today

Worked with Butch all day. Mostly on attitude - I've allowed him to revert and get as pushy as he used to be. I had him how I needed him to be, as a good respectful working animal, and over the past 6 months or so let him become more and more of a big pet. Now he's pushy.

First, hobbled him and had him stand still for grooming. Then, same with saddling. Went well. We went ahead and loaded the full packs on him. Worked with him til he stood perfectly still, relaxed, while I messed with the packs, tying and retying the cantle bag different ways.

Now... the whole time we're in the round pen doing this, we have an audience. There are big logs to climb up and view from outside the walls. The ranch owner, his grandson, hand, and a neighbor horse & mule trader who wants to sell me a mule were all watching as I made mistake after mistake - nothing like a little public ambarrassment to act as a motivator!!! And then again when we went outside for me to lead him around... "Don't let that mule push you around like that! Don't let him move while we're talking! Make him stand still!" Of course they were right... and then after I corrected my big brat, every one of them would tell me a story about a mule they let get too familiar that took advantage. Lots of painful laughter - the kind of day you KNOW you learned a lot. We ended up putting a stud chain on Butch to get his attention, and the day ended well. It was determined that I would do well to travel with one and use it pretty much all the time - such is Butch's temperament. A fine, good mule, but "give-him-an-inch-he-takes-a-mile".

Tonight went to Cowboy Church with the Kleins. It was a very small local congregation, kids' easter egg hunt and dinner before the service, and bluegrassy bilingual band (all the songs in English and Spanish) leading everyone. People updating the congregation on news of loved ones and asking prayer requests. Everyone so welcoming.

While there met a mule manand old packer Lee, who with wife Kathy are coming Monday to help me with the packing and ride with us.

Now the kids are asleep, we're all winding down, time for bed before Easter get-together tomorrow. G'nite all...