Natural Elements Horsemanship

11/26/2024

Good mule ride and training, today.
Memphis has been here a while and is ready to head home. He was a real little wild bu**er when he came in. Hard to catch and full of attitude. He’s become a real pleasure to ride and just be around. He’s really one that tries to please…works at figuring out what you’re asking and tunes in to you, on the ground or saddled and riding.

He’s just 4 y/o so he will fill out a bit, yet and mature mentally. He’s got a really good start at being a great trail companion.

Rides out alone, leads or follows, crosses water, handles traffic, noise, motion…all pretty calmly.
He’s pretty laid-back.

His owner will be coming to spend some time which is ALWAYS a good thing! I look forward to them getting the-attached.

I’ll miss this mule!

11/14/2024

Dispelling myths.
In my experience, I’ve never put much confidence in the “licking and chewing”.

I look for the “thought bubble”, an engaged and relaxed animal. Moving the feet usually relocates the animal through intimidation. I’d rather motivate the mind to connect to the feet rather than moving the feet to get to the mind.
The brain chemistry of an anxious horse or mule determines whether they are responding or reacting.

11/11/2024

Meet my new project mule, Echo.
As you can see, she’s a good sized molly.
Not a draft…just BIG. She knows it, too.

Just started working with her and setting some parameters. She has gone from, “Get outta my way” when I feed to understanding the herd dynamic leadership aspect of our relationship.

Those who have done BootCamps with me know what I mean when I say, “It’s MY hay”.
This is what we work with with all of our animals. It’s one thing to train…but I want “good citizens”, as well. Understanding the herd structure…even in a herd of two.
That doesn’t entail being the “biggest bitch in the pasture” or, “move the feet” as I’ve heard all too often.
It means clear, consistent, effective leadership, communicated in a way that makes sense to the animal.
More to come as I work with her.

11/08/2024

In appreciation of mules and those packers!

Just wanted to share this beautiful piece tonight!! What a blessing it is to see such inspiration from these mules! ➕✖️🇺🇸❤️

10/28/2024

Memphis is doing it…

10/21/2024

Eli is settling in without issue. He’s finding his place in the herd though his half-sister thinks he should be elsewhere.

10/21/2024

I found this interesting. We lived near an old-order Amish community at one time.
I’ve seen a lot of changes in the community over the years. To become “political” is quite a shift.

The Amish have always been quiet, bucolic horse-people….

https://eliyoder.com/

10/20/2024

A new addition. Eli, another Appaloosa!
He’s a stocky guy already and will get some size to him. He’ll just be 2y/o this coming Spring.
He’s a Post Farm Mules foal.
More to come.

10/14/2024

Update: 10/13/24: The mule's packs are empty for now. Mike and the mule team saw considerable progress on roads and accessibility this past few days; which means ATV's and other motorized vehicles can more efficiently transport goods to the places that were inaccessible before. The mules are on standby, and we will be in communication with many, ready for the call that there is a need for the mules to go back in. In the meantime, as we said before, we are in this for the long haul. We will continue coordinating donations and purchasing supplies to bring in to communities that will have SO much need for a long time! The weather is changing, which will create many challenges for families, clean-up and rebuilding will be continual for quite some time. We will be posting the needs that are communicated to us, so you can continue to help support us helping in the ways that we can, and filling the gaps that we see. We will be going back up Thursday with a huge load of fencing supplies, food and household needs. We are getting many requests for dehumidifiers, box fans, towels, and bleach. Thank you to ALL that have been in constant support of this mission, your prayers and love have been felt deeply!! God bless!!
➕✖️🇺🇸❤️

10/11/2024

10/11/2024

Our view of the Northern Lights, waaay down here in Arkansas. Quite a show!

10/10/2024

Nice foals, well handled.

10/09/2024

Good words!

10/08/2024

10/01/2024

Or a mule…