Some of the other things you got to see were Bernie Harberts from the Lost Sea Expedition. I asked Bernie for a quote and this is what he said, "Funny how some times the best things are right under your mule’s nose. I live in Western North Carolina (Caldwell County) and have traveled far with my mule. With mule Woody and pony Maggie I traveled 3,500 miles from Atlantic to Pacific Oceans. With my mule Polly and a wagon, I traveled 14 months from Canada to Mexico. So you can imagine how excited I was to find Leatherwood Mule Days was less than 15 miles from my home."
"The first year I went, my buddy Ronald Hudson and I traveled there in our wagons from my farm. This year, I attended with mule Polly and the Lost Sea Expedition wagon. This is the wagon my mule Polly pulled from Canada to Mexico. I filmed the voyage and it is now a 4-part Public TV series on Rocky Mountain PBS. Having the wagon at Leatherwood Mule Days was a great chance for folks to tour the wagon and visit Polly. The most-often heard remark was, “Man, that wagon is tiny inside!”
"I sure look forward to next year’s Leatherwood Mule Days. Polly does, too. She thinks it makes a lot more sense than traveling all the way across America just so we can meet kindred mule spirits!"
A long time mule trainer, Paul Garrison III, who offers a great learning opportunity for mules, donkeys and their riders also attended Mule Days. Paul stated about his methods, "I help mules with people problems. I teach folks to communicate with their mules in a way the mules can understand and appreciate. The mule is looking for and craves leadership, we have to communicate to them that we are a confident, competent leader, then they will do anything for us!"
Why mules? I was once a mule owner, so I can say this with a loving heart they are some of the sweetest, smartest, surefooted animals you will ever meet. As mule
rider Margie Johnson
stated, “Yes, I would
go again! I ride mules
because I think they
have more personality
than horses, and the thing
I like best is the friend-
liness of the mule
people. It's a more
laid back
atmosphere.”
Learn more about Leatherwood Resort: www.leatherwoodmountains.com
For more on Bernie Harberts and the Lost Sea Expedition, visit: www.LostSeaExpedition.com
FaceBook.com/LostSeaExpedition
Learn more about Paul Garrison lll & Garrison Mulemanship and Training:
Did I mention horses are welcome?
YES they are. So you don’t have to own a mule or donkey to go to Mule Days or Leatherwood. Go ride and feel the wonder of this equestrian resort and experience the friendship of the longear folks for yourself.
Paul
Garrison III