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Thursday, August 28 & Friday, August 29 Workshop with Bob Smith Only 1 spot remains for August 28. Two days of learning and sharing with Natural Elements Horsemanship Saturday, August 30 – Finale of the “ChaLenge Muletier” This year, the finals truly live up to the name: a real challenge taken on by a single trainer—Amazone Lune—with her mule ChaLenge Merlin des Grandes Zoreilles. Immense respect for her dedication! Morning (starting 9:30 AM): Ju Micamb : behavioral workshop – learning to recognize subtle signs of discomfort in a mule. “The real ChaLenge!” : performance by Amazone Lune and Merlin. Nicolas Seguier ( ForMule’Ane ) ) : demonstration with his Poitevine mules focusing on education, harnessing, and animal traction work (including pulling a wooden log). Aurore Cachera (AC Custom Saddlery) : presentation on the thorny issue of mule saddles – a must-see for mule enthusiasts, saddles, and the public. Supported by L'élevage des grandes Z'oreilles Afternoon (starting 2:30 PM): Bob Smith & Lucia Fournier : not-to-be-missed demonstrations! Muriel Hérion won’t be able to participate for health reasons but will be available to answer questions. Timothée Brisson : a short performance with his two young Poitevines. Joseph Villecomte de la Mangouste : a “magisterial” intervention. Pascal Garnier : mule harnessing using selles sambu  and bridles, followed by a talk on the history of mules in France. Closing : debriefing with Muriel Hérion. Please note: the order of appearances is guaranteed, but schedules remain flexible! Sunday, August 31 – Special Mule Competition: “Le sentier des mules”  🏆 9:30 AM : Presentation by Julien Joukje  with mule Mulane . “Le sentier des Mules” competition : a unique moment, organized without any federation, with rules created by our members and collaborators. Expect a large turnout! Location : Vallée des Cerfs, Vienne (86). Event organized by the Mule Qui Peut  association🤠 💡 Location  : Vallée des Cerfs – Vienne (86)📌 Événement organisé par l’association Mule Qui Peut pour faire jolie en prémiére page Exhibitors and Partners:   Mule Qui Peut La Brasserie Tête de Mule  – artisanal Poitou brewery, with us from the very beginning. SAFE HP  – our first partner; unfortunately, will not be present on site. AC Custom Saddlery  – producers of mule saddles and bridles; well-known and present on site. Tjt etho  – makers of head-collars tailored for our mule heads; will not be present. Randoline  – saddle-pack manufacturer; on site to offer advice. Sellerie Boucle d’Or  – offers great trekking saddles with mule-specific tree options; unfortunately not present. Nathalie Rami , from l’élevage des grandes zoreilles , will be on site to talk about mule breeding with her usual benevolence. La sellerie Hiponna  – Perrine will be present with a stand of small leather items—newcomer in the field. Elise RC  – will be there! With or without her Italian-made chaps. Of course, also the Mule Qui Peut  booth, where you'll find books, T-shirts, cookies, cookie-cutters, flyers about breeders, record books, informational materials, and old equipment brought by Pascal Garnier. Not present on site but available via special “Mule Qui Peut” rates: Equirelax  and Hippigo equine transport

The 4 days in mulardie From August 28 to 31, 2025, go to the Vallée aux Cerfs (86) for a unique event around the mules: internship, final of the Muletier Chalenge, competition ... Here is all the information to remember The program Thursday 28 & Friday August 29 Internship with Bob Smith -  Natural Elements Horsemanship   Work on foot or mounted, relationship, finesse, method ... There are 2 places left on 28, 3 places on 29: Inscription No limitation for free candidates Saturday, August 30, final of the Muletier Chalenge A day full of emotion, progression and sharing A surprise demonstration not to miss an international meeting with demonstration of three big pro! Sunday August 31, 1st Pro Mule competition: MULES STRIGER technical course on foot or mounted, test noted Inscription It's great but where is it? At the deer valley, at Anne and Patrick Van Aubel (Vienne, 86) Exact location: ICI How do we get there? Train: closest stations Montmorillon Poitiers Limoges By car: easy access Carpool: A dedicated platform is in place! Caroster It's not complicated: you have room, car or van, you register your journey and the number of available places (human or mule). Looking for a journey ?, You register in the waiting list and voila, you will receive notifications And where do I sleep? Cottage or rental nearby Truck Camping on site possible (toilets and water point) How do we eat? Only the Saturday noon meal will be organized on site For coaches and stakeholders: common pot Possibility to eat together, but notify us very quickly! (logistics & financial participation requested) I have questions? For any questions: contact us via the site form or by private message. By email mulesquipeut@gmail.com We can't wait to meet you for this great moment around the mules! Exhibitors and partners La brasserie tête de mule de Beres Artisanale du Poitou, by our sides from the start SAFE HP Our first partner, present on site AC Custom Saddlery , stools and bridles for mules, we no longer present it, her work speaks for her. On site Tjt etho , halters studied at our mule heads. Cannot be present Randoline , a manufacturer of a building, will be on site to advise you Sellerie Boucle d'Or, upholstery, which unfortunately cannot be present, but super hiking stools with option arches mules Nathalie Rami of the l'élevage des grandes zoreilles she will be on site to speak to you breeding with her usual benevolence La sellerie Hiponna   upholstery will be present with a stand of small leather objects, small news in the business Elise RC   will be there! With its chaps made in Italy And of course the Mule Qui Peut can where you will find books, t-shirts, shortbread, pieces, flyers on breeders, registers, info, and old equipment brought by Pascal Garnier they will not be present but you could call on them, special mule price that can Equirelax Hippigo transport d'équidés

Diferenciado Why the PEGA donkey ???? To make a mule, you need a mare and a donkey. In France we have a beautiful Mulassière tradition and some beautiful donkey breeds. But they are mul -working mules, rather heavy. During the preparation of our trip, we had a hard time finding saddle mules. And when we get back, we said to ourselves that "gaits" mules* would have been interesting to travel ... These fast and comfortable equines for the rider have special looks, known for centuries by riders who want to travel far comfortably. So we want to produce "gaits" saddle mules, and we are turned to the producing countries, on the other side of the Atlantic. To maximize our chances, it takes appearance mares, as well as donkeys ... Some donkeys in all breeds have movements resembling the Amble, but it is very individual and the transmission of this characteristic is random. We have chosen the PEGA because it is selected for these specific looks, and produces mules of appearance in Brazil! So we left there to meet breeders and Perform our knowledge of this race. Donkey Pega is a Brazilian race. There have been donkeys in Brazil since the 1500s, but the PEGA was created and selected from the 1800s. It was at this time that the mining in the Minas Gerais developed and that the need for mules for transport was felt. It was therefore natural to establish donkeys for the production of mules in the Minas Gerais valleys. At the origin of the PEGA race, there are iberic, Egyptian, Andalusian and Italian donkeys. The particular environment of Minas Gerais and the selection of breeders shaped a race with very specific characteristics. It is an essentially mulassic breed in Brazil. Donkeys are not used for work, the mules are preferred to them. Diferenciado The PEGA donkey crossed with a mare gives an excellent product, the mule or the mule of an undeniable capacity for work, the saddle or leisure, which, thanks to its strength, its agility, its rusticity and its sobriety, has a great advantage over its competitors. Today, the PEGA race is the pride of Brazilian national farming. This breed is distinguished by a charismatic physique and special looks. In Brazil, there are Breeding competition (conformation) and gait competitions. We first recognize a PEGA donkey in its slender and slender conformation. It is like "air under the belly". His head with a busy profile is trapezoidal, especially not triangular. We also notice its long lanceolate ears, which sometimes have the tips that touch. Its size is average, up to 1m40. It is a very docile and lively donkey, close to man. He has special looks, the "Picada walk" and the "Batida merchant". The first is similar to the Tölt, and the second is a kind of trot without suspension time. Both are fast and comfortable for the rider. Crossed with appearance mares, we get the shape mules that am upset, tend or use the Batida merchant, according to mares skills. In Brazil it is the Mangalarga Marchador who are mainly crossed with these donkeys. Icaro et Isabela la relève To be informed of breeding news, do not hesitate to subscribe to our free newsletter: https://framagroupes.org/sympa/subscribe/news-globe-crotters?previous_action=info * Mule / horse "of gaits": equine which has, in addition to the step, trotting and galloping, specific additional looks, for example Tölt, Amble, Marcha Picada, Merchant Batida, Saddle Rack, Amble Rompu, Running Walk, Singlefoot, etc. These looks do not include suspension time and are generally side, except the Batida merchant, which is a slightly broken trot. Anouk and Dominic, their site: Les belles bourriques du Pont- Loup

The months of April and May were treacherous for our trainers. No dropouts, but forced breaks. It's true that a lot can happen in a human's life in seven months! And when that human is accompanied by animals, as our trainers are, it can sometimes multiply the obstacles. The good news: no dropouts! And even the arrival of a new trainer... a rather unusual one! Ju Micamb She had to limp along (due to a serious sprain) in the rehabilitation of Athos, the little devil who suffered from previous handholds. The pace is slow, but progress is evident. Athos had a huge problem with hand contact... Today, he comes to seek contact on his own. Click to see the Playlist Xavier Gravelle Xavier had some big personal problems from the start of the Challenge, but he warned us: "I'm not giving up!" And here he is again with the beautiful Grelot, for whom this break was ultimately beneficial. He stayed in the herd for three months, a necessary adaptation time for him: to adapt, to settle down, and to go from being a complete wild mule to an almost domesticated gelding. This adaptation time is sometimes essential. Click to see the Playlist Amazone Lune A true warrior, Julie! Faithful to her role, with her precisely crafted vlogs, she shares her daily life with Métisse and Vampette—a concentration of humor and tenderness. But let's not forget that her true Challenge mule is the handsome blond: Merlin with the big ears. Julie has had it all in two months: pony breeder (magnificent foals, by the way...), a catastrophic birth, foaling complications, piroplasmosis in her stallion, colic, a flood... And yet, here she is, standing tall, and fully committed. Click to see the Playlist Camille Navilod Also faithful to the post... except when her phone is broken! She shares a very educational work with Filou, impressive in his stature, but who seems overflowing with good will. Click to see the Playlist Julien Joukje He too wasn't spared, but he shared with us some great videos of Kalypso's work, where we can sense the knowledge and rigor, but also a great deal of respect for Kalypso. Most recently, a good friend of Kalypso's, Napalm, lost his sight. He's the pilot fish, and it's going to be impossible to separate Kalypso from his blind friend. Julien will do what he can. Click to see the Playlist Iloa Cuccilino Our youngest, as young as she is, has had her share of personal problems, but she's back in the race, that's a promise! Click to see the Playlist Nikita And yes, our new trainer is none other than Nikita the mule, who's back in the race. This time, she's the trainer! She's brought Maëva, aka Mae-Equus Anima, a truly amazing human, into the adventure. Another stroke of luck from the great Mule, who organized a wonderful encounter: Nikita, true to form, has undertaken to educate this human, a novice when it comes to mules, and no other, to reveal to her the secrets of the muleteering art. She will be marked down harshly, especially if there's any human abuse involved! Click to see the Playlist Natural Elements Horsemanship the bonus! Bob indirectly participates in the Muletier Challenge. Still relatively unknown in France, he now publishes a video every Friday for the French-speaking public, so that everyone can discover his philosophy and approach. He will arrive in France at the end of August to lead a short tour of workshops, in conjunction with his participation in the Challenge finals. To learn more, click on the photo. To learn more, click on the photo See you in early July for new adventures! A big thank you to all the dedicated coaches, without whom none of this would be possible. Your passion and commitment make all the difference. See you soon!

This somewhat unusual post is a living database dedicated to the history of the mule, in France and elsewhere. You'll find PDF documents that we regularly update or add to: articles, book excerpts, archives, stories, testimonials... all valuable resources to better understand the place of the mule in our agricultural, military, cultural, and everyday heritage. Whether you're passionate, curious, a student, an amateur historian, or a professional in the equine world, this evolving library is for you! Feel free to let us know of documents to add or share your findings: the history of the mule deserves to be known, shared, and collectively enriched. The use of mules in the Landes de Gascogne

Maeva De Hemricourt: a journey in a backpack to achieve your dreams, that's not common! At 19, Maeva De Hemricourt chose to dedicate her gap year to an unusual adventure: a two-month trip alone with her rooster Nuckie. A student of animal osteopathy, Maeva gave herself the means to live this unique experience, working from September to April to save money, tinker with her equipment, and prepare her mount. A Lifelong Passion Maeva has been riding horses since the age of 4, with her first horse at 10. Over the years, she crossed paths with Muriel Herion, aka "Mumu," and Nuckie, a 13-year-old brown bull. This encounter marked a turning point: Maeva dedicated herself to rebuilding the animal's confidence, having suffered from early breaking-in and an unsuitable rider. Noucky: A Resilient Mule Nucky is about 1.40 m tall and weighs 450 kg. She was mistreated in her youth: a severe bit injured her mouth, a rider who was too heavy and fell on her knees, and a daily life confined between a box and the riding school. Taken in by Muriel, she spent three years in the field, far from any demands, before Maeva began the gentle and patient work to rebuild the relationship. The Beginning of a Journey, Day by Day After two to three years together, it was time for the big departure. Without a specific itinerary, from "Point A to Point B," Maeva set off with Nuckie on a journey at the pace of the sled, improvising every day. The beginning of the journey was surprising: Nuckie displayed great endurance, having covered 28 km in the first few days, strong feet, and a strong independence. The Itinerary Equipped with an old Belgian gendarmerie saddle, the rooster seems at ease. She has few fears, has toughened up with training, and shows no injuries. A close friend of her human, she remains close, even though another mare shared the beginning of the journey. The separation didn't seem to upset her, except for a few vocal calls: Nuckie is above all attached to Maeva. "Nuckie and I both got into a rhythm of traveling, it became our way of life: traveling the roads during the day, arriving in a new place in the evening, making it our own, settling in, and then leaving the next day."

Who are we? Founded in October 2023 by enthusiasts committed to the recreational use of mules, the Mule Qui Peut association is the first of its kind in France. Starting from scratch, it now boasts 55 members and numerous supporters spread across the country. Our goal is clear: To rescue the mule from oblivion. To unite all stakeholders in the mule world—breeders, artisans, professional users (portage, animal traction), leisure enthusiasts, competitors—and to foster dialogue across different uses: from agricultural work to hiking, from outreach to living heritage. Visibility given to harness and saddlery artisans, support for mule trainers, and recognition of the diversity of French mule lines, whether the Poitevine mule, the Pyrenees mule, the Seyne mule, or the Massif Central mule. Solidarity among muleteers is at the heart of our approach: supporting novice owners or experienced owners facing difficulties. Recently, our work has also taken on an international dimension: at the end of August 2025, we will host an exceptional workshop with the American, Bob Smith Natural Elements Horsemanship, renowned for his gentle and respectful teaching of mules. This will be an opportunity to strengthen exchanges between enthusiasts around ethical and progressive education methods. We have also entered into a collaboration with the Associazione Italiana MULI, which works to promote the mule in Italy. Together, we are laying the foundations for a European network of cooperation and promotion around these hybrid equines. They are talking about us: France 3 Périgord Cheval Magazine , Sud Ouest France Bleu On social media: where we are regularly cited as a reference for mules Article au sujet des MulInades 2025 Our Actions Mule Qui Peut works to reclaim the value of hybrid equines: mules, mules, and hinnies. Our constantly evolving projects share a common goal: to reconnect humans with these fascinating animals, restore their place in our shared heritage, and pass on muleteering skills before they are lost. Versatile, intelligent, hardy, and loyal, mules have long been essential partners in farming, portering, and transportation. But in the 1970s, mechanization led to their near-extinction, taking with it a precious legacy of skills. In a year and a half of existence, we have already organized two Mulinades, friendly gatherings between muleteers, as well as our first event, the RMMO/MMO, to be held in 2024 at the JNR Ranch in Dordogne. For 2025, the Muletier Challenge is underway! We also maintain a regularly updated website, translated into four languages, as well as active pages on social media, primarily Facebook and YouTube. Our association strives not only to promote mules in contemporary disciplines (hiking, TREC, endurance, mountain trail running, etc.), in their traditional uses, such as portering, animal traction, and logging, but also to preserve their heritage through historical research and to support the professionals who work with them. For the first time in France, we organized the visit of an American professional muleteer to France to offer a training tour throughout France. We are continuing our innovation with the creation of a competition specifically for mules, The Mule Trail. Les Mulinades Le stage avec Bob Smith Le sentier des mules, concours Furthermore, through our Facebook group "La Foire de Mule Qui Peut" (The Mule Fair Who Can) and our support and advice network, we work actively to rescue and rehabilitate mules in difficulty, connecting owners, adopters, and trainers. This chain of solidarity allows some mules to find a second chance in a caring and appropriate environment. Whether it's breeding, training, animal traction, packsaddle, or outreach, we build bridges between generations, territories, and practices. We believe in the educational, sporting, cultural, and heritage value of the mule, and in the strength of the muleteering bond between passionate humans and exceptional animals. Our Helloasso  page allows us to self-fund basic expenses, but does not allow us to reimburse trainers for their participation.

A survival communication Equines and other mammals living in groups have developed their own communication, a subtle, silent way of communicating, all while remaining vigilant. Feeding a mass of 200 to 700 kg on nothing but grass takes time! There's no point in chatting with your nose in the air: you have to eat while keeping an eye on your surroundings, on the lookout for the slightest sign. A simple change in attitude, a muscle tension, a micro-emotion... and the entire herd is alert. We see it in some documentaries: a sated lioness crosses a group of zebras, no one moves. A few days later, the same lioness, hungry, passes by again. This time, there's panic. Her body has spoken, despite herself. A sixth sense... not so magical And us? We've retained a vestige of this archaic sensitivity. We feel it when someone looks at us or when someone "rings a bell." This famous "sixth sense" is nothing supernatural: it's a keen reading of the body and intention, stemming from our hunter-gatherer past. Our archaic brain, via the amygdala (the emotional center), detects inconsistencies before we even become aware of them. When the mule looks at us... The mule doesn't just look: it reads, it captures our tensions, our contradictions, our real intentions. If what we show on the outside doesn't correspond to what we feel inside, it knows it. The interaction then becomes a silent mirror of our own emotional coherence. Two Readers of Silence This is where the human-mule relationship becomes fascinating: two species, one expert in silent reading, and the other one that has somewhat forgotten it, learning to read each other. Brain Waves: A User's Guide The human brain operates in waves: – Beta (13–30 Hz): mental activity, reflection, stress – Alpha (8–13 Hz): calm, alert, relaxed, present Horses, on the other hand, naturally live in alpha waves when they are serene. Present to themselves, they perceive what cannot be seen: intention, tension, incoherence. While for humans, beta waves represent our normal daily functioning, for equines they are a function of excitement, fear, and play. Mumule, that great analyst But be careful: the mule is not a horse. She's everything more: more astute, more lucid, more vigilant. Beneath her introverted exterior, she's a true human ethologist. And she sets her own conditions: Are you trustworthy? Can she rely on you for shared decisions? Do you have your degrees... and your psychoanalysis bills? For her, we bipeds are often too talkative, too vague, too incoherent. So Mumule stays in her field. Alone. But... she gets bored. So sometimes, she plays along—for a scratch, or a treat. Self-work: mandatory These big-eared geniuses force us to work on ourselves. Arrive relaxed. When humans also shift into alpha waves (through breathing, presence, relaxation), connection becomes possible. "Less mind. More body." Being aligned between what you feel and what you ask for. "Get in the van, or not." Yes, Mumule knows how to get in the van. She learned, but today, she's not riding! Why? Because your body is saying something else. It's saying: stress, fear, tension. And Mumule thinks: something's fishy, ​​I'm not riding, seriously. You have the right—and even the duty—to tell her: "Today, Mumule, I'm sad. Tired. Tense. Angry. We're just going to stay here together and do nothing." And Mumule will say: Yes... A coherent human, finally! Mule-speak: quite an art When you speak to a mule, you have to be precise. No theatrical gestures, no tense voice; ideally, not even speaking, all those words make a deafening noise. A blank face. A finger on the seam of her pants. A well-placed look. And then... it works. And sometimes it's still good to swear; she'll try to understand you, feeling that you're authentically coherent in your request... Not easy, eh? 😅

On April 19, 20 and 21, 2025, in Giriviller, a small village of 71 inhabitants, the Easter Mulinade was held: meetings around the mule... and passion! But... what is a Mulinade? Under the auspices of the Mule Qui Peut association, created at the end of 2023 by mule enthusiasts, this event, initiated by Rémy Pipet, aims to allow mule (and hinnie!) owners to meet in a warm and friendly atmosphere to discuss their shared passion and share their knowledge. This gathering brings together professional and amateur muleteers from all walks of life and ages: from stevedores to trail riders, including carriage driving, dressage, and leisure riders. And what are we talking about? Mules, of course! For this second Mulinade, we received a warm welcome in the village of Giriviller, thanks to Pascal and Francine Garnier. Pascal is no stranger to the mule world, and our hybrid has been used in his family for six generations! So, naturally, he was asked to give a fascinating history of the mule on Saturday afternoon, from Antiquity to the present day. In the morning, the day opened with a lively and open discussion on the theme: what's the difference in approach between a mule and a horse? And I can tell you, it's a whole world! While politeness is ethical with a horse, it becomes a matter of survival with a mule... Late Saturday afternoon, Carole Drogoul, who had brought her pink satin digestive tract (everything was there: esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, etc., and life-size, please!), gave us a thorough and fascinating presentation on equine digestion, highlighting the particularities of mules. On Saturday evening, we attended a screening of the film "The Foal Fair of Flumet in 1991," narrated by Bernadette Lizet, ethnologist and honorary research director at the CNRS. She explored the world of horse traders in the Tarentaise Valley in the 19th and 20th centuries, a boom time for mules. It was a powerful and informative experience, and Bernadette is adorable. On Sunday morning, we visited Pascal Garnier's temporary exhibition at the Château de Qui-Qu'en-Grogne. A real treat for enthusiasts: Sambue saddles dating from the Renaissance, collars from all ages, a cacolet, cabestres galore... A true treasure trove of mule heritage! The afternoon was devoted to a look back at Bernadette Lizet's film, with a screening of a rush and discussions on the world of mules in France until their decline with mechanization. The afternoon ended with a presentation by a naturopath, a member of the association, on natural solutions for fighting insects - a very useful subject at this time of year. On Saturday evening, we attended a screening of the film "The Foal Fair of Flumet in 1991," narrated by Bernadette Lizet, ethnologist and honorary research director at the CNRS. She explored the world of horse traders in the Tarentaise Valley in the 19th and 20th centuries, a boom time for mules. It was a powerful and informative experience, and Bernadette is adorable. On Sunday morning, we visited Pascal Garnier's temporary exhibition at the Château de Qui-Qu'en-Grogne. A real treat for enthusiasts: Sambue saddles dating from the Renaissance, collars from all ages, a cacolet, cabestres galore... A true treasure trove of mule heritage! The afternoon was devoted to a look back at Bernadette Lizet's film, with a screening of a rush and discussions on the world of mules in France until their decline with mechanization. The afternoon ended with a presentation by a naturopath, a member of the association, on natural solutions for fighting insects - a very useful subject at this time of year.

We made a wonderful discovery while traipsing around Mulardie, so we'll let her speak for herself: I should have hated mules. When I was 3 years old, one of them chased me across her field. It was pure curiosity, and my little legs running around trying to escape her were a great invitation to investigate. I could have sworn I saw her smile. Crédit photo : @CindyZuppardi Later, my family fell in love with an island in the Cyclades, and we lived there. A year spent growing up on a rock surrounded by donkeys gives you plenty of time to see them at work. Donkeys, I thought, are funny. Short legs, round heads, and they work all by themselves. I watched them go back and forth for hours, with no one to guide them. Determined to complete a task, they didn't even stop to graze from time to time. And when I greeted them, I could have sworn I saw them smile. Donkeys and mules have been the backdrop to my life, but they took a more central place when I discovered my current profession, cowboy, and the mule found its way into my heart. Seeing these roped parties spend days in the mountains, carrying men and equipment up to the most dangerous peaks without ever faltering. They nourished the greatest part of me: a thirst for freedom. I was first propelled into the mountains of an Indian reserve in British Columbia, single-handedly taming wild horses that had never seen a human. You quickly feel small in the face of the soul of such a place. Even though I only saw them in photos, I knew that somewhere, not far from me, the mules were advancing on their path. I consoled myself: a wild horse is as intelligent as a mule. And when I managed to understand this shell they have, I also understood something else: they're not cheating, they're talking to us, we have to code something completely new into our minds. This time, it was me who smiled. I want to spare you a lot of details about my journey, so I'll jump back in time to a year ago. I was working in Italy, and one evening I saw an ad for a white mule. A week later, here I was standing in front of him. He appeared at the stall door: a sticky pile of fur in a stall with broken irons on his feet. Despite being confined for several months, he wasn't unmanageable; his mind was trying to understand who I was. I knew nothing about him, his former owners, or even his donkey father. I knew nothing about training a mule. Yet, in the months that followed, we set out to conquer cows in the wilds of Italy. We crossed rivers and thorn forests; I had him climb a canyon and lasso cattle. We galloped along the few paths, and several times we came across the remains the wolves left us after their raids. I've never smiled so much perched on an animal. I'm neither a horse nor a mule trainer. I have no advice to give, but a few small thoughts that are part of my new code. I will modify this code throughout my life as I meet people, which I hope will be numerous. I will forever be a fervent beginner in the language of hybrids. I respect intelligence: it's not stubborn, any more than I am; if I don't understand, I won't do it. It requires the relationship of a dog: it needs a connection, a positive connection, trust, and I don't trust someone who asks me for a favor ten times a day without purpose. Clear, simple, precise, and precise: my mind can't keep up with all the requests you have if you yourself are confused. Be consistent and calm. It works for mules, but also for me. A little effort is an effort: I never know what my request costs my mule, how much she understands me; a small reward proves that we're walking on the right path together. I'm here for you: a dead cow is scary, I'll get down to be by your side and get you close to it. My mind is as important as my actions: it's not magic, if I'm running out of patience, you'll feel it, if I smile at you too. I incorporate these animals into every aspect of my life, including my recent leatherwork. I've only been doing it for a few months and I've found a way to add mules (with the firm intention of never stopping). I hope to soon be able to do more; I also want to create mule saddles. I want the Mulerider name to be proudly displayed on leather goods that carry a soul as beautiful as that of hybrids. All my life, I think I've prayed that one day I'd be able to talk to mules as easily as I talk to humans. I'd even trade if it were possible, but in the meantime, they're changing me, for the better. Thanks to mules, I'll never stop smiling. His social media: instagram

How to spend the end of your vacation, or extend your vacation with a short stay in Vienne? When is it: From 08/28 to 08/31 Where is it: À la Vallée des Cerfs Chez Mairine 86430 Luchapt Click for directions But what is it exactly? August 28 and 29: workshop with Bob Smith A Mule Who Can innovation! For the very first time in the history of Mulardie, an American muleteer is sharing his knowledge. A wonderful exchange is in store! Rest assured, the translation will be handled by Carole Drogoul and Muriel Herion.. Pour en savoir plus… Bob will take advantage of this stay in France to discover the country from north to south. We've organized a short tour for him so as not to disadvantage anyone. Click for details For registrations, it takes place on the platform HelloAsso. gave us a great price, and it's payable in 3 installments. You can treat yourself without breaking the bank! August 30 The finale!!! Come meet in person your favorite couples you've been following since the beginning of February, and share heated discussions with those who have captivated you so much. These couples will culminate in their seven-month work through three challenges: The Mule Trail, A freedom challenge (we're keen on this because it reveals relationships), And a freestyle challenge that opens the doors to all disciplines. August 31st The competition! Another innovation from Mule Qui Peut. A first in France, dedicated to enthusiasts, professionals, and discerning amateurs who wish to advance the mule's place in the equestrian landscape. The Mule Trail is an event designed to showcase the bond and technique of the mule/mule driver pair, who will compete over a course of 8 to 16 obstacles (see rules). It is open to all types of riding, whether on the ground or mounted. From beginners to advanced riders, from 7 to 90 years old. Regulations: To register: Ici The Mule in the spotlight With the support of our Partners: Brasserie tête de mule AC custom Saddlery TjT Etho SAFE HP Randoline Hippigo Equirelax See you soon in Mulardie!

This text is based on several reflections by Muriel Herion. Muriel has been working with mules for over 15 years. She founded a mule sanctuary in Belgium, where she accompanied children, adults, and people with disabilities, in order to promote these animals and their abilities, particularly their ability to form a caring bond with humans. Starting with mules from shelters, she has taken in over 25 on-site, in addition to those she has rehabilitated, trained, and broken in to saddle (but not to harness), as well as those she has worked outside. See the page: The Continent of Mules As an aside, no shelter in Belgium wanted to take in mules at the time. Twiggy was the first one she took in. Muriel has trained with numerous professionals, both in Europe and the United States, enriching her expertise. With this experience, we asked her to be a member of the jury for the finals of events organized by the Mule Qui Peut association. She also helps us draft the rules for the ChaLenge Muletier and the Sentier des Mules. A podcast is currently in preparation. Mules are hybrid animals known for their strength, endurance and intelligence, however, their social behavior and training present particularities that clearly distinguish them from horses. Social behavior of mules When a new mule is introduced into a herd, it may encounter marked aggression from established members. Mules may gang up to chase or even attempt to eliminate the intruder, especially if the latter fails to escape. Despite these potentially violent confrontations, the newcomer often persists in reintegrating the group, demonstrating notable resilience. This social dynamic highlights the presence of dominant hierarchies within mule herds, an aspect to consider when managing these animals. Managing a captive herd To avoid frequent veterinary interventions due to injuries resulting from these aggressive interactions, it is essential to adopt a thoughtful approach when integrating a new mule rather than allowing the new arrival to be "lynched" by its conspecifics, a gradual and controlled introduction is recommended this method helps minimize the risk of serious injuries and promote harmonious cohabitation. Differences with horses and donkeys Unlike horses, mules often prefer attack to flight when threatened. They may attempt to kill any animal that enters their territory without prior warning. Furthermore, an entire mule may exhibit aggressive breeding behavior, showing no sensitivity to its mate. Understanding these behaviors is therefore crucial to interacting effectively with them. Recommended educational approach It is not recommended to use force or violence to try to gain a mule's trust, as this is ineffective, quite the opposite. An approach based on movement, technique, and know-how is recommended. Speaking the mule's "language," moving it intentionally, and rewarding it appropriately establishes effective communication. Mules, being intelligent animals, appreciate some form of "pay" or reward for their efforts. It is therefore important to choose appropriate rewards and use them wisely. Daily Training and Relationship with Mules Think of mules not as alien beings, but as endearing and greedy geniuses. Daily training, especially when they are young, is essential, answer their questions, because they seek to understand everything. Once they have assimilated a concept, move on to the next step, but do not leave any questions unanswered, be meticulous but detached, firm, polite and clear in your interactions Americans, who have a long tradition of working with mules, advise first creating a bond of friendship with your mule. This friendship does not mean making them spoiled animals, but understanding them and knowing how to ask them things correctly. Testimonial: Nikita's Story Take the example of Nikita, a particularly wild mule who was locked up. She would throw herself against walls, seriously injuring herself. After two years of effort, a relationship of trust was established with her. However, following an adoption where coercive methods were used to quickly harness her, Nikita returned traumatized, refusing all human contact. This experience underscores the importance of a gentle and respectful approach, tailored to each mule, to avoid behavioral regression. Conclusion Mules are remarkably intelligent animals, endowed with impressive strength and speed. They detect the slightest weakness and are wary of human certainties. It is therefore essential to adopt a balanced approach, combining firmness and gentleness, to establish a harmonious relationship with them. Patience, understanding, and respect are the keys to successful cohabitation with these exceptional animals. Ses réseaux Muriel's Facebook Facebook continent of mules