Rising J LLC

10/28/2023

10/20/2023

Fall is officially in full swing! Now is the time to crack down on housing, nutrition, and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

The graphic below lists some essential items on the horse owner's fall to-do checklist, but there is much more that needs to be done—like having your horse rugs repaired and waterproofed; securing and storing hay properly; assessing your shelters for safety and soundness; etc.)

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

09/28/2023

09/06/2023

This is a great exercise I use often to work on speed and body control!

08/18/2023

07/27/2023

BLUM WILDFIRE in HILL COUNTY

right now it is over 250 acres, 0% contained, still spreading, and it’s scary.

If you need assistance evacuating any livestock, horses/cattle/goats/etc. we have a 30ft stock trailer and can hook up and roll out at any time.

No charge. Just offering help to any who may need it.

Please message!

*making this post public on my personal page so I can share to multiple groups in the area*

07/21/2023

✨Mule Challenge update! 💖

MULE TRAINING CHALLENGE UPDATE

From Miranda, ”It’s way too hot for life, but with the little times during the day I have been working with Oscar he has been doing so great! He’s very sensitive, which is both good and bad, but I’ve been using it to my advantage! He is leading great, he will pick up all four feet, he still snorts when he first sees the brushes, he must sniff them first but then lets me brush him. I had an emergency here not too long ago and needed his pen, so he’s been out with my little herd, and I’m pleasantly surprised how easy it is to walk up to him and catch him!

He needs a TON more desensitizing, but hopefully that’ll be the goal as it starts to cool down.”

07/05/2023

Why Mules?
by Paul & Betsy Hutchins

"Why would you prefer a mule to a horse?" mule lovers are asked over and over again. Here are some of our reasons:

Mules endure heat better than horses do.
It has been scientifically proven that the donkey is similar to the camel in its ability, when water starved, to drink only enough water to replace lost body fluids. Most mules inherit this ability. Water founder in a mule is so rare as to be notable when it does occur.

Mules have fewer feeding problems than horses do.
Many farmers keep their draft and work mules together in pens with feed available at all times, yet the mules rarely overeat to the point of colic or founder. Mules from pony mares, however, may grass or grain or road founder, so the idea that a mule never founders is not true. Mules require no fancy hay—just plain, clean, fresh hay suitable for equines. People who buy cheaper weedy hay find that their mules clean out the weeds first.

Mules eat less than horses do.
Mules that are not working usually don't need grain at all. Good pasture or clean hay is the usual maintenance ration, unless extra fat is required for show purposes. Many a man has complained that his mules won't fatten because they won't eat enough, requiring the owner to spend extra money buying richer food to put the fat on. When mules are working, their grain ration is usually about 1/3 less than that of a horse of the same size. Of course, a mule must be fed enough for its size, its metabolism, and the work it is doing.

Mules rarely have hoof problems.
Mules naturally have small, upright, boxy feet—which is part of the secret of their surefootedness. Mules that work on pavement, stony ground, etc. are shod, but most pleasure animals, or mules that work on softer ground, never see a shoe. Regular hoof trimming keeps them just fine. Their feet are strong, tough, flexible, and usually not as brittle and shelly as those of a horse. They have less of a problem with splitting, chipping, and contracted heels.

Mules excel in physical soundness.
Mules last longer, are more "maintenance free," and are less expensive at the vet's office than horses are. Leg problems are far less likely in a mule than in a horse, and when leg problems do occur, they are far less severe. "Why do they stay sound?" wonders Robert Miller, DVM. "Seeking answers... equine practitioners exposed daily to the tragedy of lameness in beautiful horses, look at the mules, run their hands down the tough little legs, and wonder." Not only legs, but wind, "innards," and all other parts of the mule including his hide are tougher and more durable than comparable parts of the horse. Hybrid vigor explains a lot of this; the tough physical and mental qualities of the donkey explain the rest.

Mules live longer productive lives than horses do.
Farm mules average 18 years to a horse's 15 years. When the mule is a companion animal doing lighter work and getting better medical care, better feed, and good management, the mule can give its owner good riding at age 30; 40-year-old retirees are not at all uncommon.

Mules can more easily than horses be handled in large groups.
Mules can be corraled on farms 30 or 40 to a group, or up to 500 in a feeding pen, without the injuries or other consequences commonly seen with horses.

Mules have a strong sense of self preservation.
This is one good reason why mules physically last longer than horses do. If they are overheated, overworked, or overused for any reason, mules will either slow down to a safe pace or stop completely. Mules are not stubborn. Neither are donkeys. Yes, of you want them to work too hard for their own well being, especially in hot weather, they will be "stubborn." We have never heard of a messenger running a mule to death the way legends say they ran their horses! The facts that mules are inclined not to panic, that they think about what is happening to them, and they take care of their own physical well being prevents many accidents that might happen if they were horses.

Mules are surefooted and careful.
Their surefootedness is partly physical and partly psychological. On the physical side, the mule has a narrower body than a horse of the same height and weight. He gets this from the ass side of the family. His legs are strong and his feet are small and neat. This narrow structure and small hoof configuration enable him to place his feet carefully and neatly. On the psychological side, mules have a tendency to assess situations and act according to their views (most of which have to do with self preservation). A mule will trust its own judgement before it trusts yours.

Mules incur fewer veterinary expenses.
It seems odd and unprovable, but to the confirmed mule owner a horse seems to be a vet bill waiting for a place to happen. Hybrid vigor accounts for a good deal of the mule's sturdy health. The toughness of the ass accounts for the other aspects. Perhaps the instinct of self preservation that shows up in such diverse ways as not drinking or eating too much when hot, or not panicking when caught in barbed wire, accounts for the rest. This is not to say that mules never get sick, injured, or otherwise "damaged." It is just that they are tougher than horses and they take care of themselves better.

Mules don't look like horses.
This is the thing about a mule that is most obvious to the casual observer--of course they look different. Well, you see, mule lovers like the look of a mule. We love those magnificent big ears. We love to watch those ears flop in a relaxing rhythm on a placid drive, or prick rigidly forward when the mule spots something interesting. We begin to think there is something wrong with those tiny little useless-looking ears of a horse. We like the mule's look of strength without bulk. We enjoy being different, knowing that a mule will draw attention where only the most outstanding and expensive horse will stand out from the crowd. Everyone looks at a colorful Appaloosa, but everyone "oohs" and "aahs" over a colorful Appaloosa mule. We like they way a mule sounds, too—kinda silly, but fun.

Mules are loaded with personality.
This is the most difficult thing to define. Yes, mules are intelligent. They can be very decided about how they want to do things. They are great at running a bluff, a trait they undoubtedly get from the donkey. All of our donkeys refuse to do anything until they are aboslutely positive that we are going to make them do it, then they give right in and cooperate like angels. Rather than pit your strength against the tremendous strength of a mule, either outthink him or use some physical means to calmly outmaneuver him. By physical means, we mean gadgets—yes that horrifying word. Gadgets that come immediately to mind are tying up a fore or hind foot; draw reins; twitches; chain leads; etc. Any of these, used carefully to achieve a specific goal, will allow you to call your mule's bluff. Once you do that, you have won. The key to handling mules is to do things simply, calmly, and firmly. Don't lose your temper and don't push too hard until you are ready and sure you can make it stick. The big secret to having a calm mule that never kicks and doesn't have bad habits is to handle it firmly but gently from the time it is born, or from the time you acquire the mule.

Paul and Betsy Hutchins are founders of the American Donkey and Mule Society and co-authors of The Modern Mule, from which the above was adapted with permission.

06/15/2023

😅

05/31/2023

Great read!

C'mon, loosen up!

Of the spoiled horses and ponies we bring in, many are cinchy to the point of being dangerous. These range from pinned ears, cow kicking and tail swishing, all the way to pulling back, lying down and rearing over backwards.

Most people are shocked when they learn this vice is man-made. You see, far too many of us tighten our saddles in one step.

When our horse or pony is first saddled, the cinch should feel no snugger than the waistband on a comfy, slouchy pair of pants. We’d only pull it tighter straightaway on a horse who's possibly going to buck, as we don’t want the saddle ending up underneath him.

With a horse that’s waiting tied, or going to be hauled in the stock trailer to work ‘away’, the tightness shown here is more than enough. It takes the habit of gradual tightening and moving the feet around to 'cure' a cinchy horse... and to keep him thus.

I’ll usually go through three or more adjustments, with a little walk and turn, before I step up.

The cinch is always loosened a bit when we step off. With this fair treatment, a habitually cinchy one can be helped in days. Know that he’ll revert very quickly with rough or thoughtless handling, though!

Lastly, and this is important, IF WE OIL OR SOAP OUR LATIGO, IT WILL NEED JERKING TO TIGHTEN. A dry latigo slides smoothly and when it’s past its prime, we'll throw it out! Mares, especially, resent rough handling when saddling. Interestingly, saddling English with elastic-ended girths will often help Western horses and ponies who are struggling.

If we don’t see an improvement straightaway, we must look at chiro or test for ulcers. In the latter case, daily doses of pure aloe vera juice can be magical to maintain the veterinary protocol.

Finally, if neither gentle handling nor health care alleviates the cinchiness, it’s time to check the relationship. We can snug up our saddle with the horse or pony on a lunge line. Every time we're given dirty looks, we quietly send him out to work. When he’s happy he cones back in for praise and a looser hole.

Cures are always possible… but prevention is absolutely the better plan!

05/10/2023

Yearly Vaccines ✅
Spring De-worming ✅
Pretty New Jewelry ✅

Couldn’t be happier with our new custom ear tags from Raw + Refined Co.! ❤️

So blessed and grateful for this life we live 🐮

05/08/2023

A little birdie told me it’s World Donkey Day!!!

🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏🫏

We adore our long ears at Rising J, and our Jack Starsky is the heart of our program, and we look forward to a bright future with him 🖤🖤🖤

04/29/2023

KnotsByK has done it again!!

Check out our newest set of Rising J brand hats!

Couldn’t be happier, super quality and fast turn around times, for anything custom, check them out!

Can’t wait to wear these bad boys around 🤠🤠❤️❤️

04/26/2023

Pet your horses ❤️

04/05/2023

Miranda is loving getting to know this handsome boy!

Please follow Lost Meadows Mule Refuge for more updates, and just because they are amazing! 🤠🖤

2023 MULE TRAINING CHALLENGE UPDATE

From Miranda, “Oscar is doing really well! I’ve just been letting him decompress and come around on his own time. His personality is showing through, he’s figuring out he loves scratches all over, he loves being talked to.”

04/01/2023

We are so honored and excited for Miranda to be able compete in this challenge and work with this amazing organization! ❤️❤️🤠🤠

2023 MULE TRAINING CHALLENGE UPDATE

Our first 2023 Mule Training Challenge trainer to pick up their Challenge mule is Miranda Ballentine in Whitney, Texas! Out of 12 mules, Miranda chose Oscar! Oscar is a 7 year old John mule rescued by Lost Meadows in Tennessee in 2020.

Miranda says she picked Oscar because “Oscar wasn’t the first one to come up and greet you but he caught my attention right away. He was more reserved but very curious, always keeping an eye on what we were doing. He gives me the feeling he’s ready to try something new and just needs a little help with his confidence. I’m very excited to work with him!”

We are excited to work with Miranda and see her progress with Oscar!

Like and follow our Page for more MTC updates!

03/30/2023

Biggest shout out to WINES QUARTER HORSES!!!

If you are looking for incredibly and royally bred babies, handled and cared for with love from before inception, they are it!

This is a tried and true program that’s been putting out the best babies for a long time. I can personally attest, as our very own “Drunk on Tequila” aka Boozer is one of theirs!

Follow them as their babies drop this year and you’ll see why I can’t help but rave about their amazing program!

🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠🤠

02/22/2023

Let’s get ranchy! Love this ❤️🤠

Let's start at the walk.

"I want it to look like the horse is 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆," says AQHA judge Bozo Rogers of the 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲.

More on the walk, the trot, and – of course – the lope ➡️ aqha.com/-/master-ranch-riding