Missouri Mule Makeover Youth Trainer Updates

The Missouri Mule Makeover, held in Springfield, Mo., Labor Day weekend, pairs pre-selected trainers with untrained and often unhandled mules. Over 150 days, these trainers work to prepare their mules to compete in a series of classes held during Ozark Mule Days that showcase what they have accomplished together. At the conclusion of the event, trainers are given the option to sell their mule at auction and keep 100 percent of the selling price, or take their mules back home and keep them for themselves. 

This year, in to the 12 adult trainers, the Missouri Mule Makeover has added an additional seven youth trainers who will compete in two age divisions. These youth trainers have spent their summers working with their mules, and are looking forward to showing off the new skills they have learned. 

“I am overly excited about the support and enthusiasm that people have shown these kids while they have been training their mules,” said show/event organizer Les Clancy. 

“You can see weekly videos from the youth trainers on the Missouri Mule Makeover/Ozark Mule Days Facebook page,” said Les. “If you scroll back to April, you can really see how far some of these kids have come with their mules. We can’t wait to watch them in person in September.”  

Thomas Arnold, Sparta, Tenn. ∙ Carolina

“My mule and I have accomplished a lot over these days,” said Thomas Arnold. “We have conquered spinning, side passing, backing up, kicking a ball, and we are working on sliding and laying down. We track cows and rope with her.” The pair has spent time riding both inside and outside.

“She likes her butt scratched and really likes treats,” said Thomas. “She is a very smart mule.”

John Higgins III., Greentop, Mo. ∙ Gimme S’more Josie

John Higgins III with Josie on day one (top) and Josie in July (bottom)

“When we picked up Josie, she wasn’t broke at all, said John Higgins III. “She barely led. But since then we have done a lot of work in the round pen and on the trail. You can do a lot when you are trail riding.”

John reported that Josie is stopping, turning around, catching leads, and has good ground manners.

“She really likes him,” said John’s dad, John Higgins Jr., “They have good connection. They respect each other and like each other. If he decides to sell her, someone will get an awfully good mule.”

Dixie Marrese, Munfordville, Ky. ∙ Marie

“Marie and I have been working on a lot of ground work and desensitizing in hand. She is getting really good at stopping and steering with leg pressure,” said Dixie Marrese. “She is a really sweet mule and has a good personality. She comes running up to me when I go to the gate.”

Natalie Gann, Farmington, Mo. ∙ Earl

“Earl is probably the most easy going mule I’ve ever been around,” said Natalie. “He has such a big personality, and he loves people. We’ve had our ups and downs, but Earl is very willing to learn and please, so through it all we have persevered.”

Natalie has watched the Makeover the last two years and has always wanted to be a part of it. “I’m very thankful for this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to competing in September,” said Natalie.

Nathan Raber, Millersburg, Ohio ∙Journey

Nathan and Journey on day one (top) and Journey in July (bottom)

“Journey and I have made very good progress,” said Nathan Raber. “She was skiddish at first, but that’s all gone. She’s starting to collect up nicely.”

The pair has spent lots of time both inside the arena and on the trail. “I had her on trail rides with 150 riders and on wagon trains where she saw lots of wagons, traffic and kids,” said Nathan. “I’ve used her to rope calves and have directed traffic on her.”

“I think she is a very sweet mule and I really like her personality,” said Nathan. “She is very friendly and a very personable mule.”

Colten Human, Carrollton, Ky. Chico

“Chico has come a long way!” said Colten Human. “He’s became my ‘go to’ mule for most occasions. A mule is so much smarter than a horse, and training techniques have to vary to accomplish your end goal. Chico has pushed me way past my training abilities and has made me have to acquire new tricks and techniques to mold to his figure. Chico has been a mule that I could have never thought to get!”

Tanner Colvin, Whitwell, Tenn. ∙ Dolly

“Dolly has come a long way since we first got her,” said Tanner Colvin. “She has great ground manners and is coming along great riding. She is becoming a ‘point her head and go’ type mule.”