Bob Smith's visit to France – A successful collective adventure

Bob et Latigo des grandes Z'Oreilles

Bob Smith's arrival in France is a fine example of collective and associative success, fully in keeping with the spirit of Mule Qui Peut: sharing knowledge, cultivating solidarity, and putting the mule first.

Bob shared his valuable expertise with us with disarming simplicity. Despite a 24-hour trip, jet lag, repeated changes of facilities, contacts, and accommodations, and a real culture shock, he rose to the challenge brilliantly: always kind, welcoming, and approachable, with the sole objective of sharing his love of mules.

A Long-Planned Adventure

It all began two years ago when Dominique, president of Mule Qui Peut, discovered Bob at the Missouri Mule Makeover. Since then, regular exchanges have forged a strong bond. In December 2024, the challenge was issued: "Are you coming, Bob?" — "I'll get my visa!" And the adventure began...

Implementing such a project requires an immense amount of upfront work. Bob generously granted us a special Mule Qui Peut rate, half of what he usually charges. Then we had to set up the project, a real challenge led by Dominique and Cécile, who did a colossal amount of work: financial planning, HelloAsso ticketing, communication, logistics, organizing the courses... all while managing the Muletier Challenge and the four days in Mulardie. The phones were full of energy and the inboxes were full 😁

Finally, a big congratulations to the partner organizations for their responsiveness and welcome: L'Écrin des Mules, the Belles Bourriques de Pont Loup breeding farm, and Frédérique Blanchard-Poil de Parole. Hats off to them! They had to juggle logistics for Bob and Chris, organizing the courses, meals, and accommodation for the participants... A challenge they met with flying colors, all on a voluntary basis.

The big day: arrival in France

Mais oui il l'a vu la grande Dame !

On Tuesday, August 26th, Dominique and Van woke up at dawn: they headed to the airport to greet Bob and Chris! After two hours of traffic, they arrived right on time. Ta-ta-ta… where are they? How is this going to go? You all know that mixture of excitement and nerves you feel when you meet someone in person. Then the looks, the hugs… It's definitely them! Friendship takes over, they meet up, and off they go for a tour of Paris. Yes, it's a beautiful city!

After a lunch break, they headed to the Vallée des Cerfs, which was our host, arriving at 8:30 p.m. The day seemed long to us… but for Bob and Chris, it was about 36 hours without sleep!

The rest, you know: four intense days in Mulardie, then Dominique and Van drive them to Hélène's place from Luchapt. From there, Vinciane, a friend of Hélène's, took over with Carole, who became their driver, translator, and tour guide for the remainder of the tour. She accompanied them to the Belles Bourriques breeding farm, then to Montpellier to Frédérique's. Bob and Chris greatly appreciated her invaluable and generous help.

Finally, from Montpellier to the Paris region, TGV, thanks to the SNCF for keeping their promises and delivering them safely. Dominique and Van then joined them for a final meal of debriefing and friendship, before an early wake-up call: 7:30 a.m. departure for Roissy. Bob arrived home safely... and he'd love to come back!

A collective adventure

The Vallée des Cerfs group, the breeding of the beautiful Bourriques de Pont Loup, and the Domaine du Reganel with Frédérique Blanchard, the courageous mules from the Écrin des Mules, and Bob and Chris, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with us.

An event like this is the result of a united organization, where everyone contributes. Mule Power!

As president of Mule Qui Peut, I hope that Bob Smith's visit to France will not only be a unique event, nor a showcase, but above all a lever to help many owners. Our goal is to help change the way people view mules, with a fair, respectful, and enlightened approach. Together, we can restore the mule to the place it deserves.

Dominique