Took my ass to the Fair this weekend

[Machias]

Well, I drove my ass and half ass down to the fair. Dang it was hot this weekend, but had alot of fun. Gave them both a bath, which I think they really enjoyed. This was both of their first time going to something like this and they did really well. Calvin is a Mammoth Donkey, 14 HH and 6 years old.

Calvin





Both of us waiting for the judges results



Holy Smokes, First Place and Grand Champion!!!!



Here's Hobbes, my new saddle mule, he's only 4 years old and is 15 HH.





Alright 2nd place!!



My wife got some good photos today at the Spokane Fair. They were doing kids on lead lines around the barrels, after the last barrel this little donkey ripped loose from the handler and took off for the gate. Check out this sequence, They would have had to bury me on the spot, but this little girl hopped up and dusted her self off and walked to the gate. Not a single tear.

[STUNTMAN]

Great looking animals Fred. Do you ride that Jack?

[Machias]

He's been ridden a couple of times, not by me, but he is broke to harness.

[Mr.pacojack]

Congrats on the wins Fred. Great looking Mamoth ( is it a Jack?) and Mule.

[super white hunter]

Poor girl

Nice Jack

[Machias]

Congrats on the wins Fred. Great looking Mamoth ( is it a Jack?) and Mule.

Yep, he's a gelded jack. Thanks guys.

[LCK]

Congrats Fred, awsome lookin animals. The new saddle mule is sure enough a looker!

Those wreck pics are priceless, thanks for taking the time to put them up, I enjoy them.

[FullCryHounds]

You got a nice looking Ass Fred!

[Machias]

You got a nice looking Ass Fred!

Why thank you Dean.

[WAcoyotehunter]

do you do your own training? I'm working with this mule but could use some advice...my wife is a great horse trainer ans does not have the patience for my mule. I have the patience but am not sure when to get after her.

For instance- when she bocks at crossing a stream- how should I get into that with her- I really want to pull and fight but keep hearing that it's bad business to fight with a mule. do you have any tips?

[Machias]

I have a really good set of Brad Cameron tapes you're more than welcome to borrow. PM me your address and I can send them to you. He is by far one of if not the best mule trainer, you can really get into a mules head with these tapes. Forcing a mule is never a good idea. You still have to be firm but fair, can't let them get away with stuff, so when you set up your training you have to stay with it until you convince them it's the easy way. Right thing is always easy, wrong thing is always hard = work. Small steps, smaller than a horse, but once they got it, they got it, no retraining needeed normally. If you quit on a positive note it will be easier the next time. Let me know if you want those training tapes, they are really good. VHS though.