"It's Parade Time"

The parade at Jake Clark Mule Days in Ralston, Wyo.

by Susan Dudasik, Salmon, Idaho - originally appeared in the June 2004 issue

Summer’s here and time for fireworks, rodeos, fairs and plenty of parades. Whether it’s your first parade or you’re a seasoned veteran, parading can be an exiciting and challenging way to show off your favorite mule. Though unlike other equine events, it’s almost impossible to train your mule for the wide variety of unexpected things he will encounter. Each parade offers new challenges and it’s and excellent way to test the trust between you and your mule. Parades can vary from the small home-town type to the internationally known Tournament of Roses Parade. And, while the size may vary, the need to prepare for them is the same.

The view from the saddle during the World’s Longest Mule Parade in Warrensburg, Mo., in 2021

One of the biggest concerns with parading is how your mule will respond to the crowd. Remember, parade-goers aren’t ‘mulewise’ and will often approach your mule from strange angles. Stay vigilant for little kids, they love running up to the ‘mulie’ or jumping in front of you to retrieve something tossed from a float.

If it’s your first parade, try to ride in the center of your unit or with an experienced parade mule. Stay alert for anything, but don’t be so up-tight that your mule picks up on your alertness. If things get too hairy, and your mule is really about to blow-up, get off. If he starts to rear or run off, you’ll have better control of the situation from the ground simply because you will be on pavement and it’s really easy for your mule to slip and fall, even if he’s wearing shoes. If need be, try to duck down a side street and get your mule away from the activity. No parade is worth hurting your mule or yourself. If your group has a bunch of youngsters or novice riders, it would be wise to have a few experienced handlers walking within easy reach of them.

If you are going to decorate your mule or wear a costume, try it out several times before the parade, don’t wait until that day. Give your mule a chance to get used to the feel and sound of it. Be especially careful about tying ribbons or decorations in your mule’s tail. The decoration may be heavier than he’s used to and when he swishes his tail for the first time, he may be swatting himself harder than he thought. Make sure all decorative accessories are securely attached.

One overlooked part of parading is your mule’s turnout, especially if it’s a small parade. Anytime you ride your mule in public you’re promoting not only yourself, your mule’s breed and the group you are with, but the entire equine community. Therefore, your mule should be properly turned out. He should be clean, his mane and tail combed and his tack clean and in good repair. He doesn’t need to be showring ready with his ears and face clipped or hooves polished, but he does need to be free of giant manure stains and tail knots. Also, his hooves should be trimmed and shoes tightened.

Carrying a flag or banner is a big part of parading, but carrying the American flag is a very important responsibility. Be certain your mule can do the job. The American flag must be carried by a mule that is under control at all times because if something happens, you can’t just throw this flag on the ground! If you are carrying the American flag and something happens, grab the flag and gather it to the pole so it isn’t flapping and try to hold it close to your body. Never drop it! This is another good reason to have walkers with your unit, you can pass the flag to them. Although carrying any flag is a big responsiblity, you have more leeway with club or organizational flags and if needed, they can be dropped. So, if it’s your first parade or you’re riding a nervous mule, leave the American flag to those more experienced.

You can make a practice flag from an old scrap of material or plastic bag tied to a pole. Begin on the ground by approaching your mule with the flag gathered up. Let him sniff and investigate it, then unroll it and carefully wave it near him. When he seems to accept the idea, post the flag or have someone hold it and ride up to it. Give your mule time to approach....don’t force him. When you can ride to the flag from both directions, pick up the flag. This will be the challenge as the flag is now over your mule’s head and in his line of sight. Keep the flag gathered tight to the pole. As you walk forward, most often he will try to step sideways away from the flag. As long as he’s not trying to run off, don’t worry if he’s not going in a straight line, just as long as he’s moving forward. Keep walking and encourage him with your voice, after a few minutes he should settle and straighten out. Next, switch the flag to the other side and repeat the process. When you mule seems relaxed, start all over by approaching the flag, taking it and walking around. Only when your mule will do this with no problem should you try unfurling the flag to its full length. Now you really have to be ready, as the slightest breeze can cause the flag to touch your mule’s rump, get hooked on his ears or even wrapped around his face. Be ready for anything and if something does happen, remain calm, keep your voice low and try to remove the flag as quickly as possible. Even if you’ve carried flags before it doesn’t hurt to practice a few times beforehand.

It’s also a good idea to have a flag holder for your stirrup. Otherwise you can rest it on the toe of your boot. Never tie the flag’s pole to your stirrup. You need to be able to get rid of the pole in an emergency.

No matter what size the parade, it’s an exciting feeling to be riding down Main Street with folks waving at you and ‘ooo-ing’ and ‘ah...ing’ at your mule. Even your mule will respond to the parade-goers. And, with a little extra training and pre-planning, parading could soon become one of your favorite equine events.