The obstacle is not the main point of obstacle training. Many times, when people see a bridge, they think going over the bridge is the main point. On the contrary, the goal is to actually create a trusting equine that stays centered and maintains a steady speed, not just walking over the bridge.
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The main thing to think about when building an obstacle is safety for you and the equine.
Always use quality products. I like to use only 2” thick (actually 1 ½” thick) materials for any obstacles the equine will be standing on.
We use screws instead of nails to ensure they stay put. We don’t w...
Take a little virtual ride with me at our trail riding facility in Missouri called Von Holten Ranch.
The land has been in the same family since 1906. We became the fourth generation to purchase it in 2013. When we moved here, the land had not been lived on since 1979.
A lot of people tuned into...
When you have been riding your mule at your home and you really think they are solid, think again. There are three things in this world that will keep you humble: toddlers, drunks, and your mule. My mule has surprised me in good ways and bad ways while traveling with him in the past. In order to...
It really is that simple. If you want a safe finished mule you are going to have to make it a priority to take the time to take the time it takes. There are literally no shortcuts. My mules and horses all took years to develop into the herd they are now. YEARS, not months.
So many people want ...
Some mules tell you when things are wrong: sore hoof, sore back, tired, need their sheath cleaned, itchy ears, and the list goes on. But on the flipside, some mules are stoic and will absorb any hint they could give you about what is going on behind the scenes.
I have two mules, one is stoic and...
With owning a trail facility, I get to see a lot of different mule and horse people throughout the year. Lots of different levels of riders, lots of different equine, and lots of different confidence levels.
One of the issues I see that has caused all sorts of issues is buddy sourness. I have se...
The mounts that are used by the Mounted Police must be desensitized to everything! That is exactly what Celeste Bennett and Brandy Von Holten did this summer while attending the National Mounted Police training with Instructor Bill Richey.
Celeste’s mule, Tucson, is a 13-year-old Molly mule from ...
What do you keep in your saddle bag when you are heading out for a trail ride? Water? Chapstick? Hoof pick? Vet wrap? Bear spray? Pop tarts and cheetos?
Sometimes, no matter how prepared you are, you just cannot prepare for some situations. With my husband and I owning a trail riding facility...
Just to think that Country Tough Trail Versatility (CT2V) had 38 participants in 2018, and has 165 members in 2020 is humbling. CT2V was founded by David and Brandy Von Holten in Mora, MO. CT2V is a competition association that is a combination of obstacles without any points for speed, a ranch...
Bits can be tricky, and you can find yourself disqualified very quickly if you do not understand the rules about bits and training aides.
Before we talk about bits, let’s discuss training aides. Tie downs, cavessons, and running martingales are training aides. They are meant to help in small dose...
Let me give you a brief feel for my absolute favorite sport with my mule, mounted archery. If you are right handed, you have your bow in your left hand. Your stirrups are a little shorter than you are used to typically, but that is ok, because you are lifted out of your seat. You’re riding a sadd...
