Steve Edwards will help you with every detail of your trail riding to help you be safe and have fun on the trail whether you're out with a group or on your own.

Does your mule rush up or down slopes?  Does he do more sightseeing on the trail than you?  Is he more worried about the other equines than what you ask him to do?  Would you like to learn how to navigate trail obstacles and gates safely?  Then this is the clinic for you and your mule!

You will ride with Steve on the trails around Queen Valley Mule Ranch.  Each participant will get lots of individual attention and help with specific problems they're having with their mule.

The following is a description of how the "Trail Riding with Confidence" Clinics are usually structured. 

Trail Riding, Day 1—The Basics 
First level trail riding will be done in an arena.  Steve will make sure your mule is in a proper saddle and that he is properly bitted for trial riding.  Communicate effectively with your mule from the ground, improve your mule's halter manners. Learn how to pick up all of your mule's feet, use a twitch, and how to tack on a shoe if one should come off while riding. Learn proper trail etiquette.  Teach your mule speed control: fast walk, slow walk, and a trot.  Learn how to keep your mule in a proper place in relation to others on the trail.  You and your mule should always be two full mule lengths behind the mule in front of you when going up a hill, and three full mule lengths behind when going down a hill.  You must use your own mule for this class.

Trail Riding, Day 2—Review of the Basics, then on to the trail
On the second day you will use the arena in the morning for a refresher and to practice the trail riding basics. The afternoon will be spent using the skills you have learned to ride on the trails around Queen Valley Mule Ranch.  Steve will also show you how to go through gates safely.  You must use your own mule for this class.

Participants—$85 a day per person.  Spectators—$25.00 a day per person.
Limited to 10 mules and riders.

Special notes:  Our trail clinics are held in the Queen Valley Ranch arena and on the trails around the ranch.  Spectators will only be able to observe training in the arena. 

See Clinic Schedule

Advanced Trail Riding, Days 3 & 4 (Only available as part of a four day clinic.)

On the Trail with Overnight Camp
Advanced trail riding will be done solely on the trail and cross-country (not in an arena), and includes one overnight camp.  Learn how to lead a pack mule, how to set a bag and a saddle on your pack animal and take enough provisions for overnight.  Learn campfire and Dutch oven cooking. Get answers to questions concerning care of the land and taking care of your animal while you are out on the trail. 

Participants—$250 per day.  Includes your meals and feed for the mules.
Trail Riding, Days 3 & 4 are limited to 6 mules and riders. 

Special note:  Pack mules are available for rent for this clinic. 

See Clinic Schedule