough country. Proper adjustment matters.

https://t.co/h4SnOVArkl

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

Mules and donkeys are already soft.

We are the ones who make them stiff.

It is not the bit, rope, or halter.

Those tools are only as good as the hands using them.

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

We could all use a refresher this time of year, both for mule and donkey training and beating the summer heat.

So grab a refreshing drink and join Ask Steve today at 3 PM Arizona time on Facebook Live.

See you then!
https://t.co/jQWjZe6cJz

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

We share videos weekly on how to communicate with your mule and donkey the way THEY understand, not how your horse trainer buddy told you.

🎥 Head to the YouTube channel and start learning. https://t.co/Dq5ckeuuzn

[Steve Edwards @muleranch]

A properly adjusted saddle can move a little and settle right back into place.

I keep the front cinch loose enough to avoid putting pressure on the lungs while still keeping the saddle balanced and secure.