Welcome to Red's Saddle Mules, presented by Red and Julie Wycoff.  We are located in beautiful Benson, Arizona.  We exist by training saddle mules from all over the country for people just like you.    Therefore, saddle mule training is our specialty.  At the end of your saddle mule's training, we provide two days to teach you the communication techniques we have used with your mule so you can communicate effectively after the training.   We feel that by giving you and your mule a quality start to your riding relationship, we are giving your mule a chance at a great life with you.  In light of that, we do take our job quite seriously.

Our training philosophy consists of four main areas of focus.  First, mules need to be stretched and flexed in order to learn to properly bend into a turn.  The musculature of a mule is much denser than that of a horse.  This is one of the reasons why people have trouble teaching their mule to neck rein or bending in preparation for more advanced riding.  We stretch and flex all the mules both manually as well as while riding them.  We recommend these exercises to continue throughout the life of your animal.   Another aspect of being able to properly bend your mule is in his dental.  Let's not forget the importance of a mouth that is physically capable of handling a bit without pain or other issues working against him.   We incorporate a lot of English riding techniques into our saddle mule training which also helps to keep your mule soft. 

Secondly, we focus on comfort.  If you are not comfortable, you are less likely to do whatever it is that made you uncomfortable.   You may put up with it for a short time, but eventually, you will complain.  Like you, mules are smart enough to associate discomfort with the cause and will tell you in many different ways.  For example, if you always bang your mules teeth while bridling him, pretty soon, he will not allow you to bridle him.  It's simple... comfortable, quality tack is of utmost importance in saddle mule training. 

Third, we focus on a fun and stimulating training experience for your mule.  The smarter you’re animal, the quicker they are to tire of monotonous daily routines.  We try to keep it interesting.  We want your mule to meet us at the gate for their daily training session and this requires some creativity.  We drive them, ride them in a round pen, arena and out on the trail both alone and with other animals.  We work a lot of 20 meter circles to strengthen the hindquarters for better athleticism and this can get quite dull.  So we will work these techniques for a shorter period of time and then take the mule on a ride in the mountains as the reward.  This will keep your mules mind active and interested.  Ultimately, we are opening a line of communication with the mules by using clear and consistent signals.  This will build both confidence and the desire to continue learning in your mule.  A willing partner is the key to a successful relationship in saddle mule training.

Finally, we focus on trust.  Building a trusting relationship with your mule is the basis of all your mules desire to learn and perform.   Without a willing partner, you won't find much enjoyment in your riding experience.  Saddle mule training is a series of small steps that build into a fluid movement.  Trust is also a building of small experiences that create a relationship that allows you to approach any type of obstacle with confidence.  Our saddle mule training is basically teaching your mule to trust our judgement by not asking anything that they cannot successfully accomplish.  This will ensure you a willing, confident, happy partner for many years to come.

Thank you for your interest in us and our saddle mule training.  Our fees for saddle mule training are $700.00 per month. This includes all saddle mule training, farrier work, haircuts, feed and teaching you the communication techniques we have used with your mule at the end of your saddle mules time with us.  We also offer a two week tune up for you and your mule once a year for the cost of board (usually $7.50 per day).  We like to have all mules a minimum of four months as they take some time adjusting to their new environment.  Some exceptions allowed.  All mules trained to ride both English and Western, drive, neck rein, side pass, standing jump, and lay down to mount.  If your mule is not progressing on schedule, we will contact you.  We don't want to waste our time or your money.  Please call for any questions or to chat about mules.  We look forward to hearing from you.   520-586-0220.  

Ride like the wind, my Friend!    Red and Julie Wycoff