Training Mules and Donkeys : A Logical Approach to Longears [Hardcover]

Meredith Hodges (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 14, 1993

Considered the first COMPLETE book on training mules, this is a 'no-resistance' training manual covering simple psychology and training techniques to help the trainer have a more enjoyable and rewarding experience with their longears. This book gives a condensed but thorough outline of the information and training covered in the DVD training series Training Mules and Donkeys. Color and B&W photos with illustrations and diagrams.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book that all mule and donkey trainers have been waiting for." --Horse Action

"This book will enable you to get the most from you donkey or mule and yourself." --Ned Ryder, Donkey Digest

About the Author

Meredith Hodges is a well-known trainer and writer on donkey and mule behavior. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in California, Meredith has been associated with mules and donkeys for 25 years and has been associated with horses all her life. In 1979 she started the Lucky Three Mule Ranch in Loveland, Colorado and has since studied Animal Sciences at Colorado State University. She is an animal inspector, representative and judge for the American Donkey and Mule Society, and has written a successful column called "Mule Crossing" which has appeared in over ten publications internationally during the past 15 years. To date, she has also produced three books: Training Mules and Donkeys: A Logical Approach to Longears; Training Without Resistance From Foal to Advanced Levels; and Donkey Training as well as a ten-tape video series that accompanies the books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Alpine Publishing, Inc.; 1st edition (June 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0931866588
• ISBN-13: 978-0931866586
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Meredith Hodges, eldest daughter of Charles M. Schulz, lives in Loveland, Colorado. She is the author of six books on training; the producer of 48 television episodes, including "Training Mules and Donkeys"; and is the creator of the Jasper the Mule series of children's books and movies. For over 35 years, she has been a trainer, competitor, inspector, judge and representative for the American Donkey and Mule Society. Her successful column "Mule Crossing" is published in equine magazines internationally. The 127-acre Lucky Three Ranch is home to her champion mules and donkeys, and is open for scheduled tours. For more information, go to www.LuckyThreeRanch.com and www.JasperTheMule.com. Find Meredith Hodges and Lucky Three Ranch on Facebook and Twitter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for mule owners and breeders, January 10, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Mesa Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training Mules and Donkeys : A Logical Approach to Longears (Hardcover)

This is one good training book. Lots of good information because mules are different from horses. I've used this book over and over especially good for people new to mule ownership or those who are breeding mules from their favorite mares. I wish I had read it before my mule was born it might have saved me from making some mistakes. Easy to read and full of good training tips.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to communicate more effectively with your mule., December 27, 1997

By 

[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training Mules and Donkeys : A Logical Approach to Longears (Hardcover)

Mules are not horses, in spite of their similar appearance. Training methods used on horses are often not effective on mules. For those equestrians who prefer mules or donkeys as their mounts, this is a teriffic book to help them improve their communication with their animals. Meredith Hodges' credibility comes from her success in training and breeding performance mules and donkeys. She is also a regular contributor of training articles to various mule and donkey publications.

Interested equestrians can find an almost unlimited supply of books on riding and training horses, but there is a real shortage of books on the riding and training of mules. Prior to the publication of this book, Paul and Betsy Hutchins books on mules and donkeys were probably the best books available to readers looking for expert advice on working with their long-eared equines. Although the Hutchins' books are still superb, it is great to have another viewpoint to read on the subject of mules and donkeys.

Videos and training cards have recently been published to accompany the book. I have not seen these personally, but have heard that they are excellent.

Mule and donkey lovers definitely need to own this one!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book, but so little about donkeys..., November 13, 2003

By 

Dominique Joseph (Switzerland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Training Mules and Donkeys : A Logical Approach to Longears (Hardcover)

Received a signed copy (nice surprise!) of the book which I found to be well written, illustrated and quite complete, information-wise. The only comment I can make is that I thought that there would be more specific information on donkey training than there currently is. While the author's Little Jack Horner tends to prove that whatever a mule can do, so can a donkey, I wonder whether the training described for mules in this book is also applicable as is to donkeys.

But otherwise, really like the book and am happy I purchased it. Will give it a try on my donkey and see where I get to.