In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about why you need to keep mules out of the pasture, when to use a round pen (and when not to), what size your stall should be, testing mule feed and when to feed when, and A Whole Lot More!

Groundwork and foundation training is essential before moving on to more advanced training like riding. It teaches timing, communication and helps establish you as the herd leader.

Mules need consistency in training. Every step you take shows them what is expected of them.

It's important to take your mule out of pasture and stall train them. This makes them 100% dependent on you and establishes you as the herd leader.

Proper nutrition is vital for mule health. Have your hay tested and supplemented with things like zinc if needed. Avoid sweet feed.

The correct bit and bridle combination is important. A wrong combo can ruin a mule's mouth. Start with a snaffle bit and progress from there.

Steve's granddaughter is competing in a mule makeover competition. He is flying out to support and watch her compete.

Other Topics Covered:

• Catching and handling mule's that want to kick
• Dealing with buddy sourness
• Using hackamores
• Adjusting saddle sizes
• Supplementing with zinc
• Signs that a mule loves and trusts you
• Dealing with stalling issues

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about what Spanish Mules are, bucking rolls and how to install them, mules shoes versus boots, breaching, and A Whole Lot More!

The most important thing is to care for your mule/donkey properly and gain their trust. Nutrition, tack, and communication are essential.

Avoid saddles that sit on the scapula. Use a saddle with a rear cinch and breastcollar to properly support and balance the saddle.

Take time to perform proper groundwork and halter training using a come-along hitch before saddling up. This establishes communication and trust.

When looking for a mule, focus more on temperament and training over looks. Ensure they have proper tack and saddling techniques.

Donkeys make better guard animals than mules. Mules can be overly aggressive and protective towards livestock.

Do not put boots on your donkeys or mules. Shoes allow their feet to properly shape and contract naturally.

For saddles that fit multiple sizes, consider using bucking rolls to make the saddle fit smaller riders.

Clicker training can be useful for tricks and commands but is not essential for riding.

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about what a chiropractor visit for mules and donkeys looks like, Why a mule tip toes down hills, and if it’s a good thing, and A Whole Lot More!

Steve recommends ground foundation work and the come-a-long hitch for training mules and donkeys. This helps teach them proper space boundaries and communication.

Lateral flexions are not recommended. They can train the mule to run through their shoulder instead of yielding properly.

Chiropractic and dental work are important first steps before training a mule. They ensure there are no physical issues that could hinder training.

Bit and bridle selection are crucial. Horse bits and bridles often do not work well for mules. A 19-inch browband bridle and Steve's trail rider's bit are recommended.

Mules can have difficulties with depth perception, making some tasks like water crossings and trailer loading challenging. Proper training and communication can help overcome this.

Some mules may just not like a particular person, no matter how well they are trained. Mules need to enjoy working with their owner for the best results.

Finding a well-trained mule starts with the owner's education, watching the mule's responses, and ensuring it has a solid foundation in basic maneuvers. Internet research alone is often not sufficient.

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about the difference in his saddles, how long to use a Martingale, if using a mini tail crupper is okay, running mules barefoot, and A Whole Lot More!

Proper nutrition and foot care are essential for mule and donkey health. They should be fed a high-quality feed specifically formulated for equines, not just horse feed. Their hooves need to be trimmed regularly and kept symmetrical to prevent issues like contracted heels.

Steve's saddles come with an instructional DVD to show owners how to properly fit the saddle to their animal's back. Used saddles may have been modified, impacting the fit and comfort for the mule or donkey.

Lightweight saddles have benefits for both riders and animals. They are easier for riders with physical limitations to hoist onto the mule's back, and they place less strain on the animal.

Groundwork and training from a young age are important. Tying animals properly can teach them patience and stand still.

Mules are versatile animals and can be ridden, driven or used as pack animals. Miniature donkeys also make good companion and show animals.

Steve recommends floating mules' teeth and worming them once per year, usually in the spring. A fecal test or blood test can also identify specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about adjusting his tack via a photo of a customer’s mule, ground foundation training tips, what bits to use and when, timing of giving your mule commands, and A Whole Lot More!

Recorded July 29, 2020

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about what is stringhalt or stifle lock and can it be fixed, fixing ear shy mules, helping watershed mules, and a host of other behavior problems; plus how to neutralize mule odor from urine in the stalls and A Whole Lot More!

Recorded July 22, 2020

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about britchen placement on your mule and the only time to use a crupper, how to clean mule sheath, worming a nursing mule, and A Whole Lot More!

Recorded July 15, 2020.

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about mules pawing the ground, snorting at people and objects, switching tails at the owner, and other mule problem behaviors explained and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about allowing mules to graze versus feeding pellets and when to use a muzzle to prevent grazing, whether to feed grain versus hay, mules nipping at clothing and shoes, when to saddle a young mule, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about mule behaviors around small animals, properly fitting mule saddles, bits, and halters, when to use a grazing muzzle, and A Whole Lot More!