One of the most important differences between a horse and a mule: "A horse can cause a lot of damage because he doesn't understand his own strength. A mule can cause a lot of damage because he knows EXACTLY how strong he is."
My grandfather, who preferred mules to horses any day of the week, once said that a mule will work 10 yrs just for the chance to kick you once. We never had problems with ours, but then we treated them with a hell of a lot of respect and kindness as members of the family... and giving them a bit of beer in their bucket once in a while didn't hurt, either.
Seems like he has had some pain in his past. He has a lot of bit avoidance. (memory?) I would have a vet double check his teeth first. He may have a bad wolf tooth or something. I worked a horse once with similar behavior that had a slight chip on a tooth that was causing most of the problem. Pulled the wolf tooth and things changed. If tooth is not an issue try an old horseman's trick called a licorice bit. Lay a rope of black licorice (full of molasses) on the mouth of the bit and then using a strip of cotton sheeting wrap licorice and metal round and round with the sheeting to hold the licorice in place fastening the sheeting on the rings at the outside of the bit. The licorice tastes great and they want to suck on it. Often they will spent a lot more time with their mouth closed just so they can taste that bit. Living in Missouri we have LOTS of mules around. Often they make wonderful mounts doing what a horse simply won't. They are VERY smart. Train them more as you would a small pony or even a dog. The reason he is not afraid of the sound and the weapon and is so brave is that he has already figured out it is not a source of danger to him. Once they form an opinion of something, it generally takes a long while the CHANGE that opinion. (thus the bit problems) That constantly working brain is also why he has learned to puff up for the girth. The smart ones learn that to avoid a pinching cinch. Try tightening the girth and then lifting each front leg stretching it forward then tighten again. With time he will learn that YOU don't let the cinch pinch him and he will get better and better at not puffing. My last piece of mule advice is that mules and ponies are perfect animals for someone that loves to train. Both being significantly smarter than the average horse. You will train them and they in turn will try and train you... so you both are really never finished training. LOL.
A friend of mine from Louisiana had trained horses and mules. I told him I had heard that mules were smarter and he launched into a story similar to yours. I've also heard that Mcclellan saddles work for mules, but I don't remember asking him.
Thunder Ridge Homestead Smart animals bring their own challenges when training. A stupid animal may take more repetitions for them to catch on, but they won’t really question what you’re asking of them. A smart animal, on the other hand, needs to _understand_ what you’re asking of them and agree that it’s a sensible thing to do. Even something as minor as turning. If they were going along a path, the mule might turn more easily because that’s probably where he would suggest going anyway if he was the one making the suggestions.
Nillie the big question then, is if a smart animal is smart enough to read a situation and do what you want without you needing to ask them. And of course not misread too much.
I don't know about horses and mules... but I grew up with cats; we taught some of them to walk on a leash. They were *far* from dumb, and training was definitely a two way street.
@@LindaGailLamb.0808 I'd have an easier time training my Ball Python than training my cat. The Ball Python is amazingly stupid but the cat is just as amazingly smart. Neither one wants to do what you want them to do.
The best part about being a knight and riding a mule, is if the other knights give you shit and start laughing at you, you can bust out the line; "I don't think it's nice, you laughing. You see, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him."
@@ragnkja In Biblical Days mules were ridden into battle in mountainous places. They are smart enough not to step off a a narrow path. He is training the mule to get used to the sights and sounds of mock battle by going slow and low key at the start. I had to learn how to drive a jeep when I was only nine. Never had a chance to ride a mule. My Dad rode one to school.
So good to show his training. Non horsey people often think you just get on a horse and go. He looks like he's going o be an asset for you. Brilliant horsemanship.
I know this is an older video but it's such fun. I'm a veterinary librarian in Missouri, USA. We have the Missouri mule which is traditionally a cross between a draft horse [mare] and a mammoth donkey jack. These are the mascots for our veterinary college and we have three teams - we prefer the cross with the Belgian draft horse because they're large, well-muscled, relatively docile and have a stable color. They're perfect for training veterinary med students and for outreach throughout the state. We just celebrated our oldest team's 30th birthday! They are happily retired and always a joy 😊
🎼I’ve been through combat training on a mule with no name I used body weight instead of the reins On a mule you’ve gotta strike a bargain ‘Cause if you tell ‘em what to do, then they start to complain La la la la la la 🎶🎵
Lived in Ecuador. Donkeys are always sweet and friendly and easy to be around physically. The Horses very proud and awkward to be around as they’re very big and self conscious, more dominant and show off. And then mules always look kind of confused of their identity and where they fit in. Depressed and very sensitive and need a lot of reinforcements. I remember local ppl feeling sad for the mules because they always have a sadness compared to the donkey and horse. They need a lot of love acceptance and patience
Thank you for being kind to the mule, he will repay you in many ways over time. You're correct about the name.. it will arrive and be very obvious when it's ready. About head tossing- some weird issues could possibly be causing this, like 'floaters' [invisible jelly like substance] in the eye, which shift when the mule is in motion, and come into his vision causing him to try and clear them by tossing. Also might be a mild ear infection, or even a reaction to dust particles/allergy.... which if he is from a different environment may be the case. I had a horse w eye floaters and it was an issue. Wishing both of you success and I look forward to more videos and seeing your relationship develop. Mules think things through, they are lovely.
@@eugenio5774 Sounds like it's the same thing, and I assume you consult a veterinarian ophthalmologist. not sure how it would be treated though, floaters are a result of debris being left behind when the eye developed, and you can't really get rid of them
For your first mule to be an abuse survivor is an amazing act of love on your part- your patience is stellar! My great grandpa had many mules over his 100 year life, he liked the big riding mules from "down south" , but we had smaller ones too, that children could ride in utter safety
Very heartwarming to see you working with this cute little "no-name," you're so patient with him, and he's so brave! Can't wait to see what you two as a team will be capable of!
No-name is not a "cute little" anything. He is dominating and statuesque. But I totally agree with the rest of your comment. I would love to see the pair in competition.
So happy to see the mule again! I'd been hoping he'd been getting on well. I imagine when he throws his head around he's saying "Olé" to praise his performance. And when he's a properly trained battle-mule maybe he'll be thinking "¡Santiago y cierra, España!" (the medieval Spanish equivalent of the English shouting about St. George). Actually, that's another name suggestion: Santiago. It's sometimes shortened to Santi.
My great-grandpa was commissioned by the British government to buy and ship Missouri mules for their use in WWI as he apparently had a keen eye for quality ones. He shipped quite a few to Britain over the course of the war from the States. You got it right-'stubborn as a mule' wouldn't be just a saying without truth as you "negotiate" with Geoffrey. (He looks like a medieval Geoffrey to me anyway.) They're intelligent, sure-footed, and have loads of stamina along with quite perky personalities. My grandma used to cultivate corn with a team of mules when she was a young tomboy. She said after a few rounds she didn't even have to steer them as they learned quickly to follow the rows and would even turn around correctly at the ends. However she did say one needed to be watchful as they'd steal a quick bite of cornstalk whenever they sensed you weren't watching.
You just reminded me of my family's cats - if you weren't watching, they'd steal the food off your plate. And sometimes try it if you _were_ watching 😁.
TheMysteryDriver Unfortunately, all the precedent for war elephants (and war camels) is south of the Alps, but since he does sometimes reference more southern sources we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss it …
Oh, that is such a delight to watch. Your mule is a beautiful creature, and as I suspected from the previous video, he's definitely something of a character. There's something so endearing about a mule's head, which is part of what makes the mule a strikingly different creature. I'm sorry that he's had such bad experiences in the past with things over his nose, sufficient to leave scar tissue. As you say, he now has a good home. I can't think of a better place for him to be than with you, learning the art of combat-readiness, mediæval-style. Jason, you have such a rapport with your animals - it is a pleasure to see. Your patience and gentle encouragement are tremendous. I look forward to seeing this mule's further development, and await his naming at the proper time - which will no doubt be whenever your mule himself is ready!
"lancer" sounds like a good name for him. In literary circles, the "lancer" is the party member who is very independent, confident, and often a rival of the main character. (Think Raphael from TMNT)
Well, you're getting there. I have limited experience with mules (only seven), but in my experience as someone who mostly rode horses (and most of those were Thoroughbreds) you've got an important part of training mules: you have to discuss things with them. You get a tip of the hat from me for that because I've seen many horsemen who were apparently unable to figure that one out. One bit that would be useful for you is that, for a mule, 'because I said so' isn't a good reason. Horses are much quicker to cooperate with that sort of attitude but it takes a lot of relationship with a mule before they will cooperate without thinking it over just because you said so. If the mule likes you, they'll take a few seconds to think over what you've just told them to do and decide to humour your silly human whim. If the mule is ticked off, well, they will make you pay. It isn't that they are inherently stubborn or disobedient, it's that they need to see the reason for themselves. Mules prefer to do things for a reason--working with you to do a mimi obstacle course while you whack things with a training lance, he can see that there is a task to be done and he works quite well with you to do that task. Walk about in aimless (to him) circles? He doesn't know you well enough yet to believe there might be a sensible reason to do it, so he does the think it over thing, he chucks his head, he mouths the bit (try a narrower bit or put bit spacers on to adjust it to his jaw width). When he feels the energy of you concentrating on the task of weapons training, the vast majority of the head chucking, bit mouthing, thinking it over delay goes as if by magic. He's your guy, he's ready to work with you to make it happen. Tangential thought: mules tend to be more mentally versatile than horses. Get the relationship right and a mule will tackle anything with you. For instance, even an extensively trained riding horse starts all over at the very beginning if you suddenly decide to teach them to pull a cart. But a mule that has been extensively trained for riding will be about half to three quarters of the way trained to pull a cart on no notice. They'll need to figure out the mechanics of it but for the right relationship, they'll be very matter of fact, think the mechanics of this new task through and be pulling that cart while the horse is still all goosy about the way the shafts feel when they start to turn. I think medieval people knew all about this mental versatility and, for many medieval people, a mule was more value for the penny than a horse would be. For most, it would well outweigh the lack of reproductive capacity. A healthy mare can replace herself but the number of mules who can do so is vanishingly small (there are some mare mules who have borne foals). At 4:47, he does halt--yes, a delayed halt but it was a halt--and you didn't even acknowledge it. You told him to walk on, so did you want that halt or did you not? To a mule, that means that you must not have really wanted to halt, so it will be good policy to think that halting thing over even more carefully next time. At 10:00, you signalled a halt and he halted quite well with much less delay and what do you do? Give him a rote "good boy" and that's all. Just as with horses, when mules are thinking they make a pointy upper lip. Notice how much more often he makes that pointy lip than a horse at the same level of training would. That's why mules can be such fun to work with, they are good thinkers and have more power of concentration than horses tend to have.
@@Skinfaxi I watched it again and stand by what I said. Mule With No Name was in the mule delayed reaction headspace, so asking for the halt and getting a delayed response makes sense to the mule. Having Jason change his mind about the halt doesn't make sense to the mule. I'm not saying that mules cannot learn to be as prompt as a horse but until there is a good relationship established, there's going to be mule delayed response at times or all of the time. Getting into a head butting contest with a mule is one of those situations where you can figuratively lose the war by winning the battle. When I became a dog trainer (versus being a mere dog owner), I quickly realised that being a committed dog trainer meant that there would be occasions where I had to make a choice between being socially acceptable to humans or being a dog trainer. My personal choice is to be a dog trainer but the world, as a whole, is better for Jason deciding to be socially acceptable. My choice means I have to pass by teachable moments for humans in favour of grabbing the teachable moment for my dog; Jason's choice means he teaches humans. Thorouughly admire him.
I think some of the stopping & going & missing the halts was he was also trying to present to camera. It can be a bit like trying to rub your head & pat your stomach doing something like without throwing in riding an animal you are still getting used to. You made some good points though and I suspect when he can give the mule his full concentration it goes a little differently.
I love how he points his ears forwards just as you are about to hit a target. It also seemed to me he started to cooperate/agree more as you got into hitting things :-) I would suggest Jester for a name, the way he puffs up to make your saddle loose X-D Jester / Jouster?
You are a very talented rider and really good with your new friend. I LOVE MULES and am glad you are making a series on this. I also like that you are letting him name himself. ❤️ I can't wait to continue watching you work with him.
RR830 I get the impression that all the animals in his care got a say in what they’re called. Obviously, Jason is never going suggest a name he himself doesn’t like, but beyond that it’s up to the animals to decide if they like his suggestions or not, and only the names they find at least tolerable end up sticking.
I've never been what you'd call a 'horse girl', but I think I might definitely be a mule girl. What a good and precious boy! Well...for a given definition of good lol. It's so nice to watch you too work together, and to see you be so kind to him.
First time i came across this channel and oh my, you radiate the same energy as a gentle-hearted fairytale hero who got adopted and raised by wisps and pixies. The beautiful boy really couldn't ask for a better partner in war times.
I already very much enjoyed your channel but I am particularly enthralled by these mule videos. You have directly inspired a fascination in me for these beautiful animals and I hope to have some of my own as companions someday. Spectacular videos, I am a proud subscriber and plan to follow and participate in your advancement as I can, thank you !
I don't write out comments often, but I just felt compelled to say that I absolutely love watching you work with these animals. Don't get me wrong I love all your content, but I find myself absolutely transfixed on your handling videos. Thank you very much for sharing them. It may sound silly, but I wish I could find someone to teach me to understand them the way you seem to. I'm tired of being told to go to lessons if I want to learn... because I feel like they don't care. They don't teach me how I can do better for the animal. I don't want to just be put in a saddle and have the horse obey I want to form a bond and understand. I just don't know how. I have so many questions. Babbling aside. Thank you for your content! It's always a pleasure to see.
thanks for your kind comments, and yes I agree, I always try to build a bond of partnership with the horses in my life. There are many experts in horse training, some are excellent, others not so much.
I'm suggesting 'Sir Grey' as I did on the first video about 'the mule with no name'. Jason you are so gentle and yet firm with horses, it's the perfect combo. Thank you for the video
Awesome!!The chucking in the air of his head, that is something that was done a lot by one of the Arabian horses I used to train. That was pure excitement. Saying: look at me, here I am!! He did this particularly at dinner time. The Arabian gelding was called "Lancelot" and we called this head in the air throwing "Lancelotting". Sir Lancelot would be a nice name for your mule...
It's so good to see you two getting along so well. He seems like a very sweet animal, and it's sad to hear about the scars on his nose and that he might have been mishandled in the past, but I know you've given him the best home he could have ever asked for. Really looking forward to seeing this big beautiful gray mule more in the future!
So happy to see an update on Mr.Mule! He seems very happy and relaxed doing the work you ask. Mules are famous for having a mind of their own, but he seems to want to work with you!Looking forward to hearing more from you two!
Muley looks so different from the first video. He's opened up. And he seems to be a very intelligent creature. I look forward to seeing more of him and his training :)
If you want to look for more UK mules - on Facebook, Muleography has 2 - one mainly as a packmule, one is ridden (a gorgeous French Comtois mule). Lovely to see you working so gently with him, he seems to be responding really well to you! It will be a slow journey but he looks fearless for sure.
I agree. I think 90% of it is just hanging out together. He could be your new bestie. Sometimes it's the tough kid, the kid that's lost alot, is the most resilient and admirable of the bunch when you start to see from their perspective...it's the honeymoon, just wait. But don't give up on him, he might expect that...stay true.
Mules are smart, strong, brave, sure footed the best of horse and donkeys combined. I remember back in the late 1960s/ early 1970s seeing a farmer drive his mule wagon loaded with vegetables to sell at the farmers market, drive down the most heavily trafficked street in Columbus Ga on Saturdays' with big 18 wheeled tucks, cars and motorcycle's roaring pass him for miles and the mule not beaning bothered at all by the noise, and movement. He would stop at each traffic light and move on when the light turned green. It was amazingly to see. My father who grew up on a southern farm during the great depression would say that Mules are not bothered by much, and they know their limits, if he refuses to move he is not being stubborn but knows you have put to much wight on him to carry, remove some and he will move.
I know a girl who used to care for the donkey string at an enormous camp in Arizona. She said they will do anything for you if they know you love them, and nothing at all for you otherwise. I think that's why he's doing so beautifully for you. You sir, clearly love him.
I never had to deal with mules, but nearly 30 years ago I was a participant at the EQUITANA. In the stables we had an Swiss officer and his Six-mule-team. We made friendship and he told me a lot of interesting things about mules, their characters, anatomy and mental constitution. ,,If you has to with mules, forget any knowledge about horses. " As second: ,,All what a horse can work, can a mule too, but much more better !" Poorly underrated partners .... I learnd a lot, since when I have a highly respect for this wonderful partners. 👍
OBE, Video Producer, CEO of Rebellion, Chairman of TIGA, History Buff, Gentlemen and Muletrainer. Jason has my deepest respect, love your channel, man!
I think you said mule-with-no-name came from Spain? He probably did time wearing a Spanish serreta bridle - it's a bitless/hackamore style, and while they can be gentle, they're often quite severe; the noseband can be heavy (solid steel), sometimes even toothed underneath. Small Wonder he doesn't want anything on his nose now! I think you're on the right track bitwise; I don't know how difficult it is to get hold of a Myler bit in the UK, but some of them have the entire mouthpiece shaped into a forward curve. It takes the bit pressure off the tongue, which some horses (and perhaps mules!) really appreciate. Good luck with him, nice to see him progress, he's got some bad habits but he's still got a calm attitude which you're encouraging, and that's great.
I gotta say, I have been watching these videos for almost a year and I am so happy that you are creating this interesting and engaging Historical Content in an accessible way. The growth and consistency of this channel and what you have provided is wonderful. Thank you.
My grandfather kept mules as well as horses. He always said mules were generally much smarter than most horses. As a boy he knew i had an interest in knights and he would point out that mules were popular war mounts for Romans and later mounted warriors. He would also point out that his mules would often kill a coyote intstead of running but never mistook the dogs for a threat...very smart.
Due to "Mule with no name" I had to think about 'Nobody' aka Odysseus. Might be a fun name? Odysseus I mean Going watch the rest of the video now! Thank you for the many interesting videos you make 😊
Just given what we're seeing on the video, I'd take a wild guess that someone used to yank his head around like crazy with a chain on and didn't know how to deal with a mule vs a horse. I'm very, very glad he's got you and that you're educating each other. You're dead on when you say it's more like a negotiation and they're much more trust-built than horses are. I'd actually say a mule would be an incredible battle partner if it cared about the person it was defending.
I was always fascinated by mules. When I was much younger my father and mother had horses and I grew up riding horses. When my parents decided I needed my own horse I told them that I wanted a mule instead. They initially said absolutely no. Time passed. I persistently told them I-want-a-mule! Dad and mum, for my 14th birthday finally said I could have a mule since I was being "stubborn as a mule"😊. We went to a (well known in our area) breeder and I picked out a large 1-year-old, sorrel coloured, Jack Mule that I named Syrus. My parents told me I would have to train him to ride myself (with their help, of course). I had been riding horses since I was 11 or 12 but I was surprised at the different feel of riding a mule; the rocking motion of their gate was a big surprise! Syrus not only learned to become a great saddle mule but for many years a friend of mine & I made money doing sleigh and carriage rides in winters and summers with my mule and his horse as draft animals. Eli was always jealous when we raced and I would win the race riding a mule! 😀
The myler bits with a slight tongue relieve really worked for my horse. Its hard to tell of course from a short video, but you might want to look at those. So glad to hear you are getting to know mule and are working on your relationship. The learning curve is wonderful to see. Thank you for sharing these delicate moments.
I've been following this channel almost since its beginning, and just realized that this colossus of a man is the CEO of Rebellion, the makers of one of my favorite games growing up and the my current favorite WWII series - Sniper Elite. So considering those things - tell me Mr. Kingsley where is the epic historically accurate game which I am sure your company could produce?
What in the actual hell. That's who this dude is? Tell him I love his channel, I am highly satisfied with Sniper Elite, AVP 2010 was not all that bad, but he needs to do something to redeem Demo Dick Marcinko for that fiasco in 2009.
I really look forward to these videos with the mule with no name! You seem to be having a grand time working with him and it makes me happy to see. His ears seem to show that he's listening to you more. Its gonna be interesting to see how he develops.
They are definitely smarter than everyone tells you they are! There's a man in the USA that makes Western-type mule saddles. He has You Tubes, too. Maybe it would be good to get one, and let your usual saddle-crafter reverse-engineer one into the type you need. Watching him move, react, and the stories you're telling - makes me smile, remembering my donk. There's a whole lot of gears spinning in their skulls.
I was sitting here thinking " I wonder if hes going to try him with armor on or more combat type exorcises with him". A few minutes later you mention that exact thing. One time I had a thought about something you didn't mention when explaining what you were doing and maybe another minute later there it is. Every time I have a thought or question when watching your videos you seem to answer them without even knowing. This is why I really love your videos and appreciate you doing them.
I like what you said about negotiating with a mule. He seems to enjoy being around all those targets. I think he'll make a great war-mule someday. The saddle pad looked really cool, too.
"Four days were spent in thinking what name to give him, because (as he said to himself) it was not right that a horse belonging to a knight so famous, and one with such merits of his own, should be without some distinctive name, and he strove to adapt it so as to indicate what he had been before belonging to a knight-errant, and what he then was" - The naming of 'Rocinante'; Don Quixote's horse. Also fitting because of the attempt to relive chivalry.
I'm so glad he's got a safe home now with you. When I saw the comments on the last vid about his nose scars I wanted to cry! I know you're more of a sword and sorcery fan, but you could always go scifi with his name and call him Magnifico...
In America, we have a saying, "stubborn as a mule". They are known for being more willful than a horse. A fun project, and a fascinating experiment in living history
I clicked so fast! I’m so excited to see your progress with him. I commented on the last video With him that I’m very fond of mules, and how your training style is ideal for working with them. It really shows in how he is coming along. I don’t know if sweet iron bits are very common in the U.K., as I am US based myself, but I have had great luck with mouthy horses and sweet iron. Copper seems to work too. but with as delicate as his mouth is and as much as he munches on it, The sweet iron might make in more pleasant. I also like eggbutt snaffleS that are double jointed. I think when they fiddle too much with a single joint, they end up poking themselves in the roof of the mouth with it. The double joint creates a flat plane so it doesn’t jab when the manipulate it in their mouths. And no pinching with the egg butt also. I would love to hear exactly what but ends up working for him though. He needs his own dedicated series!
The mule seems so relaxed at the end! Yawning, licking/chewing (Okay he was licking/chewing the entire time but nvm) The entire feel to him was so chill! What a great mule, I'm sure he'll be an awesome battle-mule once you've found the better opinion in this discussion :)
My husband watched the video with me and remarked: "..work on direction control and halting..." and "...spirit and attitude..." "Describes you, Trish." LOL And yes they always tell us their names and we do listen and learn, otherwise, I wouldn't have a girl cat named Walter! Good luck with the training, looking forward to more videos and updates on his progress.
It's interesting how what might at first seem like a nicer option (putting something around his nose) can be a source of pain or discomfort in some situations. Glad he's with someone who's nice to him. He's a very handsome animal.
Hi modern history! I am eagerly anticipating the next video of you working with this extraordinarily strange looking Spanish speaking dog. Keep up the great work!
Most horse videos have a bunch of nasty "mean girl" commenters, but this group is very civilized, and I learned a bunch of new things from the video AND the commenters. Thanks, all!
Still think he is a 'Galahad', a noble name he can grow into. Toseland is an old English name, might also work. Tosi for short :) Caleb might also work. Head tossing is a sign of discomfort, hopefully with time you can figure this out. He may not have been treated the best in his early years, but as he develops more and more trust in you, things should sort themselves out.
Sir Lancelot: he seems to object when you turn him away from the camera. He wants to be the star of the movie, and expectations of having a golden globe award.
Remembered this passage from Scott's "Ivanhoe" and thought you might appreciate it. "This worthy churchman rode upon a well-fed ambling mule, whose furniture was highly decorated, and whose bridle, according to the fashion of the day, was ornamented with silver bells. In his seat he had nothing of the awkwardness of the convent, but displayed the easy and habitual grace of a well-trained horseman. Indeed, it seemed that so humble a conveyance as a mule, in however good case, and however well broken to a pleasant and accommodating amble, was only used by the gallant monk for travelling on the road." (I liked the silver bells and you've talked about them in another video.)
Really enjoying the videos on your new friend, very informative and he is such a beautiful animal. His gait (or whatever you call a Mule's walk) looks really majestic too. You're obviously really good with equines, and quite brave to take on an animal that is literally the definition of stubborn.
He looks so much happier and relaxed! He's figured out you're a good guy and want the best for him. My only suggestion would be to stop hanging onto his head. He already knows where you want him to be and some of that head tossing might be him protesting your hold on him, in short, telling him what to do when he already knows it. Perhaps just loop the rein over your forearm or hold it much more loosely and farther away from his face? I'm so glad to see him looking so well and happy! He's definitely found a great home with you!
Watching a little farther on, you let go of the reins altogether and just put your hand over his face above his nose- and he stops mouthing the bit almost immediately. When you're hanging onto the bit and he ducks his head it puts bit pressure on his mouth and then he resists. At least, that's what I think? From my couch in the US? Having never been on a mule but a fair number of horses and ponies? :D
And then, when you poke (gently) at that scar tissue he definitely reacts with discomfort or maybe a little anxiety. Some of that bit mouthing might be related. I'm thrilled that you're so aware of his emotions and thoughts. Someone who wasn't paying attention could really mess him up pretty quickly. Anyway, I'm sure you'll find the right gear for him!
Me: "I need to study for finals"
UA-cam: "here is a man training a mule for medieval combat."
Lol, sorry!
@@ModernKnight its quarantine, give us more of the mule :(
i'm literally studying for my finals right now.. biology oof
@@rollingstairs1 Feb 2021 - it's STILL ****** Quarantine (in Britain) but the vaccine programmes are being rolled out.
This is interesting 😏
:D :D :D
You can see him listening to you ... and then deciding what he will do. I think he is adorable and watching you gently encourage him is heartening.
One of the most important differences between a horse and a mule: "A horse can cause a lot of damage because he doesn't understand his own strength. A mule can cause a lot of damage because he knows EXACTLY how strong he is."
My grandfather, who preferred mules to horses any day of the week, once said that a mule will work 10 yrs just for the chance to kick you once. We never had problems with ours, but then we treated them with a hell of a lot of respect and kindness as members of the family... and giving them a bit of beer in their bucket once in a while didn't hurt, either.
My family genealogical tree includes several entries that end with “Kicked in head by a mule”.
The more i read about them, the more im convinced they have a strong mind of their ABSOLUTE own 😂
Seems like he has had some pain in his past. He has a lot of bit avoidance. (memory?) I would have a vet double check his teeth first. He may have a bad wolf tooth or something. I worked a horse once with similar behavior that had a slight chip on a tooth that was causing most of the problem. Pulled the wolf tooth and things changed. If tooth is not an issue try an old horseman's trick called a licorice bit. Lay a rope of black licorice (full of molasses) on the mouth of the bit and then using a strip of cotton sheeting wrap licorice and metal round and round with the sheeting to hold the licorice in place fastening the sheeting on the rings at the outside of the bit. The licorice tastes great and they want to suck on it. Often they will spent a lot more time with their mouth closed just so they can taste that bit. Living in Missouri we have LOTS of mules around. Often they make wonderful mounts doing what a horse simply won't. They are VERY smart. Train them more as you would a small pony or even a dog. The reason he is not afraid of the sound and the weapon and is so brave is that he has already figured out it is not a source of danger to him. Once they form an opinion of something, it generally takes a long while the CHANGE that opinion. (thus the bit problems) That constantly working brain is also why he has learned to puff up for the girth. The smart ones learn that to avoid a pinching cinch. Try tightening the girth and then lifting each front leg stretching it forward then tighten again. With time he will learn that YOU don't let the cinch pinch him and he will get better and better at not puffing. My last piece of mule advice is that mules and ponies are perfect animals for someone that loves to train. Both being significantly smarter than the average horse. You will train them and they in turn will try and train you... so you both are really never finished training. LOL.
A friend of mine from Louisiana had trained horses and mules. I told him I had heard that mules were smarter and he launched into a story similar to yours. I've also heard that Mcclellan saddles work for mules, but I don't remember asking him.
Thunder Ridge Homestead
Smart animals bring their own challenges when training. A stupid animal may take more repetitions for them to catch on, but they won’t really question what you’re asking of them. A smart animal, on the other hand, needs to _understand_ what you’re asking of them and agree that it’s a sensible thing to do. Even something as minor as turning. If they were going along a path, the mule might turn more easily because that’s probably where he would suggest going anyway if he was the one making the suggestions.
Nillie the big question then, is if a smart animal is smart enough to read a situation and do what you want without you needing to ask them. And of course not misread too much.
I don't know about horses and mules... but I grew up with cats; we taught some of them to walk on a leash. They were *far* from dumb, and training was definitely a two way street.
@@LindaGailLamb.0808 I'd have an easier time training my Ball Python than training my cat. The Ball Python is amazingly stupid but the cat is just as amazingly smart. Neither one wants to do what you want them to do.
The best part about being a knight and riding a mule, is if the other knights give you shit and start laughing at you, you can bust out the line; "I don't think it's nice, you laughing. You see, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him."
I can imagine a knight would ride a mule on the way to battle to save his horse but in battle you need a tool that obeys and not a stubborn mule.
Ducthman
The mule might be a bit _too_ intelligent to charge into battle.
That's the Eastwood philosophy
@@ragnkja In Biblical Days mules were ridden into battle in mountainous places. They are smart enough not to step off a a narrow path. He is training the mule to get used to the sights and sounds of mock battle by going slow and low key at the start. I had to learn how to drive a jeep when I was only nine. Never had a chance to ride a mule. My Dad rode one to school.
@@ducthman4737 "in battle you need a tool that obeys and not a stubborn mule"
Please tell us more about the necessities of medieval combat.
The best part of this is your gentleness with him, and your respect for him and his preferences and boundaries.
Agreed!😊👍
As an animal lover it makes my heart swell ❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🌹✌🏻🏴
It is wonderful to watch
@@ShaunaCheungBoSaanWOGO I am liking this also
So good to show his training. Non horsey people often think you just get on a horse and go. He looks like he's going o be an asset for you. Brilliant horsemanship.
I know this is an older video but it's such fun. I'm a veterinary librarian in Missouri, USA. We have the Missouri mule which is traditionally a cross between a draft horse [mare] and a mammoth donkey jack. These are the mascots for our veterinary college and we have three teams - we prefer the cross with the Belgian draft horse because they're large, well-muscled, relatively docile and have a stable color. They're perfect for training veterinary med students and for outreach throughout the state. We just celebrated our oldest team's 30th birthday! They are happily retired and always a joy 😊
He looked impatient with all the walking and talking, but he seemed very eager to get down to the whacking. Definitely a results-oriented mule.
Jason:”What’s a mule’s name?”
Mule: “a mule has no name.”
Jason: “a mule is ready to become a faceless man.”
You mean a faceless mule, right?
Wooehahhaa! Love it
VaMule Morghulis
VaMule Dohaeris
Vlad Tepes nice
Obsolete Mule!
🎼I’ve been through combat training on a mule with no name
I used body weight instead of the reins
On a mule you’ve gotta strike a bargain
‘Cause if you tell ‘em what to do, then they start to complain
La la la la la la 🎶🎵
Perfect - far better than the original song
Brilliant!
Lol, I like your rhyme scheme there, well done!
Lived in Ecuador. Donkeys are always sweet and friendly and easy to be around physically. The Horses very proud and awkward to be around as they’re very big and self conscious, more dominant and show off. And then mules always look kind of confused of their identity and where they fit in. Depressed and very sensitive and need a lot of reinforcements. I remember local ppl feeling sad for the mules because they always have a sadness compared to the donkey and horse. They need a lot of love acceptance and patience
Thank you for being kind to the mule, he will repay you in many ways over time. You're correct about the name.. it will arrive and be very obvious when it's ready. About head tossing- some weird issues could possibly be causing this, like 'floaters' [invisible jelly like substance] in the eye, which shift when the mule is in motion, and come into his vision causing him to try and clear them by tossing. Also might be a mild ear infection, or even a reaction to dust particles/allergy.... which if he is from a different environment may be the case. I had a horse w eye floaters and it was an issue. Wishing both of you success and I look forward to more videos and seeing your relationship develop. Mules think things through, they are lovely.
is it the same floater humans get? how would you go diagnosing something like that on a horse? you really piqued my curiosity!!
Yeah I thought it could be an ear infection thing but would never have thought it was eye floaters
I thought it might be from his dislike of the bit, but this one seemed much better than the last one, so, maybe not
That was such heart touching...lol
@@eugenio5774 Sounds like it's the same thing, and I assume you consult a veterinarian ophthalmologist. not sure how it would be treated though, floaters are a result of debris being left behind when the eye developed, and you can't really get rid of them
For your first mule to be an abuse survivor is an amazing act of love on your part- your patience is stellar! My great grandpa had many mules over his 100 year life, he liked the big riding mules from "down south" , but we had smaller ones too, that children could ride in utter safety
I come here when I want to watch /listen to something utterly wholesome.
Very heartwarming to see you working with this cute little "no-name," you're so patient with him, and he's so brave! Can't wait to see what you two as a team will be capable of!
They're capable of conquering Jerusalem
No-name is not a "cute little" anything. He is dominating and statuesque. But I totally agree with the rest of your comment. I would love to see the pair in competition.
Larry Tischler indeed, I stand corrected
So happy to see the mule again! I'd been hoping he'd been getting on well. I imagine when he throws his head around he's saying "Olé" to praise his performance. And when he's a properly trained battle-mule maybe he'll be thinking "¡Santiago y cierra, España!" (the medieval Spanish equivalent of the English shouting about St. George). Actually, that's another name suggestion: Santiago. It's sometimes shortened to Santi.
Santiago would be a cracking name.
"Training a mule for medieval war"
This is a threat.
Knight: CHARGE!
Mule:....nah.
Devin McDowell
“That looks dangerous. We might get hurt.”
@@ragnkja I don't know, he seems way less skittish then any horse
Ash Green
It’s not skittishness that would keep the mule from charging. He is brave, but also sensible.
Mule like: nah mate, better try something else pls😂
Merdarion lol at people that just copy someones else post in the same thread and laugh.
maybe he should be named "good boy" - will make him a very self confident mule XD
If you want try spanish the words are "arre" for lets go and "so" for stop
That's a good point. I knew a trotting horse who only knew French commands, like allez for walk, becuase it was reared in France!
Something like uh-rea with a strong r of course. I'd love to see it lol.
Speaking of which, he might want a Spanish name. I know a guy here in the States with a mule named Taco.
@@HankMeyer Cool idea, hopefully he will be a bit more sophisticated about it than the guy you know, no offense :D
@@HankMeyer Rocinante!
He's absolutely gorgeous. His ears are so fun to watch. I find myself smiling as much as you are riding him.
he's a big character
My great-grandpa was commissioned by the British government to buy and ship Missouri mules for their use in WWI as he apparently had a keen eye for quality ones. He shipped quite a few to Britain over the course of the war from the States. You got it right-'stubborn as a mule' wouldn't be just a saying without truth as you "negotiate" with Geoffrey. (He looks like a medieval Geoffrey to me anyway.)
They're intelligent, sure-footed, and have loads of stamina along with quite perky personalities. My grandma used to cultivate corn with a team of mules when she was a young tomboy. She said after a few rounds she didn't even have to steer them as they learned quickly to follow the rows and would even turn around correctly at the ends. However she did say one needed to be watchful as they'd steal a quick bite of cornstalk whenever they sensed you weren't watching.
You just reminded me of my family's cats - if you weren't watching, they'd steal the food off your plate. And sometimes try it if you _were_ watching 😁.
Next on Modern History TV: Watch Jason buy a Crocodile and train it for War!
Ferran .Valor war elephant time!!
TheMysteryDriver
Unfortunately, all the precedent for war elephants (and war camels) is south of the Alps, but since he does sometimes reference more southern sources we shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss it …
Nillie eventually he'll have to branch out. :)
Ferran .Valor 😂😂😂
Honestly, if I had a shield and spear, and the enemy camp came with armored war crocs, I’d nope right the hell outta there
I really like this man. He seems very kind and has a beautiful smile.
He's a good trainer, in all the videos I've seen his horsemanship was very good.
Oh, that is such a delight to watch. Your mule is a beautiful creature, and as I suspected from the previous video, he's definitely something of a character. There's something so endearing about a mule's head, which is part of what makes the mule a strikingly different creature.
I'm sorry that he's had such bad experiences in the past with things over his nose, sufficient to leave scar tissue. As you say, he now has a good home. I can't think of a better place for him to be than with you, learning the art of combat-readiness, mediæval-style. Jason, you have such a rapport with your animals - it is a pleasure to see. Your patience and gentle encouragement are tremendous.
I look forward to seeing this mule's further development, and await his naming at the proper time - which will no doubt be whenever your mule himself is ready!
"lancer" sounds like a good name for him. In literary circles, the "lancer" is the party member who is very independent, confident, and often a rival of the main character. (Think Raphael from TMNT)
IcicleFerret My horse’s name was Bold Lancer, Lance for short.
@@dorothymerrell6091 that's adorable!
is TMNT literature now?
Tony DeNoso
@@Cssfiend it always has been! :P
Not even 1 minute into the video and I already want to hug this man, his passion for his animals is so pure.
Well, you're getting there. I have limited experience with mules (only seven), but in my experience as someone who mostly rode horses (and most of those were Thoroughbreds) you've got an important part of training mules: you have to discuss things with them. You get a tip of the hat from me for that because I've seen many horsemen who were apparently unable to figure that one out.
One bit that would be useful for you is that, for a mule, 'because I said so' isn't a good reason. Horses are much quicker to cooperate with that sort of attitude but it takes a lot of relationship with a mule before they will cooperate without thinking it over just because you said so. If the mule likes you, they'll take a few seconds to think over what you've just told them to do and decide to humour your silly human whim. If the mule is ticked off, well, they will make you pay. It isn't that they are inherently stubborn or disobedient, it's that they need to see the reason for themselves.
Mules prefer to do things for a reason--working with you to do a mimi obstacle course while you whack things with a training lance, he can see that there is a task to be done and he works quite well with you to do that task. Walk about in aimless (to him) circles? He doesn't know you well enough yet to believe there might be a sensible reason to do it, so he does the think it over thing, he chucks his head, he mouths the bit (try a narrower bit or put bit spacers on to adjust it to his jaw width). When he feels the energy of you concentrating on the task of weapons training, the vast majority of the head chucking, bit mouthing, thinking it over delay goes as if by magic. He's your guy, he's ready to work with you to make it happen.
Tangential thought: mules tend to be more mentally versatile than horses. Get the relationship right and a mule will tackle anything with you. For instance, even an extensively trained riding horse starts all over at the very beginning if you suddenly decide to teach them to pull a cart. But a mule that has been extensively trained for riding will be about half to three quarters of the way trained to pull a cart on no notice. They'll need to figure out the mechanics of it but for the right relationship, they'll be very matter of fact, think the mechanics of this new task through and be pulling that cart while the horse is still all goosy about the way the shafts feel when they start to turn. I think medieval people knew all about this mental versatility and, for many medieval people, a mule was more value for the penny than a horse would be. For most, it would well outweigh the lack of reproductive capacity. A healthy mare can replace herself but the number of mules who can do so is vanishingly small (there are some mare mules who have borne foals).
At 4:47, he does halt--yes, a delayed halt but it was a halt--and you didn't even acknowledge it. You told him to walk on, so did you want that halt or did you not? To a mule, that means that you must not have really wanted to halt, so it will be good policy to think that halting thing over even more carefully next time. At 10:00, you signalled a halt and he halted quite well with much less delay and what do you do? Give him a rote "good boy" and that's all.
Just as with horses, when mules are thinking they make a pointy upper lip. Notice how much more often he makes that pointy lip than a horse at the same level of training would. That's why mules can be such fun to work with, they are good thinkers and have more power of concentration than horses tend to have.
This is a fantastic post, full of information, observation and worthwhile suggestions. Thanks.
@@payntpot7623 Oh! (blush) Thank you.
Truly, though, I think it is all due to Jason (Sir Jason?)--good content generates useful discussion.
@@Skinfaxi I watched it again and stand by what I said. Mule With No Name was in the mule delayed reaction headspace, so asking for the halt and getting a delayed response makes sense to the mule. Having Jason change his mind about the halt doesn't make sense to the mule.
I'm not saying that mules cannot learn to be as prompt as a horse but until there is a good relationship established, there's going to be mule delayed response at times or all of the time. Getting into a head butting contest with a mule is one of those situations where you can figuratively lose the war by winning the battle.
When I became a dog trainer (versus being a mere dog owner), I quickly realised that being a committed dog trainer meant that there would be occasions where I had to make a choice between being socially acceptable to humans or being a dog trainer. My personal choice is to be a dog trainer but the world, as a whole, is better for Jason deciding to be socially acceptable. My choice means I have to pass by teachable moments for humans in favour of grabbing the teachable moment for my dog; Jason's choice means he teaches humans. Thorouughly admire him.
I think some of the stopping & going & missing the halts was he was also trying to present to camera. It can be a bit like trying to rub your head & pat your stomach doing something like without throwing in riding an animal you are still getting used to. You made some good points though and I suspect when he can give the mule his full concentration it goes a little differently.
I love how he points his ears forwards just as you are about to hit a target. It also seemed to me he started to cooperate/agree more as you got into hitting things :-)
I would suggest Jester for a name, the way he puffs up to make your saddle loose X-D Jester / Jouster?
Mats
Walking so that Jason can hit his targets probably makes more sense to the mule than just walking around the hall.
You are a very talented rider and really good with your new friend. I LOVE MULES and am glad you are making a series on this. I also like that you are letting him name himself. ❤️ I can't wait to continue watching you work with him.
RR830
I get the impression that all the animals in his care got a say in what they’re called. Obviously, Jason is never going suggest a name he himself doesn’t like, but beyond that it’s up to the animals to decide if they like his suggestions or not, and only the names they find at least tolerable end up sticking.
@@ragnkja it will be, not so much the names that are less tolerable; as the ones they actually choose to respond to on a consistent basis.
I've never been what you'd call a 'horse girl', but I think I might definitely be a mule girl. What a good and precious boy! Well...for a given definition of good lol. It's so nice to watch you too work together, and to see you be so kind to him.
First time i came across this channel and oh my, you radiate the same energy as a gentle-hearted fairytale hero who got adopted and raised by wisps and pixies.
The beautiful boy really couldn't ask for a better partner in war times.
thanks, we try.
I already very much enjoyed your channel but I am particularly enthralled by these mule videos. You have directly inspired a fascination in me for these beautiful animals and I hope to have some of my own as companions someday. Spectacular videos, I am a proud subscriber and plan to follow and participate in your advancement as I can, thank you !
I don't write out comments often, but I just felt compelled to say that I absolutely love watching you work with these animals. Don't get me wrong I love all your content, but I find myself absolutely transfixed on your handling videos. Thank you very much for sharing them. It may sound silly, but I wish I could find someone to teach me to understand them the way you seem to. I'm tired of being told to go to lessons if I want to learn... because I feel like they don't care. They don't teach me how I can do better for the animal. I don't want to just be put in a saddle and have the horse obey I want to form a bond and understand. I just don't know how. I have so many questions.
Babbling aside. Thank you for your content! It's always a pleasure to see.
thanks for your kind comments, and yes I agree, I always try to build a bond of partnership with the horses in my life. There are many experts in horse training, some are excellent, others not so much.
the best way to ask for subs imo, is just not asking for them at all. Thats one of the reasons i love you and your channel so much. Keep it up. :)
Nop Mom That’s how I ended up here. 🥰
I'm suggesting 'Sir Grey' as I did on the first video about 'the mule with no name'. Jason you are so gentle and yet firm with horses, it's the perfect combo. Thank you for the video
Awesome!!The chucking in the air of his head, that is something that was done a lot by one of the Arabian horses I used to train. That was pure excitement. Saying: look at me, here I am!! He did this particularly at dinner time. The Arabian gelding was called "Lancelot" and we called this head in the air throwing "Lancelotting". Sir Lancelot would be a nice name for your mule...
Good! He doesn't look sad anymore
He is just wonderful! Was smiling the entire video
It's so good to see you two getting along so well. He seems like a very sweet animal, and it's sad to hear about the scars on his nose and that he might have been mishandled in the past, but I know you've given him the best home he could have ever asked for.
Really looking forward to seeing this big beautiful gray mule more in the future!
So happy to see an update on Mr.Mule! He seems very happy and relaxed doing the work you ask. Mules are famous for having a mind of their own, but he seems to want to work with you!Looking forward to hearing more from you two!
Muley looks so different from the first video. He's opened up. And he seems to be a very intelligent creature. I look forward to seeing more of him and his training :)
If you want to look for more UK mules - on Facebook, Muleography has 2 - one mainly as a packmule, one is ridden (a gorgeous French Comtois mule). Lovely to see you working so gently with him, he seems to be responding really well to you! It will be a slow journey but he looks fearless for sure.
There is also the fantastic Wallace the dressage mule!
I love that you can get in contact with mules on facebook these days!😘
I have 2 mules. The fundation is trust. Give yourself and your mule time, time and time. They are great animals. You are doing great!
I agree. I think 90% of it is just hanging out together. He could be your new bestie.
Sometimes it's the tough kid, the kid that's lost alot, is the most resilient and admirable of the bunch when you start to see from their perspective...it's the honeymoon, just wait. But don't give up on him, he might expect that...stay true.
Mules are smart, strong, brave, sure footed the best of horse and donkeys combined. I remember back in the late 1960s/ early 1970s seeing a farmer drive his mule wagon loaded with vegetables to sell at the farmers market, drive down the most heavily trafficked street in Columbus Ga on Saturdays' with big 18 wheeled tucks, cars and motorcycle's roaring pass him for miles and the mule not beaning bothered at all by the noise, and movement. He would stop at each traffic light and move on when the light turned green. It was amazingly to see. My father who grew up on a southern farm during the great depression would say that Mules are not bothered by much, and they know their limits, if he refuses to move he is not being stubborn but knows you have put to much wight on him to carry, remove some and he will move.
I love that you are earning his trust with compassion and understanding.
I am already seeing the relationship-building from the prior video. Well done :) Isn't he just a gem
I know a girl who used to care for the donkey string at an enormous camp in Arizona. She said they will do anything for you if they know you love them, and nothing at all for you otherwise.
I think that's why he's doing so beautifully for you. You sir, clearly love him.
Good Sir, it's wonderful to see how patient and positive you are with this stubborn mule.
I never had to deal with mules, but nearly 30 years ago I was a participant at the EQUITANA. In the stables we had an Swiss officer and his Six-mule-team. We made friendship and he told me a lot of interesting things about mules, their characters, anatomy and mental constitution. ,,If you has to with mules, forget any knowledge about horses. "
As second: ,,All what a horse can work, can a mule too, but much more better !" Poorly underrated partners .... I learnd a lot, since when I have a highly respect for this wonderful partners. 👍
Man your videos have such a nice calming vibe to them.
OBE, Video Producer, CEO of Rebellion, Chairman of TIGA, History Buff, Gentlemen and Muletrainer. Jason has my deepest respect, love your channel, man!
Thanks!
@@ModernKnight always! Stay awesome!
I think you said mule-with-no-name came from Spain? He probably did time wearing a Spanish serreta bridle - it's a bitless/hackamore style, and while they can be gentle, they're often quite severe; the noseband can be heavy (solid steel), sometimes even toothed underneath. Small Wonder he doesn't want anything on his nose now! I think you're on the right track bitwise; I don't know how difficult it is to get hold of a Myler bit in the UK, but some of them have the entire mouthpiece shaped into a forward curve. It takes the bit pressure off the tongue, which some horses (and perhaps mules!) really appreciate. Good luck with him, nice to see him progress, he's got some bad habits but he's still got a calm attitude which you're encouraging, and that's great.
I gotta say, I have been watching these videos for almost a year and I am so happy that you are creating this interesting and engaging Historical Content in an accessible way. The growth and consistency of this channel and what you have provided is wonderful. Thank you.
My grandfather kept mules as well as horses. He always said mules were generally much smarter than most horses. As a boy he knew i had an interest in knights and he would point out that mules were popular war mounts for Romans and later mounted warriors. He would also point out that his mules would often kill a coyote intstead of running but never mistook the dogs for a threat...very smart.
Our mule will push out her chcest too and we have to re-tighten the saddle. Very fun , very intelligent companion. Glad to see it working for you
Due to "Mule with no name" I had to think about 'Nobody' aka Odysseus. Might be a fun name? Odysseus I mean
Going watch the rest of the video now! Thank you for the many interesting videos you make 😊
That’s a great idea 👍
Belladonna Baggins
Definitely worth a try.
I think "Ryanair" would be a good Name. Doesn't excaclty go where you want it to go, but there's a busservice.
Oddy for short?
Outis/Metis! Good idea!
He is actually beautiful! He prances :) I think he’s showing off his human!
I just found this channel and enjoy it.
Welcome!
Love watching your interaction with the animals and how positive all the training is.
Absolutely awesome, and love how careful you are to find him headgear that suits him, and not necessarily you:) Wonderful pair the two of you:)
I LOVE MULE WITH NO NAME!
He’s gorgeous. So excited to follow his progress!!!
The way you love, train and speak to all your beautiful animals is truly remarkable!
Just given what we're seeing on the video, I'd take a wild guess that someone used to yank his head around like crazy with a chain on and didn't know how to deal with a mule vs a horse. I'm very, very glad he's got you and that you're educating each other. You're dead on when you say it's more like a negotiation and they're much more trust-built than horses are. I'd actually say a mule would be an incredible battle partner if it cared about the person it was defending.
You seem so proud of him, I love it! He seems like a good and cheeky boy!
I was always fascinated by mules. When I was much younger my father and mother had horses and I grew up riding horses. When my parents decided I needed my own horse I told them that I wanted a mule instead. They initially said absolutely no. Time passed. I persistently told them I-want-a-mule! Dad and mum, for my 14th birthday finally said I could have a mule since I was being "stubborn as a mule"😊. We went to a (well known in our area) breeder and I picked out a large 1-year-old, sorrel coloured, Jack Mule that I named Syrus. My parents told me I would have to train him to ride myself (with their help, of course). I had been riding horses since I was 11 or 12 but I was surprised at the different feel of riding a mule; the rocking motion of their gate was a big surprise! Syrus not only learned to become a great saddle mule but for many years a friend of mine & I made money doing sleigh and carriage rides in winters and summers with my mule and his horse as draft animals. Eli was always jealous when we raced and I would win the race riding a mule! 😀
The myler bits with a slight tongue relieve really worked for my horse. Its hard to tell of course from a short video, but you might want to look at those. So glad to hear you are getting to know mule and are working on your relationship. The learning curve is wonderful to see. Thank you for sharing these delicate moments.
I've been following this channel almost since its beginning, and just realized that this colossus of a man is the CEO of Rebellion, the makers of one of my favorite games growing up and the my current favorite WWII series - Sniper Elite. So considering those things - tell me Mr. Kingsley where is the epic historically accurate game which I am sure your company could produce?
What?! Seriously? I love Sniper Elite! That's so cool
I really hope this happens one day, I don’t think anyone is better equipped to deliver a quality medieval game quite like Rebellion are
What in the actual hell. That's who this dude is?
Tell him I love his channel, I am highly satisfied with Sniper Elite, AVP 2010 was not all that bad, but he needs to do something to redeem Demo Dick Marcinko for that fiasco in 2009.
I really look forward to these videos with the mule with no name! You seem to be having a grand time working with him and it makes me happy to see. His ears seem to show that he's listening to you more. Its gonna be interesting to see how he develops.
They are definitely smarter than everyone tells you they are! There's a man in the USA that makes Western-type mule saddles. He has You Tubes, too. Maybe it would be good to get one, and let your usual saddle-crafter reverse-engineer one into the type you need. Watching him move, react, and the stories you're telling - makes me smile, remembering my donk. There's a whole lot of gears spinning in their skulls.
I was sitting here thinking " I wonder if hes going to try him with armor on or more combat type exorcises with him". A few minutes later you mention that exact thing. One time I had a thought about something you didn't mention when explaining what you were doing and maybe another minute later there it is. Every time I have a thought or question when watching your videos you seem to answer them without even knowing. This is why I really love your videos and appreciate you doing them.
I like what you said about negotiating with a mule. He seems to enjoy being around all those targets. I think he'll make a great war-mule someday. The saddle pad looked really cool, too.
He has such a sweet face! Reminds me a little of the horse my friend had, Biscuits. That horse mostly wanted to cuddle
Hmmm, now I'm having a melody in my mind, feel free to sing along: I've been through the battle on a MULE with no name...
:)
I was humming that too and then I saw your comment.😂👍 Great minds think alike!😉
Hey @@JaneDoe-ci3gj: Sing alike, too.
:)
It's soo fascinating to hear you speak about how he compares to your horses! He is lovely!
"Four days were spent in thinking what name to give him, because (as he said to himself) it was not right that a horse belonging to a knight so famous, and one with such merits of his own, should be without some distinctive name, and he strove to adapt it so as to indicate what he had been before belonging to a knight-errant, and what he then was" - The naming of 'Rocinante'; Don Quixote's horse. Also fitting because of the attempt to relive chivalry.
He’s such a clever fellow. You can see him thinking about everything, and enjoying learning the fun stuff.
Why no one has suggested 'Braveheart', I don't know. When you said 'He's got a brave heart', I was like YES.
I just thought the same!
That is an excellent name
That fits very well
Because Braveheart make historians scream with rage when they think of it. It's so historically inaccurate it's amazing.
@@ieuanhunt552 Fair enough :)
I think my favorite thing about your videos, is that you actually train which makes it very interesting.
He's bigger, fluffier and cuter than I remembered. It's really interesting to learn about their differences.
I'm so glad he's got a safe home now with you. When I saw the comments on the last vid about his nose scars I wanted to cry!
I know you're more of a sword and sorcery fan, but you could always go scifi with his name and call him Magnifico...
That mule is awesome
He is an absolute joy to watch! I am glad he found such a good home with you, what an amazing animal
He’s sweet! Seems like he comes from a rough past and is very happy with you. I’d name him Hero 😊
In America, we have a saying, "stubborn as a mule". They are known for being more willful than a horse. A fun project, and a fascinating experiment in living history
I clicked so fast! I’m so excited to see your progress with him. I commented on the last video With him that I’m very fond of mules, and how your training style is ideal for working with them. It really shows in how he is coming along.
I don’t know if sweet iron bits are very common in the U.K., as I am US based myself, but I have had great luck with mouthy horses and sweet iron. Copper seems to work too. but with as delicate as his mouth is and as much as he munches on it, The sweet iron might make in more pleasant. I also like eggbutt snaffleS that are double jointed. I think when they fiddle too much with a single joint, they end up poking themselves in the roof of the mouth with it. The double joint creates a flat plane so it doesn’t jab when the manipulate it in their mouths. And no pinching with the egg butt also.
I would love to hear exactly what but ends up working for him though.
He needs his own dedicated series!
The mule seems so relaxed at the end! Yawning, licking/chewing (Okay he was licking/chewing the entire time but nvm) The entire feel to him was so chill! What a great mule, I'm sure he'll be an awesome battle-mule once you've found the better opinion in this discussion :)
My husband watched the video with me and remarked: "..work on direction control and halting..." and "...spirit and attitude..." "Describes you, Trish." LOL
And yes they always tell us their names and we do listen and learn, otherwise, I wouldn't have a girl cat named Walter! Good luck with the training, looking forward to more videos and updates on his progress.
It's interesting how what might at first seem like a nicer option (putting something around his nose) can be a source of pain or discomfort in some situations. Glad he's with someone who's nice to him. He's a very handsome animal.
Fantastic to watch your progress! The old adage - tell a gelding, ask a mare and discuss with a stallion (and a mule!)
Howling Mocassin
Discuss with a stallion and negotiate with a mule.
Fascinating. Thank you for posting how he's coming along. Really looking forward to your updates
I LOVE this channel! Jason is a fantastic host!
Hi modern history! I am eagerly anticipating the next video of you working with this extraordinarily strange looking Spanish speaking dog. Keep up the great work!
Most horse videos have a bunch of nasty "mean girl" commenters, but this group is very civilized, and I learned a bunch of new things from the video AND the commenters. Thanks, all!
Thanks for a awesome video and for reminding us how great mules are. Your respect for him is obvious.
Still think he is a 'Galahad', a noble name he can grow into. Toseland is an old English name, might also work. Tosi for short :) Caleb might also work. Head tossing is a sign of discomfort, hopefully with time you can figure this out. He may not have been treated the best in his early years, but as he develops more and more trust in you, things should sort themselves out.
I’m pretty sure his head tossing is actually excitement, as it’s what he does when his feed is being made.
Well, he could name him "Tosser", but that has a different meaning in UK slang... :)
The way he talks to his animals though.
Adorable.
He's a horse whisperer...😱😁👍
Sir Lancelot: he seems to object when you turn him away from the camera. He wants to be the star of the movie, and expectations of having a golden globe award.
Grandfather used "He/Haw" for left and right. I trained 4H horses lots of fun and very profitable.
We used straight bit with chin chains with mules. But we never ride them, only in harness.
I agree! I think he picked up on that quickly! Don't underestimate him! That Grayson's a smart one!
Remembered this passage from Scott's "Ivanhoe" and thought you might appreciate it. "This worthy churchman rode upon a well-fed ambling mule, whose furniture was highly decorated, and whose bridle, according to the fashion of the day, was ornamented with silver bells. In his seat he had nothing of the awkwardness of the convent, but displayed the easy and habitual grace of a well-trained horseman. Indeed, it seemed that so humble a conveyance as a mule, in however good case, and however well broken to a pleasant and accommodating amble, was only used by the gallant monk for travelling on the road." (I liked the silver bells and you've talked about them in another video.)
Really enjoying the videos on your new friend, very informative and he is such a beautiful animal. His gait (or whatever you call a Mule's walk) looks really majestic too. You're obviously really good with equines, and quite brave to take on an animal that is literally the definition of stubborn.
He looks so much happier and relaxed! He's figured out you're a good guy and want the best for him. My only suggestion would be to stop hanging onto his head. He already knows where you want him to be and some of that head tossing might be him protesting your hold on him, in short, telling him what to do when he already knows it. Perhaps just loop the rein over your forearm or hold it much more loosely and farther away from his face? I'm so glad to see him looking so well and happy! He's definitely found a great home with you!
Watching a little farther on, you let go of the reins altogether and just put your hand over his face above his nose- and he stops mouthing the bit almost immediately. When you're hanging onto the bit and he ducks his head it puts bit pressure on his mouth and then he resists. At least, that's what I think? From my couch in the US? Having never been on a mule but a fair number of horses and ponies? :D
And then, when you poke (gently) at that scar tissue he definitely reacts with discomfort or maybe a little anxiety. Some of that bit mouthing might be related. I'm thrilled that you're so aware of his emotions and thoughts. Someone who wasn't paying attention could really mess him up pretty quickly. Anyway, I'm sure you'll find the right gear for him!