Mule Ranch Podcast

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about why you need to keep mules out of the pasture, when to use a round pen (and when not to), what size your stall should be, testing mule feed and when to feed when, and A Whole Lot More! Groundwork and foundation training is essential before moving on to more advanced training like riding. It teaches timing, communication and helps establish you as the herd leader. Mules need consistency in training. Every step you take shows them what is expected of them. It's important to take your mule out of pasture and stall train them. This makes them 100% dependent on you and establishes you as the herd leader. Proper nutrition is vital for mule health. Have your hay tested and supplemented with things like zinc if needed. Avoid sweet feed. The correct bit and bridle combination is important. A wrong combo can ruin a mule's mouth. Start with a snaffle bit and progress from there. Steve's granddaughter

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about what Spanish Mules are, bucking rolls and how to install them, mules shoes versus boots, breaching, and A Whole Lot More! The most important thing is to care for your mule/donkey properly and gain their trust. Nutrition, tack, and communication are essential. Avoid saddles that sit on the scapula. Use a saddle with a rear cinch and breastcollar to properly support and balance the saddle. Take time to perform proper groundwork and halter training using a come-along hitch before saddling up. This establishes communication and trust. When looking for a mule, focus more on temperament and training over looks. Ensure they have proper tack and saddling techniques. Donkeys make better guard animals than mules. Mules can be overly aggressive and protective towards livestock. Do not put boots on your donkeys or mules. Shoes allow their feet to properly shape and contract naturally. For saddles that

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about what a chiropractor visit for mules and donkeys looks like, Why a mule tip toes down hills and if it’s a good thing, and A Whole Lot More! Steve recommends ground foundation work and the come along hitch for training mules and donkeys. This helps teach them proper space boundaries and communication. Lateral flexions are not recommended. They can train the mule to run through their shoulder instead of yielding properly. Chiropractic and dental work are important first steps before training a mule. They ensure there are no physical issues that could hinder training. Bit and bridle selection are crucial. Horse bits and bridles often do not work well for mules. A 19-inch brow band bridle and Steve's trail rider's bit are recommended. Mules can have difficulties with depth perception, making some tasks like water crossings and trailer loading challenging. Proper training and communication can hel

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about the difference in his saddles, how long to use a Martingale, if using a mini tail crupper is okay, running mules barefoot, and A Whole Lot More! Proper nutrition and foot care are essential for mule and donkey health. They should be fed a high-quality feed specifically formulated for equines, not just horse feed. Their hooves need to be trimmed regularly and kept symmetrical to prevent issues like contracted heels. Steve's saddles come with an instructional DVD to show owners how to properly fit the saddle to their animal's back. Used saddles may have been modified, impacting the fit and comfort for the mule or donkey. Lightweight saddles have benefits for both riders and animals. They are easier for riders with physical limitations to hoist onto the mule's back, and they place less strain on the animal. Groundwork and training from a young age are important. Tying animals properly can teach

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about adjusting his tack via a photo of a customer’s mule, ground foundation training tips, what bits to use and when, timing of giving your mule commands, and A Whole Lot More! Recorded July 29, 2020

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about what is stringhalt or stifle lock and can it be fixed, fixing ear shy mules, helping watershed mules, and a host of other behavior problems; plus how to neutralize mule odor from urine in the stalls and A Whole Lot More! Recorded July 22, 2020

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about britchen placement on your mule and the only time to use a crupper, how to clean mule sheath, worming a nursing mule, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about mules pawing the ground, snorting at people and objects, switching tails at the owner, and other mule problem behaviors explained and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about allowing mules to graze versus feeding pellets and when to use a muzzle to prevent grazing, whether to feed grain versus hay, mules nipping at clothing and shoes, when to saddle a young mule, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about mule behaviors around small animals, properly fitting mule saddles, bits, and halters, when to use a grazing muzzle, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about a bucking mule was found to have a cracked scapula so it cannot be ridden anymore, mule feed for use and problems with weight, adding bucking rolls to adult saddle to adapt for children, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about the different ways to hobble your mule and the best way he uses, trailering mules across country and if they need breaks out of the trailer, mule feed and foundering on spring cuts, and A Whole Lot More! Click 'show more' to see the minute marker for each question so you can get right to the topic you're most interested in! Please leave a comment below letting us know what you think about the video, and be sure to subscribe to our channel before you go!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about the different ways to hobble your mule and the best way he uses, trailering mules across country and if they need breaks out of the trailer, mule feed and foundering on spring cuts, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about saddle and saddle pads for people over 250 lbs, if you should use dog-bone snaffle bits or rubber bits, bad mule behaviors, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about when to use a vibrating dog collar on your mule (HINT: has to do with pawing), panniers used for packing, types of bits to use for packing and on rescue mules with cuts on tongue, how to pack meat on mules, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about ground foundation training and the first steps to prepare to ride your mule or donkey, he explains shivers and if anything can be done, the right way to shoe your animals, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about a mule and donkey nutrition block he is forumating, problems mounting and what side to mount your animal, carriage driving, riding bitless, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about using magnesium supplements and the Bump Bump Bump method on sensitive mules, answers several questions on mule bits, using hackamores, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about how to speed up or slow down your mules and donkeys, tips for saddle care (and resale value of Steve’s saddles), advanced leg aids for tight inside leg turning, and A Whole Lot More!

In this episode, Steve Edwards, owner of Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Queen Valley, Arizona takes time to talk about the new 19 lb saddle that needs named, the New Cowboy Heritage Saddle is available for sale, Should you use supplements for colic, and A Whole Lot More!