Re: Re: Mule Gaits

["GESA BRINKS" <gesaeqfx@pe.net>]

Hi fellow mule riders,     The stumbling problem can be caused, for the most
part, by 2 different things.  First,  the saddle can be too far forward
causing the shoulder blades to be pinched causing short strides. (choppy)
As the strides shorten the hoof starts to hit toe first. Hence the
stumbling.    The saddle doesnt necessarily need to be up on top of the
shoulder blades in order for them to be getting pinched.
While you have your saddle on and cinched, slip your hand under the fork on
one side( your hand should fit easily) and then have someone pick up the
front leg on the same side as your hand and move the leg forward and back as
if the mule was walking.  Your hand should feel the snugness of the muscles
flexing without being smashed.  If your hand is being smashed then so is
your mules muscles behind the shoulder blade.   This will cause the mule (or
horse) to drop its back and lift it neck to brace against the saddle.
Again, causing a short choppy stride. You will need to move the saddle back
more. OR get a better fitting saddle.        Second:  Most mules have very
upright pasterns and should have more of an upright angle to their feet.  My
mule and I actually hit the ground twice before I got mad and pulled her
shoes off myself and trimmed her toes off.  My farrier was horrified at the
angle I had put her.  "You had your chance and we are tripping and now
falling.  I dont like the idea of hitting the ground with my body and my
mule doesnt either."   She now is like riding a mountain goat.  Her huge
windpuffs have almost completely disappeared.  The filling she used to get
is no longer evident.  After 86 miles of Tevis she had not one single bit of
filling.  Legs were cold and tight without wrapping.  My farrier kept
trimming her like she was a horse.  Only 1/2 of her is horse and her feet
aint it.      gesa n clovis
-----Original Message-----
From: Anna Larson <hobo_14@hotmail.com>
To: ridecamp@endurance.net <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Tuesday, September 07, 1999 9:44 PM
Subject: RC: Re: Mule Gaits


>Nancy,
>Nice to talk to another mule rider.  My mule is not herd bound unless she's
>the one left behind.  How does your mule feel about water obstacles? Shy
>does't like them much. she is really nice except for that trot.  Some times
>I think she bounces on purpose.  Her mother was a pony.  What a
combination;
>the devious mind of a pony mixed with the brains of a donkey and all that
>strengh.( Don't Laugh all You Horse riders, those donkeys are smarter that
>they look!!!). I'm supprised that your mule stumbles alot.  Most are very
>good about where they put their feet.  It is almost impossible to get my
>mule to trip or fall.  She will on the other hand lay down when she wants
to
>even if I'm still on her! And She like to buck going down hill to see if
>that will releive her of me, but she's got character so I keep her.
>anna
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>
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=