[farmboy238]

Robert,
I certainly appreciate the way that you are attempting to understand these methods without being insulting and condemning. I guess overall the difference in methods could be summed up with several analogies,i.e. you can compare child rearing with mule training. One method would be the Dr. Spock (Benjamin) method that consulted with and reasoned with children to elicit a desired behavior. We all know the tragedy of that story and the consequences that Dr Spock was forced to endure (even with his own children). Another method would be “spare the child, spoil the rod”. The product of that method was “The Greatest Generation” of the WW2 era. Mules are like children (impulse driven) and both benefit when they have clear boundaries and firm rules. I know what I expect from my mules and I know that it isn’t going to hurt them even when they don’t (the reason most mules balk at what they are told to do is because they think it will hurt them ). If I were to “reason” with my mules it would extend, immeasurably, the time that it takes to get them to do whatever task I asked of them. The risk of me and the mules getting hurt in the process is also increased. Using Jack Strode’s methods I can train the entire team to be completely finished in the time it takes to get them over whatever was bothering them in the first place and have a more PREDICTABLE, DEPENDABLE, SAFE team as a result. I am the Master of my mules just as I am the master of my home. I don’t beat my wife and I don’t beat my mules. I have a great relationship with both. (I hope my wife doesn’t read this; she might not appreciate the analogy!!) Jack’s methods (they were using these methods long before Jack) go under the premise that you can’t converse or reason with a mule but you show it that what you want doesn’t present it any harm but it doesn’t get to pick and choose based on it’s desire but yours. Anybody that has ever trained a bird dog knows the difference between a dog the was “Force Broke” to retrieve or a dog that was naturally brought along. If the natural dog decides that he doesn’t want to retrieve then there is NOTHING that you can do about it. If the dog was “Force Broke” then you can make him do his job. It’s the same way when training Mules. I personally prefer Jack’s methods because it gives me PREDICTABLE, DEPENDABLE and SAFE and that makes for a more enjoyable working relationship for my mules and I.

[farmboy238]

The mules are hooked to a boom pole ( 3point hitch) by the halters using chains 18″ in length. Tired mules make good mules. If you notice the video the mules are pulling a front loader tire and have NO problem standing when they are whoa’d, again tired is good.
If you look at the interactions between equines they are ALL about fear and intimidation. That’s how they settle pecking order.

[farmboy238]

You can’t argue with succsess! It is a breath of fresh air to see them trained by someone other than a “Qualified” Horse Whisperer! Jack Stroud accomplished a lot and Malcom is still training in Spencer, TN (but not for the public).

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