Training our Babies
Training our Babies from the Ground Up
At Gem State Mule Company, we feel it is paramount to give our babies the best possible outcome to succeed. A good foundation is important. During the pregnancy, our mares are given supplements and vaccines under the guidance of a veterinarian. We have recently started a new policy whereby mares are ultra-sounded days leading up to their birthing, to ensure the baby is positioned correctly and a safe delivery for both mare and baby is the best possible outcome. Once born, we let the mare and baby bond and ensure the baby is excreting waste properly. In the days following the birth, we begin daily 10-15 min sessions with each baby. We introduce a myriad of techniques such as clippers, picking up feet, crupper training with rope under tail, leading, tying, having kids loving on them, feed bags in place, tarps, brushing, spray bottles and whatever else we can think of to enhance the desensitizing process. We feel it is a privilege to be able to breed babies, not only for ourselves, but for others. We aspire to instill a positive disposition so each baby will be well behaved for us as well as for the potential buyers. If a baby is sold in uterus then we like to have the new owner come out, if practical, and assist with the baby training. This creates a bond between the owner and the baby.
“I body clipped miss Bling today; I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, having her stand quietly like a perfect angel for the entire clipping process, or getting to see what's been hiding underneath all of the fluff! Thanks Gayle Stegmann and Gem State Mule Company for producing such a lovely little mule!“
Stephanie Barnette, Skogen-Barnette Horses & Barnette Horsemanship
