tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38127442012-02-16T01:42:30.830-08:00The adventures of Jenny, her faithful mule, Maxine, and new baby, Madge.Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.comBlogger391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-32269325382737833882010-08-16T20:40:00.000-07:002010-08-16T20:41:49.395-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that this blog has moved to www.mulemusings.com. If you're looking for new posts, come follow us there!Cheers,Jenny

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-15770788592181832952010-02-28T22:52:00.000-08:002010-02-28T22:58:34.253-08:00

Mule Musings now has a personal address: MuleMusings.com! Check it out and follow our travels from our new address.Personal observation: The version of the blog at this address will no longer be updated.Photo: Heading down the trail on a sunny Sunday.

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-19573205684003158712010-02-20T23:31:00.000-08:002010-02-21T11:03:03.113-08:00

I was a horse-crazy child. I drew horses in fields, I drew horses flying through the clouds... heck, I even drew a horse brushing it's teeth once. I read every horse book and magazine I could get my hands on. Whenever I could, I'd use horses in my school assignments.My parents were not horse people. The chance of me getting a horse as a child was about as likely as winning a gold medal in

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-71396122962329512972009-12-15T23:28:00.001-08:002009-12-15T23:37:03.052-08:00

My husband recently asked what I wanted for Christmas. After a little thought, I rattled off a few items: new stall hanger, extra bucket strap, portable saddle rack, reflective bridle set for riding after dark..."But, that's all stuff for your mules," he pouted. "I want to get something for you.""Um, where have you been the last five years, Sweetie?" I replied. "My girls are what make me happy,

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-38294657127634854652009-10-31T22:32:00.001-07:002009-10-31T22:34:33.686-07:00

Maxine, Madge, and I would like to wish you a happy, safe, warm Halloween.Photo: Max catches the swine flu.

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-81207052118592837082009-10-26T14:44:00.001-07:002009-10-26T14:44:37.594-07:00

From your friends, Jenny, Maxine, and Madge.Peronal observation: Be sure to add it to your calendar. National Mule Day is every October 26!Photo: Maxine and I give Madge a workout.

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-81587969571018352312009-10-23T20:21:00.000-07:002009-10-23T20:22:42.607-07:00

Before Madge was born, I bought a large, expandable foal blanket. It was sold for Warmblood and Thoroughbred foals, so I was certain it would last--at least a little while.During the summer, the blanket got quite soiled. Seems I was using it more as a training device on the stall floor than as a blanket for my baby. In late August, I thought it was time to get it ready for winter, so I tossed it

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-4781465118188121672009-10-22T22:41:00.000-07:002009-10-22T22:42:10.783-07:00

As you can see, Maxine continues to resist the notion that Madge is here to stay. However, I have to admit that I kinda prefer it this way. The last thing I need is a pair of herd-bound idiots to deal with. As long as Max keeps an attitude, Madge will always know her place.I often tell Maxine that she'll always be my number-one gal. In return, she helps me remind Madge know that I'm number one in

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-58224773611698394562009-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:002009-10-11T19:58:54.676-07:00

As is the case with most riders, my goal when I took up riding was to never hit the ground. I don't know anyone who wouldn't agree that it's a lofty goal, especially when dealing with equines, but it never hurts to set your sights high.My first step in the right direction was to find a safe, reputable trainer with calm, well-broke schooling animals. Unfortunately, I've learned that no amount of

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-4837896818964415152009-10-08T16:00:00.000-07:002009-10-08T16:10:46.550-07:00

When I hear my friends talk about how their human babies are starting to crawl or pull themselves to their feet at however-many-months-old, I always want to say, "My baby could walk over a bridge, haunch turn, and back up by the time she was one-month old."It's not that I want to overshadow their success stories. I just want to share my glory along with them. Fortunately, I know when to bite my

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-80878452792569414072009-10-06T22:21:00.001-07:002009-10-06T22:21:43.451-07:00

Let me tell you a little secret. Just four years ago, I looked my horsey friend in the eye and said, "I don't ever want to have a foal. It would be too much work!"Boy, did I eat those words!When my trainer called in early 2008, to offer me a breeding with her mare and a local jack, I was surprised when I didn't instantly say, "No way!" What was I, a three-year equestrian whose husband would

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-61637477257985580582009-07-26T13:05:00.000-07:002009-07-26T13:11:04.640-07:00

A few weeks ago, Maxine got to meet her sister, face-to-face. How did it go, you ask? Exactly as expected—Maxine checked her out for a moment. Then, in true alpha-mare style, she nipped at her nose, undeniably establishing her dominance.Personal observation: Way to tell her who's boss, Max. I wouldn't expect any less.Frankly, I'm quite pleased the relation started on that note. My trainer and I

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-41906675666102697252009-07-20T20:30:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:37:32.762-07:00

As we spent three days trying to get little Madge to drink, one question loomed in all of our minds: "Is she just that stupid?" We can now say confidently: "No, she's not stupid!" At two weeks old, Madge crossed her first bridge, on the first try, with no help from her equine mother.In fact, we prepared ourselves for a scene when we took the two out that day for the first time. We soon found that

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-24601922958200820152009-07-18T22:23:00.001-07:002009-07-20T20:37:56.453-07:00

I've been told that a mule has the brain capacity of a two-year-old child and I believe it! When my friends talk about their kids, I find it hard not to begin comparing them to my mules. The funny thing is, they are so like children that it's hard for me not to make the comparison! Take Maxine for example. She was my first "child," so she'll always be my favorite. However, now that Madge has

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-5622439218927024292009-05-18T21:47:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:38:13.842-07:00

Start at the beginning.Hallelujah! She's got a brain!My trainer called me at work on Monday morning with the best news ever—one of the wranglers saw Madge nursing! Plus, the mare's milk station was empty, so it's likely that she'd been nursing for quite a while.A few minutes later, she called again with even better news—she was watching Madge nurse with her own eyes!Whew!It sure took a village to

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-51211591589267667462009-05-14T22:23:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:38:28.816-07:00

Start at the beginning.On Sunday, I awoke with a renewed heart. I had a feeling something was different.Knowing that my trainer and family could take care of the first feeding, I put a pan on the stove and started frying up a couple eggs for breakfast. Then the phone rang."The Barn" flashed on my caller ID screen."This is Jenny.""Hi, Jenny, this is your trainer.""How are things going?" I just

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-23281389280363114662009-05-12T21:17:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:38:57.867-07:00

On Saturday morning, I dragged myself out of bed. Since I hadn't received a call from the barn, I was most certain that Madge hadn't begun nursing on her own. My suspicions were confirmed when I saw my trainer's dad milking the mare when I arrived. Dang.I quickly entered the stall to help. Again, we tried to coax Madge to the teet, but she would have nothing to do with it as long as we were

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-13686843008873829162009-05-11T19:25:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:39:21.296-07:00

Last Friday, May 8, my trainer called me at 7:45 a.m. to let me know that after more than a year of waiting, (I made the deal before the breeding took place) my foal had finally arrived. "It's a girl!" she cried into the phone. We'd been crossing our fingers that the baby would be a mare. Heck, we even outfitted the pregnant mother with a pink halter. Never underestimate the power of suggestion!

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-71407112474630602009-05-07T22:02:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:39:45.574-07:00

Read part one.I was so excited the next day. My trainer's dad was scheduled to pick up Donk around noon and I'd head out after work to give him a try. As soon as I arrived at the barn, my trainer said, "I know you're eager to try him out. Why don't you bring him around and tack him up where I can observe. Based on what we've seen, I think you can ride him first."Wow! I wouldn't even need anyone

Crowguyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184222248607378514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-84461069804716667692009-04-30T20:12:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:40:09.054-07:00

I went out to the barn today to visit Maxine. We hadn't seen each other since our exciting clinic last Saturday. Frankly, I wanted to give her a break to recuperate. Because her hooves are a little overdue for the farrier, I decided to tackle a some light groundwork. It wasn't going to be a long session, I just wanted to see what her mood was like. I'm pleased to say that Maxine was in fine form.

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-81631585909016058832009-04-29T21:23:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:40:23.633-07:00

Last Saturday, my trainer put on a Mountain Trail Clinic, and we were all invited. I was very excited and couldn't wait to take Maxine. The clinic was at another location, so we'd have new obstacles and areas to use for training. There's no better opportunity for fun...Or so I thought.I drove down to the barn to pick up Maxine. She's been a little awnry with loading lately (a complete act that I

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-36882434255505477992009-01-31T22:34:00.000-08:002009-07-20T20:40:40.140-07:00

As many of you already know, I'm expecting a baby this spring. A baby mule, that is. I'm very excited about the prospect of owning a mule that I handle from day one. Of course, having never done this before, I've asked my trainer to do whatever she can to help me (and Maxine) prepare for the task.Three weeks ago, when I was taking Maxine through a light workout, the perfect training situation

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-87220397633015348082009-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:002009-07-20T20:40:51.346-07:00

It's been three months since Maxine's freakish food grabbing/ tendon injuring incident and I'm finally back in the saddle again. She was looking pretty good in December, but I decided to wait until early January before putting her back to work. I didn't want to take any chance that I'd reinjure her leg.The first weekend started slow.I went out on Friday and jogged her around the driveway. And I

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-41356833557126245162009-01-18T23:23:00.000-08:002009-07-20T20:45:17.997-07:00

My weekend with Maxine was much different than in years past. She'd cut her leg in a food-grabbing stunt the month before, and I just wasn't sure that she'd be ready for the show.Playing it safe, I entered her in the In-Hand class only. This turned out to be a wise decision. By the weekend of the show, she was doing well on her own, but I didn't yet want to put my weight on her--especially over

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-71024295013215430362008-11-19T21:34:00.000-08:002009-07-20T20:45:57.728-07:00

When it was time for our first class, I was summoned to the show ring. Tying to the hitching post went well, but my mind was scattered that I totally missed the gate, instead heading straight for the mounting block. Oops! My bad! I lined Hazel up to the block, but she was in no mood to stand still and quietly sidled away from me. A few more attempts and she was closer, but she wasn't close

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-56406768293530032302008-11-06T22:17:00.000-08:002009-07-20T20:46:37.133-07:00

I woke up bright and early this morning for the first morning of the National Trail Championship. As usual, my stomach was tight and I had no appetite, so we quickly got ready and drove over to the Oregon Horse Center.This time, my husband, Travis, came with me. Usually he gets out of shows because of his work schedule, but this time he'd agreed to be there the entire time to be my groom. Not

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-85757942861409649722008-11-05T22:08:00.000-08:002009-07-20T20:46:57.555-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day of the National Trail Championship at Oregon Horse Center, and for once I'm not exactly excited about it. You see, Maxine's leg has just not healed 100 percent. She's so close to sound that it's tempting to enter her in the riding class, but I know that would be a big mistake.For the last three shows, we've won the In Hand Open class. My goal is to win the class once

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-17545037877273421412008-11-02T00:34:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:47:58.713-07:00

Today was lesson day. Despite some questionable weather, I headed to the barn to see what I could learn. There's less than a week until the big trail show, so I wanted to put some final tuning on my skills before the big weekend.When I arrived, I noticed that the smaller field was empty, so I asked my trainer if I could put Maxine out for a little grazing. She said it would be fine as long as I

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-34017247830136716412008-10-31T00:35:00.000-07:002009-07-20T20:47:24.509-07:00

So much for buying my first mule. Donk was a complete bust -- horribly ugly with a personality to match. I should have know just by hearing his name, but I was willing to give him a look.Here's how it all started...A few weeks ago, I told my trainer that I think I'm ready to start shopping for my first mule. While I'm not sure how I'll swing the purchase, I've been assured that it takes a good

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-52197751602363176032008-10-22T23:21:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:14:35.054-07:00

I went out to check on Maxine today, eager to see if the swelling in her leg was still visible and give her some TLC.When I brought her out of the barn, I was delighted to see that the swelling was nearly gone. Then, as I reached down to take a closer look, I found something entirely new.Much to my surprise, I noticed a sizable gash halfway between her knee and pastern. WHAT!?! How had no one

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-53635575071552763862008-10-21T23:21:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:14:56.296-07:00

When folks found out that Maxine was unable to go to the Trail Clinic this past weekend at Oregon Horse Center, I was quickly elected to ride two other mules. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I loved every minute of it! (Sorry, Max!)The first mule I rode was Molly. She's a 16.2 (and 3/4) Belgium cross that belongs to my trainer's mom. Now 7 years old, Molly has been in training at the barn

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-59599698828400292542008-10-16T12:51:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:15:42.557-07:00

When I was in high school, Huey Lewis and the News came out with a single that included the time-honored phrase: "The more something changes, the more it stays the same." At the time, it didn't really make sense to me. How could something change but stay the same?Fifteen years of experience later, and I know all to well the meaning behind the quote.I went out to ride Maxine last night and noticed

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-22023433159758503902008-10-16T12:47:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:16:14.653-07:00

Travis came out to ride with me tonight. Believe it or not, it's only his second ride on Maxine! He's taken lessons here and there, but he usually takes them on other animals so that I can ride my lesson on Max. I must say, he does look good on a horse. Sometimes I wish he had a little more cowboy in his blood, but I'll take what I got. He has come a long way with this riding. He's much more

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-7290519584013195012008-10-09T18:15:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:16:37.515-07:00

Needless to say, by the fourth day of our trip, Travis and I were exhausted. At 5:40 a.m., I woke up to start Maxine's breakfast. After about fifteen minutes, the pellets had turned to slop. I carried them through the trees where my gal awaited, anxiously. Then, I went back to the tent, where I slept until 7:30 a.m. The night before, Travis and I had discussed hitting the trail by 8:00 a.m., but

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-43505796712447968572008-10-04T18:59:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:16:55.502-07:00

After the previous night's excitement, we woke up to a promising day. I fed Maxine her breakfast and then went to see how much damage she'd done to her leg the night before. Further inspection showed that she had a somewhat nasty rope burn, but was otherwise unscathed. I went to our pack and returned with the Neosporin and a tube of Banamine to sooth any pain.Banamine -- Never leave home without

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-49426303943866121672008-10-02T12:25:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:17:54.196-07:00

After a less than restful night, I woke up to get Maxine's breakfast started. The week before I'd done a little research to see what kind of forage we'd have for Max during the trip. The general consensus was "little to none," so we packed in food our girl. Each morning she received five pounds of hay pellets, plus her usual bag of grain and goodies. I know that horses can have trouble eating

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-81243683512787100722008-09-28T17:56:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:18:18.743-07:00

Recently, I took my first pack trip with Maxine. It wasn't your typical pack trip, with strings of horses and mules meandering down the trail. This was really just a backpacking trip with Maxine in tow. Just so you know, I have little prior horse-packing experience. For the last three years I have intently listened to various speakers and watched many demonstrations during the Horse Packing and

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-12226019597602735892008-09-28T17:42:00.000-07:002009-07-20T21:19:52.938-07:00

I've recently rediscovered the joy of horses, and regressed to my fifth-grade self, thanks to a dear friend at work. I apologize ahead of time if I talk your ear off about my recent equine adventures the next time I see you! Fortunately, Travis has been taking my new hobby in stride; he swears he does not think I'm nuts!Besides, this is more than just a passing fancy; I already have boots and a

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3812744.post-68595920556924594162008-09-28T17:25:00.000-07:002008-09-28T17:38:45.734-07:00

Those who know me are more than aware that I've been riding mules since early 2005. Throughout the years, my friends and family have been subject to myriad stories about my adventures on "muleback." Since I have so much to share about my adventures, I thought this would be a great place to log my journey. I'll even be sure to include some flashbacks to some of my favorite riding experiences.

Jenny H.noreply@blogger.com0