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Mule Psychology 101: The Rules
To conclude the Mule Psychology 101 series, once again here are the rules. Like the
admired schoolteacher that can identify and relate to each of her students, you must
develop the ability to identify true behavior problems so you can relate to your mule.
First we must adopt some rules that shan’t be broken. These are rules that I have adopted
for myself. They are nonnegotiable.
1) No one gets hurt – you or the mule. Because of this rule, risks or short cuts will not be
taken. Not ever!
2) Have a goal or purpose in mind and shoot for it. Never compromise this.
3) Read as much as you can and don’t get stuck on one thing. Learn the many different
riding disciplines and never lose interest in learning. Learning is a life long process.
We will all leave this world only knowing so much.
4) Train the mule quickly and efficiently. Why quickly? Simply because the mule is a
“get to the point” kind of animal. And, we don’t want to bore him.
5) Train the mule with the least amount of conflict. Meaning, keep your disagreements to
a minimum.
6) Learn the many languages of the mule, so that you many speak his language and then
there will be no disagreements.
7) Give the mule the right amount of credit for his intelligence. To much credit to his IQ
will get you into trouble as well as discounting him.
8) ALWAYS match the punishment to the crime when correcting your mule. NEVER over
reprimand and NEVER lose you temper. You can get mad, just don’t lose your temper.
Once the proper correction has been quickly and effectively applied, forget it and
move on.
9) WHEN you do make a mistake, forgive yourself, and then forgive your mule. Move
forward. Learn together.
10) REWARD you mule for his good behavior, with kind works, caressing his neck, and/or
treats.
11) When behavior problems develop, stand back and find out why. Investigate, is their
pain from ill fitting equipment? Does he need time off from the hectic show schedule?
A change in his routine? You are the professor and you are responsible for finding out
what is troubling your student.
12) Respect you mule and let him be himself. That’s right, let him be a mule. The unique,
bold, calculating, inquisitive, suspicious, independent, athletic, hybrid creature is
deserving to be himself. Altering his behavior is one thing, but to change him is
another. Accept him as he is and you will both learn from each other.
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