Catching Up!

Wow it’s been busy here over the last few weeks…. 

Our Human Foal is now nearly 8 weeks old and it has passed in a blur.  We’re sorry for our absence and for not checking in on our friend’s blogs as often as we’d like to.  Our hooves and paws have been a little busy with caring for the HF, but we know you all understand J

Despite our blog absence life has continued in a new normality here at Muleteer HQ!  We’ve all been getting in to raising our new foal in our own special ways.

Dragon and The Mini are always on inspection duty, they absolutely love HF.  Dragon has totally found her maternal instinct!

Both of the long ears like to make sure the humans are doing a good job of looking after HF and making sure that their tack fits securely (their saddle / harness thing looks a little weird?), they are both most keen to know when they get to carry HF?

In the meantime Dragon has been having some lovely rides out with Smiley Human and hopes that FH might manage a little ride soon? She is also looking mighty fine in her beautiful summer coat - there is not much finer thing to behold than Dragon at this time of year!

The Mini has been fighting the battle against the bugs with his suit of armour, he is winning most days and staying itch free J

Roller is still trying to shed out his winter fluff and looks a little ‘preloved’ with his patchy coat.  Nevermind, he’s still the most handsome pony in the neigh-bourhood (not that we’re biased!).  He is, as always, very helpful and insists on assisting the girls with the poo picking, FH says he and HF are SOOO helpful….

Diesel is on fine huntress form and appears to have decimated the local baby bunny population despite them often being the same size as her…. Sad but at least she does eat them and dispatches them quickly!

The canine companions are going greyer by the day.  Milo is continuing to grow a magnificent woolly coat, it seems no one told him it is the summer?  Heyho he seems not to be bothered! 

Murph is going greyer with his added responsibility, he is now guardian of an extra family member and takes his pram guard duty extremely seriously.  It’s a good job his labrador shoulders are broad!

And the humans?  Well they are a little on the tired side but loving having their extra smiley member of the family!  MH has taken on much of the mucking out duties for which we are all very grateful (don’t tell FH but his bed making is superior to hers and he’s much more generous with the hay and cat treats but a little stingy with the grass).  

FH is spending much of her time feeding, washing, playing and on poo patrol.... and yes that's for all of us Muleteers not just HF.  The Mini is kindly supplying FH with dirty fly rugs galore to make sure she doesn't forget how to handwash clothes, FH finds herself regularly wondering how mothers used to cope with washing nappies by hand?!  The Mini thought she'd like a little insight... ;-)

And finally…. HF!  She is smiling, gurgling and entertaining us all.  Her very favourite thing is being outside in her baby carrier or pram, her best entertainment is nature’s mobile – also known as looking at the leaves blowing in the trees and the cotton candy clouds, guaranteed to take away any baby cries!

We’ve also noticed that she knows the special sounds of her dogs barking, mules neighbraying and Roller whinnying, these noises bother her not one bit but she is always alarmed by strange dogs barking or other odd noises, shouldn’t be any surprise though we’ve all been getting to know each other for many months now one way or another…. it seems like a lifetime ago that this picture was taken!

Hoping all of our friends are happy and healthy, we promise to be back again very soon J

Nesting

Greetings Muleteers!  Roller here, apologies for my little absence, I have been busy with my nose in the foal care handbook making sure I'm ready for what's about to happen…. I've been reading up on how to parent the Human Foal and making sure that I know how to keep it happy, I vote for snuffles :-)

FH is portly and fit to burst, some might say she is looking more like a rotund Shetland by the day (not this shetland I hasten to add)! Only another 3 weeks max and then I will have my little rider to play with, I can't wait!

Although there have been some disadvantages of FH being rotund like less walks and us having to pick our feet up higher there are others that are not so bad ;-)  Soon FH will be on Foal Watch leave from work which will mean we see her here at home even more than usual… and then there's this thing called 'nesting'.  Well all the baby books say that in foal mares nest and like to clean the house and wash the foal clothes and such things….. hmmm well in FH's odd fashion this has not rubbed off on the human quarters but does seem to be taking place here in our mini stable!  Oh yes, the biggest fluffiest bed did arrive fit for some mini kings (and queens!).

It was only fair that me and Catanian got down to some nesting of our own and tested it out wasn't it?  This foal watch thing is exhausting!  I'm off for another nap

Striking a Deal With The Dragon Mule

Part angel, part devil, a Dragon that breathes fire and blows kisses in equal measures.... these are all good descriptions of a certain beautiful mule that I have finally struck a deal with.

I hope you don't mind me taking over the Muleteers blog for a little while to talk to you about Dragon.  I think she deserves a little explanation all of her very own for this is one complex lady!  First of all let me deal with the name.... Dragon's name to most of the world is Callie.  Callie is the name we use in company and for anything official, I think if people heard me call her Dragon without understanding that this is a term of endearment they might think wrong of her (and me!).  But Dragon is the name we use ourselves, it suits this unique individual who is capable of being a fire breathing, snorting beast as much as she is of blowing kisses to the minis and displaying 'emotional ears' when enjoying hugs and scratches.

Dragon joined us about 18 months ago from a home where she had begun her journey towards being a riding mule, she was only four so very much still a baby.  She was part way there but for me to be able to do what I wanted with her safely she needed some refinement.  We needed to find a way of being together and understanding each others messages!

When Dragon first arrived she was quite reserved, she didn't make noise, she'd tolerate us and would obviously rather be with the minis than with us humans.  She was certainly not convinced of the benefits of owning us, if it was up to her she would have been quite happy to never see us apart from when the food ran out.  I think we were a bit of an irritation!

Those first few weeks I took time to walk with her, spend time with her and just be around without any pressure to ride.  It kinda worked a bit although she was still tolerating.  The first ride was not quite what you would call refined, it was a bit like hang on, sit deep, point in the general direction and try not to annoy her too much.  Hmmmm, I wondered how this was going to work?

Grounded

I have ridden plenty of green and 'difficult' horses but with time I really learnt that riding mules, even young, green ones you need a different attitude.  You need to 'strike a deal' with them. It's no use telling them what to do because it's what you want to do, rather it's all about persuading them that what you're going to do together is in both of your best interests.  I had to rapidly change how I asked and how I introduced new things and new places.  I spent A LOT of time on the ground (and still do!), we tackled new places and obstacles (trains, bikes, dogs, rivers, tiny bridges and farmyards) with us both taking the perceived risk together, Dragon was quite happy for me to run the risk of being eaten by the mule killer alongside her, the responsibility was not all on her to make decisions and keep us safe.  So we pottered around with many a cute remark from the locals about me walking and her being a mule..... amazing how thick your skin can get quickly ;-)


Work

I guess what I'm saying is working this mule has taught me a lot about partnerships, the risk and the ride should be shared.  When we ride or work together there should be pleasure for both parties, it should not be a chore.  Work in most mule's eyes, as long as its fair, is pleasurable.  Dragon has taught me that work can be a real bonus to an animal, I've seen some equines enjoy their work but never met one whose whole attitude to life is changed by it.  Dragon is never happier than when she's done something, her happy mood continues for days!

Time

With time Dragon has settled in to life with us, I shouldn't be surprised at how long it has taken, The Mini taught me that mule time is 'as long as it takes', he needed about 18 months and so did Dragon.  She has shown us some other mulish traits which I have learnt to love and appreciate!

Neighbrays

We now have a mule who squawks and neighbrays in her unique mulish way at us every morning and whenever she sees someone in the garden, I was so ridiculously happy to hear her voice when it first appeared, it took her about 9 months to start and now we can't stop her.... the noises she makes are hilarious!  I really think that mules make noise when they're happy and secure where they are.

Body Language

Dragon is probably the most complicated animal on the body language front that I have ever had the pleasure to work with.  She is very 'honest' in her reactions to what you ask with your body language, if you ask her to back off she will, if you ask her to move forward she will..... if you get it wrong and block her forward movement she'll show you that you're being rubbish!

Dragon is not quite so sensitive to other equines' body language though.... she can be a real cause of confusion for horses.  She just doesn't react in the way that horses think she should!  One of Dragon's riding buddies is a lovely, alpha mare who likes to put others in their place, but try as she might she finds Dragon exasperating!  She threatens the mule, the mule looks at her with a 'whatever' look on her face. No matter how hard she seems to try the mule just stands there like 'nah can't understand a word you're saying....'  It's not that she doesn't understand it just seems to be that she is far too sure of herself to be bothered.

Confidence

Speaking of confidence this is another trait that Dragon has in abundance.  She is totally happy about her own ability to make sense of the world and keep herself safe.  She will try to face down the local dog population (I dread ever meeting the local hunt when out for a ride.... I think she would see them as a challenge!), any tractor or lorry, livestock including huge cattle are fair game and obstacles are for walking all over even if they shouldn't be.  While this is a great trait it can also have its moments, having a grown mule chasing a dog down the road can be hairy as can having a mule desperate to poke it's nose in to the engine of a tractor as it rumbles by very close!

Mule Moods

There are some days when Dragon is having a mule moment day.  It doesn't seem to go with her hormones, it just seems to be one of those days when it's simply not worth the hassle to try to 'play'.  Dragon can be angel or devil, these days the angel surfaces much more often than the devil but woe betide the day when you don't listen to the warning signs.  I generally start my rides on the ground to test what mood the mule is in, best to do this before getting on board and it gives me the information I need to assess where to go, what questions to ask and how to answer the questions I will be inevitably asked!  Do we canter a lot or do we walk, do we go somewhere busy or go for the quiet option?  I've also learnt that unless you're in the right frame of mind not to try!  The few times when I've been silly enough to try to play with Dragon in the wrong frame of mind or not on top physical form and I've regretted it, although I have to say she nearly always leaves me with a smile on my face (and sometimes mud on my butt!)

Mule Affection

Earning affection and returning it has been a real challenge with this lady. She can be aloof in the extreme and until fairly recently would rather walk away than 'suffer' much in the way of cuddles and scratches.  I believe in doing as much as possible with the gang on their own terms so tend not to tie them up to fuss, pet and train.  This means that unless they want fuss they are free to leave when they want, invariably this is exactly what Dragon would do.  She would turn her back and deliberately whip you with her tail, she is an extremely good aim with her whip tail and very adept at swiping you on the way past, there's a reason her nickname on occasions is Miss Whiplash ;-)

But recently this mule has started going soft, there are more occasions than not that she presents herself for attention, 'asks' gently for an ear rub or backs up slowly towards you to present her butt for a scratch!  These occasions really make me smile and feel grateful.  To be freely given affection from a mule like Dragon means such a lot.  I like to think that it means our 'deal' is complete and that she is as happy with her lot in life as I am with mine.

Life with Dragon

There is never a dull moment with this Dragon around; she's opinionated to the extreme, challenging, bossy, hides her sensitivity behind bluster and is always willing to give things a go, she can be grumpy if she gets out of bed the wrong side, she does not suffer fools gladly, she will work when asked nicely and work hard, she gives her friendship rarely but is loyal to those who deserve it...... strange old thing, somehow she reminds me a lot of myself.... maybe there's truth in choosing animals to share your life with who are a little like yourself!

I have a feeling that this beautiful mule is going to teach me a lot over the years to come, spending time with such honest animals teaches you much about the world around you and about yourself.

Think it must be time for my next lesson in humility, I'm off to play chamber maid to the mule!

Love of My Life.... A Miniature Mule

Love of my life... a special miniature mule

Hi Muleteers, FH here, for one day only I have hijacked the blog!  It's four years since a certain little mule entered our lives so this post's dedicated to him.

Little did I know when I saw an ad for a rather odd looking mule that it would change my life.  The ad was a little cryptic.... needs very experienced home.... rare miniature mule..... open to offers..... my common sense radar went - red alert!  But... I was looking for a companion for my old horse and had stumbled across the perfect solution. I loved mules and this one needed a home.  I have always believed in fate so thought I'd go and have a look.

The first things I heard about The Mini were that he had been herded in to the barn with sheep hurdles because they couldn't catch him, he was wild, bad with his feet and had tried to kill most things smaller than him..... hmmmm.  He was a miniature creature with a giant attitude. I was also told that they'd never had such interest in any advert they'd placed but had wisely put off anyone so far from coming to see him.  I must have seemed mad enough over the phone to be a match!

When I finally saw The Mini he looked like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.  Cute!  Very rotund, slightly short legs, patchy coat and the cheekiest face with wild and nervous eyes.  He was already in a headcollar and rope and was ready for inspection.  His handler was very nice but obviously wondered what he might do to me.  There was no need.  He was very good and nuzzled me and even picked up a back foot (I had no idea until later just how trusting he was being by doing this).  I did not need to think about it, I knew he had to come home with me, thankfully my long suffering husband agreed (he is a superstar for supporting me to always follow my dreams).  A ridiculous, bargain price was struck and he was 'sold', I whispered that he was coming home with me in a few days.... he tried to climb out of the barn he was in.... hmmmm.

Take me home... NOW!

A few days later it was pickup day.  I found the horsebox I'd ordered had arrived early and The Mini was already onboard.  There had been some prearrangements I think, more hurdles, lots of brooms and shouts to get him on board.... they really wanted him gone.  Just before leaving I remembered I needed to exchange his new headcollar for the old one.  The lorry driver joked (or so I thought at the time) that I took my life in my own hands going inside... I laughed and found a confused creature who was very willing to have a sparkly new headcollar.  The folks outside the lorry seemed baffled when I appeared with the old one and no injuries!

He travelled really well and homeward bound we were.  On arrival my old horse was not impressed with my choice of companion for him.... he chased this small creature.  The Mini was having none of it and gave as good as he got, fiery little thing he was.  I decided that separating them was a good idea so electric fence at the ready and the job was done.

Not for long.... this was my first lesson in the escape artistry of mules.  This mini mule could commando crawl under any obstacle in his way.  He crept in to the paddock containing his large horse companion and seemed completely unbothered by the horse's best efforts to kill him.... Thankfully they calmed down and tolerated each other after a while.

A rather moth eaten Mini on arrival!

Over those first few weeks I don't mind telling you I wondered if I needed my head read.  I had a wild mini mule who I could not catch, groom, handle its feet and seemed to have no bond with at all!  He viewed me with huge amounts of suspicion, I tried everything to get him on side, it was two steps forward and one step back, any slight deviation from the plan would set him back, if I dropped a brush by accident near him he thought I was trying to kill him, if I picked his foot up a little too high he would  roughly pull it back and scare himself falling over and so it would go on.  The more time I spent with this wild thing the more I loved him and he fascinated me.  One day I'd get there.....

Progress was slow....

Just when I thought we'd made a breakthrough something would 'have' to be done, a vet visit, a foot trim, each time was a battle.  But then I had a pretty nasty accident coming off my horse and everything changed.  I had to make the terrible decision to rehome my old horse (he now lives the life of luxury retired) after many broken bones, broken trust and a very broken heart.  The balance of things changed, we looked after an old mare for a winter to give her some comforts and The Mini an equine friend.  I still think he knew I needed him then.  I was battered physically and mentally and he was gentle and his trust grew in me and gradually we found a way of getting on.  Things progressed so that I could brush him, pick his feet up and touch him all over.  Vet and farrier visits were still no fun (are they ever??) but he would at least tolerate them.  We found him the delightful Roller as a friend and they bonded immediately, that calm, gentle little pony was such a good influence on him and they both grew to be firm partners in crime!

After a couple of years along came Dragon, if I hadn't been through what I had with The Mini I might not have taken her on.  I have always loved to ride and this was the one thing The Mini couldn't do so I found a lovely, genius mule to ride.  She is complicated and very female!

I love all my equines and appreciate them each one for their individual characters.  Roller is gentle and calm and accepting. Dragon is challenging and brave and independent.  The Mini is complex and sensitive and loving.

The Mini and I have been together for four years now, the time has flown and he has been a big part of my life.  He has made me cry, scratch my head, question, sigh but mostly he's made me laugh and smile.

He has taught me many things....

Patience - I am a pretty impatient person in most aspects of my life but The Mini taught me not to rush and that things will take the time they need.  He has always paid me back with patience of his own.

The Nicer Way - there are always quicker ways to achieve what you need but you should always seek the nicer way.  The Mini taught me in true mule fashion that you might do it quickly one day but the next you won't do it at all, do it the nice way and you'll be faster the next time.

Perseverance - so many times I wondered will I ever be able to trust this animal with other people?  Will he ever be safe to lead outside of the paddock?  Will I ever get his feet trimmed?  If at first you don't succeed don't give up just think of another way to approach the problem.

A Sense of Humour - I am so used to strangers comments about my little mule pal and why I bother walking him, can't I get a real horse?  What's the point of a mini mule?  Surely he just mows the grass?  At first I was offended, now I don't care, I know the secret and think it's funny that people are so narrow minded.  I'm pretty sure many in the neighbourhood call me the weird mule lady... oh well I care not.

Looks like dessert!

Simple Things - The Mini is a great lover of the simple things in life, he is never happier than when walking with his cat companion, having his bum scratched or enjoying a banana peel.  It's hard not to be drawn to this simple enjoyment and share in it (I do draw the line at bananas though!)

Empathy - The Mini is a great reader of moods, he knows when to be gentle, he seems to know when you need to laugh and he seems to know when you're nervous or sad.  He has empathy with his favourite people and is a great judge of character.

Big is not always best - I freely admit that I didn't really 'get' mini ponies, donkeys or mules until I met The Mini.  I had always wondered what the point was?  Surely you can't ride them so why bother?  I was so wrong.  The lorry driver that delivered The Mini chuckled and said he'd become my favourite, he had a mini pony that he wouldn't part with for the world and that they had a way of getting under your skin, he was so right.  I think the fact that there is no expectation to 'perform and work' makes things more relaxed.  Minis deserve just as much care and time as their larger counterparts but sadly are often used as lawn mowers or paddock ornaments and don't get the handling they need to make them happy with humans.

I believe that sometimes in life fate takes you on a journey you never imagined.  The day four years ago that a certain miniature mule neighbrayed his way in to our lives was one of those days.  I thought he'd be a companion, the afterthought to the main event that was my horse.  How wrong I was.

The Mini has become the love of my life (my husband excepted!), the bringer of smiles, the changer of paths, the funny little mini mule that I wouldn't part with for the world.  He was a bargain that day I acquired him, a priceless gem that would never be for sale, will never know another home and who I hope to walk the path of life with for many, many years to come.

I know there will be those of you that read this or stumble upon it that think, silly woman it's only a mule and a small, non rideable one at that.  That's OK, I forgive you, I might have thought the same thing once upon a time.  Those of you who have been lucky enough to experience what I have will nod and smile and think about that special bond you had or have with another creature, pretty amazing isn't it?

Thanks Mini for  bringing much happiness to this house!