She Trains Mules For The Back Country

She Trains Mules For The Back Country Laurie Warren shies away from being called a mule whisperer but after 25 years spent working with mules she continues to gain experience and insight as a trainer At her Council Idaho ranch she boards and trains mules for their owners to ride and use as pack animals “Mules are the best animals for riding in the back country They’re sure-footed and have a sense of self-preservation that helps them take care of themselves and the rider ” Warren says Turning a green mule into a competent pack horse takes time and patience She uses many of the same training techniques used with horses but says mules are more challenging “Mules are like a horse only more so They have stronger reactions They learn twice as fast But you have to be careful not to make a mistake If I make a mistake I pay for it ” Warren says “They really demand that you treat them right ” For example putting a saddle on before the mule is ready results in a couple week setback that’s needed to rebuild trust Mules also need leadership so once Warren finishes with training she works with owners to increase their skill levels and confidence “I can have the mule responding well but the owner needs to take over leadership ” she explains Ideally owners bring their yearling mules to her for about a month for manners and again when they are 2-year-olds for an introduction to packing and finally at 3 to learn to be a riding mule After each session Warren works with the owner However the mule trainer says she works with mules of all ages including one recently that was 20 years old Older animals usually require a 3 to 4-month commitment Warren starts with them in a round pen then in an arena before acclimating them to the great outdoors “It’s like a boot camp for them learning a whole new way of life ” Warren notes “I call it confidence building with stuff on their back and in new surroundings ” Her goal is to transform mules with worried upright ears to flop-eared mules that are relaxed and happy Warren has had clients from all over the U S including Hawaii She customizes training to the mule’s needs and client’s goals Because successfully training mules hinges on owners taking strong leadership and maintaining the trust that has been built up there are far fewer mule trainers than horse trainers Warren says she likes the challenge “I love working with mules They give you their whole heart If I don’t do this for mules who will?” she asks Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Laurie Warren P O Box 699 Council Idaho 83612 ph 208 253-1119; www muleteacher com; muleteacher@yahoo com

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