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Welcome to the fascinating world of Mulardie, where tradition and innovation meet to create a unique experience. From generation to generation, the approach to mules has evolved, moving from the traditional methods of yesteryear to innovative practices adapted to our modern times. Even in the 19th century, mules were present in our countryside. Careful selection of parents was a crucial step in mule breeding. Conscientious and wise breeders worked hard to choose the best representatives, taking into account not only their physical characteristics, but also their behavioral qualities and their aptitude for work. This careful selection guaranteed the birth of robust, intelligent and efficient mules. At this time when mules were mainly considered as tools in the agricultural world, this relationship between the mother and her mule was essential to ensure the transmission of knowledge and skills necessary for life and work in the fields, from the earliest times. days of his birth, he followed his mother in her daily work. In the army, the approach to mules differed markedly. Instead of breeding mules from a young age, mules that were already adults were often collected. The methods used were more muscular, often imbued with a certain harshness. Techniques such as the use of the pole, still practiced in South America, were common, as was the use of hobbles to control the mules' movements. When it came to riding, working with mules was often similar to working with a horse, requiring the same type of training and training. During this period, no method, apart from a few “Tips and tricks” that we shared, it was haphazard luck, intuition, reflection, experience, humans adapted or not to the animal and the animal to the human. In the 20th century, the evolution of the use of mules marked a significant turning point, particularly in the 70s and 80s. Although some of them are still used for packs and animal traction, a new trend is emerging: the saddle mule. During this period, figures such as "Diego Mulot" (Corinne Kabsch) played a pioneering role in introducing mules to the world of western riding. Corinne Kabsch made the history of the riding mule by being the first to present a mule during an elite amateur trail competition, of the French Equestrian Federation (FFE). This transition to leisure and sport riding has opened up new perspectives for mules, transforming them from simple working animals into versatile and valued partners in various equestrian disciplines. Thus, these years witnessed a major shift in the perception and use of mules, propelling them to the forefront of the equestrian scene and contributing to their recognition as competent and trustworthy companions. At the same time, the world of great travelers continued to use and still uses mules today, both as pack animals and as mounts. The riders of the CALC (Long Course Riders), under the aegis of Émile Brager, were among those who perpetuated this tradition of using mules for expeditions and travel in difficult terrain. In the 21st century, the mule is making its notable entry into the world of pets. Although it still remains very present in traditional roles such as carrying and animal traction, it is found more and more frequently in the field of leisure riding. Its remarkable versatility allows it to adapt to all equestrian disciplines, as well as various methods of support and personal development. However, the mule is not limited to these activities. It is also found in meadows doing nothing, playing the role of companion for other animals, or humans. The education of mules is a subject which arouses great interest and much debate. Its complexity and individuality require specific and respectful approaches. Many methods have emerged, each aimed at establishing a relationship of trust and mutual respect between man and animal. Regardless of the approach or technique used, a mule will always be a mule. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and unfailing obstinacy, she will always know how to preserve her integrity and seek her best interest in each task proposed to her. Aware of her strength, she will not hesitate to use it in opposition to anyone who tries to impose on her a task that she has not chosen. You have to know how to negotiate In this unique relationship between man and mule, authenticity remains key. Mutual respect, affection and an iron fist hidden under a velvet glove are essential to establishing a true and harmonious connection. This expression takes on its full meaning with these fantastic animals, which require an approach that is both firm and caring.

Short summary of a document provided by Amy McLean academic ethologist, professor at the University of California Davis INTRODUCTION The donkey, the first equine domesticated more than 5,000 years ago, owes its domestication to its docile nature, despite its natural tendency to fight rather than flee, unlike horses and other equines. Mules (male donkey crossed with a mare) and hinnies (stallion crossed with a female donkey) inherit the behavioral characteristics of both species. Some owners prefer mules, others prefer hinny, depending on the job and environment, but there is no evidence to show that one hybrid is better suited for the job than the other. The historical importance of mules and donkeys raises questions, especially for mules: "How can a pack animal be so difficult for so many people, while being such a crucial part of society?" KEY POINTS Donkeys and mules exhibit distinct behavior from horses, requiring more patience in their training and handling. Their high pain tolerance makes it difficult to diagnose diseases by usual equine standards. Their dietary, social and reproductive behavior is specific. Mules can exhibit unique behaviors, such as difficulty being caught or sensitive ears, often requiring years to overcome, or never changing. Establishing trust with these animals can take time. Their unique behavior raises awareness of the demand for specialized knowledge in veterinary care. It is crucial to recognize that donkeys and mules behave differently from horses, thus avoiding generalization errors. Working with them can teach patience and the importance of recognizing even the slightest behavioral variations as signs of potential health problems. New owners and practitioners benefit from being aware of these differences and learning to manage them rather than fight them. NORMAL BEHAVIOR: DONKEY, MULE, BARDOT Mules and donkeys are animals of habit and react poorly to changes in their daily routine. A change in feeding schedule or the presence of unfamiliar staff can disrupt their behavior. These animals develop bonds with their caregivers once trust is established. Treats, a calm voice and tactile contact can be used as positive reinforcement. In general, donkeys are easier to work with than mules, even if they have not been handled from a young age. Women and children in many developing countries often work with donkeys, exploiting their gentle nature but sometimes compromising their well-being. Mules are generally more difficult to handle but are often subjected to harsher treatment. Human interactions with mules vary from very good to very poor. Those who understand the behavior of mules often prefer them to horses. Mules handled correctly from a young age are more tolerant of unfamiliar personnel. Owner preferences for mules and donkeys vary depending on their use, beliefs, and experiences. Differentiating normal from abnormal behavior is essential to providing professional care to these animals, as their stoic nature can mask pain. Mules and donkeys can suffer from colic and lameness, although this is sometimes misunderstood. Rolling is a normal behavior for them, but its frequency and duration may indicate behavioral or health problems. HOW TO APPROACH MULES AND DONKEYS Behavioral assessments reveal that mules, in particular, trust a familiar person more than an unfamiliar person. To successfully approach a mule for the first time, it is recommended to approach from the front towards its front rather than from the side. Donkeys are generally more tolerant of strangers and easier to approach than mules or horses. Approaching the donkey first from the front, then from the side once it has accepted the person, seems to be an effective strategy. A healthy donkey or mule will spend most of its time grazing, grooming, and possibly dust bathing. Any changes in these usual behaviors, such as lying in bed longer than usual, stopping eating, or isolating yourself from others, will be closely monitored. - Interpreting body language, i.e. the presentation of the head, eyes, nostrils, neck and body, as well as observing the tail and the shift of weight on the hind limbs, is essential - Mules have a higher reasoning capacity than horses - They prefer open spaces to confined spaces - Owners have observed that their mules have varied acceptances regarding the size of their stall unlike horses which tolerate small volumes - Certain mule behaviors, such as dodging ears or refusing to be caught, may call for negotiation rather than correction SOCIAL BEHAVIOR Donkeys and mules are social animals that enjoy the company of others. They develop strong attachment bonds. Some mules can even become excessively attached to their companion, making their separation unmanageable. Mules tend to group together in a homogeneous herd, but if necessary they can also form one with horses. In California, a few wild mules are observed, an interesting phenomenon because they are rare, donkeys and horses generally occupy separate areas. Play and socialization are important to domestic donkeys and mules because they establish a social hierarchy through the development of dominance strategies such as learning to fight by biting key areas like the throat and knees. In mules, it is not uncommon for play to exceed its limits and lead to fighting behavior; Sometimes, some breeds can become too aggressive towards other animals and it is then necessary to castrate them. It is commonly accepted that mules need to be handled from a young age to facilitate their training. Donkeys are naturally more attracted to female donkeys than to mares, but the latter's receptivity to heat increases with the duration and regularity of exposure to donkeys. Some mares may refuse mating and require sedation and physical restraint. Mules in heat can behave like their mare counterparts and some owners choose to have them ovariectomized to avoid this, especially in those used in competition. Mules are usually neutered to reduce their aggressive behavior. Source : McLean, A. K., Navas González, F. J., & Canisso, I. F. (2019). Donkey and Mule Behavior. Veterinary Clinics of North America - Equine Practice, 35(3), 575-588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2019.08.010

We are a French association of mule drivers, formed under the 1901 law, with the aim of rediscovering the world of mules in France. Although we are starting from scratch and sponsors have not yet come forward, the world of mules remains little visible in our country. However, we would like to express our gratitude to our two current partners: the Tête de Mule brewery, the SAFE HP company, as well as Back On Track , which kindly supports our project. We are also grateful to Cheval Magazine for writing an article about us. We have a crucial financial need, particularly to ensure the upkeep of the three rescued mules who are now part of the RMMO. This includes updating papers, vaccinating Fortune, Duende and Nikita, as well as monthly boarding fees for Duende. In addition, we need to finance the operating costs of the association. To achieve our goals, we offer three support options: 1. Memberships and donations to the Mule Qui Puis association, open to mule drivers. 2. Crowdfunding campaign to financially support the three RMMO coaches. It starts at 5th and there are cons 3. Pre-order T-shirts. We are opting for pre-order because we do not yet have the necessary finances to build up stock. In any case, we gratefully welcome any moral support. This adventure promises to be long – 7 months – and solidarity and kindness are essential pillars to successfully complete this great journey. Thank you all whatever your support

The Challenge has started, it is the end of February, the adventure is coming to fruition. A lot of work upstream from all the members of the association and the coaches. We hope that it will live up to our hopes and your expectations. This event is our way of introducing you to mules. The coaches volunteered spontaneously and on a voluntary basis, we can never thank them enough. It turns out that chance has done things well, because they all have their own approach, a mixture of knowledge, experience and intuition, to share with you. Raphaëlle, a professional teacher from Île-de-France, does not have much experience with mules, but an approach that suits them well. Raphaëlle is therefore participating in the RMMO with Duende, an 8-year-old Spanish mule, who had already been re-educated by a professional, but the work could not be completed. Duende is a mule who got off to a bad start in life. You have to go very slowly, because he is a nice, hypersensitive and tender mule. During their first weeks, the work done was to get to know each other and be accepted into their bubble. Duende is tied up, but not yet ready to come out of his meadow. The MMO Globe-Crotters, not being teachers, have extensive experience with mules. Dominic has no formal equestrian training; he naturally rubbed shoulders with mules and interacts with them intuitively, which works well. Anouk, for her part, has extensive background: classic equestrian training, a profession as an equine podiatrist, and ethological knowledge. They met mules several times before choosing the four pearls for their long journey of 10,000 kilometers over two years. Their approach is a blend of knowledge, intuition and strong experience. Their 4-year-old mule Kalinka, of unknown origin, was purchased from a horse dealer. Kalinka lived with a deceased gentleman, hence her wanderings. She is a very inexperienced mule, who has everything to learn, including approach. The first weeks were dedicated to approach, contact and presentation of the halter. Jeremy Had a setback in getting Fortune, the little 6-year-old mule, half-Arab blood. He may introduce us to a young mule that he will begin training for work in show business. Fortune is therefore still in her meadow, making her adorable owners go crazy, until May, while waiting to meet Jeremy for their participation in RMMO Nadja, a teacher in the Meuse, has extensive experience in the animal world, also being a farmer. She knows mules well, adopting an approach mixing a little of this, a little of that: experience, intuition, anchoring and a heart that big, all accompanied by a good dose of 'humor. She is participating in two challenges: in the MMO with Préciosa, a magnificent 4-year-old Spanish mule, and in the RMMO with Nikita, a 12-year-old mule, the smallest but certainly the most difficult of the mules in the challenge. Nikita was recovered in a state of intense anger towards humans. His beginnings were truly catastrophic and marked by abuse. She crossed paths with her first fairy who explained to her that despite everything, humans can be something else. Nikita consented, then she went to other humans, again evil. She then returned to her fairy godmother, who left her alone. And here she is now with Nadja, who takes up the challenge. Nikita has a kissable face, a sharp look, and a little rebellious side, she is particularly intelligent. The first weeks were dedicated to adaptation and making contact. Nadja had the opportunity to practice mule skiing a lot, a discipline that she would soon master. Coralie Des Hautes-Alpes, teacher, still in training, with an ethological approach in the world of leisure riding, her goal is to open her center for rides with mules, for which she has fallen completely in love since a few years already. She will team up with her handsome boy, bought from an owner, a shepherd who no longer did anything. So I name the handsome Kouli, a nice 4-year-old mule, Franche-Comté/Baudet du Poitou, who does not have a complicated history. Kouli is haltered and begins to learn the basics of working on foot: halter assignment, neckline assignments. He doesn't like to give in too much...They will participate in the MMO Joshua Professional mule rider, his first horse was a mule, that dates back a bit... Joshua is the Dordogne cowboy, cutler and blacksmith in his spare time. He was selected for the Missouri Mule Makeover in 2020, a project that failed due to Covid. His approach is strongly inspired by North American culture, the land of mules. Another mule culture, an opening to the world of mules. Julia, his companion for the MMO, is a 7-year-old mule, Lusitanian/Catalan donkey, very green in her work, difficult to approach, lively in her reactions. As Joshua says: "Bound but not always bound and not by just anyone..." He worked on the relationship and connection with Julia Patricia Last minute candidate who opens the challenge to Switzerland and Europe, Patricia is indescribable, lost in her mountains, with her yaks, her goats and her mules. You have to follow it to know it, but a relationship with mules that dates, everything goes through feeling, feeling, love. For reasons related to the regulations, she participates in the MMO, but with a mule from a shelter. The beautiful Eporédo, a small appaloosa mule aged... Between 12 and 22 years old! He will stay with Patricia. Let's support our coaches, the road is going to be long

Josepe: Could you introduce yourself briefly? What's your name, how long have you been practicing horseback riding, and how did you start riding mules? Enrico: My name is Enrico Maria Scolari, I am 54 years old. I have been riding horses competitively since I was a boy, and at the age of 17, I started training horses. When I was 21, I began working on a large farm as a cowboy and stayed there for 18 years. After leaving, I started my own horse training center as a freelance professional. Mules have always been a dream of mine since I was a boy, and I managed to realize it 30 years later. My first mule's name is Brillantino (Brillantino trotter × Martina franca), who is now 20 years old. With him, I performed for 15 years all over Italy. In 2013, I participated in the MISEC and cabaret in Avignon. Currently, I have three other mules: Lyrian, a mulapony with whom I do long rein work with caprioles; with Ettore, I perform a liberty act, and the last mule, Futuro, as his name suggests, will be Brillantino's future. Mules Josepe: Why did you choose to ride mules instead of horses? Enrico: I ride both mules and horses. I have 30 horses in training. Josepe: In what environment do you ride your horses, and in what environment do you ride your mules? Enrico: I live in the Maremma Park in Tuscany. I work both my horses and mules in the arena and in the countryside. Josepe: What, in your opinion, are the main differences between riding a mule and riding a horse? Enrico: Mules are more intelligent. To train a mule, you must first make it your friend. Josepe: What are the specific advantages and challenges of riding mules? Enrico: The advantage is that a mule is forever. The challenge is that it's not for everyone. Training and Learning Josepe: What are the most important aspects to consider during the training of a mule for riding? Enrico: You shouldn't underestimate its physicality. You need to train it well before teaching the technique. The second aspect is its intelligence; a mule cannot be trained with coercive methods. Josepe: Are there any specific techniques or methods you use to train mules? Enrico: Each mule has its own method depending on its character. Josepe: Can you provide examples to illustrate this difference? Enrico: Hello Joseph! So, try to record a voice note speaking softly so that you can translate it later. Well, let's say that, as we've mentioned, each mule has its own character and is very... they are very sensitive animals, unlike horses, they are much more intelligent. So, you need to try to establish a good human-mule relationship. That said, training methods are technical, similar to horses, so shoulder-in, leg yield, pirouette, half-halt, these are all technical things that can be applied to mules as in horses. The fundamental difference is that before getting to do technical work as with horses, you really need to establish empathy with the mule because otherwise, the mule feels attacked, doesn't understand, and consequently will never be able to give you what you ask of it. Relationship with Mules Josepe: How do you comment on establishing a trusting relationship with a mule to progress with work? Enrico: You know, this question is very subtle because it's a very emotional matter, it really depends on the animal and the person. It's a bit like when you meet a woman; it's not guaranteed that love will spark immediately. It takes really working well, mostly on the emotional and psychological aspect of the animal, so it's something that's quite difficult to describe, let's keep the comparison as if you were courting a woman, you have to court a mule as well, they're extremely sensitive and very touchy, so if you make a wrong move with a mule and it disagrees, the animal shuts down, and you might even lose it permanently because it's an animal that then stops believing in you and in training. Then there's the actual training; you have to work a lot on the mechanical aspect of the animal. Since it's not a horse, the mule needs to do stretching exercises, exercises to maintain its important muscle mass before going on to do work. So, you need to know the mechanics very well and you need to be able to transmit these exercises to the mule calmly. So, it's important to work a lot on its physicality so that it can be a good athlete and then learn the technique you want to teach it. Josepe: Comment on developing my physique, I'm interested in three people, my impression of myself is limited to a certain extent when I work hard, for muscles, I try to do nice hills with elevation and the type of trot and gallop? Enrico: It's not just that, it's also working in the arena doing what is commonly done with horses, so working on circles, shoulder-ins, haunches-out, haunches-in, all those exercises for athletic preparation that we commonly do for a horse. So, it's a proper flatwork done well. Josepe: Can you tell us about an experience where you had to face a particular challenge with a mule? Enrico: It depends on what you mean by challenge. Le rôle de la Mule en Italie Josepe: What is the role of the mule in Italian history and culture? And how does it fit into the contemporary scene? (competition, mountain portage, etc.) Enrico: In Italy, mules have played an important role as they were part of the Alpine troops and thus were participants in the First and Second World Wars. So in Italy, mules are seen primarily as pack animals, used for logging in forests to carry wood. In recent years, I was one of the first to start riding them, and now in Italy, there's an important trend of having mules mainly for trekking, but they're also used for some western competitions or similar, but mainly for trekking. As for the previous question, I think I understood correctly; the only thing I can tell you is that I managed to train a mule in dressage and haute école. So, what I managed to do through hard work, mainly muscular as I explained, is to get a mule to do a Piaffe, which is very difficult because it has to lower its hindquarters, arch its back, put its weight on its hindquarters while maintaining the rhythm of the trot. So, this was the highest expression. It's a beautiful thing, it's a rarity, I think. Futur of Mule Riding Josepe: How do you see the future of mule riding? Do you think it will gain popularity in the future? Enrico: You know, it depends a lot on whether we're talking about Italy, France, or Europe in general. I think there will definitely be a need for more visibility. And what I see, for example, is that I have a mule that does piaffe, passage, works in haute école, but there are few connoisseurs who appreciate this. Most people, fundamentally, are still a bit reluctant to invest in mules. Think of events like Avignon, a Chauval Passion gala. I've never received an invitation to showcase what I've achieved with Rumolo in Avignon, so to give you an idea, general interest is still very low. Josepe: So do you think mule shows will have events that highlight the skills of this animal? Enrico: I think if there are mules like the ones I have, capable of performing exercises comparable to what a horse can do in a show, if these animals could be highlighted, they could serve as a catalyst for the entire world of mules. Josepe: What advice would you give to riders or owners looking to venture into showcasing mules? Enrico: Definitely not to improvise because mules are not horses, so always seek the help of a professional, especially for the training phase, and then, what is more important in Italy than in France is to advertise as much as possible, trying to expand on the reasons why a mule is important. So, those who do show jumping, dressage, trekking, western riding, find them, highlight them, and promote them on social media to attract more people to approach this animal. Josepe: Do you have anything else to add on the topic of mules and riding? Enrico: Look, I don't know if I can add more, but I really hope that the world of mules rightfully takes its place in general horsemanship. I will continue to invest in mules, in training mules, and I hope that one day I can share my knowledge through clinics or meetings where I can explain, teach, and help those who approach this world to better manage their mules. So I can tell you that I'm available professionally to eventually do clinics or meetings for people interested in improving with their mules. Josepe: Do you have any online contacts or others you would like to connect with? Enrico: I am available, as I said, for anyone who wants to do internships or clinics without any problem. You can find Enrico on his Facebook, or his website, if anyone is willing to go see him in Italy I would certainly be there!

Little Beauty should have taken part in the RMMO with Juliette. Beauty is still at L'association les chevaux d'Elo on stand-by, unchipped and unvaccinated because she can't be caught. Juliette had accepted the challenge as a good mule pro. Taking part in the RMMO (Rescue Mule Makeover) challenge is much more than a simple decision. It's embracing the unknown, venturing into an unprecedented experience. When they said yes in September, everything was still in embryo, an idea floating in the air. It's devoting their already busy time, between their own animals, their profession, and their family life. It's total devotion to a cause that demands dedication, patience and a deep passion for these extraordinary creatures. It's also a significant financial commitment, a decision to take charge of a living creature, with all the responsibilities that implies, for 7 months. It means investing not only money, but also heart and energy in an adventure that promises both challenges and priceless rewards. And then there's the risk. The challenge of working with an intelligent, hypersensitive but wild animal. It's an adventure that demands courage, understanding and a deep connection with a living being that has its own rhythm, personality, fears and hopes. By accepting the RMMO challenge, they have demonstrated a remarkable daring, a willingness to step out of their comfort zone to make a difference in the life of a living being. It's more than just a competition, it's a journey into the unknown, a story of commitment, determination and love for these exceptional animals. Indeed, taking part in the RMMO challenge goes beyond simply choosing an aesthetically pleasing mule. It's about accepting whoever comes along, regardless of outward appearance, size or background. It's an act of generosity towards a creature that may not fit traditional beauty criteria, but is just as much in need of love, care and a second chance. It also means going where she is, sometimes far away, in remote places, at the cost of time-consuming and expensive travel. It's a commitment to animal welfare, a determination to offer an opportunity to a mule that would otherwise have been overlooked. And all this often takes place during working hours, without financial compensation. It's a personal investment that goes beyond monetary considerations, a declaration of solidarity with these animals who deserve a better life.e. Participating in the RMMO thus becomes an act of selflessness, passion and dedication to a cause that transcends conventional boundaries. It's a tribute to the inner beauty of every mule, and to the conviction that every being deserves a chance to be loved and understood, whatever the challenges that entails. Raphaëlle and Nadja pick up their mules from the bankrupt Namur refuge. Juliette from Doubs picks up hers from a refuge in Yonne Itinerant Jeremy travels through the Lot to pick up his mule from private owners For the location of RMMO trainers click here

Hello everyone, it's the computer muleteer speaking! I'm launching a little article to give you a roadmap to follow us during this year of MMO/RMO. Get comfortable and give me two minutes of your time to explain how it's all going to unfold. So, as I release this post on January 26, 2023, we are in the midst of the first phase of our adventure: the presentation of the key players of the year 2024. We've already rolled out the red carpet for the coaches, and the mules, well, they're taking their time, but they'll soon show up. Once everyone is in place, we'll dive straight into the intense training sessions with videos and articles to follow the training of all these beautiful creatures. To conclude this first MMO/RMO, there will be a weekend meetup in Dordogne to witness the progress made by our teams. At the end of the weekend, the MMO/RMO mules will be put up for sale to find a new family to live with, under the watchful eye of their trainers. In conclusion, this first edition of MMO/RMO promises to be a captivating adventure, starting with the presentation of key players, including coaches and future mules. Enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the daily life of this adventure through videos and detailed articles on the training. Finally, the highlight will be the meetup in Dordogne, marking the end of the very first MMO/RMO with the sale of the mules, and the funds collected contributing to the preparation of future events, as well as acquiring mules with uncertain futures in the fattening circuit. PS: I'll leave you with a visual aid to help you visualize it all! sry but is french visualize For those with access to Facebook, follow the event on the page (be carre full is a french page ) Mule qui Peut Or on the channel Youtube Mule Qui Peut

For this first edition, there will be seven of them, formidable professionals, highly motivated by the animal cause and the recognition of mules, and believe me, they will give of their all. Agreeing to take part in this first edition, agreeing to take on difficult animals, to look after them for 7 months at their own expense, to manage the travel to pick them up, to go to the event, I say to them, respect! We realize that organizing an event over a year is no easy task, life plays tricks, some had to give up for personal reasons, but we'll see them again next year, and we thank them in advance. In short, it's been a merry-go-round: we've had 6 trainers, then 3, then 8, then 6, then 4, and that's it! Le RMMO Nadja pro the mules pro from Metz, who have nothing to prove Jeremy, our muleteer artist, itinerant but based in the south of France Juliette   lost at the bottom of the Doubs, a hell of a catch, a heart as big as that. Juliette had to forfeit, the shelter "L'association les chevaux d'Elo" in Yonne, having twice let us down. Raphaelle The rising star, little experience with mules, but an approach and sensitivity that go well with them. In Ile de France You can help and support them from the trainer kitty MMO Les Globe-Crotters, a 10,000 km journey with 4 mules, and the dog Anouk is an equine podiatrist by profession. Upper Savoy Jérémy him again, he's taking part in both events, thanks Jérémy Joshua Mini Born in the mules, cowboy, blacksmith In Dordogne Coralie A great connoisseur of mules, she regularly works with them in her equestrian structure. In the Hautes Alpes Nadja who will present one of his young mules For the list of mules, we'll have to wait a little longer...Surprise, surprise, but there are some mules...Let's just say they're not easy, and a bit wild!

Why the year of the mule??? Because this year will see the first event to revolve solely around the mule, this innovative RMMO and MMO is a first in France and Europe. The association that works for the recognition of the mule-riding world, the animals of course, but also breeders, teachers, connoisseurs, good professionals, equipment manufacturers, and even the Tête de Mule brewery! The mule-riding world is isolated, and newcomers struggle to find the right companion, get the right equipment, find the right shoeer or groom, even a vet... The association has its place there, we talk about mutual aid and solidarity, what better than these two words to block out isolation, individualism and the ambient gloom, we say it enough the mules are going to save the world, because the mules are first of all love, and love implies respect, sharing, authenticity, human values still present, we know it the muleteers, they whisper it permanently in our ears. We believe them, we the members of the board and those who turn around, the little helpings to the right and to the left, which make our project come to life, and that only thanks to the friendship and love of our animals. As president, I'd like to thank all of you, members of the board and those who work with us, for managing Insta and TikTok, for giving us their photos, ideas and occasional helping hands, thanks to Nadine, our designer, thanks to all those who talk about it and work so hard, thanks to the mule ambassador, thanks for the help of the computer muleteer, thanks to the Globes-Crotters who got off their mules and got down to work, a big thank you to the Mini family who will welcome us, thank you to the members of the jury, the equine law institute who helped us, and above all to the trainers who accepted this challenge, to find a small place for it in their more than full lives, it's a wonderful human adventure with the key words friendship, love and solidarity, thank you our mules, you're right, you're going to save the world, even if they make us completely mulopathic. Our best wishes of love and respect for this Mulannée Thanks to our partners Back on Track SAFE Horseshoes La Brasserie tête de Mule Et parcequ'il faut les nommer, notre assureur équiliberté To join the Mule Qui Peut association, you need to be a mule driver.

Every mule is unique, every mule has a unique back... If you're lucky, your mule's back is close to that of a horse's. All you have to do is find the right saddle, but this is rare... A mule worthy of the name has a flat back and no shoulders, reminiscent of a trestle... She gets her flat back from her daddy, unlike mommy's more or less hollow back. Mumule's back is more like a curved board. So you need a mule tree, with very little rock, as Aurore Saddlery - La Tanière will tell you, and no twist. In average human language, this means that the horse tree is banana-shaped, the mule tree is flattened banana-shaped, in short, it's confusing, but if you put a horse tree on a mule's back, the tree will rock back and forth, pressing down on the center and lifting up from the front or the back. You can put a padd on the back, yes, but the front lifts off, a padd on the front, yes, but the back lifts off, and in both cases, the tree will press very hard in the center. Another peculiarity of "tight shoulders" is that there's nothing to block the saddle in front, so it slides forward, and sometimes we do too, but that's not all: the mules' shoulder blade moves up and down, and if the saddle is too far forward, it interferes with this movement. To solve this problem, we've come up with the solution of a gullet, which is much more comfortable than the crupper, and a second strap that can be tightened under the belly. In short, saddling a mule is a choice. Adventures and galleys, there is no brand of horse saddle that will fit a mule, it doesn't exist, but there will be a mule back that will fit a model, if you're lucky enough to have a mule with a back close to the horse's. Made-to-measure Bringing it in from the U.S., the most functional is the Steve Edwards. To start work with a young mule, treeless mules may be suitable until growth is complete, but only for light work. And the same goes for poles. To understand the notion of rock and twist

Elevage Les Grandes Z'oreilles Nathalie Rami Nathalie used to breed horses, but since 2020 she's been raising mules, a small family business with 1 to 2 mules a year. Well-drawn foals close to humans Lieu-dit La Chapelle, Le Thieulin, France Stallion: Gedeon des collines Juments quarter Ecurie d'Oz Erika Pons 31210 bordes de rivière Stallions : Baudet des Pyrénées, Baudet du Poitou and American Baudet Mothers appaloosa foundation Colorful mules in their hooves Breeder of mules since 2011, the only farm in France to supply frozen semen. Marie Layral After starting out with Merens-Pyrenean donkey crosses, this small, recent breeding operation has now embarked on a PSA or DSA/American Baudet cross, Erika's mammoth jack. Bloody foals bred on several hectares of pastureland in Cirbieres, Cucugnan

They're so versatile! Of course they can be found in the world of live performance. Aymeric Chevalier Equus on a stud The one who makes the mules climb higher and higher on studs Manu Bigarnet in his show "Mon royaume pour une Mule" (My kingdom for a Mule) Jeremy Garric Medieval artist Céline Fabry The equestrian magician Elise Roméo Softness, complicity, aesthetics Muriel Herion in its own time