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Genghis Khan The first mules date back to the meeting of Mongolian horses and African donkeys In China, mules occupy an interesting place, combining traditional utility and economic role. Here are some important aspects about mules in China: 1.History and Traditional Use Mules have been used in China for centuries, primarily as draft and pack animals, especially in mountainous and rural areas. Their hardiness, endurance, and resistance to harsh climates made them valuable assets for transporting goods. They were especially prized on trade routes, such as the famous Silk Road, where they could traverse rough terrain while carrying heavy loads. 2. Regions with a High Mule Population Rural and mountainous regions, such as Yunnan, Sichuan, and the Tibetan Plateau, still use mules, although their importance has declined with mechanization. In these areas, mules remain important for agriculture and transportation, especially in places where modern vehicles cannot access. 3. Economic and Agricultural Role In China, mules are often crossbred to produce animals that are hardy and suitable for agricultural work. Crossbreeding between local donkeys and horses is done to improve certain characteristics such as strength and endurance. Local markets sometimes include specialised fairs for the mule trade, although demand has declined in the face of motorised alternatives. 4. Modernization and Decline in the Use of Mules With rapid urbanization and agricultural modernization, the use of mules has declined in favor of tractors and other agricultural machinery. However, in remote areas or among nomadic populations, they retain a functional role. 5. Culture and Symbolism Mules do not have a strong symbolic presence in Chinese culture compared to other animals such as the horse or the dragon, but they are often associated with perseverance and quiet strength. In some local traditions, they represent a transitional animal between the old rural world and the new modern world. Toba on his mule: According to legend, a Chinese official and poet nicknamed Toba in Japan (Su Shi in Chinese, 1036-1101), who lived under the Song in the service of the emperors... 6. Ecology and Tourism Some tourist areas in China, such as trekking areas in Yunnan or near sacred mountains, still use mules to transport trekkers' luggage. They also play a role in more environmentally friendly farming practices in communities seeking to avoid over-reliance on machinery. An article on the Figaro 7. Consumption In China, pork dominates consumption, followed by chicken and beef. Mule meat is rarely consumed, as mules are mainly used as working animals for their hardiness and endurance, with no associated culinary tradition. 8. Animal protection In China, the treatment of mules varies by region and usage. Traditionally used for work, they can be well treated or suffer from neglect, especially in poor rural areas. The mule industry' eijao , although focused on donkeys, could indirectly affect them, raising concerns about animal welfare. Awareness is growing, but animal protection laws remain limited for working animals. Their welfare depends mainly on owners and access to adequate resources. In China, mules are rarely used for leisure or as pets, being primarily considered working animals. However, some mules in rural areas may receive loving care. The growing interest in equestrian recreation may include mules, but horses and donkeys remain favored. Mules as companions remain very unusual. Mules chinoises... On the image bank Alamy you can find many photos there Source Michel CARTIER. 1993. «La Marginalisation des an ». Annales de la Société Zoologique de France  69 (2): 151-158. https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/az1993n2a6.pdf .

Everything you've read so far has made you want to discover mules up close? Get close to them in real life, smell their unique scent, feel their special energy? Maybe even ride one of them? Here are three places where you can meet these fascinating animals, in a secure setting and with a respectful approach that highlights their well-being In the north of France L'écrin des mules Hélène Guillaume will welcome you to her establishment in Aisne, with kindness and good humor. Facebook page: L'écrin des mules A peaceful place dedicated to equine and human well-being Education Mules and Horses Teaching of relational riding Walks and discovery of mules Relationship & harmony Themed courses Contacts Muret-et-Crouttes, France, 02210 06 71 44 56 86 lecrindesmules@gmail.com In the south of France Les écuries d'Aloha Coralie will welcome you with kindness and will share her passion for mules and the mountains, in the Hautes Alpes. Facebook page: Les écuries d'Aloha In the Hautes-Alpes in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region Mules between lake and mountain. Want a change of scenery, disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature for a walk at the pace of a mule's steps in our magnificent region.... Walk with a pan, climb... Ranging from one hour, one day, or even several days.... The choice of photos is difficult, go to his page!!!! Contacts Neffes, France, 05000 06 62 02 30 99 coralie_cup@hotmail.com La ferme équestre des Neyrons Elodie will welcome you in Vaucluse with her usual kindness and benevolence. Facebook page: La ferme équestre des Neyrons Mules trained to ride, to pack, sometimes to harness. Ride in hand on mules for children. Ride in a carriage, a time around the mules for all audiences. Hike with bivouac with pack mules (accompanied hike, several circuits, difficulty depending on the audience) Contact Malemort-du-Comtat 06 29 41 69 60 elodie-leclercq@live.fr This list of professionals is not exhaustive. It was established with the agreement of professionals who have made themselves known to us and who share the values ​​of the Mule Qui Peut association.

Tribute to Domenico Di Giacomo, master craftsman of the bastion "Jo Mastaro" , as he was called in the Abruzzo dialect, is the story of a craft that is now almost forgotten, but which marked three generations of the Di Giacomo family. Domenico Di Giacomo, a bastier in Sante Marie, made basti, these custom-made packs for mules and donkeys. His exceptional know-how crossed borders, with his creations used in France, Switzerland, Austria, and several regions of Italy, not thanks to a commercial strategy, but thanks to the diaspora of mule drivers from Cappadocia and neighboring villages. A craftsmanship of excellence Domenico’s basti were works of art, handmade with carefully selected materials: Arcioni (pommels) in naturally curved wood, carefully selected and worked. Straw, canvas and animal hair, meticulously cleaned by hand using an ingenious roller machine, which has now disappeared. Capperoni, large tubes recovered and softened in the sun or near a heat source. And even the nails, however simple, were given special attention. Every detail counted to ensure the comfort of the animal and the durability of the product. The measurements of the mules or donkeys were taken on site or sent by courier from the distant mule drivers. The basti made by Domenico were renowned for their legendary solidity, sometimes described as “indestructible”. Living memories Today, it is not uncommon to find one of his pack saddles as a souvenir: many are still used by the last muleteers, a testament to their quality. In Cappadocia and Sante Marie, bronze statues honor this lost craft, with the image of the mule loaded with its basto, recalling a bygone era. Domenico, nicknamed "Jo Mastaro", was a man of few words, but his work and passion spoke for him. He transmitted values ​​of patience, effort and love of the profession, values ​​that we hope to perpetuate to inspire future generations. A legacy to pass on In tribute to this man and his work, we share his story to revive the memories of this unique profession and honor the memory of the muleteers and craftsmen who built a bridge between the past and the present. Through Domenico's packsaddles, it is not only mules that have been equipped, but also an era that continues to live. A big thank you to those who, like him, leave behind traces of humanity and know-how, in a world where everything seems to move so quickly. A huge thank you to the Di Giacomo family for this poignant testimony, and to Domenico for having captured the soul of a profession and an era.

The United States, the land of mules In North America, mules occupy a special place: they are adored, celebrated, and showcased like nowhere else. Americans have an unmatched know-how in terms of mounted mules, a true reference for the rest of the world. Among the emblematic events, Missouri Mule Makeover  . This ultra-popular event attracts enthusiasts from all walks of life. It is in this context that we met  Bob Smith , founder of   Natural Elements Horsemanship . . Bob is a character that you don’t forget. His big beard, his natural calm and his confidence immediately inspire confidence. But what makes him truly unique is his approach. Respect, kindness, firmness without violence: with Bob, everything is done gently, in a spirit of connection and mutual understanding. He embodies an educational philosophy that contrasts with traditional methods, placing the well-being of the animal at the heart of each interaction. Like the other participants, Bob had 5 months to work with a young mule that was new to its interactions with humans. Unfortunately, his first mule was injured in the pasture, forcing him to look for a new mount to continue the adventure. This is how Trooper, a pretty and gentle Appaloosa mule, arrived as reinforcement. This one-month setback put Bob behind the other competitors, but he didn’t give up. True to his principles, he decided to play the game, not to win, but to participate fully and offer the best to his companion. Despite the challenges, Bob finished third with a calm and composed mule, who even allowed himself to play in the arena in front of hundreds of captivated spectators. A true demonstration of confidence and serenity, in perfect harmony with Bob's respectful approach. Epreuve freestyle au MMMO Bob immediately won us over: his approach, his experience and his personality created a real spark. The feeling was there, so we asked him the big question: "Would you be willing to come to France to share your know-how?" It must be said that Bob, with more than 20 years of experience with mules, is a real goldmine. And if we count his work with horses, it goes back to when he was 9 years old... Suffice to say that he knows his subject! Good news: he accepted! We are therefore delighted to announce that we are organizing his visit to France for the end of August 2025. A unique opportunity to discover his method and benefit from his valuable advice. And it will be the first visit to France of an American muleteer! So here we are organizing a tour for him in France, for sure, 2 days on August 28 and 29, 2025 at the final of the ChaLenge Muletier !!!! If you have   Facebook you will find all the necessary information there. Otherwise contact us at mulequipeut@gmail.com

And in North Africa Mules: pillars of rural and mountain life in Morocco Au Maroc, notamment dans les régions rurales et montagneuses, les mules jouent un rôle essentiel depuis des siècles. Leur robustesse, leur endurance et leur capacité à naviguer sur des terrains escarpés, comme ceux des montagnes de l'Atlas, en font des alliées indispensables pour les habitants. Ce sont généralement des hybridations de juments barbes ou arabes The multiple uses of mules in Morocco: 1. Transport of goods In areas where roads are impassable for vehicles, mules are the preferred means of transport. They carry foodstuffs, building materials, and even water, crossing paths inaccessible to machines. 2. Farm work: Mules actively participate in field work, whether it is plowing, transporting crops or moving equipment necessary for farming. 3. Tourism: In regions such as the Atlas, Chefchaouen or the Dadès Gorges, mules are also rented to tourists for nature hikes, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible places. 4. Society and Culture: In many rural communities, owning a mule is a sign of prosperity. They are seen as a status symbol and a vital tool for families. Challenges to be met: Despite their importance, mules can sometimes be overworked or mistreated, especially in tourist areas or where care practices are not always adequate. Fortunately, local and international NGOs are working to raise awareness of the specific needs of these animals and improve their living conditions. Jarjeer is working in this direction, links at the end of the page An economic pillar: Mules represent an important economic value in the animal trade in Morocco. Their rarity, as sterile hybrids between the donkey and the mare, makes them valuable to rural families. They are particularly appreciated in the mountains, where they are often better cared for than in urban areas. Ville vs montagne : In the city, the horses work hard, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, and can be seen at night, tied to carts with little water and food. However, in the mountains, where the inhabitants really depend on their animals, they provide them with more attentive care. Mules, although less known than the Arabian horses famous for the Tbourida, are here recognized for their strength and endurance. Practices surrounding equine care in Morocco: diverse realities In Morocco, equine care methods vary widely depending on the region and the resources available. In many cases, farriers are self-taught, learning on the job and adapting their practices according to their knowledge. This reflects a reality: everyone does what they can with the resources they have. The same is true for education Foals, from a very young age, are often exposed to daily life alongside their mothers, even in the middle of road traffic. This lifestyle is sometimes the only way for them to learn to adapt to their environment. In general, those who truly depend on their animals do their best to care for them, even with limited means. However, it must be acknowledged that veterinarians are rare in some areas, and for poor families, it is often impossible to afford a consultation. In these cases, they must turn to more accessible solutions. In cities, the situation is different. The living conditions of equines can be more difficult, with animals often working long hours and sometimes left to their own devices at night, tied to carts, with only a little water and food, or free-ranging, feeding on scraps found in garbage cans The Jarjeer shelter works tirelessly to rescue animals from truly abominable situations, misery, climate and profit are the cause Thanks to Nathalie Leplang, living on site, for her help in writing this post

Christmas in Mulardie!!!! Give the gift of inspiration that lasts all year round: a valued and timeless gift. 𝐏𝐫é𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐳 𝐯𝐨𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐨ë𝐥 𝐝è𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 ! As the end of October approaches, it's time to think about your Christmas gifts, whether to give as a gift or to treat yourself Discover our must-have bestsellers: The calendar : the books : Our two best sellers "𝐁𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐞s" and "𝐋𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐭". Even those uninitiated to the world of mules will enjoy exploring this fascinating universe. You can get them now on our shop Helloasso . Big plus, it helps us financially to continue our actions For mule enthusiasts, riders from all walks of life and hikers, the second travel diary of Les Globe-Crotters has been released 𝐋𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧 𝐯𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐠𝐞 also available on Helloasso . Thank you for your support

A short socio-philosophical reflection which only commits the author Having a mule, working with one, requires another temporality. Not that it is necessarily slow, soft or without energy. We have fast and athletic sports mules, so it is not a lack of drive. The genes of father donkey are present, which will bring to some subjects a good dose of phlegm and this "annoying" capacity for reflection. Contact with a mule requires getting into its rhythm. I want to say, to a time gone by, the time of the seasons, before engines, television, radios with a jerky rhythm, smartphones and consumerist compulsion. Even if it is neither ethical nor respectful to take just any horse, chosen for its origins or abilities, it will agree to submit to the reins, to contemporary coercive methods, so that the rider wins all the prizes with frenzy: gains, notoriety, glory and consumption of horse. Yes, it will last from 2 to 6 years, then we will go buy another one from the breeder who is right. The horse can submit to this contemporary frenzy: consumption, gains, glory and beauty... Even if this beautiful animal deserves respect and progress in its education and work, the selection of breeders has made it possible to have animals that are more and more efficient, and tolerant of clumsiness and abuse on the part of riders. The mule, no. However, it is much more capable than a horse, although often less aesthetic, and even then... First of all, the mule chooses you. It gets that from its dad. When I see ads like "Horse-Moped": "Looking for a beautiful, kind and well-educated mule", it speaks to me. Not to say that it triggers in me an emotion that has not yet been recognized, a hybrid between sadness and laughter. No, you don't buy a mule, you go and meet it, you talk, and only then do you give a check to the breeder or owner to reimburse them for their expenses and time spent. Besides, at the hourly rate, if you calculate correctly, it's really not much... Then, you talk for a long time, quite a long time, even a very long time, with it, to prove yourself as a guardian and referent. Don't be fooled, the animal is fine and an expert in human ethology. She doesn't need you to survive, just to trust you to follow you... and more if there's a connection. Once the relationship is established, she will classify you in a box: treat dispenser, ass scratcher or human who asks and asserts himself. And so, here we come: it's not the mule who will be nice, polite and all that jazz, but the human opposite. Yes, yes, we agree, this is also valid for horses, but with the mule, the whip will not make an impression. She will respond immediately with agility to tell you that she also knows how to hit and just! If you move on to the work stage, it will take a little time for her to agree to do what you suggest, sometimes with a few heated discussions. This is where the concepts of "horsemanship" are interesting: make her want to. Finally, you will end up reaching the Grail, after several fights, discussions, adjustments and struggles. But there, you will not regret anything. You will understand that a mule is earned and not bought in the aisles of the ready-made store: "Think less to consume more." And one day, after a difficulty outdoors, during an obstacle course, during a dressage test, or simply during a walk in hand, you will say to yourself: "Oh yeah, really!" She will have taught you to take your time, to stay in your bubble, so well anchored in the present. You will take your time with Mumule, this guide outside of time, who takes the time to put her hooves in the right place, at the right time.

Mules are sterile hybrids that result from the crossbreeding of a male donkey (called a burro) and a female horse. This combination is done to produce an animal that inherits specific traits from both species, such as the hardiness and patience of the donkey, combined with the strength and endurance of the horse. However, due to their hybrid nature, the vast majority of mules are sterile, meaning they cannot reproduce. Are mules sterile? The sterility of mules is due to a chromosomal compatibility problem. Here are some details: 1. Number of chromosomes: - Horses have 64 chromosomes. - Donkeys have 62 chromosomes. - Mules, as hybrids, end up with an odd number of chromosomes, namely 63 chromosomes. This odd number of chromosomes makes it difficult to produce viable sex cells (eggs or sperm), because meiosis (the process of cell division for reproduction) cannot take place normally. This leads to sterility. 2. Difference between mules and hinnies: - Mules are the result of crossing a male donkey (burro) and a mare. - Hinnies, on the other hand, are the offspring of a stallion (male horse) and a she-ass (female donkey). They are also sterile for similar reasons. The sexuality of mules Although mules are sterile, they are not asexual. Mules and mules can have normal sexual behaviors like horses or donkeys, and they go through the same stages of sexual maturity. It is not uncommon to see these animals mate with each other or with horses of the opposite sex. However, given their sterility, these behaviors do not lead to reproduction. The mule has heat cycles like mares, which go more or less unnoticed, on the other hand the mule retains a passionate libido and often without regard for his companions ... It is strongly recommended to castrate them because they have a dominant and violent character, especially with other animals. The earlier they are castrated, the faster they forget this mode of operation Rare cases of fertility There are extremely rare cases of female mules (but not males) that have been able to reproduce. In exceptional situations, a few female mules have given birth to a foal. However, these cases are very rare and represent an anomaly rather than a biological norm. The rate varies from one author to another...from one mule per century to 0.005% According to a study by Meyer (2009). the mule would have spermatozoa in the semen, but of irregular shape and immobile. On 20 mules, the histological examination of the testes showed few spermatogonia and spermatocytes. In conclusion - Mules are almost always sterile because of their chromosomal composition. - They can have normal sexual behaviors, but this does not lead to reproduction. - In very rare cases, a female mule can conceive, but this remains a biological exception. The surrogate mother mule Embryo transfer in mules, although rare, is theoretically possible. This technique, commonly used in horses, involves implanting an embryo from a mare into the uterus of a surrogate mother. Although mules are sterile and cannot produce viable eggs, their reproductive tracts are functioning and can, in theory, support a pregnancy. Mules, combining the qualities of horses and donkeys, could be considered as carriers for valuable horse or donkey embryos. However, this method, complex and expensive, remains little practiced despite positive results in some experimental cases.

This year, our event is evolving with a more personalized and "Frenchified" concept. The term "ChaLenge", with only one L, comes from old French and means "challenge". It is a nod to our desire to modernize while remaining anchored in tradition. The big news: the Challenge is open to everyone! Whether you are an owner, a professional wishing to embark on the mule adventure, having your own mule or a mule entrusted to work, or a behaviorist working with a mule in rehabilitation, you are welcome! Two conditions to participate: 1. The mule must be young or unbroken. 2. Or, it must be a rescue mule, faithful to our commitment to help mules in difficulty. When? The ChaLenge final will take place on August 30 and 31, 2025. Where? This year, Anne and Patrick Van Aubel are doing us the honor of hosting the event at the Vallée aux cerfs, in Vienne. We want to move the ChaLenge each year to showcase mules throughout France. How to participate? Volunteer coaches and volunteers can contact us by filling out a short form accompanied by a short presentation video. We will select a maximum of 15 participants. Once selected, you embark on the adventure! Like last year, the public will be able to follow the evolution of your work via videos published on our Facebook page The ChaLenge lasts for a period of about 7 months, which can be longer or shorter depending on the mule. For example, for a rescue mule, it may be necessary to take more time to help it adapt to its new environment. The Muletier Challenge trials 1. Mule Trail: a unique discipline that mixes ranch trail and mountain trail, highlighting the relationship between the mule and its trainer, as well as the technique and work done. 2. Freestyle: let your imagination run wild! 3. Freedom: a test where the mule evolves in complete freedom. All disciplines related to mule work are accepted: packsaddles, animal traction, horse riding (all horizons) and harnessing. Whether mounted or on foot, you can participate. A benevolent jury will help participants to progress, by providing them with feedback to improve after the events, we are in Mulardie! Competition for seasoned mules: On Sunday afternoon, a competition will be offered to experienced mules. For any request for additional information or to obtain the complete rules, do not hesitate to contact us. Finally, last year's coaching team will join the "office" this year, a sort of council of wise men, to support you and help you in case of difficulty. "A huge thank you to the JNR Ranch and the first team of trainers who, last year, took up the challenge brilliantly and allowed this great adventure to continue. Without them, we would not be where we are today."

Nikita sta cercando il suo umano per la vita ONC Born on January 1, 2011 Height 1.20 m 13 years old She was born in Pas de Calais, arrived at Muriel's around 2015 She came from a shelter that thought she was a donkey... Nikita is therefore adopted by an individual as a donkey, the individual does not cope because Nikita, dominant, attacks the ponies, this person calls on a "Cowboy" who subdues her by tying her to a tree, Nikita hurts herself and then becomes furious, unapproachable Arriving at Muriel's, furious, mad with rage she throws herself into the walls, bangs her head against the walls of the box, so violently that she bleeds. From there, the choice is made to work in freedom. Muriel works her with a 3 m long bamboo, to approach contact. It worked well after 9 weeks, Nikita gave her feet, let herself be touched by the hand all over her body. Some French people came to buy her for harnessing, put her in harness in a week... Muriel had warned her that Nikita was tame but not educated, these "mule connoisseurs" did not win against Nikita, and she returned to Muriel where the approach work had to be redone, then put out to pasture for mental cleaning. Nikita was perfect in harnessing, but tried to violently attack humans when they entered the box From there she joined the RMMO with Nadja who does an extraordinary job Nikita is particularly intelligent, but with a heart as big as that, her relationship with humans will be exclusive The trainer's word: "Nadja calls her "Stormy of mules", capable of the best in expert hands, a great challenge with a human who will have time to give her, she does not tolerate boredom well. Her future human will be an adult, with good knowledge of equines" Determined and smart as a monkey, she will excel in all disciplines Equifeel, Mountain trail fingers in the nose, pack saddle, which she will proudly wear for her human, to the ends of the earth Nikita knows harnessing, but must settle down before resuming She lives willingly with ponies or donkeys, but has a preference for old ponies that reassure and calm her The option of a pet mule but with frequent interaction with its human is possible You can follow Nikita's progress with Nadja on our YouTube channel She is currently being fostered by the Mini family at JNR Ranch in the Dordogne, where you can meet her For any information contact us: mulesquipeut@gmail.com

Originally, the term muleteer referred to this strong and jovial man who spent his life on the roads with his mule couple, about ten animals, while the rafardier generally had less than six. In the 21st century, most of us are simple rafardiers, with our single mule. Using the term rafardier to echo the term cavalier would certainly be correct, but nevertheless anachronistic. We will therefore designate the owner of a mule as a muleteer, aware of the evolution of the meaning, and taking refuge behind this semantic shift specific to living languages, which adapt to the times so as not to disappear. Thus, muletier echoes cavalier, a title that we, simple mortals of the 21st century, wear with pride despite the change of times. Have a mule This raises a lot of questions, "I would like a mule, but I don't know anything about it and it doesn't seem easy!" To have a mule it is not necessary to know, but to be, I'll explain: The mule is intelligent and whimsical, yes we know that, she is capable of cunning and humor, but she is also hypersensitive, and there we are not exaggerating, more than a horse. She will scan you from head to toe, to know if she can trust you with her life, sometimes there will be an immediate crush, and that is perfection, the selection criterion! sometimes she will take time to gauge you and only come out of her silence after several months, even several years, go 2 years maximum we reassure you... The first quality of the mule driver is undoubtedly patience! The beast could only be fully operational in several months... There is a real game of seduction that can take time (and it is also quite fascinating), but this is not always true. Some mules are very familiar from the beginning. Good origins, education from a young age will make them an animal relatively close to the horse, but a smart and slightly hooligan horse Forming a duo with a mule is a unique alchemy for each pair. For example, Noisette will be adorable with Léon, but when Émilie buys him, she will not be able to do anything with him, absolutely nothing! Émilie will even end up wondering if Léon had not drugged his mule before selling it to her! Once this more or less long seduction phase is over and successful, patience remains essential when working with the mule. She often thinks before she acts, which can take time… And sometimes, the result of her thinking is at odds with your request. That’s where that famous phrase comes in: “Make your idea hers.” Yes, but sometimes, the mule says exactly the same thing and does a great job of “Make her idea yours!” Hence the importance of the second essential quality: perseverance, accompanied by an anchoring as firm as hers, and always without violence! Because being violent with a mule is exposing yourself to your own violence and to a total closure of dialogue. It is up to you to understand why she says no to you. Thus, the third necessary quality is the ability to reflect and to show empathy. When Noisette expresses her refusal, it is very often due to a misunderstanding, a discomfort, a pain, or else, and this is frequent, she simply wants to tell you: "There is something that interests me there, much more than you!" or "My friend from the meadow is not well." It is up to you to understand and give her an answer It is often said that you have to be humble. Of course, we are immensely proud when we have gone through all the stages and that Noisette knows how to do lots of things. So, we want to share this pride, to do a demonstration in front of friends, to prove to them that mules are intelligent and that you have tamed the beast! And there, no luck, just that day, Noisette does not want to do anything, she had a bad night. At the competition, she refuses to pass the bars and does her famous stubbornness, you have not demonstrated anything at all! This is where another quality becomes essential: a sense of humor, because she will often put it to the test. Mules are mischievous, sometimes even a little crazy! Mules have a much sharper survival instinct than horses. Of course, they are colder and think more, but if they feel that their life is in danger, not only will you get nothing from them, but the situation can become dangerous for you, because at that point, you will no longer exist in their eyes. A word of advice: don't insist. Besides, they are often right. Many stories testify to this ability they have to sense danger before it occurs. Once Noisette has chosen you, after the adaptation phase and the tests she has imposed on you, rest assured: you will have a faithful, attentive companion, and happy to interact with you. Most of the time, she will be up for anything. Versatile, they love to learn and share moments with their human with whom they very often establish an exclusive relationship. It is a bit like a big dog that you can trust, because their intelligence allows them to understand and avoid dangerous situations. The technique will come later, as the challenges are encountered. At that point, you can call on a suitable professional, if necessary. As for the reputation of "dirty beast", it is largely usurped. At one time, they were made to move forward with sticks; of course, they did not miss the opportunity to correct their trainers! The professionals who worked this way took big risks, because the mule is agile and knows how to aim. This is how many derogatory proverbs were born about them. However, be careful with mules that have been poorly educated, either violently or not educated, they can be potentially dangerous, remain cautious during the domestication phase, they are not all Care Bears Today, and even in the past for some elders, we recognize the sensitivity and finesse of this animal. Mules are adorable companions, safe and reliable for their bipedal companions, even if they always have an idea in mind that is not necessarily yours. But we get used to it, and it makes us laugh.

Here we are back after a well-deserved recovery time! What can we say about this first challenge? A real success, that's for sure! A top logistics team, whether it's the Mule Qui Peut association, thanks to Carole Drogoul ; Rémy Pipet ; Joseph Vilcompte des Mangouste ; Agnès Martin ; Cécile Rohart ; L'écrin des mules ; Louis Van (Mr. Beers) or that of JNR Ranch ; Nathalie Mini   Joshua Mini ; Jed Mini and all their friends Despite uncertain weather, the rain finally spared our event. From the beginning, our coaches and their companions showed great professionalism. Beautiful duos, each with their own specialty, which made the task difficult for the jury. It was necessary to develop a scoring system taking into account different criteria: the immense relational work for some, the technique for others, without forgetting the evolution, the starting point of each mule and the path taken by each couple. MMO A points grid was set up to provide an objective assessment of the work provided, and the differences in marks were tiny! The coaches really delivered. In free style, Raphaelle gave us a magnificent demonstration in freedom, all in finesse. Anouk gave us a demonstration of archery with an attentive Kalinka. Olivier gave us a nice demonstration of ground work. Nadja also gave us a magnificent demonstration in the colors of Lorraine with Préciosa, as well as a test of "even not afraid" with Nikita. Coralie presented Kouli mounted with Chibo on the right. Finally, Joshua offered a small demonstration of maneuverability and rooping with Julia. Videos will follow RMMO What an incredible adventure! Old people from the region, with tears in their eyes to see mules again, curious tourists discovering this fascinating animal, professionals from the equestrian world, without forgetting our loyal subscribers present on this page. The atmosphere was warm and joyful. A huge thank you to the JNR Ranch to the exhibitors: Tjt Etho (Who studies a halter adapted to mules) Sellerie Boucle d'Or, SAFE HP represented by Laurent Balmana; Randoline and Claude Garrabé who, with Pascal Garnier, are perpetuating the history of Mulardie, and have dressed Kalinka with the famous Sambu saddle and one of its cabestres A special thank you to our jury: Muriel Herion and Pascal Garnier, coming from two different backgrounds but united by their love for this extraordinary animal. During these two days, all generations gathered around the mule, whether to celebrate its past, to honor it in the present, or to reflect on its promising future... The young muleteers are also full of promise for the future Short report on France 3 Pèrigords, many thanks to Bertrand Lasseguette The videos are visible on our channel YouTube