The ChaLlenge mules
- Mules Qui peut
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
This year, we are truly spoiled when it comes to variety: from the young mule with no issues at all, steady and confident, to the troubled mule with an unknown past and lasting scars… passing through the rebellious little wild child, all the way to the big Filou, a worthy representative of the mule community.
You'll definitely be able to relate to one of them!!
Monday
Monday is dedicated to Noisette, who arrived at Audrey's place at two months old with her mother, an unregistered mare, most likely with Appaloosa blood, and a large grey hill-country stallion as her father.
Noisette is a lot like Mulan: a three-year-old mule who is perfectly comfortable in her own skin.
Moneco, who will turn four in August, is quite a different story. Purchased from Mickael Rtr, he arrived from Spain intimidating, biting, and kicking.
The halter? Fine… but only if he feels like it!
Audrey doesn't really follow a specific method. She relies on experience, common sense, tremendous sensitivity, and a personality that constantly questions itself and seeks improvement.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, we welcome Alice de Boyer, university ethologist, lecturer, and professor. After introducing us to some key concepts about how mules think and function, she will put them into practice with Chibo (14 years old).
We know Chibo well. He arrived in 2024 at Coralie's place (Les Écuries d'Aloha), coming from a group of Spanish imports. Coralie bought him to give him a way out of a difficult situation.
An Iberian mule, refined, sensitive, extremely reactive, and constantly fearful—simply impossible to handle.
Coralie left him in a herd for several months before patiently working with him, as she knows so well how to do. But some scars remain. Although he now carries packs and follows the herd, his relationship with humans—other than Coralie—remains fragile.
Alice will therefore analyze his behavior and suggest possible ways forward.
Wednesday
Wednesday belongs to little Mulan, out of a Thoroughbred mare and an unknown sire.
She is a young mule with no particular difficulties and enjoys an excellent relationship with Jade, who has known her since she was eight months old.
At four years old, it's time to start school!
And Jade is no beginner either. A follower of the Blondeau method and holder of a University Diploma from Rennes 2, our Breton trainer comes equipped with plenty of useful tools.
Thursday
Thursday is the turn of big Filou—unregistered, but judging by his size, clearly out of a draft mare. He is 13 years old.
Under his giant teddy-bear appearance, Filou is the quintessential mule! A real puzzle for his trainer: sensitive, determined, and absolutely convinced that he is always right.
Camille is still searching for the keys to understanding how he works, questioning herself again and again… while big Filou remains steadfastly loyal to his mule convictions.
Perhaps he realizes that his mission at the ChaLenge is to represent mules everywhere, and that his important role is to teach humans how the mule community truly operates...
In short, Camille cannot afford any mistakes!
Friday
Friday features Olivier with OM Ganesha (Arabian half-bred mother, large grey hill-country stallion father).
You may recognize Olivier: he's a bit of a "ghost trainer"—always busy and rarely seen, but definitely present! A true professional with an incredibly packed schedule, which is probably just as well.
OM Ganesha is a two-year-old mule entering kindergarten. Her education will focus on the basics: halter training, hoof handling, and leading on a line.
That said, OM Ganesha has quite a temper. She's a fiery young mule with plenty of spirit. Her breeders remain puzzled: from the day she was born, she has been rebellious—very unusual for this breeding program.
Olivier has his work cut out for him...
Saturday
Saturday was originally supposed to feature Benedetta Mattiauda and Ellena Luciano representing Italy. Unfortunately, they had to withdraw, meaning there would be no Italian trainer for this first Franco-Italian ChaLenge, and therefore nothing to report on the Saturday page...
But wait—yes! Franco Giani will indeed represent his beautiful country, Italy, during the training event!
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