Hello from Middle Tennessee.

[Mulelady]

HI Everyone, this is my first post but I hope to receive some useful advice. I have a young draft mule, Bob, who has been started under harness, is doing great in that area, and I am also riding him in the round pen. Bob is HUGE (for me, he is 16.2 at 2 1/2 years old and I am 5’4 120 lbs.) I would love to hear from others who have trained draft mules to ride and any tips, especially with bitting. I need to find a way to have control over him if he spooks out there on the trail. What do you recommend as a starting bit, and ideally, what should he eventually move into? Thanks!

[Jean]

Hi Mulelady! Welcome to the forum. I will be of no help, since I can not even catch my mule. But I do love to hear about people who successfully work with their mules.
Jean

[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

[Mulelady]

Hey thanks for the warm welcome! Bob drives in a snaffle and I am useing a combination bit to ride, it is an O ring snaffle and has a rawhide nosepiece that also attaches to the bit so that there is pressure on his nose as well as his mouth. I understand that if he decided to run off I wouldnot be able to stop him, but I would like to get him to collect more, flex in the poll and five to my hands rather than pull against me. I know he is not a quarter horse, but I am determined to make him a good riding mule! He is just so unique, smarter than any horse I have ever worked with.

[Author]

Posts