MULE TALK! THE PODCAST ABOUT MULES, MULE TRAINING, AND THE MULE INDUSTRY.

MULE TRAINER MAX BISHOP - MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT GAITED MULES

• How to breed for a gaited mule
• Select a gaited jack with excellent movement to breed
• The mare should be correct in being gaited.
• The type of bit, saddle, and gear to use on your gaited mule.
• Good balance and steady low hands should be demonstrated when riding a gaited mule. 

This and more on Mule Talk! 

Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production - www.EveryCow...

January 2026 episode! Dave Recker, The MuleEnthusiast, Mule Answer Man, from Columbia, Missouri, shares his insight on the trends in the mule industry. Dave has worked with mules for 40 years and loves to share his knowledge with others. 

Join Cindy K. Roberts, Host, and Dave Recker for this light-hearted and entertaining episode on Mule Talk.

Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl's Dream production - www.EveryCowgirlsDream.Com

FINE-TUNING THE RIDER / FINE-TUNING THE AIDS - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• The benefits of using positive reinforcement early on in your mule's training.
• Apply corrective measures appropriately when working with your young mule.
• Each mule learns in their own way and at their own pace.
• Using your seat bones to fine-tune your aids.
• Use half-halts when making a transition will alert your mule a change is going to occur. 
• Us...

CHRISTMAS FUN WITH YOUR MULE - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• Listen to creative ways to enjoy your mule in the winter months.
• Care properly for your mules in the wintertime.
• How to know if your mule needs a winter blanket. Healthy hair coats do not require a blanket.
• Proper shoes for riding in the snow. 
• Winter clinics and activities for you and your mule.
• Dressing up for Christmas parades.
• Giving animals as gifts is generally n...

My Favorite Christmas Tradition - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch 

• Memories of Grandma baking for days on end.
• Listening to Christmas carols in the evening and hearing stories passed on about our elders' Christmas past.
• Mother played Christmas songs on the piano as we sang along. 
• We opened presents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 
• The mules participated in Christmas parades and enjoyed playing in the snow. 
• The Lucky Th...

MULES MAKING HISTORY -  Part 2 - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

So much to learn about the mule's history!

• Before the industrial age, mules were vital to the United States and utilized for heavy work.
• Mules during the Westward Expansion days transported families and their possessions through the Western Plains. 
• The U.S. Cavalry and its role in using mules.
• Harvey Riley, author of The Mule, published in 1867, is ...

MULES MAKING HISTORY - WITH WORLD RENOWNED MULE TRAINER - TV PERSONALITY - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• Mules and donkeys are mentioned in the Bible.
• The highest intelligence residing in animals is that of the mule.
• Learn how mules played a significant part in Greek and Roman transportation.
• HAI-BAR, a volunteer organization established to protect animals that had thrived in the Holy Land during the Old Testament y...

STANDING STILL WHILE MOUNTING - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• It starts with good nutrition and being fed on schedule to reduce anxiety.
• Ground training is essential, using a logical approach.
• Begin mounting in the Round Pen first - using a mounting block.
• Desensitize your mule with gentle strokes to the body to learn his sensitive areas. 
• Start with a mounting block to eliminate pulling on the saddle.
• Have an assistant work wi...

DO MULES NEED TO BE SHOD?  MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• Take into consideration where you will ride your mule.
• Terrian - rocky - mud - sand - grass - mountain trails - prairie.
• Mules inherit their hooves through their genes. 
• Climate and weather greatly affect the condition of your mule's feet.
• Hoof products - are often overused. 
• Stress rings and what they mean.
• Your mule's diet is important to producing healthy hoov...

So You Think You Want a Mule? Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch

• Where to buy a mule for you?
• What kind of experience do you have as a rider?
• What are your character traits? 
• Learn how to select the right mule for you. 
• Talk to experienced mule people to assist you.
• Learn how to evaluate the animal you are looking at.
• Have a vet and a farrier do exams on the mule.
• The option of asking for a trial period with the mule. 
• Drawing up a con...

Disaster and the Effects of Training - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch

• When disaster strikes, do you have a plan? 
• Will your mules respond to your leadership skills? 
• Will you be anxious or calm in your thinking? 
• Is your barn safe for unpredictable weather conditions? 
• What is your commitment level regarding bringing your mules into safety?
• Meredith provides solutions for your mules' safety in your barn and paddoc...

THE LANGUAGE OF LONGEARS - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH 

• Times have changed, which presents new challenges in working with your animals.
• Learn how to work with your mule.
• Video your progress when possible.
• Animals will mirror you and react to what your body is telling them.
• Become sensitive to the needs of your animals.
• Working with a coach may not work for you and your mule.  
• Meredith discovered her donkey, Little Jack Horner...

Rock and Roll: Diary of a Rescue: Part 2 - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch 

• Hear the amazing story of Rock and Roll - the rescued draft mule team, the discovery of their injuries, and the dedicated team of professionals working hard to give longevity to their lives. 
• There were comebacks and setbacks; this incredible story will touch your heart and soul. 
• This episode explains in detail about Roll since the passing of his half...

Rock and Roll: Diary of a Rescue, Part 1 - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch 

• Learn the details involved when dealing with rescue animals. 
• Surround yourself with a professional support team for the treatment of rescues. 
• It's more than just farrier work and supplementing a feeding program. 
• Taking X-rays when needed. 
• Keeping records and documenting your work. 
• This and more on Mule Talk!

Mule Talk is an Every Cowgirl&apo...

Suitability of Mules and Donkeys for Children - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch 

• Teach your child how to be around equines.
• When choosing an equine for your child, do not choose a donkey jack.
• Do not choose an equine that is an alpha figure in the herd or one with aggressive behavior. 
• Choose a mule or donkey with a quiet disposition for your child. 
• Encourage children to do tasks around the barn to learn more about their equine...

1. Conduct and Good Sportsmanship - Meredith Hodges - Lucky Three Ranch

• The importance of developing a bond with your animal - to gain his trust to perform in the show ring.
• Competition is fun and exciting - develop the winning attitude to compete against yourself and not others. 
• A good trainer will train himself, as well as the mule with subtle direction coming from the mule. 
• Develop respect for your mule.
• Yes, God gave us ...

EQUINE INDUSTRY TRENDS - MEREDITH HODGES - LUCKY THREE RANCH

• Today, good mule trainers apply the basic techniques of Behavior Modification and reward system training in their programs. 
• Doing preparatory core strength and postural body-work can ensure that your equine is using his body correctly while implementing tasks with creative and fun athletic maneuvers while under saddle. 
• This and more - don't miss this epi...