Gotta Love That Dragon Mule!

This picture says everything about why I love the Dragon Mule.  Dragon has been the member of our gang who has to had compromise a little more than the others.  For a mule that loves to work and explore we've had to put things a little on the back burner.  My time is no longer quite my own and especially with being in the depths of winter she gets ridden occasionally by Smiley Human or even less occasionally by me.

I admit that I have worried about how this effects her and have thought long and hard about if it's fair to deny her one of her greatest pleasures…. but I have taken good advice and especially liked the advice that her 'job' at the moment is to fit in with family life :-) To be fair she seems happy enough with her lot in life and is very much loved, fed, watered and entertained (as much as can be managed - she'd always love more).

So this morning was one of my morning duties with HF under MH's control (much to his pleasure!), it was my turn to act as chief poo shoveller and to get Dragon ready for her ride with Smiley Human.  I was organising some hay and had the tarpaulin out, Dragon hasn't seen this for a while but thought it was great fun.  So much fun that she had to wear it and parade in it.  She is so unbotherable that she didn't even move when I plonked it very loudly on her back, I do believe that she flicked a ear at me as if to say, is that it? So I went back to my jobs and let her revel in her new fashion item…. Super Mule anyone?

She wasn't moving though when I was trying to sweep the yard so I had to go under her….

I love this mule, she is crazy opinionated and can whip you well with her Dragon tail but underneath it is a brain the size of a small country, a really willing heart and a softy.  No sooner had she whipped me with the Dragon tail whilst trying to do up her girths / cinches than she was happily burying her head in my arms for scratches.

Once she had swapped her Super Mule cape for her saddle off she pottered with Smiley Human, she hadn't been out for three weeks, the weather was good and she'd eaten a little too much good haylage - eek!  I was a little concerned about her behaviour for Smiley Human - who always just smiles at any antics.  I don't know why I bothered worrying really?

Smiley Human reported back that she had been perfect; the normal trains, bikes, tractors, cars, people and life in general firmly put in their place by brave muletta Dragon.

Then Smiley Human reported back that we had forgotten to put her stirrups on the saddle…..oops! Oh well, just a good job that she is a perfect muletta hey? I blame it on baby brain or the terrible cold that I have at the moment, many would say it's just my natural air-headedness.  Alas it's a good job the Dragon mule has brains enough for the rest of us :-) And a very good job because she'll be carrying a precious cargo in a few years time…..

Have a great week!  By the way thank you for all of your comments, even if I don't get chance to reply as much as I'd like I love reading every single one of them and its lovely to hear from old friends. We'll be back again soon!

Back In The Saddle!

Finally!  It's over a year since FH placed her foot in my stirrup and climbed onboard.... that was until today.  I have been trying my best to encourage FH on board but she's been busy.... one thing us
mules are good at though is patience so I figured I could wait a little longer.  Me and Smiley Human have been going out and about together but it's always nice to have two riders, not that I'm greedy or anything ;-)

So this morning FH appeared with saddle in hand, I was a good muletta having all my straps done up (I'm extra good these days as FH sometimes has the Baby One attached to her so I have to be very careful).  And I waited, ears pricked and wondered where Smiley Human was...... and I waited..... but then FH said WE were going out together.

FH was a little twitchy, she was wondering if she'd forgotten how to ride in all that time? What if she had lost her balance (hehe...) We had a little walk first and then it was time, FH gingerly placed a foot in the stirrup (I stood VERY still like a good muletta) and hoisted on board and we were off :-)

FH is a kilo or two heavier than before (we'll soon get that off her) but all the gear fitted and she sat onboard like she'd never been away.  She sat quietly and chattered away to me, mostly about my mulificent ears, I could tell she was a little on edge but that was fine cos I am brave enough for both of us.  FH soon relaxed and we were off climbing steep tracks and looking at the lovely Autumn views. I could tell FH was beaming away behind me, I was very proud, we call it her 'riding face' :-)

We didn't go far but that's fine, there is plenty more time for longer rides.  A wonderful time was had by us both, it was pretty nice to have FH back in the saddle!

Mule - Will Work for Carrots!

Yippedy-do-dah-yippedy-day, my oh my what a super fine day!  I have figured out how to get the best of both mule worlds..... Now being a mule there is nothing I like better than 'a job'.  I like to entertain myself and the others around me by getting on with the work in hand.  AND.... I've discovered that it's a great way to earn carrots too :-)  The humans are super soft and seem to think that I deserve carroty treats for pulling heavy branches around to save them the effort.....

.... this is really nice of them but don't tell them they needn't bother!  I really like this 'job' thing.  When I noticed that MH was chopping down more of the wayward Bay tree I squawked and offered to assist.  Shame that the bay is not nicer to eat but alas it looked like a bit of fun could be had.

FH quickly volunteered our services for dragging the branches up the lane to the bonfire pile (that'll be next week's fun I hope ;-)  Out came one of my outfits for work and I was ready for the off.  I must just tell you about my outfit though.....

You see I'm a mule that likes to do vintage, no point buying new when you can recycle.  And Oh My Mule is this vintage...... my chained breast collar for dragging comes from 1940 and was worn by mules in the war.  It even has stamps on it from where it was made and that it is mule sized.  FH thinks there is something lovely about a piece of equipment that was once meant for badness to be used for good today, I like to think of my muley ancestors wearing this harness and doing much the same as me.... guess they didn't get carroty treats though :-(

Come on MH get those branches attached will you?

Honestly a girl could fall asleep waiting for you humans to get on with the job.

That's it, we're dragging..... yey!  

About half way there.... still quite a few to move, come on MH....

OK while you're horsing around (hehe) me and FH can pose for some photos :-)

Oh OK looks like I'm roped up and ready for action!  Just one thing FH where's my carrot?

I did find it in that pocket - yummy!

Well I got that mule work done super fast without even breaking in to a sweat, good thing the humans let me help otherwise they'd have been there puffing and groaning all day!

Just one final thing though MH.... where's my carroty treat?  Mmmmm I found it!  

This mule is always happy to work for carrots... anymore jobs that need doing? :-)  I heard something about a ride with Smiley Human.... sounds like the perfect way to finish the weekend!

Wonderful Weekend

What a wonderful weekend was had by all!  Let me tell you all about it.... have you got a minute or two to spend with us Muleteers?

Let me tell you about the fun I had!

There was lots of chilling out and doing things that we all like, all topped off by sunshine which isn't bad for the first day of September :-)  So here's a quick resume of our fun and frolics!

Work, Work and More Work

Dragon is soooo happy because she has been working (which in her mind = pleasure) a lot this week, four times in one week, good job Dragon has two riders in FH and Smiley Human!  Lovely potters around the lanes, FH was happy this Sunday morning even though she did get up very early.... apparently it's the best time of day to ride Dragon and appreciate the best view in the world.... something to do with those mulificent ears?

Probably.... the best view in the world!

Dragon's ears are starting to get rather fluffy, the sleek lady is turning in to a fluffy one... best not tell her that though... she will breathe fire else.

In true Dragon style she celebrated a job well done by munching the local tree branches!

Is that snack big enough Dragon?

Reunion

When she got home we had a reunion over a snack.  How many ears can you fit in one shot?

Grocery Delivery!

Then we had a grocery delivery from our friendly farmer.  Roller was busy checking out the quality, honestly he wasn't trying to munch it or nothing....

Quality Control

Scuppered

Oops! Rumbled by the Dragon! Not sure there's room at the door for both of you!

Rumbled!

The Cat Police

It's OK because the Cat Police are in town and have commandeered this straw bale for their own purposes!

Anyone that's brave enough to take on this Puss In Boots alike is welcome to try.... ;-) She may be small but I have trained her in ninja mule ways well!

Mini Racing

I heard all the commotion and came running, FH has set up this track grazing thingy so in honour of it being a track I have made it in to a Mini Racetrack!  I love it!  My cornering abilities are legendary, FH closes her eyes every time I do this.... I think it's cause she sooo excited?

Full....

......steam

......ahead!

It's a Dogs Life

On the other side of the fence the Cloth Dog was trying out his latest look of exasperation.... if he gets the look just right he gets food and / or attention... he is the master of this, I must learn and try harder if this is the result.  GH says that Murph is the master of 'begging with style' we'll see about that I think I could excel at this too!

Look in to my woeful eyes... all this could be solved by food or strokes!

The puppyteer is still a little broken (not that you'd know it) and has been busy stealing FH's clothes again.... I think he has secretly been jealous of my shield of steel rug and decided to get himself some clothes too?

The puppyteer is also very pleased with himself as he has a sparkly new 'big boy' collar.  Hmmm I'd like one of those..... FH is rather fond of bugs so Milo is sporting a bugtastic collar with a ladybug, dragonfly and bee, somehow it seems to suit him?  

After a busy day us Muleteers need to get our rest.  Some us like to snooze on the job (guess we'll let her off after four rides).

While others stay on guard duty.... albeit sitting down.

Hope you had a lovely weekend and here's wishing you a happy week ahead!

Catching Up With The Girls!

Don't you just love a good catch up with pals?  I had a lovely weekend catching up with the girls :-)  It's been ages since I've been out for a lovely long ride with my short eared hero Breeze and her human, we'd almost forgotten what Dartmoor looks like!

So we put our ears together and hatched a plan and made the humans promise to take us out this weekend!  It was a long holiday weekend so there was no excuse.

My Hero and I carried our humans all the way to the moor, can you believe how much they talk?  Honestly blah, blah, blah, do they not realise that my ears are delicate and all that noise... but it was good to listen in to the tales of silly humans (best not to even think about...), the weather (not bad for the UK!), the hay crop (apparently good - phew!), friends (mostly good), acquaintances (mostly puzzling) and just odd things.... Breeze and I exchanged our own news, I told her about my win at Mule Agility, she told me about her new task teaching a new short eared friend the ropes and her sessions with the dancing teacher - very impressive!

Most of all the four of us just went *sigh* isn't it pretty, ah isn't it peaceful, ah why don't we do this more often (what's stopping you humans?) and we must get to the top of that VERY steep hill before the end of the Autumn (hmmm looks like a jolly steep climb and it's not the picture below that's a tiny mound in comparison).

So we splashed (well I mostly got wet as My Hero is such a good aim with her splashing) and pranced and had a jolly old time....

It's coming up to the best time of year for riding on the moor, not too many flies, cooler breezes, clear skies (please) and hopefully less rain than the winter - here's hoping!

Alas it was time for home, I was sad and a little deflated to have to wave my ears goodbye to my pal, it was secretly nice to have a girl to discuss stuff with.  

FH promised a little something to say thank you for a nice time though... I wonder what she has in there for me?

Aha!  A lovely carroty treat, I am very gentle really and didn't chomp her fingers as it might look like in the picture....

Finally ears of relaxation and happiness. I'm dreaming of the next work day!  

 Until next time Muleteers I wish you a good week ahead!

Mule Power: Learning to Log

Mule Power!

If you wanna job doing right.... you gotta get a mule to do it!  

I have been enthusiastically watching MH this week chopping down some old branches and trees that have gotten a little out of control. I neighbrayed and encouraged him especially when he reached my favourite tree, the ash (yummy).    I was delighted when I saw this huge pile of branches all with green leaves and shiny bark, just ready for the tasting.

MH was a bit slow at dragging the bits up to the paddock though.... it involved a hike up the road which has an incline and he said he was too tired to bring me the spoils of his tree surgery....  

Hey MH!  No worries I said. I'm a mule and I like nothing better than to work.  I'll drag those branches up to the paddock for some tasty dining.  

OK so I know I've never pulled anything before and it takes a lot of practice to make equines happy to pull stuff safely.... but then this is me.....  

Oh and yes we haven't got the right kit.... that's what you think!  Remember that old military mule collar with chains attached that FH has from the war? That'll do the job.  Just think the last time it was used it might have been one of my long eared friends pulling a gun, at least this is a better use for it.  

Yeah yeah so ok we need to practice a bit with the swingle tree and you need to make sure I'm not gonna run away and think I'm getting chased, ok so we should be using blinkers as those things 'trick' me in to thinking there's nothing behind me.... but really?  I am a mule you know... and not just any mule.... I am super mule Dragon who is scared of nothing and reporting for duty to drag those logs.

So we'll practice a little first (give me 15 minutes and I've got the idea) .... come on MH get those arms working... I can drag you and the log up the lane if you like?  This is a piece of cake!  FH is at my head, we're just doing this off my halter, she's dressed me up with my bit and bridle so I know I'm 'working' but is leading me from the rope, I'm such a calm muletta aren't I?

Come on MH, let's get some logs attached and drag those branches up here ready for dinner time.  Do you think I look the part as a logging mule?  I know I'm not one of those big draft mules but I can move branches that are hard work for you.  I know some of my human followers won't believe this but I really do love this stuff.  If I have a job I am so very happy, you see us mules love to be useful and I get soooo much praise when I work that my ears nearly touch in the middle with pride.  

That's more like it!  Let's drag this up the lane.  It's nice to be able to play with MH for a change.  He is very keen on this logging thing and reckons that he and I can have lots of fun doing this, he is also wondering if I might provide some mule power for him on wheels?  Who needs horse power of the wheeled variety when you got mule power? He looks pretty pleased with me, I could get used to this adulation!

Logging mule extraordinaire!

There is only one limitation to this logging thing.... your human's have gotta work too and well... they're not as quick as us mules so there is some waiting around to be done, oh well guess we're not all mules.... I put on my most patient ears while MH messed around with ropes and chains.  FH says I was the most patient muletta ever, she reckons I know when I'm 'working' - of course I do!  I'm a mule!

Well that was soooo much fun, I'm excited as there is talk of more logging and more dragging and maybe a new harness.... and more mule powered fun!  Yippeee I love this work thing....

Especially when I reap the rewards - ash tree for dinner!

Can't wait for my next mule powered adventure!  A happy mule is a mule with a purpose!

Mula Exploradora!

Mule Explorer!

The sun's shining, the breeze is blowing and this mule has energy! Come on FH let's go check out the wilds of Dartmoor!

I do so love it up on Dartmoor, it is made for mules!  Dartmoor is nearly 400 square miles of open moorland with herds of ponies, cattle and sheep (and the occasional Pixie aka Piskies in this area).

I have been exploring on the moor before but normally I have to wait for a more mature short ears friend to go with me as I get a bit excited!  FH reckons I'm ready to go on my own though now.

So let's get tacked up and out early..... we don't get blue skies like that very often here you know.









That looks like a mule track to me, need to go up hill and over yonder, hang on FH I'll get you there.

Dartmoor Mule!

I've noticed on Dartmoor that there are lots of these stone things everywhere.... FH tells me that some of them are the ruins of old houses (maybe we could come live up here FH, there's lots of grass), some are burial mounds (spooky!) and some are monuments that no one really knows what they are. These things have been here since the Bronze age, that's about 5000 mule years ago, wow!  They are all made out of granite and have a habit of popping up out of nowhere, I had to give some of those stones a good mule stare to put them in their place.... can't have those rocks thinking they've scared me...

Sometimes all is not as it seems, I noticed that quite a few of those stones actually moved when I passed them.  They was sheeps disguised as stones!  Naughty sheep!  This little lambykins wasn't that well disguised though, he had got left behind by his Mom.  Run, sheepy run.

After a few miles I was starting to get a bit thirsty, it was OK though as we were about to happen upon one of Dartmoor's many streams for a little drink.  We had to tip toe around a blanket bog first though.  Dartmoor has lots of bogs.... nasty squelchy things that suck your hooves off, thank goodness FH seems to know where they are as I wouldn't like to lose my pretty muletta hooves, good job I invited her along, humans are useful sometimes.

Bog tackled we neared the stream but what is this?  Some of the cattle had the same idea.  These are Belted Galloway cattle, I thought they were rather pretty, FH was not so convinced, she is a little bit nervous of them.  Apparently this herd are known to be fairly quiet but they got calves with them so we needed to be careful and not upset them.  FH needed to hide so she got off me and hid behind my mulificent self.  I gave those cows some stern mule stares and they quickly created a path for Queen Dragon to proceed through.  I don't know why FH is bothered by this lot they seemed pretty friendly to me.  I would've enjoyed staying to chat a bit longer but places to go people to see!

Just a second FH before we go I just gotta check under the bridge for the Piskies (this is the proper Devon word for pixies, those little fairy folk that live on the moor and have a mischievous time, us Muleteers love them, our humans don't believe they exist, they have no imagination sometimes).  

These old bridges are called clapper bridges, some nice person mules years ago put them up so you humans don't need to get your feet wet when crossing.  Us mules have superior waterproof hooves, you lot really need to evolve some too.

Checking for Piskies

OK bye now my bovine friends, I'll be back again soon.  What a nice view!  You can see where the farmer's fields end and the moor begins, they're such different colours.

Onwards we must go!  This is so much fun!  FH walks a bit and rides a bit and inspects the view while I inspect the plant life (mmm tasty).  We both sigh deeply and enjoy the sunshine, aahh bliss :-)

Nearly back to the track home and I came across this most interesting bunch of stones, I was desperate to climb all over it while FH had to get off to open one of the super difficult gates. This is called a 'Barrow', apparently not one of the wheeled ones but this is a name for an ancient monument sometimes a tomb or burial chamber.  These are found all over the moor, this is one of the oldest ones but alas it is now just a collection of big granite rocks. 

Perfect for a Mula Exploradora to pose on!

Homeward bound now, I'm sure I can hear The Mini bellowing from miles down the lane!  I'm having such a nice time do I have to go home?  Guess the boys need might need me.... oh well if we're going we might as well GO!  What do you mean FH that I really shouldn't canter down this path? It's only steep and rocky and narrow.... no problems for a Mula Exploradora but as you asked nicely I guess I'll carry you down it at a walk.  There is an advantage to that, I can snack along the way!

Next stop home.  Just time for a Mula Exploradora to replenish her energy levels with cow parsley, hogweed and campion - yummy!

I'm ready for my next adventure, where to FH?  I love being a Mula Exploradora!