Hidden in the heart of outback Queensland is a man with an unusual hobby.
Located 28 kilometres south of Mount Isa on Rifle Creek Station, Ian Campbell spent his wet season breaking in mules.
The experienced horseman said this was no easy task but he enjoyed the challenge.
“They are stubborn for the first couple of days, but once they start to trust you and know what you want, they do things exceptionally well. You just need to have patience,” he said.
Managing around 10,000 head of Brangus cross cattle, Mr Campbell occasionally uses his mules to muster.
While his employees would rather use horses, Mr Campbell prefers an older tradition.
“Properties in the Kimberley and Territory used mules years ago for work, especially where there was Walkabout Disease. Horses would get it, but mules wouldn’t,” he said.
Mr Campbell decided to pursue his interest in mules three years ago and attempted to break them in himself.
Attending a mule seminar held by Pat Parelli helped widen his knowledge as did DVDs and books on the breaking process.
“Once I knew more about mules I could better understand the way they think and how to break them in easier,” Mr Campbell said.
“I started talking to mule whisperer, Steve Edwards in America. I bought some gear off him and later travelled to Phoenix to visit.
“He took my wife, Marianna, and I to the Grand Canyon where they have a lot of mules and I had the opportunity to mule ride down the Grand Canyon and do a tour of the mule barns.
“I received a lot of information about how to work on them.”
Once breaking in his mules was complete, Mr Campbell only needed four to work on comfortably, so Elders Mount Isa advertised those remaining.
Despite significant interest on social media, no sales have yet been made.
“There are not many other people doing this sort of thing. We had one guy come out and have a look but I think he was just curious.
“If people don’t want to ride them they would make a great guardian animal as they don’t like dogs or anything new in the paddock.”
Mr Campbell plans to get a jack donkey and breed some more mules in the future.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
