Whatever You Do, Please Don't Run Under Her Belly!

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 came out of the blue. My trainer was training a mini-donkey yearling, Jen-ai. Let me tell you, this little jenny is a spit-fire. Jen-ai is has a lot of buck for such a little girl. Noticing that she had quite a bit of spunk, but wasn't quite getting the whole "I go you go" deal, I asked my trainer if she'd like me to pony her. Yes, she replied eagerly.

I took the lead rope, looped it once around my saddle horn, and set off with Maxine--little Jen-ai dragging behind. Fortunately, it only took a second for her to learn that it was much easier to walk than be pulled and she quickly fell in next to Maxine.

And then she got a mind of her own. She bucked when she saw mud. She tried to go under Maxine's belly. And, each time we got in sight of her barn she'd try to run past Maxine.

I was there to tell her "No," but my work was made easier by Maxine, who had entered the Mother Zone. Each time she "spoke out of turn," Maxine would turn and give her a look that put her back in her place. Once or twice she even gave Jen-ai a quiet, but stern, bray to show her who's boss.

Once, Jen-ai ran right in front of Maxine. Scared she might get trampled I pulled the reins to "Whoa," but Max was one step (or halt) ahead of me. She instinctively came to a stop. As she turned to Jen-ai and then to me, I could clearly read the look on her face--"silly kids." I'm positive she even rolled her eyes.

In the end, Jen-ai got the picture and set about to show that she will eventually have manners. Not bad for her first time with a big girl.

I was overjoyed with Maxine's response to the situation. While Max is not the mother ofmy future mule, I envision her taking a strong role in her training--showing her what it means to be a good mule. She's once again proven that I can count on her to keep the little one in line.

Of course, we had so much fun that we've been ponying minis almost every weekend since. It won't be long before the baby's here, so we'll take all the practice we can get!

Photo: Maxine and I ponying Buzz, a mini-donkey. Buzz is so named because he has so much energy that it's as if he's on a caffeine buzz! This was his first time with the big girls and he took to it well.

Patience is a Virtue...

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 mean that literally--I ran next to her for lap after lap to so she could loosen up her weakened muscles without my weight on her back.

The next day, I ponied her off of Hazel. To my surprise, she really enjoyed walking with Hazel. She doesn't typically like ponying or being ponied by horses or mules, but, Hazel is a donkey, so that's entrely different. *roll eyes* Silly girl.

The next weekend I gently climed aboard and took her for a light workout--mostly walking with a couple of laps at a trot here and there. Since she really needs to build up her back muscles, I started taking her through a lot of bending exercises. I also toss in some haunch turns and backing up a slight incline to build up her hind end.

The slow re-entry phase has payed off. This is her fourth weekend back under saddle and I'm really starting to feel her get her strength back. Her hind end isn't loosey-goosey anymore, her back is really toning up, and she's getting her old power walk back.

Tomorrow, she'll get her first trail workout at Elijah Bristow State Park. We've been there a few times. The park has a nice flat trail that she really enjoys. I'm so looking forward to it!

Photo: Me and Maxine on the trail at Elijah Bristow. This was taken last summer.

Competing at the 2008 National Trail Championship -- The Maxine Perspective

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 those steep hills and drop-downs.

On the first day we entered the ring and made our way through the course. Always the trooper, Maxine explored the trail with ease. We ended the first day in first place!

Our second day didn't go quite as well. On one particular obstacle we were required to cross a ditch. Unfortunately, the ditch wasn't a long one and, convinced it was safer to take the flatter, safer route, she didn't cross the ditch cleanly. Still we forged ahead. We didn't finish in first place that day, but we remained near the top of the pack.

On the third day, I was convinced that we'd tumbled to the bottom of the standings. I thought that Maxine was pushy and rushed over the obstacles. Of course, I always think this and I'm glad to say I'm often wrong. At the end of the day, I found out that I was in the top five. I'd have to wait until the next morning's award ceremony to find out my final standing.

The next morning, I was a wee bit nervous. Before the ceremony, I sang the National Anthem for the crowd. Then I headed down to take Maxine into the ring to await the results. It was a long wait, but they finally got to my class. Mark, the announcer, said that the top three placings were separated by a mere three points. Maxine and I placed third! The horses that placed first and second are stellar In-Hand animals and I was happy to place with such good competition.

Personal observation: However, I can't honestly say that I wasn't disappointed. This was the first year that buckles were handed out at the show. I've never won a buckle and I'm dying to do so. I know there's always next time, but dang it. If I hadn't let Maxine blow that ditch, (we got a six for that obstacle) we would've placed first. I know what I'll be doing this winter--digging a ditch so we can practice, practice, practice.

Of course, no matter what we place, I'm very proud of my girl--we always get a lot of praise from judges, fellow competitors, and spectators alike. I am so happy to be part of a show where nearly everyone is friendly, thoughtful of one another, and genuinely supportive and pleased when other competitors do well. Their support encourages me to continually improve my skills so that I continue to rise to the top in my classes. I always compete with a smile on my face because I truly enjoy these competitions.

Photo: Maxine and I compete in the In-Hand Open class at the Mountain Trail Competition.

Competing at the 2008 National Trail Championship -- The Hazel Perspective (Part Two)

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 enough. My trainer had brought a treeless saddle for her to use. Very comfortable, but I didn't find it very stable for mounting in this situation.

Finally, I was in the saddle and we were off--over the hills and through the dry lake bed. We did well through this section, although we were a bit rushed. After a few more hills we came to the ditch. This was parrellel to the fence where the crowd was gathered to watch. Hazel was not happy with the attention and blew right past the obstacle. I was no help, of course. I simply wasn't ready for this behavior and let her slip right through my hands. That said, I'm not one to stand down easily. While it took some power on my part, we did get through the ditch.

We then walked up to the bridge, which Hazel again blew past. Oops, I was a little late with the halt cue. Never-the-less, a few do-overs later, and we were crossing the bridge.

Personal observation: At this point I was a bit flummoxed. I've ridden Hazel a few times now and I've never experienced this behavior. Frankly, I wasn't sure how to handle the situation. You see, I don't always recognize when an animal is acting like a butt vs. when there is something actually wrong with them. I tend to lean toward the latter. In other words, I began to think that Hazel was bothered and therefore I shouldn't push her though anything.

A refusal (the walk-over box), a ditch (successful), and a less-than-perfect ground-tie attempt later, and our class was finished. I thanked the final judge and left the ring with a smile--the only way I know how to show.

Back in the warm-up arena, my trainer assured me that Hazel was taking advantage of me and asked me to trot her down some more. Gladly! We still had our class in the big arena ahead of us, and I wanted to be sure that we were prepared. I just knew something was bothering Hazel, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Fortunately, my trainer has a good eye. As I rode around the arena, she noticed that Hazel was spooking at the number and tassels that hung from the back of the show pad she was wearing. Eureka!

A quick tack change and I was back in the warm-up arena with a much calmer Hazel. Phew!

I'd also changed to my own saddle--one with a tree. The next class called for me to mount in the arena just like the last one. The fitted saddle gave me a bit more confidence for that obstacle. Hazel, however, still wasn't certain she wanted me up there, so she fiddled a bit before standing still.

Personal observation: I was starting to remember how I'd felt during my first big trail show with Maxine. We had to mount in the ring in the first class that year as well. I was 30 pounds heaver at the time and they didn't have a mounting block in the arena like they do now. I was so nervous and Maxine could tell. She didn't want to be anywhere near me. In fact, she broke away from my grasp and wandered away, leaving me standing atop a rock, feeling like a fool! The judge was kind enough to bring her back. Dreading a repeat performance, I asked, "Would you mind holding my stirrup? I don't normally ride in the wilderness alone."

Back in the saddle, we headed toward the hill. As we ascended the switchback, I was slow with my right-turn cue ("Use more leg") and Hazel went over top of a large boulder! "My fault," I told her as we eased back onto the path and headed up the hill.

At the top of the hill we reached the bridge and Hazel said, "I don't know about this." She dropped her head and inspected the footing. After some hesitation we were across the bridge and down the hill.

Hazel rode quietly through the next set of obstacles, cautiously exploring a ditch and picking her way carefully over rocks and trees. My favorite obstacle by far was the double-row of trees. These were set about four feet apart, with the limbs meeting in the middle. The object was to ride about twenty feet into the "tunnel" and then back out the way we came. Hazel did this well.

Then we were on to the skinny trail that led behind the lake. Hazel was cautious about the rock stairs that led up to the trail, but I urged her on with a "Step up" cue. Unfortunately, she was less secure about the trail behind the lake. After a few "almost" attempts, I ran out time and was waved on by the judge. We had the same struggle with the water.

Personal observation: At this point, I could've become very frustrated. There was no reason for Hazel to refuse these obstacles, and I'm sure that my trainer would've had her across in a second. That said, I know that I'm still learning. I simply didn't have enough tools in my toolbox to address the situation. One day I'll have a big fancy Snap-On, 20-drawer tool cabinet chock full of tools for every imaginable task like my trainer does, but at this point I'm doing pretty well with my heavy-duty, flip-top, portable Stanley tool chest. At least I outgrew the Fischer-Price kit long ago!

After that, it was smooth riding for the rest of the course.

The next two days got better and better. We had a few struggles, but what we did do, we did well. While I knew we wouldn't come in first in the big arena, we'd done well for our first time together. Donkeys can be a tough nut to crack, and I'm determined to become the best donkey rider I can be. Yes, I'm crazy.

Photo: Hazel and I prepare for the big trail show.

And So, It Begins -- Hazel's First Day (Part One)

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 that the mules take much grooming for this show -- it's too late in the year to even clip them -- but it's nice to have someone there to run back to the stall when you forgot your hat.

Maxine was waiting in her stall when we arrived. It was strange to think that I wouldn't even have to tack her up this year. It would save a lot of time, but I was sad that we wouldn't be competing against the big boys in the Open class. Still, I was firm in my decision to put her health over my selfishness... er, happiness.

Hazel and Molly did have to be tacked up, but I wouldn't ride them until later, so it could wait. Instead, we wandered over to participate in the walk through.

Ah, the trail course walk through. This is one of my least favorite parts of the trail show. While I do appreciate the chance to walk through the course and ask questions of the judges -- I've learned a hell of a lot that way -- I am often annoyed by how much people over-think the course.

Here's how it works: First I get a course map from the show office. The map includes a primitive drawing of the course with the obstacles numbered, typically from one to 20. Above that is a description of what to do at each obstacle, such as enter pond, walk between two rocks, circle waterfall, etc. Then, I head over to the course to walk through on my own, deciphering the map as I go.

Now, I'll admit that the map is sometimes so crudely drawn that it's difficult to follow through some obstacles. Major, the gent who runs the show, is the first to admit that the drawings are less than perfect. In fact, he often claims that the map was drawn at 4:00 a.m.! Even so, it doesn't take too much common sense to figure 95% of the stuff out. The rest I just take at face value, but not everyone does.

The walk through starts with Major explaining the course while Mario, the head groundskeeper, walks the course. This is very helpful, if you can get in the front of the pack and follow Mario through the course. Unfortunately, folks start to pile up and go off course, confusing those behind them. This leads to the inevitable questions: "Do we go to the left of the right of the rock?"

Personal observation: Okay, call me a brash snob, but personally I really don't care what side of the rock you ride on. In my book, you take the side that (a) keeps you in view of the judge, (b) looks the most difficult, and (c) is, above all, safe. Nevertheless, the topic is discussed at length until every person who wasn't listening when the last person asked the same question has received a satisfactory answer.

The show starts immediately after the walk through, so I go and get Molly and Hazel ready. My first class of the day is with Hazel in the Logan Arena. That's the smaller arena that's intended for riders and/or animals that aren't quite ready for the big course in the Silverado Arena. My trainer suggested that I enter Hazel in this side because it was her first time being ridden in this show and there was a Donkey, All Riders class. Much to my disappointment, I was the only rider in the class.

Personal observation: Some folks would be exstatic to be the only rider in the class because it's a guaranteed blue ribbon. However. I'm highly competitive. While I enjoy my time in the class regardless, I'd much prefer to compete against at least four other riders. I have principles, you know!

About 30 minutes before my class I took Hazel to the arena to warm up. Anyone who's ridden a well-trained donkey knows that they don't need much in the line of warm-up. If you can get a donkey to trot you're doing well. Therefore, I didn't think it would take much to get her ready.

Much to my surprise, Hazel was sharp and ready to go. A little bit too ready. Like Maxine at her first show trail show three years ago, Hazel was dreadfully bothered by the unpredictable crowd in the warm-up arena. Unlike a regular show, the trail show attracts folks who don't normally spend time on the show circuit. Therefore, they don't quite have a handle on proper warm-up arena etiquette.

To make matters at little more intense, a few of the riders have horses that must be warmed up at a full-out gallop. While many of these folks are good riders, they sometimes forget that not everyone in the ring -- be it rider or animal -- is as experienced as they are. Hazel was in that group. Every time a horse would gallop alongside her, she would tense up and speed forward. Once or twice she even broke into a trot, headed for the gate -- not common for a donkey, especially Hazel. Each time she stopped obligingly, but I could tell that she was rattled.

To be continued...

Photo: Hazel loves attention!

Thinking With Your Head... Not Your Heart

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 again. As much as I want to ride her, I know that if I take that chance, I run the risk of injuring her leg on the rough terrain. That would ruin my chances of winning any class -- In Hand or otherwise.

Therefore, I've made the decision with my head, not my heart, to enter Max only in the In Hand Open this weekend. I will miss our chance to ride the course together, but her long term health is more important than this show.

Fortunately, I'm not out of the riding all together. My trainer asked me to ride Molly, the big Belgium-cross mule in the Mules, All Riders class. She also let me bring Hazel, the mammoth donkey to ride in the Logan Arena (the smaller course). Since I'm not riding Max, I've decided to enter Hazel in the Novice Horse class in the Silverado arena as well. It's her first time being ridden in this show, so who knows how it will go. Either way it will be a lot of fun!

When They Tug at Your Heart Strings

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 could bring her in before she needed to use the trial obstacles for lessons, so I fetched Max from her stall and led her to the field.

Personal observation: I like to put Maxine out as much as I can, but she really can't be on pasture 24/7. When I bought her, I was told that she'd foundered a few years before. That being the case, I am cautious about her grass intake.

As soon as I removed her halter, Max was nose down in the dirt, looking for a place to roll. Within minutes, she was covered head to hoof in black soil. Her antics left me grinning from ear to ear. Little makes me happier than watching Max enjoy a good roll in the dirt.

When her attention turned to the grass, I wander back up the hill to tack up Molly. After a thorough grooming, I tossed on a saddle her back, slipped on a bridle, and headed up to the driveway (our makeshift arena). As I warmed Molly up for her first lesson, I'd often steal a glance a Maxine, who was romping in the pasture. She was having a grand old time -- running about, stretching her legs.

When it came time to bring her in, I wasn't sure what to expect. Typically, Max is easily caught. I simply walk up to wherever she's parked in the field, toss a rope over her neck, and slip the bridle on. This time, however, she seemed so happy to be out that I thought a chase might ensue.

I walked down the the fence and unclipped her halter from the fence. As I entered the pasture, Maxine's head lifted and her eyes met mine. As I stood near the gate, gently calling her name, she ambled over and dropped her head to grab a last bite of grass just a few feet from where I stood. I walked over, tossed the rope over her neck, and slipped her bridle on. A soft cluck and we were on our way.

Photo: Maxine grabs a bit of grass from the upper pasture -- also known as the front lawn. She's a great substitute for a weed eater.