Home Forums Gear Horses and ATV's Damn mules

THis was not my mule. My buddy paid for what we were told was a broke mule. Supposedly a veteran of many Grand Canyon trips with dudes on it. He wanted me to ride it this time to see what I thought. I put a bit on it that game me some control and it was a great morning. I just got lax and didn't hold the reins this one time. That is NOT why it took off. It didn't buck hard, mostly just ran away. Absolutely no idea what set it off. It tried the same thing when I got back to the trailer- litterally two strides from being done. I pulled it up and it was over- like nothing happened. Stood there and let me unsaddle etc. Loaded great, had no hot spots on his back- I just don't get it. I don't think the guy will take it back now, he was a dick when we called him the first time and probably would be worse now.

I have done very little arena work- I would generally get green broke colts and teach them to trail ride. I had healers that would make the horses do what I wanted them to; usually they would be afraid on some abstract object and would need a dog to encourage them to go on by. Worked wonders for years. My main horse all those years was a BLM mustang that came out of Nevada -he had white feet too

My career got in the way of horses and I had to let them go for a few years. Now I am just helping my buddy out and we have gotten two good mules and two that had a buck in them. I am going to ride this one in the sand and see how he does. They don't run away and can't buck in the sand.

Damnedest thing, I banged my head but now, 2 days later, the blood has all pooled in my eyes and I can hardly see! Doesn't hurt a bit but looks like he!!



This is when I got back to the truck a couple hours after it happened.







This is about 50 hours later.

Hope you heal up quick. I've only ridden a few mules but I pack a bunch.

I wouldn't get on our oldest most trustworthy dude horse without the reins gathered up. Left hand with the reins gathered up and a handful of mane and right hand around the saddle horn.

If not for safety then do it so you won't look like a farmer.

Sure didn't make you any prettier...(snort)

Hey, I found the bulls I was looking for so it's a wash right?

I think you guys are being a little tough on Dennis. Sure he made a basic error, but schit happens.

Dennis,
Best wishes to a good recovery.

Sounds to me the money is already spent or he knew there were issues with this mule and wants him gone for good.

Ouch... hope things get better.

Ground work is invaluable. Seems like many steps wre missed on this one. especially the mounting program.

It's been pretty much covered here already but lateral flexion and an emergency break are paramount.

Also a hand full of mane or at least in hand a shortened near side rein when mounting woulda helped.

Miles, there was at least one horse that would hurt you on purpose. I was holding the reins on him while my sister went into the house. He looked around, then down at my bare foot. Picked up his left front hoof and stepped on my foot and leaned on it with all his weight. Wouldn't move until my sister returned and pulled hm off. Only broken bone I've ever had.

He also like to run under low hanging limbs when you rode him. My uncle cured some of that with a short piece of 2x4.

Sure hope you heal fast and well.

Didn't mean to chastise, only offer advice

Roundoak,
I think you have spent little time with mules.

I ask professional cowboys all the time, "Do you have any experience with mules?" The common reply is "Yeah I was given a rank mule to ride once and it was a terrible experience and I never rode one again." The good ones rarely end up in a cavvy somewhere out in the middle of nowhere.

Had a mule that would do that if he caught you not paying attention. Same mule would buck when you were trying to mount, if he thought you were too relaxed about it. Never bucked when you were already mounted. I broke him and his team mate to ride when I was around ten to twelve years old. My Dad bought the team for work mules and they had never been ridden. The team mate was a good steady riding mule. miles

Hope you heal fast Dennis. Tough crowd here!

No kidding!!

I look worse today that I did yesterday. I can hardly stand to open my eyes. This really sucks!

As alluded to above, when did you look good?

sorry. That's mean, especially coming from...me.

Try wet tea bags that have cooled, on your eyes..

Ironbender,
Very interesting to see you being empathetic of all people.
"People that work around livestock get hurt......all the time.
Baxter Black

Several red flags in the original post which is why he didn't get that much empathy.
1. new mule
2. already bucked off new owner
3. reins on the saddlehorn, the biggest mistake you can make.
4. doesn't respect mules and their brainpower

Hell I wasn't being tough. just honest. I'd want the same if I made mistakes too.

My take is there were warning signs, flashing in fact. Then there was the unprepared thing.

When you least expect it..expect it.. but at least don't go unexpecting or unprepared.

Interesting, why? Because I give you $hit from time to time because of your politics and attitude? That is what strikes me as your position.

Dennis has been here a long time and been around stock. He has earned my respect (FWIW) as a rider and outdoorsman.

Did he make mistakes? I think he admitted that.

Does he need to be castigated as a dumshit? Naw.

He's OK and welcome here. again, FWIW.

Chaulk this episode up to experience and learn from it. People that actually do things make mistakes from time to time.