The Mulinades 2026

As Not’Pascal so aptly put it, Les Mulinades are a bit like family reunions… but for muleteers. Three days to reconnect, meet new people, put real names to usernames, share, reflect, and learn.

This was the 3rd edition, and each time we leave filled with wonderful emotions.

This year, it was hosted by Laurent Balmana and Aurélia Pradeau in Cosne-sur-Loire.

Welcomed by Laurent and Aurélia, the venue gave the event a truly special dimension. The setting is magnificent.

Yes, there were many horses… but what horses! Just for the pleasure of the eyes, it was worth the trip. Their breeding of Arabian thoroughbreds is exceptional: each animal is like a living painting. You stop, you look… and you feel good.

Before anything else, let’s begin by paying tribute to the entire logistics team. First, Rémy Pipet: without him, the concept of Mulinades simply wouldn’t exist. Once again, for this 3rd edition, he proved his talent as a unifier and organizer. It’s no small feat to put together three days of gathering, with a full program, speakers, and logistics.

A big salute as well to the whole team who treated us to wonderful meals. Thanks to Catherine Van Trappen, Phil Cross, Laurent Balmana, and Aurélia Pradeau — a huge congratulations to the team. And finally, much respect to Laurent and Aurélia for your flawless hosting, all seasoned with kindness, humor, and friendship.

The speakers

We truly enjoyed the talks that were offered.

Jean Poitevin

Jean Poitevin, a person who has become extraordinary… precisely because he is so deeply human, took us along on his travel stories. From rural schoolyards to penitentiaries, via convents, he traveled for 15 years across France and Navarre with Mario. Sometimes accompanied, sometimes alone, their goal was to support research against childhood cancer.

As a reminder, we offer his book on our HelloAsso shop, with no profit.

Adrien Barrere

Adrien Barrere, a promising young historian and a worthy member of “Mulardie,” shared his research work on mules in Occitania. Using civil records, reports, and correspondence, he brought back to life the daily lives of muleteers from the village of Fontpédrouse between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Adrien is a wonderful discovery: knowledgeable, approachable, and friendly, he quickly blended in. We’ll be very happy to see him again. He is also the author of the book En charrette et à dos de mule.

For both speakers, more detailed summaries will soon be published on the website, and their books are available on our HelloAsso.

And a few others

Bernard Michon, our “Gyro Gearloose” engineer, together with Hubert Delabie, led two roundtable discussions — without a table! — on harnessing and bits. Hubert also gave a presentation of his shiatsu practice, combining theory and demonstration.

Pascal Garnier kindly presented his collection of mule-related equipment, ranging from halters to the Sambue saddle.

Nadja Kochert Pruvost offered a leather sewing workshop, with just what was needed to learn how to repair broken pieces simply and effectively.

Laurent Balmana also shared a talk on pack saddles: models, uses, and how to choose them, all enriched by his extensive experience.

Finally, Aurélia Pradeau introduced us to her Arabian thoroughbred breeding, with all the sensitivity of both a veterinarian and an endurance rider. A lovely moment, under the sun.

And of course, not forgetting all those moments of sharing, simply guided by the pleasure of exchanging between muleteer “cousins.”

See you next year!