Showing Your Gaited Mule
by Amy McLean
from the April 1997 issue
It's Show Time! When Spring finally arrives, all the fun begins. Not only are foals being born everywhere, but it's also time to hit the show circuit again. All winter you've been working hard, and you're ready to take your long-eared friends somewhere other than your ring or backyard, right? If you are looking for a mule show and, like me, you will probably have to drive several hours to get there. But mule shows aren't the only places to show off those mules, especially your gaited mules. Have you tried a local horse show?
Once you arrive at the show, or beforehand, check the show sheet for a class suitable for both you and your gaited mule, such as Plantation, Pleasure, Country Pleasure, or Go As You Please, just to name a few. But remember, just because your mule gaits, doesn't mean you can only show him/her in a gaited type class. Remember, we are showing mules, and all mules are versatile!
Enter a pleasure, trail, or even a hunter class, and don't underestimate your gaited mule's versatility. Judging from the participation in the Gaited Mule Canter class, many people must think their gaited mules can only perform two gaits, but that's not true; they canter too!
Many times, people showing gaited mules not only forget that mules have three gaits, but they also forget all the rules, yet they seem to have a lot of fun. For example, in some classes, speed is not a desired quality, especially in trail pleasure, yet some people speed around the ring, in a big hurry, or race. Form should never be sacrificed for speed.
The next thing many people do in the trail pleasure is ride with two hands. This particular class is intended for gaited mules/horses that are suitable for the trail, and the rider must use one hand, unless using a snaffle bit, and the mule should go at a slow gait. Many times, people confuse the gaits, such as the walk and the rack. One particular show I attended called the class "Walking Mules," but asked for a fast rack, and placed a racking mule first. The hoof sequence of these two gaits is different and is often confused as the same thing.
In walking classes, the proper gaits are Flat Walk, Running Walk, and Canter (the class can ask for 2 or 3 gaits).
In a racking class, the gaits include Slow Rack, Fast Rack, and Rack On. If you were showing a gaited mule in a five gaited class, he/she would be expected to walk, trot, canter, slow gait and fast rack.
Not only are people confused on the proper gaits, but some are confused on the proper equipment. Before entering the class, also check your tack, attire, and shoeing. I have seen many people violating these rules, although if the show has no dress code or rules, then what can you say? There is a time and place for everything, so I don't think a suit is exactly proper at a show that calls the wrong gaits in a class, nor is it suitable for a small show, but don't show up in your PJs. Having the correct tack and shoes is important at a small or National show.
My main concern is bitting. Many people seem to use bits appearing to be over the 9-12" shank limit. Although I have heard much concern over shoeing also. Showing a mule light shod against a mule shod with a plantation shoe is unfair when there are no classes for the different shoes. Eventually, I'm sure we will work out all the various problems, but no matter what, we must remember to have FUN!
When things get so picky and stuffy, it takes all the fun out of it and becomes similar to a horse show. So show off your gaited mules and have a big time. If you have questions on showing gaited mules.
Until next time, "Show the World what Gaited Mules Can Do!"