I have just recently realized a longtime dream of owning a wagon and team. My husband and I have a team of mules, 3 & 5 and an average sized wagon with car wheels and brakes. We have been driving them regularly as we are all still in the learning stages. They are doing great with the wagon and we have done several trails rides and even a parade! I would like to work into using them for work around our place, moving cut trees, plowing the garden, etc. How do I safely make the transition from wheeled, easily rolling wagon to pulling something completely different. I have help from more experienced wagon drivers but none of them have ever worked their teams this way.

You just hook them up and see what happens.

Make the transition using a ground sled. Pulling a wheeled vehicle is easy compared to pulling dead weight or tillage implement. Don't load them down too much too fast or you'll discourage them. On the other hand, dragging something on the ground makes quite a racket. You want the sled to be heavy enough that they can't run off with it.

farming with them is another ball game.get ready and dont get hurt.

Not a expert but i think i would ground drive them pulling a log and add more as they learn wphat you want them to do.A forecart would sure be a good tool to have.Good luck Rob

I think most folks would say that you should be pulling non wheel vehicles with them before a wheeled one.

I would invest in a forecart that you can pull heavier items with.Then maybe drag a front end loader tire or two with them.

Dragging logs or a stone boat or sled would be best to start.For sure not a sickle bar or manure spreader.

at three years old you don't want to over do it, easy to hurt growing points.

New Mule Girl: Dragging some sort of dead weight behind your wagon may be a good place to start introducing your team to greater loads. Something like a log or a couple of RR ties chained side by side. Although this approach isn't as good as the ground sled suggested above, it is possible given the equipment you already have. It is very likely that your team will adjust well to the increased loads and be willing and able to do some of the farm tasks you have in mind. Good luck with your "dream team".

Thanks so much to everyone who responded! I will be careful, have already had one chariot style race around the barn in the beginning. Love the idea about using something behind the wagon and I will try that. Will also keep in mind that they are both still fairly young. We got lucky and got two good ones, and they have forgiven us our mistakes, so we give them the same benefit. Mule people are a special breed, thanks!

Vince is right about the loader tires. Start with one or two of those in a paddock or lot and work your way up to actual work. Make sure they can handle the racket first, and never let anyone convince you to rush this process. If you use the "just hook them up and see what happens" method, make sure that your health insurance is all paid up. Be patient and good luck.

I agree with MD on having the health insurance paid up and your wife might check on your life insurance also.