They aren't just for packs and plowing any more...
Meet the new, modern mule
The first mule we see in this video looks particularly suited to dressage -- lovely trot, softly yielding poll, clear 3-beat canter, and the kind eye -- can't you just SEE this one doing second level? If judges like to see softly flopping ears in the dressage ring, well, here ya go :-)
I think I'm talking myself into a mule.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Mules in dressage: More unbridled cuteness
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Dressage Mules are great. Only followed by the dressage Zebra.
ReplyDeleteIf I had extra space I'd have one of those large draft Mules doing dressage.
No offense, but you'd never make it as a dressage judge :) This mule would be hard-pressed to score above 60% on an Intro test, never-mind 2nd level. Note that, even when moving freely, it doesn't track up at either the walk or trot. There's no suspension, the gaits are short and stiff, and there's no hope for anything with that conformation doing a reasonable approximation of collected work. Mules excel at certain things, but classical dressage is not one of them. If you want to do dressage, buy a horse that's bred for it.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I beg to differ! Dressage is not about who has the best gaits, it's about whose horse is properly trained. I've seen some horses with very modest gaits do quite well at second level.
ReplyDeleteI think your statement "there's no hope" says it all. Oh, wait, maybe the statement "buy a horse that's bred for it" says it all? Relatively few of us have horses bred for dressage, and a lot of my posts show horses bred for other disciplines demonstrating quite nicely that they can do well beyond intro level.
Ok Sarah, You need to see this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.luckythreeranch.com/whatsnew.html
USDF Selects Mules as Breed of the Month
Mules make the grade! The August issue of USDF Connection Magazine features the mule as its "Breed of Month." Meredith is mentioned in the article as one who deserves "much of the credit for mules' advancement in the dressage world..." Also earning a well-deserved mention, American Mule Association member Heart B Porter Creek, the "winningest mule in the history of U.S. dressage," and owner/rider Audrey Goldsmith (pictured here).
and more info on Dressage mules
ReplyDeletehttp://www.luckythreeranch.com/documents/dancingwithmules.html
http://agweekly.com/articles/2009/02/14/country_life/equestrian/equine74.txt
Owning a mule and trying some dressage is definitely on my life list. They are so neat and intelligent and I have seen some pretty adorable ones on your blog. I am sold too. :)
ReplyDeleteMy Fenway Bartholomule, after more than a decade as a trail and elk hunting mule, shows less natural aptitude than this guy. (Don't tell him.) That said, he has a lovely swinging walk, a lot of adjustability in his stride, and a very willing attitude. He is going to submit to taking a few dressage lessons with me this summer, and I think we will both enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mule props! It's great to see them getting a little time in the spotlight. You can't beat their intelligence and the quality of their companionship, and for the amateur rider isn't that half the fun?
I have more up my sleeve! Sometimes I think people don't know what they want -- sure, a big moving natural dressage horse is alluring, but in the end I want to have a sweet, kind face on the other end of the lead rope. Maybe if I were a huge talent myself, I'd be more ambitious. But here I am, basically an ammie rider, and I want to like the horse or mule that I have.
ReplyDeleteMy friend's comments:
ReplyDelete"Do you know why one looks suitable for dressage and the otherreally doesn't? limey9: The first one moves on diagonals just like a horse. The second one doesn't, it moves the front and hind leg on the same side of its body at the same time - which is what mules do!Which is why some people prefer riding them as it is more comfy. I'd almost bet that the first one is a Hinney!
She (if she really is a she) is very feminine looking!
ReplyDeleteI've got a deal for you Stacey... you send me Harv (and maybe Riley, too), and I'll help you look for a dressage mule! Deal? :)
ReplyDeleteThe whole point of dressage is the "journey", not the points or score. I think the first one had nice gaits (for any breed/species).
I will also add that it is very hard to get a horse to "track-up" in hand. The training on those mules is impressive.
Should I stop persuing my training on my OTTB mare, since she is "bred for racing." Huh... she so enjoyed the hunter ring too. Sorry Bella, we'll take your 11 year old self back to the track to run, since you were "bred for it."
I've always thought working with a mule in dressage would be great. Story from last year that I found interesting: http://www.bendbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090608/NEWS0107/906080305/1001/NEWS01
ReplyDeleteMules are alright but you guys are wrong about gaits being important when looking at a dressage horse. I mean if you only want to go to 2nd level thats ok but when I've been out looking at horses with trainers and clients you always look for natural apptiude in the movements. You can't teach a trot, you can refine it but the basis needs to be there. The OTTB lady needs not to spaz, Zenyatta would have a lovely 2nd career as a dressage mare. An upper level one at that! Let's also remember that the majority of dressage riders are purists for horses and horsemanship and will naturally have a favorite breed and even a favorite line within a breed.
ReplyDelete