The Muletier Challenge 2026 - The Coaches
- Mules Qui peut
- Mar 6
- 5 min read
The Participants
There we are — they have all introduced themselves.
We now know the trainer–mule pairs… and this year, once again, it is particularly interesting.
We have a wide range of profiles, quite representative of the situations you might encounter yourself.
- The not-yet-socialized mule colt, with Olivier and OM Ganesha.
- The “failures”, with Audrey and Moneco.
- The complicated ones, with Camille and Filou, and Benedetta and Tia.
- And finally, the easygoing ones — apart from their hybrid nature — with Mulan and Jade, and Audrey and Noisette.
The Program
This year, we have simplified the program even further:
the trainers will publish posts only every two weeks, as they did last year.
But…
During the first three months — apart from the introductions — the posts will be more irregular. Why? Because these first months are not necessarily the most spectacular to watch. They are often the most interesting to experience… but not always the easiest to share.
During the final four months, however, we will move fully into the work and the technical aspects. Videos will then be published regularly, every two weeks.
The little extra this year?
Alice de Boyer, a university-trained ethologist and passionate mule enthusiast, will contribute her knowledge in the service of the mules.
Start: 01/02/2026
Final: Saturday 29/08/2026 at La Maison du Mulet
Start: 01/02/2026 Final: Saturday 29/08/2026 at La Maison du Mulet
Who Are They?
Audrey Dulondel (alias Sabbah Dudulette)
Well known under the nickname Sabbah Dudulette, Audrey is a familiar figure in the mule world. She is the only participant who is not a professional, but she already has solid experience with animals in general. A breeder of sheep and especially Criollo horses, she has developed strong practical skills in the field.
Audrey has already worked with several mules. Her very first one was Sabbah, with whom she took part in the Centaure 2023 event.
You can find her breeding farm on Facebook: Elevage El Sueno.
This year she will present work with two mules:
- Noisette, a small 3-year-old mule who has grown up alongside her. The only difficulty Audrey might face? Noisette is… a mule 😉
- Moneco, a mule purchased from the mule trader Mickaël Rtr. A Spanish mule with a mysterious past and still largely unknown. This mule will be for sale after the ChaLenge.
Jade Odoul
Jade presents a particularly interesting profile because of her research-oriented approach.
She follows and is strongly committed to the Blondeau approach — Nicolas Blondeau passed away in January 2026, and we pay tribute to him as a great horseman.
A professional in the horse world, Jade holds:
- a BPJEPS diploma
- a diploma from the Blondeau school
- a University Diploma in Ethology from the University of Rennes
Her journey with Mulan began three years ago, when Mulan was still a baby.
Now it is time for her “schooling” — back to class!
Jade is a horse professional but a novice with mules. The question will therefore be one of both technical skill and attitude.
You can find her on Facebook:: Centre d'éducation équin & animal
Olivier Augier
This year, Olivier will take part in the ChaLenge Muletier with the young OM Ganesha, a 2-year-old mule.
A farmer and horse-tourism guide, he grew up surrounded by horses and has never left the equine world. Through his travels among horse cultures, he has developed a training approach based on communication and respect for the animal.
OM Ganesha will represent the mule colts. How do we approach them — especially when Ganesha has lived in the wild since birth at her breeder Chev'Ane Cornac and has never been handled before?
Olivier already has experience with mules. Her education will consist mainly of transmitting the basic codes.
That works well, since Olivier is extremely busy with his many activities and will begin the work a bit later, around March–April.
Their website: Provence Equiservices et hipposervices
This year Camille returns with the big Filou — and you will quickly understand why!
First, to finish their story: last year, a fracture of two ribs one week before the final abruptly stopped their momentum. Then this autumn, Filou also caused a few complications.
But this pair is extremely promising. Camille is always searching and reflecting, both on herself and on mule education. Her practice is nourished by a real level of rigor and great subtlety.
Although discreet online, she is nonetheless a remarkable professional, holding:
- a BPJEPS TE
- and having completed the BFEEE2 training with Andy Booth
We are sincerely happy to see them commit once again to the adventure.
You can find her on Facebook: Camille Navillod
This year Benedetta carries the heavy responsibility of representing Italy — respect!
At her side is Tia, a 12-year-old mule who was initially difficult to approach. Suspicious and sensitive in the beginning, she perfectly represents the path made possible by a relationship built on patience, listening, and a fine understanding of animal behavior.
Trained in ethical horsemanship and ethology in Tuscany, and later working as a mountain guide with pack animals within La Terra dei Muli, Benedetta now works in the mountains: multi-day treks, supplying high-altitude refuges, and educational activities.
With Tia, she will defend a vision of the mule based on respect, trust, and cooperation.
We warmly thank her for her participation.
You can find her on Facebook: Benedetta Mattiauda
Alice de Boyer
She holds a PhD in behavioral biology (Bac +8), an HDR, and is a member of the Animal Welfare Chair at VetAgro Sup. She is a university professor and researcher in zootechnics, ethology, and animal welfare at VetAgro Sup and a member of the UMR Herbivores (INRAE–VetAgro Sup).
A passionate mule enthusiast, Alice is beginning scientific work on mule ethology — a field still very little explored in France. Since mules have almost never been the subject of specific studies, everything remains to be built. Thanks to her network and expertise, she will help advance knowledge step by step.
Her involvement will begin during the ChaLenge. Her contributions will not be about judging, but about analysis.
You can find her on Facebook: Alice de Boyer-Pro
A Quick Reminder for Newcomers
The ChaLenge Muletier is above all an adventure of transmission, exchange, and passion, designed to keep mule culture alive and evolving. It is not a competition.
For adrenaline lovers, there will be a contest on Sunday 30/08.
This year we will also have the pleasure of crossing borders…
Benedetta Mattiauda will open the ChaLenge toward Italy and proudly carry the Italian colors.
Franco Gianni will come to support her with his workshop, strengthening this beautiful Franco-Italian connection around mule culture.
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