The Mulet Conference #2

Here we are again for a short debriefing after four days spent in Inner Mulardie—by which we mean the oldest, most traditional, and most historically rich geographical area…

More great reunions, new encounters, and wonderful transitions from virtual to real-life: we love these moments!

Mule Qui Peut spoke first to introduce the association, but also to introduce the small world of recreational mules, still largely unknown to the giants of the mule tradition.

Throughout the discussions and presentations, we also became acquainted with the four major "traditional associations":

• the Poitou Mule Register,

• the Pyrenees Mule Register,

• the Federation of Alpine Mule Breeders,

• and the very young Massif Central Mule Association.

  
  

What a pleasure to see Olivier Courthiade again, to finally meet Émile Brager, and to listen to Manu Bigarnet!

In terms of organization, Éric Rousseaux did a great job—we pay him a special tribute, among connoisseurs… And what a fascinating concept these Mulet Conferences are! Long live the Conferences, and thank you, Éric, for this great success!

A big hat tip also goes to CREGEN (Conservatory of Genetic Resources): efficient, kind, and caring, they offered each speaker a superb canvas bag filled with treasures—a book, a cast iron plaque, a beer, something to take notes on… so cool! And what about the Luçon-Pétré agricultural high school? Same spirit: kindness, kindness, thanks for the pretty bouquets offered to the speakers by the students of the CAP florist section, and finally, a big thank you to the cooks and the kitchen team for working all weekend for our greatest pleasure.

Highlights

For us, several highlights: Our presentation, first of all—not a single out-of-place word (despite how quickly I spoke 😅). Twenty-five minutes is short, but intense!

And then there's the round table: we ask for more every year! The theme: the difference in training between mules and horses, expertly led by Caroline Charpentier—another wonderful discovery!

A few key points:

Mules are more independent than horses, and very early on.

They learn faster, according to Manu Bigarnet (whom we didn't get to meet, and we regret it!) and Didier Bernard (who, for his part, is an expert in his field 😄).

There's no one-size-fits-all method: every mule is different. This reinforces our toolbox approach, where we adapt to each individual.

In case of refusal or conflict, the right question remains: "How am I today?" (a vast subject of study...).

And after discussion with the knowledgeable audience, there was no proven difference between mules and mules: a simple matter of personal taste.

Finally, the issue of weaning and methods of approach were also discussed, in a good-natured and laughter-filled atmosphere.

We also had the opportunity to learn what a triptych is—by which we mean: a mare, a donkey, and a mule! That establishes the connection 😄

And throughout our stay, we saw magnificent animals and met passionate professionals, proud to perpetuate their exceptional expertise.

In short, four rich, informative, and inspiring days.

A big thank you to all those who work to keep the mule culture alive—from the past to the future. As with any country, Mulardie lives on in those who pass on its history; a country that knows its roots remains stable and strong.