June 13 - 18, 2006

June 13-14, 2006: Packing, Level 1-The Basics, 2-Day Clinic  Learn to Pack with Mules! This Steve Edwards packing clinic will give you the first level of learning to packing with mules. The clinic is held in an arena, and covers basic packing skills.  You will learn how to put on a pack saddle and lead a pack mule. You'll learn how to set the pack boxes on, and how to balance the load by putting the proper amount of weight inside. You'll also learn to how to put a set of pack bags on and do a box hitch and a single diamond.  Participants should have a nice quiet mule to participate with. Spectators for this clinic will get the opportunity for some hands-on packing practice too! This clinic will be limited to 4 participants. It will be a popular clinic so be sure to register early! Clinic Costs: Participant w/Mule - $250 for both days, Spectator - $50 per day.

June 15-16, 2006: Colt Starting Clinic  Give your mule the right start under saddle! Steve Edwards will work with you and your mule to get him started under saddle. Colts should be 2 ½ years old before Steve likes to start them under saddle. Its very important to consider their health. Be sure to have a vet look at them first to make sure their knees are closed and the they are in good enough health to start under the saddle. Before your colt is brought to the clinic, you should be able to lead him, pickup all four feet, have had some basic saddle work done including had the saddle on and sacking out, and should be gentle to be around.  Colt Starting will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday; limited to 4 colts and riders. This clinic is limited to 4 mules and riders so that Steve can give everyone individual attention. Clinic Costs: Participant w/colt - $300 for both mornings, Spectator - $25 for each morning.

June 15-16, 2006:  Problem Mules Clinic  Steve Edwards will help you work on your mule's problems. Having problems with your mule? Would you like to have Steve help you fix your mule's problems. He can help you with mules that are hard to catch, won't let you touch their ears, won't let you pick up their feet, won't stand still, won't take the bit, have trailer loading/unloading problems, and much more. Problem Mules will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday. This clinic is limited to 4 mules and riders so that Steve can give everyone individual attention. Clinic Costs: Participant-$300 for both afternoons, Spectator -$25 for each afternoon.

June 17-18, 2006: Why Does My Mule Do That? Clinic Would you like to develop a better understanding of your mule? Why Does My Mule Do That? is a 2 day clinic, Saturday and Sunday. Steve Edwards will teach you why your mule does particular things. He will also address specific behaviors of your mule.

Learn to understand and correct behaviors including:

• not following your lead

• being afraid on the trail

• not standing still to mount

• spinning and taking off

• refusing to pick up his feet

• refusing to back up

• leaning on you

• shaking his head going down hill, or shortened stride

• crowding you--being in "your space"

Friday Evening: Friday night symposium—free to the public. Bring all your family and friends! This is an opportunity to visit personally with Steve Edwards. He will talk with participants so that he can gear the clinic to the needs of the mules and owners.

Saturday: Clinic 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the morning Steve will address the needs and problems participants spoke about at Friday Evening symposium. Later that morning he will talk about ground communication skills. Afternoon session starts with getting ready to ride skills and then Steve will demonstrate using voice, hands, legs, and seat communication skills. Everyone will then practice these skills in the arena with their mules.

Sunday: Cowboy Church at 9:00 a.m. Everyone welcome! Clinic 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the morning Steve will go over skills taught on Saturday to refresh everyone\'s memory, and will answer any questions. After that, everyone will practice the communication foundation work in the arena with their mules. Steve will be working with the group and individually with each participant providing personal assistance throughout the day.

This clinic is limited to10 mules and riders so that Steve can give everyone individual attention. Clinic Costs: Participant w/Mule-$170 for both days, Spectator-$25 per day.

Schedule a One-on-One Session with Steve Edwards  Let Steve help you reach the goals your have for yourself and your mule. You can work on various things including ground communications, trail riding, driving, and packing. Cost: $65 for first hour and $50 per hour for additional time. Contact Steve at 602-999-6853 or steve@muleranch.com  to schedule a session.

• Ground Communications—learn how to catch your mule, how to halter, leading your mule, how to ask the mule to pick up his hoofs, move over, back up, go forward, and stop.
• Trail Riding—First level trail riding will be done in an arena with no obstacles.  Second level trail riding will be done in an arena with obstacles.  Steve will make sure your mule is in a proper saddle and that he is properly bitted for trial riding.  Learn how to pick up all of your mule's feet, learn how to use a twitch, and learn how to tack on a shoe if one comes off while riding.  Learn proper trail etiquette.  Teach your mule speed control; fast walk, slow walk and a trot.  Learn how to keep your mule in a proper place in relation to others on the trail.  You and your mule should always be two full mule lengths behind the mule in front of you when going up a hill and three full mule lengths behind when going down a hill.  Advance to third level trail riding and use the skills you have learned in this class as you ride your mule on the trails around Queen Valley Mule Ranch.  Steve can also show you how to go through pipe gates and wire gates.
  Driving—Improve your driving skills or start from the beginning and build a good foundation.  You must be willing to commit to a five hour day for five days to take this class.  If you would  like to start a team, talk to Steve about doing some foundation training with your mules before you begin.

*SEI-certified equestrian helmets are highly recommended for all participants, and required for those under 18 years old.

Contact Jehnet at the DJ Bar Ranch by email, djbar@littleappletech.com, or phone (406) 388-7463 or (406) 581-7443  for more information.

Forms: Please print and complete Clinic Registration Packet (CLICK HERE) and bring it with you to the clinic.

Payment: Pay your clinic registration deposit on-line HERE.  50% deposit due upon registration-balance due at clinic.

Cancellations: If you can not make it to the clinic you have registered for, you must contact us 15 days prior to the clinic for reimbursement of registration fee.

Click here to see Steve Edwards Schedule of Events for more clinics as well as free symposiums!