Training: People and Equines   Start to finish the McDaniel Horse and Mule Company specializes in creating an exceptional training experience for you and your equine. We are dedicated to training great stock horses, saddle mules and riders.
We customize a training program that fits your equine friend and meets your goals as a rider. We accept a limited number (6) of equines in training to ensure that our clients and their equines get the maximum benefit from our training and receive the personal attention that they deserve.  Our methods are safe, effective and gentle and and are based on establishing a trust-based relationship to produce a willing partner.   First Things First We start in the round pen to: Establish respect. Build a foundation for trust to grow. Teach responsiveness and forward motion. When those three things are in place we move into the arena. If the equine we are training is green, during the first few weeks we concentrate on ground schooling: Ground driving, preparing a willing and safe partner under saddle. Several short rides to introduce them to carrying weight. Encourage forward motion (walk, trot, lope) as soon as possible -- maintaining the safety of equine and trainer as the determinant.  Skilled Motion The second month of training is dedicated to riding -- forward and backward motion.  At the end of the second month most equines: Will walk and trot and lope as well as steer, stop and backup. Will have been introduced to a roll back and moving off leg pressure in preparation for advanced collection. Will be soft in the mouth and begin to feel supple in their bodies: an important mind / body connection to make to advance their skills. Finishing The third to the sixth months we perfect the skills taught in the first 60 days and put the finishing touches on your equine’s skill set. Every equine will progress differently though at the close of every month of training you will see observable skill development and real results.  Whether your horse or saddle mule will be intended for the trail or the show ring there are advanced skills your equine should know. You should be able to: Move your equine's shoulders and hips over. Side pass. Roll back on your western equines. Turn on the haunch and back up soft. All while your equine remains alert, responsive, calm and supple. Training and Your Equine's Health We ask that your equine comes to us in sound health, that it can pass a vet check.  If you are in doubt about your mule's soundness for training you can: Schedule an on-site evaluation with Molly. Ask your vet to perform a vet check prior to entering training. In the event that your equine comes to us lame or in need of medical attention we will: Facilitate scheduling veterinarian, chiropractor, farrier, and massage therapy appointments. Handle your animal for the service provider. (Note that training fees still apply and you may incur additional expenses for our time and rehab services.  We are a training facility and while we will always act in the best interest of your mule, we would prefer to be doing what we do best -- training your mule.) I bought my first mule from Molly last summer. He was still just a little bit green, so I asked her to put another 60 days on him. After 30 days he had a great stop, was light in the bit, and was starting to neck rein and do rollbacks. After 60 days he was neck reining, doing beautiful rollbacks and tracking cows. I have ridden him in the arena and in the hills, through water and in and out of 6 foot canals. I can't wait to start team sorting on him this summer! (The top picture on the right -- that's my first mule, Gus.) Kay McKee  Lessons Lessons are conducted on your equine, either hauled in or on site when they are in training. Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments.  Each lesson plan is firmly based on producing confident, knowledgeable equestrians while simultaneously advancing the equine's skill set.  Clinics One and two day clinics are offered for small groups.  Whether working with a group of backcountry trail riders and their riding mules or working with a group of teenagers interested in taking their knowledge and skill set to new levels, Molly captures teaching moments and thoughtfully transfers her knowledge to clinic participants.  Expect to advance your skills, gain a deeper understanding of equine behavior and have a great time doing so! Cost Training with full-care board per month $800.00 Private Lessons $40.00 Private Lessons with Equine in Training (1 hour) $25.00 Semi-private Lessons (1 hour, per student) $25.00 Group Lessons (1.5 hours, per student, maximum of 4) $22.50 A Day with Molly (4 hours one-on-one with you and your mule and 3 hours of observing Molly work with mules currently in training) One-Day Clinic for Equine and Rider (Maximum of 5 Participants) $150.00 $295.00 Two-day Clincs for Equine and Rider (Maximum of 5 Participants) $475.00 A Good Fit We strive for a good fit between client and trainer!  To discover whether we are the best solution to your training and lesson needs contact Molly directly at 509-607-0103 or email Molly McDaniel.  McDaniel Horse and Mule Co. 509-607-0103 Molly McDaniel	"Think of  training as conditioning for specific responses." Molly McDaniel "Teaching a horse or saddle mule to slide is all about getting him to back soft and listen to your body." Molly McDaniel  "Start to finish, every horse and mule will teach you something new." Molly McDaniel