[HeeHawHaven]

Welcome! I have a team of fjord mules I just started. No bit in the world will stop a runaway! These mules are started in a smooth snaffle. Some prefer to start in a rope haltervp or bosal. A bit I a mean of communicating. I’d say that if your mule drives in a snaffle, then ride in on for now. Once you’ve driven a lot, it’s easy to add new skills. Have fun!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

@Demented Donkey Dame 28524 wrote:

Did they have a good turn out for the long ears driving classes? Looks like they had a nice driving show.
Just learning is terrific, so much more fun than going there to win everything!! Anyway it is for me.

Dave, let us know how the big Western Idaho Fair goes for you!! I’ve done that one.

PS I had a great drive today with my new driving team…took the camera and got some fun shots of where I love to
be this time of the year…out in the fields with my boys! http://www.2011teamdonk.wordpress.com has the photos

It was basically separated by size, especially because we had the only long ears. It’s not a big show. The girls didn’t stand a chance against the experienced Fjord horse pair. The girls are still learning! The only thing theybdo better than the other team is backing! They will be in the mule show as well as against like sized equines in the light driving show. The donkey/mule show is smaller than it has been in the past.

I’ll check out your pics next!

D

[HeeHawHaven]

That was the Payette Co. Fair in New Plymouth. They’re doing great for such a young team….. not worried about winning, just learning!

[HeeHawHaven]

Here are the girls at their first fair. I borrowed this Cob size carriage from a friend. They show at the big Western Idaho Fair this weekend and next week.

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

It would be great to make the paid. Maybe they could put a for sale sign on the rig and mules? They should be able to sell them there. Lord of teamsters in the parade with $!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Looking forward to them passing through. Hope we can help.

[HeeHawHaven]

I would love to come. It’s important to keep learning! Too bad I won’t be at my sisters. Idaho is to far!

[HeeHawHaven]

Great! The rest will fall into place in due time!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

@Robert MoonShadow 28272 wrote:

Hhmmm…not much bigger than my donkeys…and I think at least 2 of DDD’s mammoth donks are somewhat bigger. Cool! I’ll be able to get a better idea of what a donk can do compared to a mule of similar size. I don’t know of any such comparisons being done, and it’s useful info for me and others considering which to use.
*Not in any competitive sense, but for information/knowledge*

We can compete to see whose assess kick the asses asses (or 1/2 asses)!

Just kidding! I just love to learn and spend time with others who don’t have ear envy!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Around 14 hands, 800 lbs. I think. We were at the equine dental academy today and they were very popular.

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Found some sites to check out.

Florida Draft Horse Rescue – you can find them on Facebook. They are in Appopka – 2 hours away from you.

Florida Draft Horse and Mule Association – Dunnelin, Fla. 2 1/2 hours away.
http://www.afn.org/~grngate/fdhpma/index.html

Here’s an older team to learn on. Remember – green rider and green team = black and blue. 2 1/2 hours*

http://www.horseclicks.com/horses/72cjwq/

Here’s a team in Alabama – package deal with harness ad rubber tired wagon $4500. Look Dow the page a bit for the spotted drafts.

http://www.ruralheritage.com/team_for_sale/teamdirectory.cgi?category=1

Definitely work on finding a club. Then, observe and find the most honest driver who also has the best relationship with his/her team (pair). Then learn as much from this person.

You should be able to find something when you’re ready within a days drive (or 2 at the most).

Consider mules. There are a lot of great teams in the southeast. They say that they can do more work than a horse of equal size on less feed. They are definitely less prone to illness and injury.

Get Lynn Millers Work Horse Handbook. It’s a great resource to keep in your library! He goes over everything including choosing your team, differences between horse and mule, equipment and expenses.

I was lucky. Friends found me my Fjord Mule (Fjule) sisters. I had to wait for them to mature. I put lots of pre-driving training into them and then had 2 different experts help me train. They were not ruined by someone before me. I plan on keeping them forever. They amaze me every time I use them. They trust me inherently. They are not big, but they are tough and strong. They’re only about 750-800 pounds each, but my mentor is impressed by their ability. He thinks they can do the work of a much larger typical team.

I’m looking forward to hearing about your progress. I hope to be in your area next spring break. We were there last ear and really enjoyed your area. We really liked kayaking the mangroves and canoeing amongst the alligators at Myakka River State Park. I’d love to go back! Maybe you’ll be working your team by then!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

Sounds great! We plan on coming unless life happens… We’ll probably bring the Fjule team and Fjord gelding. I will invite the Might Mini Mules of Midvale (12 hitch). I also hope my mentor, Lee, comes too.

dave

[HeeHawHaven]

What an adventure! Let them know we can help them out when they are near Boise.

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

I’m in for anything as long as safety is considered for each event. Sounds like fun!

Dave

[HeeHawHaven]

@Lane Linnenkohl 28021 wrote:

Ha ha! I’m on Ridge Road. Maybe a mile from the lighted deer property I guess.

I don’t really have a sled, but if it’ll move, my horses will pull it. I am thinking about getting a set of bobsled runners for my hay wagon.

My sister lives on Silver Glen off Deerwood, probably less than a mile from you! Get some runners, we may be there at Christmastime? My girls pulled a hay wagon with runners last winter near Sun Valley. http://gallery.me.com/heehawhaven?view=detail#100430/P5270066&bgcolor=black

Dave

[Author]

Posts