Lost Meadows Mule Refuge 2022 Mule Training Challenge, Janet Vance and Diana

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The Lost Meadows Mule Refuge Training Challenge is a competition in which 5 Contestants work with a Lost Meadows Mule Refuge Mule for five months (starting on June 1st and concluding on November 1st).

Lost Meadows Mule Refuge Training Challenge Mission Statement
To show the public that rescued Mules can be safe, friendly and fun equine partners, to provide training and adoption opportunities for LMMR rescued Mules, and a competitive experience for Contestants to display their training abilities.

Each Trainer has had 5 months to work with their Challenge Mule. All Challenge Mules are between 4-12 years old and were, to our knowledge, either mostly or entirely unhandled at the start of the Challenge. Each Trainer chose their Challenge mule personally from a group of 11 mules.

A $5,000 Grand Prize will be awarded when the winner is determined using a grading system and social media voting. A 2nd place prize of $2,500 will also be awarded, a 3rd place prize of $1,500, and $1,000 to each Contestant thereafter.

Training Criteria and Scoring

Body Conditioning
Animals will be judged for weight based on the Henneke body score system, coat condition, grooming, hoof condition and overall appearance. Equines are NOT in any way to be judged based on conformation or presence of previously incurred scars or injuries.

Basic Skills Test
The goal of this test is to showcase the ability of the LMMR Mule to perform basic skills to the public. Each Mule/Contestant combination will be judged for their ability to perform everyday skills. The skills tested are:

Catchable with a halter by hand (+20)
Able to lead beside the handler on a halter (+20)
Be brushed front to back safely (+20)
Pick up all of their feet safely and willingly without the use of a cotton rope (+20)

Freestyle
The freestyle presentation is an opportunity for the Contestant to further showcase the Mule’s training beyond the basic skills. Permitted skills are:

Standing for fly spray OR taking a hose bath (+10)
Jogging with their handler (+10)
Negotiating obstacles (+10)
Standing for electric clippers OR allowing a body blanket to be put on (+10)
Loading into a trailer OR standing for a farrier (+10)

Additional skills not listed will not receive points and Contestants should seek approval from the Challenge Manager before training other skills not listed.

TOTAL SCORES will be a combination of scores in Body Conditioning, Basic Skills, and Freestyle.
Body Conditioning 20 pts
Basic Skills 80 pts
Freestyle 50 pts

Voting Committee
3-5 independent judges will review video footage of each training Mule at the end of the Challenge and submit independent scoring for each. The average for each Mule will then be used to determine their placement in the Challenge. Any ties will be discussed amongst the judges to determine final placement. In the case of a tie, subjective judging may be used based on the apparent relaxation and willingness of the Mule, perceivable relationship between the Mule and its trainer, and the quality of training perceived to be provided.