Steve Edwards Mule Training Levels

 This document is an outline of the skills covered in each level of the program. Every apprentice is required to start at Level One and work through all training levels consecutively.  Most apprentices will spend the first month, five days a week, four to six hours a day, learning basic mule training and safety (levels one through four) as well as how to communicate with clients. However, an experienced mule handler may take less time to go through lower training levels provided he/she demonstrates thorough understanding and correct usage of handling and training skills. Mules will be available for you to work with during levels one through four of the apprenticeship program. Beginning with “Level Five—Bitting”, you are required to bring and train two mules. 

You will be awarded a certificate of completion when you successfully complete written and practical testing of each apprenticeship level.

 Ground Skills

Level One: Safety

1. Understanding basic safety rules

   1. Your safety first

   2. Mule’s safety

2. Attention to detail—building patience

3. How to approach a mule; explanation

Level Two: Halter Communication

1. Positioning of head and neck for haltering

2. Understand halter placement and adjustment

3. Leading

Level Three: Round Pen Communication

1. Body language: squared shoulders, angled shoulders

2. Understanding 5 communication skills with the mule in the round pen (positioning yourself in relation to the mule)

1.      “Go forward” at the hip

2.      “Stop” at the nose  

3.      “Neutral” position at the shoulder.

4.      “Come towards you” step back from the nose

5.      “Move away from you” step forward toward the nose

3. Patience at the hitching rail (or trailer, or highline)

4. Why hobbles?

Level Four: Grooming

1. Pickup feet

2. Basic trimming and shoeing

3. Body Grooming

4. Learning to stand still and quite

Review of Ground Training (Levels One – Four)

Saddle Training

Level Five: Basic Bitting

1. Bitting: types of bits and uses

2. Surcingle and bitting

Level Six: Getting Ready to Ride

1. Advance round pen training

2.  Mounting and dismounting

Level Seven: Saddles Fit

1. Saddle fit and placement

2. Britchen and breast collar purpose, placement, adjustment

3. Behaviors that indicate poor fit, placement or adjustment

Level Eight: Saddle Communication

1. Basic saddle communication (western)

1.      Voice     

2.      Hands

3.      Legs

4.      Seat

2. Asking, telling, demanding