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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

An apprenticeship between science and instinct A little history… Mules have been with humans for over 3,000 years. Prized by the Egyptians, Romans, American pioneers, and in ancient Europe, they were chosen for their intelligence, endurance, and prudence. However, these qualities also require a tailored educational approach: a mule does not blindly follow orders. They are more thoughtful, less inclined to blind obedience, due to their stronger self-preservation instinct than horses, and their incredible capacity for self-awareness. Yesterday and Today: An Evolution of Methods In the past, mule training relied primarily on coercion and intensive negative reinforcement, as they were used as working and pack animals. In certain eras, the rules were generally governed by survival, sometimes in emergencies, rather than by kindness, which is still found in some countries. The modern approach to equines is largely based on the principles of operant conditioning, theorized in the 20th century by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Unlike Pavlovian classical conditioning, this theory, initially developed for humans, has been adapted to animals and divides learning into two main principles: Positive Reinforcement (R+): Rewarding a desired behavior. Negative Reinforcement (N-): Applying pressure and then removing it when the animal responds correctly. While these methods have proven effective, their strict application to mules raises fundamental questions. We intentionally omit the concepts of positive and negative punishment, which are less appropriate for animals, even though they are useful in a few rare situations. An example of equine education in R- Understanding the mule and its learning mode Unlike horses, mules don't submit: they must understand and accept a request before responding. Remarkable intelligence and memory A mule forgets neither the good nor the bad. A poorly managed negative experience can lead to lasting blockage. They analyze each interaction and choose to respond... or not. What is the point of this request? A more developed self-preservation instinct than horses' If they don't understand or don't feel safe, they won't give in to pressure like a horse. They can reflexively go into immobility (Stuck), often misinterpreted as a refusal to obey. They take the time to think before acting, unlike horses, which react more instinctively. The flight reaction is swift. The response to injustice is easy and precise... R+ or R-: Which approach should you favor? R+ A Powerful Lever Advantages: Increases motivation and confidence. Encourages motivation and enjoyment of learning. Reduces blockages and resistance. Strengthens the trust-based relationship. Prevents fear and promotes lasting learning. Challenges: Requires good timing. May encourage unwanted behaviors if misapplied. May require more patience at the beginning. If misused, it can make the mule opportunistic, distracted by the reward. R- A Method to Be Used with Precision Advantages: Helps structure learning. Guides the mule toward the correct response by adjusting pressure. Helps the mule understand and respond calmly to pressure. Can be more immediately effective if used correctly. Challenges: Requires good timing. Requires emotional management from the human. If misapplied, it can cause stress and blockages. Poorly managed pressure can lead to stress and misunderstanding. A mule that does not understand the request may freeze instead of seeking the answer. Finding the balance between R+ and R- The ideal approach with a mule is often a mix of both approaches, favoring R+ whenever possible. The art of education: between gentleness and accuracy Some modern methods rely exclusively on positive reinforcement and consent.  While this may seem appealing, it also has its limits: a mule needs structure and boundaries. The Risks of an Unbalanced Approach: Too much gentleness:  The mule makes its own decisions, may ignore the work, get bored, and become indifferent. Too much pressure:  The mule freezes and refuses to move forward. Lack of R- management:  A mule that is not accustomed to pressure may panic in a challenging situation and reject any form of constraint. What to Avoid at All Costs: Excessive continuous pressure  (leads to blockage). Coercive methods  (causes immediate loss of trust). Forcing a mule to perform an exercise it hasn’t understood. Training a Mule: Gentleness, Firmness, or the Right Balance? With the rise of gentle training methods, some favor an approach based solely on consent and positive reinforcement (R+). While appealing, this approach can have limitations, particularly with mules, known for their analytical skills and independence. Studies in ethology show that negative reinforcement (R-) is a natural learning mechanism for equines, based on the search for comfort. In a herd, a mare does not reward her foal with food but applies pressure (such as pinned ears or body movement) and releases it when the foal responds correctly. However, for humans, applying R- correctly is often more challenging than using R+. Poor timing, excessive physical or mental pressure, or emotional frustration in response to the mule's stubbornness can lead to confusion and stress. So, Which Approach Should Be Favored? Rather than opposing R+ and R-, it seems more relevant to adopt an approach tailored to each individual. R+ is an excellent tool for encouraging the mule and reducing human errors, while well-balanced R- helps structure learning. However, it is essential to keep in mind that mules need stimulating exercises and a trainer who is present and responsive. Conclusion: The art of balance With a mule, you have to work WITH it, not AGAINST it. The more trusting it is, the more it cooperates. A "stubborn" mule is often one that doesn't understand. The key: Observe, adjust, and always favor a gentle and thoughtful approach. It's in the field of muleteering that the notion of experience takes on its full meaning. A thought to be given: Isn't R+ an aid for humans who don't speak Mule fluently, to avoid errors in applying R-?

For the second edition of the annual event organized by the Mule Qui Peut association, things are changing a bit. No more MMO/RMMO: the two categories are now combined in a single event: "The Muletier Challenge." This year, we opened the doors to non-professionals, and some very attractive profiles came forward. So, seven of them are participating, all on a voluntary basis, simply for the love of mules. Nice, right? If you have Facebook, you can follow them according to a well-defined schedule. If you don't have access to it, don't panic: the videos are also available on the YouTube channel. Le programme peut être sujet à des variations au gré de l'aventure humaine. Ju Micamb Juliette, aka Ju Micamb, is a behaviorist with a passion for donkeys, mules, and hinnies. Level 4 certified in the LIMA method. Her professional page: Les Sabotés - mule, donkey, and equine behaviorist. She will offer a different perspective on mule care with Athos, a young, intact mule in need of rehabilitation. Athos, a handsome 5-year-old mule, has already moved homes four times, without success. He has now ended up with Juliette. An interesting couple to follow. Iloa Cuciniello Iloa, the youngest member of the Muleter Challenge, is 18 years old and already very talented! Her activity: equestrian shows with her long ears, a donkey, and two small mules. She participates in the Challenge with Laslo, a young 4-year-old mule, the result of a meeting between a wandering donkey and a Highland mare. Laslo lived wild and untouched for his first three years and was castrated a month before the Challenge. No method, just intuition and experience. A wonderful encounter between these two! Julien Joukje Julien grew up surrounded by horses, trained from a young age by his mother, an instructor in the Republican Guard and a dedicated eventer. Not particularly drawn to competition, he quickly turned to outdoor riding. His trip to the United States allowed him to discover Western riding and horsemanship (buckaroo), completing a Parelli course and eventually becoming an instructor. BPJEPS Extremely skilled, Julien manages his ranch alone, but he is also very discreet. Following a meeting with a colleague, he had the opportunity to work with several mules, enriching his experience. This year, he joined the ChaLenge Muletier with Kalypso, a mule with a difficult past. Taking the time necessary to establish a trusting relationship, he will use his valuable expertise to support Kalypso in this new phase. Julie Julie, aka Amazone Lune, is another must-see in the Mulardie region! If you don't know her yet, you'll soon! A breeder, teacher, illustrator, and passionate about scientific ethology, it is with great pleasure that we welcome her to the ChaLenge Muletier. Respect, empathy, kindness, humor, and a touch of firmness are the tools she uses to work with Métisse and Vampette, her faithful longtime companions. Her official ChaLenge partner will be Merlin, a young mule belonging to Nathalie Rami (Élevage des Grandes Zoreilles), who will be entrusted to her starting in June. In the meantime, she will put her two beloved mules back to work and share her valuable experience with you alongside them. BPJEPS ATE BFEE Camille Camille, our discreet, down-to-earth athlete, rooted in the mountains, spends the winter on the ski slopes where she teaches. In the summer, she trains pack mules for Cairn, a hiking organization that accompanies groups with pack mules. This year, she won't be seeing her partner again until March. Which one? It's still unknown: she has a choice between four mules, but as we know, it's not really a choice, it's the one who will choose her to show her off. BPJEPS BFEE2 and STEP3 Pro Andy Booth. Xavier Another great character; Mulardie is definitely rich in wonderful personalities. Xavier has been around horses since he was 8 years old and, like a true horseman, has blossomed with them: sensitive, empathetic, and refined. His future was mapped out, dabbling in all disciplines, never seeking to shine in the spotlight, preferring to work in the shadows with difficult animals. He naturally fell in love with Mulardie, where his calm and sensitivity work wonders. Xavier is participating in the ChaLenge with Grelot, Laslo's big brother, himself wild and intact, castrated a month before the ChaLenge. The boarding took 10 minutes, which suggests he has excellent technique. Xavier has encountered significant personal issues that prevent him from participating for an indefinite period, but his place with us remains secure. BPJEPS Ambre Ambre was supposed to participate in the ChaLenge with Fortune and Chibo, forming a promising trio combining skill, gentleness, and music. Unfortunately, she was unable to complete her project. We regret this; it was very promising. We'll see you in a month for new adventures!!!!!

We have published a world map of Mulardie, listing professionals from all walks of life who work around mules. This map is evolving, because ultimately, Mulardie is much larger than we thought! We certainly have some unintentional omissions . If you are a professional and you are not there, know that it is due to ignorance of your existence or simple forgetfulness. It happens! "Errare humanum est, mululicum perseverare." On this map, you will find: Craftsmen: saddlers, packers Trainers and teachers Merchants Breeders Professional muleteers Farriers and trimmers Enjoy your visit and keep it with you, it is easy to get lost in Mulardie!

The Bigatiers Based in the town of Cuers, in the Var, Samantha Medard and Pierre Jean Coppa, with their four mules, offer many services with their company Bigatier: field work using animal traction transport of goods and materials, including in areas that are difficult to access educational activities with mules mule rides for a day, or tailor-made hikes lasting two to six days; Provençal expeditions at the pace of the mule caravan, where you hike light thanks to the mules, traveling through time on the winding paths of this beautiful Provence. Contact : site    Facebook tel. 06 24 42 47 11 mail : bigatier@mailo.com Presta'prune Winemaker without fixed vines, agricultural service provider in animal traction in Beaujolais and Mâconnais with two horses but also her Poitevin mule, Géronimo! Prune will be at your disposal, to contact her: Contact : Facebook instagram   mail : prestaprune@gmail.com tel. 06 40 59 60 23 Mule Head Corsica, a territory dotted with paths, between streams and scrubland, which in the past were only traveled on foot or on the back of mules and other equines, essential to daily work. A practice that continues today thanks to a few passionate professionals working with mules to deliver, supply, and share their respect for the animal and the territory. This is the case of Marie Line Luciani and her niece Stelluccia, based in Tallone (écurie u baladinu), for whom the carrying techniques on the steep paths of the scrubland and mountains with their pair of mules and mules no longer hold any secrets. Their equines are always at the top for a lot of activities: supplying shelters, transporting goods and various materials, excursions, cleaning beaches, walks, and birthdays in a horse-drawn carriage, etc ... Videos to enjoy on their Facebook page "Tête de mules" contact : facebook instagram tel. 06 29 44 21 31 Southern Features Breeder and user of draft horses and mules since 1983, Mathias Liebig offers animal traction services as part of a specialized company: Les Traits du Sud, based in Soulatgé in the Aude but operating throughout Occitanie, and even beyond in the South. Agricultural and forestry work, animals and drivers perfectly trained and trained, 5 mules and 4 mules are part of the team, and 15 draft horses! contact : Facebook site mail   : lestraitsdusud@gmail.com , tel: 06 75 24 26 42 les Mules Action Based in GIRONDE in Sainte Radegonde with two mules and a mule, Corine is a service provider in animal traction. Her main activity is plowing the vines, but she also offers other agricultural work and logging, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides to take the curious on a ride while tasting a bottle of the vineyards visited! contact : Mail: mulesaction@gmail.com tel: 06 15 14 00 39