First mule show in 15 years kicks off Saturday

The Carson City Horseman's Association is sponsoring the area's first mule show in 15 years Saturday and Sunday at Fuji Park.

The show will benefit Kids & Horses, a therapeutic riding center in the Johnson Lane area. Admission is free.

"People are always amazed at how colorful these animals are. We'll have grullas, Paints, Appys, and some weanlings," Arthur said. "They're very friendly, and people will be able to pet them."

The show begins at 8 a.m. Saturday with the packing events, which time how fast contestants can tie equipment onto a pack saddle using specialized knots. Log skidding classes will challenge teams to pull logs through an obstacle course. Other classes include halter, western trail, and a chariot lap race.

Driving events start Sunday at 9 a.m. Harnessed mule teams will navigate wagons through an obstacle course. English and Western pleasure classes and gymkhana events are also slated.

"Mules do anything a horse can do, " said Marsha Arthur, secretary of the Horseman's Association. "Plus, they're more cautious and can pack a lot more weight."

A special performance by Jayce Templeton and her horse Tango will take place at noon on both days. She has performed with the Royal Lipizzaners in Las Vegas.

Kids & Horses is a horsemanship program for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. Lessons are given weekly and are free. About 20 percent of students are adults.

"People are so down-to-earth and friendly in this business," said Arthur, who grew up riding a mule to move cattle on her family's ranch. She now owns four mules and shows them regularly.

If you go:

What: Mule Show

Where: Fuji Park

When: Saturday, 8 a.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.

Cost: Free

For more information: 267-1073