A tranquilizer works extremely well and is fast acting. They still remember and next time is usually not needed.
You sure don't want to give them one if they are already a bit excited .It usually doesn't work and you can kill them if given to much
I had one mule that must have been started bad.I took her to the vet to get her tranquilized. She still fought so bad, it took three of us to get shoes on her. Not only would she fight,but she would really try to hurt anyone around. That was at least15 years ago.I sold her to a fellow that wanted one as a companion for his old horse.Every year, he takes her to the vet to get her tranquilized for just a trim and she is no better.
Some mules act different with tranquilizers than horses.Got to be careful with tranks with the litle ones
That one little session was all it took to get that little guy convinced not to fight and he was fine after that
Actually I have been hurt more times from horses than mules. Darn short eared affairs will kick out for no reason. A mule will at least have a reason.Most often revenge. As they say, a horse will kill you by accident,a mule will do it on purpose.