September  2005

Baby Huey Conquers the World
by Kathy G. O’Neal... 8
Laminitis: Treatment and Prevention Part 2 by Doug Thal, DVM... 10
Focus on Mules by Sophia Sarember... 12
Equine Liability Law by C. Fleming. ....14
The Morgan Horse by Steve Simmons.. 16
Yoga Stretches for Equestrians
by Susan Seligman... 18
Skin Care Help for Riders by Meg Cicciarella... 20
Vaccination and Abscess
by Sophia Sarember... 26

d e p a r t m e n t s
NM Quarter Horse Association Newsletter . . . . . . . . 30
Stallion Showcase  . . . . . . . . . . . 22
News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Breeders Directory. . . . . . . . . . . .57
Instructor/Trainer Directory . . . . .32
Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . 60
Equestrian Property . . . . . . . . . . .67
Classified Advertising/Subscription Information. . . . . 78

Hard-Mouthed Mule Part three


When the mule is responding well to remedial training with a snaffle bit in a controlled environment, then I start to venture out of training areas and onto
quiet trails and paths. This is a very difficult juncture in retraining because mules can get quite strong and “selfwilled” when they get out into an open area. The temptation for many riders is to abandon the snaffle and return to using a strong curb bit or other device. However, this may be how the mule initially became hard-mouthed— improper use of the curb. Curb bits were intended to refine “longitudinal flexion” or “collection”, so they are really for advanced training on a mule that already works well in a snaffle.

  Before riding on trails, you should have already been able to discontinue using draw-reins. If you cannot control your mule with a snaffle and ordinary reins in the arena, then you will not be able to control your mule in the open. Riders who do not properly use their hands or fail to ride with their “seat” and whole bodies, can also make their mounts hard-mouthed. The mule feels your seat either driving it on to move forward, accompanying it in harmony, or resisting it to ask for a halt or decrease in speed. You must be watching where you are going and have control over your body and attitude as you ride.

  In order to maintain continued progress in retraining the mule while
riding in open areas, you may need to use a twisted wire snaffle, rather than
a smooth one. In cases like this I use a very lightweight bit that has a “large
twist” and a “bent relief”. This kind of bit is very easy on the mule’s mouth
while it is being carried, yet it gives you more control should the need arise.
If the mule ignores my aids and voice commands to slow down when I say
“easy”—or will not stop when I say “whoa”—then I will quickly slide one
hand about halfway down the rein. Then, using only that rein, I pull the mule
around sharply (keeping my hand in a fixed position on my thigh) until the
mule stops. I keep the mule standing still for a minute or so, then I resume
riding and using light aids. It is hard work, but the mule must be taught to
respect the aids, the snaffle bit, and voice commands through consistent and
repeated instruction.

 You may also need to pay special attention to particular situations that
aggravate your mule’s disobedience to the bit, such as going downhill, away from or to the barn, or in the company of other equines. Try to address these issues with separate training tactics that focus on changing the mule’s overall habits. Eventually, with correct training you will be able to “lighten up” your mule and cure it of its “hard-mouth”.

Sophia Sarember is a trainer, writer, and “muleteer” living in Edgewood, NM. She can be reached at Mulegal@aol.com.