Mayfield Farms

02/17/2025

Come trail ride with us. Guided trail rides, camping, cabin rental, and equine and pet boarding. Shawnee National Forest.

02/12/2025

Between 1883 and 1889, a 20-mule team made the arduous 165-mile journey out of Death Valley and across the desert to the railhead in Mojave, California, hauling 10 short tons of sodium borate per trip.

The wagons' rear wheels, towering at seven feet, and were reinforced with 1-inch-thick iron tires. The solid oak wagon beds measured 16 feet in length and 6 feet in depth, with an empty weight of 7,800 pounds. The entire convoy stretched over 180 feet, comprising of three wagons: the first acted as a trailer, the second was the "tender" or "back action," and the last served as the water wagon.

When fully loaded, the mule train weighed around 73,200 pounds. The water tank, which held 1,200 US gallons, provided the mules with the necessary water to sustain them throughout the journey. During the summer months, an additional 500-gallon water wagon was added for dry camps along the route.

Over six years, the 20-mule teams successfully transported more than 20 million pounds (10,000 tons) of borax out of Death Valley.

There were two horses that also made up the team. They were closest to the wagon, known as wheelers, and were ridden by one of the two teamsters required to operate the wagons. Though larger than the mules, the horses were less intelligent and less adapted to the harsh desert conditions. Mules, on the other hand, were favored for desert freighting, as described in Remi Nadeau's Nadeau's Freighting Teams in the Mojave.

The teamster controlled the mules using a single long rein, known as a "jerk line," and a blacksnake whip. He usually rode the left wheeler but could also manage the team from the trailer seat, especially when navigating steep descents. The swamper, who typically rode on the trailer, operated the brake on hilly terrain. Armed with a can of small rocks, the swamper could nudge any sluggish mules back to work.

Both men were responsible for preparing the team, taking care of the mules' needs, and addressing any repairs or veterinary issues. During midday breaks, the mules were fed and watered while still harnessed, while night stops included corrals and feed boxes.

Each day's journey averaged about 17 miles, with the entire one-way trip taking around ten days. Cabins were built along the way for overnight stops for the teamsters and swampers to rest.

In 1894, a steam engine named "Dinah" was brought in to replace the mules. However, Dinah proved to be no match for durability and dependability of the epic 20 mule team's power. She broke down and was towed back to town by the very mules she tried to replace.

And yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is where the brand known to this day as - 20 Mule Team Borax - began its humble origins.

02/08/2025

Mayfield Mule Farm has a cabin available and electric campsites if you're coming to the mule ride. We're located 5 miles SE of High K**b or a 1.5 hr trail ride away

02/08/2025

Rainy, muddy day in southern IL but the herd always shows up for a new hay bale.

01/15/2025

Honored to be featured on TS Mules podcast with Ty Evans.

https://www.facebook.com/100064738146852/posts/1019977886836807/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

Angie Mayfield is a woman of adventure for sure! She has ridden in all 50 states as well as 7 countries. She along with her husband Doug spend every spare mo...

01/11/2025

Beautiful evening checking on the livestock.

01/01/2025

Baby, it's cold outside! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break and is ready for the winter freeze.

12/31/2024

Our sweet mule Dandelion has the most beautiful white eyelashes.

11/11/2024

Sweet, flashy 5 yr old Curly Foxtrotter mare for sale. 14 hands. Easy keeper and easy to catch. Broke to ride 2 yrs ago but hasn't been ridden since. Located near Elizabethtown, IL. A steal at 2 🥕 but any not pregnant or being used on trail rides are looking for new homes.

11/03/2024

Beautiful day for a trail ride! We loved showing friends from work our farm, mules, and the eastern side of Shawnee.

10/28/2024

Goldie, a 14.3 hand, 12 year old registered Missouri Foxtrotter mare, is available near Elizabethtown, IL. No buck or bolt and easy to catch, clip, shoe, tie, and load. Five 🥕

10/27/2024

Beautiful weekend for trail riding the Shawnee!

10/26/2024

10/25/2024

Angie Mayfield has ridden in all fifty states and six countries. But nothing compared to Shawnee. Now, she shares her passion for both mules and Shawnee with others.

10/24/2024

One sweet mini Golden Doodle female left.

10/20/2024

Book your guided trail ride in the Shawnee. 2 hr, 4 hr, or all day with lunch. Email [email protected] or call (812) 709-9826

07/27/2024

Beautiful evening at Mayfield Farms in the Shawnee

07/21/2024

Book your scenic trail ride in the Shawnee with us. $60 for 1.5 hr ride, $80 for 3 hrs, and $125 for all day with lunch included. Minimum 2 people. [email protected]