Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, you will find Paul Garrison III, a man filled with knowledge, experience, and the wisdom of a master. He is like the “Pavlov” of the equine world. Paul’s heritage runs six generations deep and possesses all the qualities of a true Texan; grit, resourcefulness, and a boundless spirit.
I agreed to meet Paul bright and early in order to experience a typical day in the life of an equine trainer. I soon realized there was nothing “typical” about Paul. One of Paul's favorite pastimes is camping, something he has enjoyed all his life. It was during a camping trip that he first heard his calling to dedicate himself to train the most misunderstood mammal in history, the mule. And for the past 15 years, he has done just that. I arrived at Paul’s ranch, in the Medina area, on a cool, crisp March morning. I was greeted by Paul and his Catahoula, Mocha, which by the way happens to be the State dog of Louisiana. After a brief introduction, we got to work.
We drove out to the pasture, making several stops on the way, as he rounded up the herd a few at a time, giving them a small taste of feed, drawing them into the barn. Being a student of the great philosophers, I had so many questions regarding training principles, instincts, genetics, and behaviors; both learned and innate, so I took advantage of this time in the truck. Paul shared his insights and,based on my questions, asked me not to overthink and/or complicate the mules’ thought process.
While I struggled NOT to “anthropomorphisize”, to use Paul's exact words, we had reached our destination. The herd followed, arranged in order of their hierarchy. Paul began to feed them by draping a feed bag most commonly known as a morral in the trade, over their ears. Watching Paul work was like watching a ringmaster. They attempted to throw their weight around and the sound of pounding hooves and dust filled the air. Paul was quick to remind them who was in charge, with a firm tap that slightly increased as needed. Although these mules average between 14 to 16 hands (1 hand=4 inches) in height and weigh an average of 1000lbs, it was impressive to watch Paul’s level of focus.
While I struggled NOT to “anthropomorphisize”, to use Paul's exact words, we had reached our destination. The herd followed, arranged in order of their hierarchy. Paul began to feed them by draping a feed bag most commonly known as a morral in the trade, over their ears. Watching Paul work was like watching a ringmaster. They attempted to throw their weight around and the sound of pounding hooves and dust filled the air. Paul was quick to remind them who was in charge, with a firm tap that slightly increased as needed. Although these mules average between 14 to 16 hands (1 hand=4 inches) in height and weigh an average of 1000lbs, it was impressive to watch Paul’s level of focus.
Once fed, they grazed freely as Paul prepared to give me a demonstration. He stated, “if you control their feet, you control the mule's mind”, and that he did. His star pupil, Tucson, who’s mother was half Quarter horse and half Percheron, followed his instructions and even posed for a picture. After the demo, Paul prepared the tack (saddle), explaining the anatomic difference between a horse and a mule. He went on to say that the mule was the perfect hybrid, offering the keen sense of a horse and the endurance and immune system of the rugged donkey. He mounted Tucson, and we traveled 200 yards to the prime natural training ground that is the Medina river. He rode up and down the river, negotiating various leaps, climbs, and graceful foot work, demonstrating the agility of this natural ATV.
Paul and his mule worked in total harmony and I stood in awe in the middle of the low flowing river capturing image after image. I positioned and re-positioned myself adjusting my camera settings as swiftly as possible in order to obtain the best results. Paul's next appointment was arriving soon, so we wrapped up our visit and he literally rode away. I shouted out, “I guess this is where the Cowboy rides away”, as he rode off into the afternoon sun.
As a storyteller, I feel strongly that in order to convey my experience with the reader, a great story is simply not enough and that I must capture images that take you along for the ride. I have included several photographs of my visit and hope that they speak to you as they do to me.
In closing, I would like to thank Paul for his hospitality and willingness to share what he calls “good Mulemanship”, with the world. During my time at the Garrison Ranch I learned many things. I learned that an animal’s instincts and characteristics lie very deep in its DNA and breeders will cross a donkey
with a specific horse breed to bring out the desired equine qualities based on the mules intended purpose. In Eastern Medicine, it is called Chi, in the West, we call it energy and the mule is a receptacle. It can read your emotions and will respond as such. I also learned that mules are not stubborn, as the
myth suggests. In fact, it is we humans that can be stubborn. WE get frustrated when the mule does not follow our instructions. Yet we never take the time to learn “their” language. We forget that “if you control their feet, you control the mule's mind”. You tell me who is stubborn?
with a specific horse breed to bring out the desired equine qualities based on the mules intended purpose. In Eastern Medicine, it is called Chi, in the West, we call it energy and the mule is a receptacle. It can read your emotions and will respond as such. I also learned that mules are not stubborn, as the
myth suggests. In fact, it is we humans that can be stubborn. WE get frustrated when the mule does not follow our instructions. Yet we never take the time to learn “their” language. We forget that “if you control their feet, you control the mule's mind”. You tell me who is stubborn?
I would like to add a few notes about Paul himself. Paul is a great historian and teacher. A man that sees the whole picture. His hard work and sweat have fertilized his soil. His harvest is passion and the fruits of his labor are good stewardship. I am a better Texan because of Paul Garrison III. The man with these
"Texas Hands".
"Texas Hands".
