Mule Training with Leon Raber from Lost Mule Co

[Ryan Avery]

Last month, Tanya and I spent three days training with Leon and Mary Raber, the owners of Lost Mule Co. in Ohio. Leon has been training our mule, Buttercup, for three months. As we are new to the Mule community, he suggested we come down for a few days of training, likely because he was tired of answering my questions over the phone.

What I learned during those three days was not what I had expected. For Leon and Mary, training mules comes naturally; however, training novice mule riders is the challenging part. We gained more knowledge in those three days than in the past two years. Leon and Mary are both excellent teachers and complement each other well. If you want to get the most out of your mule or improve as a rider, I highly recommend Lost Mule Co.

 

[Tanya Avery]

This was a great educational experience. It was so nice being able to ask questions and get immediate feedback rather than watching a video and hoping you got it correct. Leon and Mary were so patient with us and brought different perspectives when it came to helping train and educate us!

 

[JA03]

Leon is as good as it gets when it comes to a mule man and teacher. He has been around them his entire life and it shows in his approach to training. I think you guys did well on seeking out a good pair of people to learn from.

 

[rayporter]

wonderful folks in that area. much different than you would imagine.

did you go the the hardware store in Kidron?

i worked that area for 20 years.

 

[wysongdog]

Probably should’ve looked for a Shetland pony for Ryan. Lol

 

[Ryan Avery]

Probably should’ve looked for a Shetland pony for Ryan. Lol

Pretty sure I would break one's back...

 

[wysongdog]

Naw the little bastards are too mean you can’t kill them if you try lol

 

[JA03]

I don’t know why but I feel a kindred spirit with that pony.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Leon is as good as it gets when it comes to a mule man and teacher. He has been around them his entire life and it shows in his approach to training. I think you guys did well on seeking out a good pair of people to learn from.

It's crazy to me, being a total noob to the mule game, how fast Leon made her quiet and responsive. She put me on the ground a couple of times last year, mainly because of my lack of riding skills.

 

[wysongdog]

It's crazy to me, being a total noob to the mule game, how fast Leon made her quiet and responsive. She put me on the ground a couple of times last year, mainly because of my lack of riding skills.

It’s almost embarrassing how those guys that are that in tune with horseflesh are like that. It’s how in the hell did you do that. Another good one that does clinics a little close to home is Ty Evans.

 

[missjordan]

You can learn so much spending time with quality horse trainers like this. It’s really the best route to go and more people need to do it this. Keep up the good work.


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[Ryan Avery]

You can learn so much spending time with quality horse trainers like this. It’s really the best route to go and more people need to do it this. Keep up the good work.


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Thanks!

Most people suck at shooting, and I don't see why it would be any different with Mules. Good training is worth its weight in gold, in my opinion.

 

[JA03]

I told Leon to have you bring a 6um. I would have come over to ride and send some rounds down range.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I told Leon to have you bring a 6um. I would have come over to ride and send some rounds down range.

We will have to set that up next time.

 

[JA03]

LMC

 

[Ryan Avery]

LMC

Hoping to get one with that brand real soon.


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[lifeisgoodsteve]

Ryan,

Sounds like you’ve got an awesome connection for personal training, which is king. That said, if Hamilton, MT is not too far, Ty Evans is doing a clinic in a couple weeks, June 10-12.

A packer buddy, his girlfriend and I will all be attending so it should be fun. I audited last year, which is also a good option as I could actually take notes.

S