Seriously, does anyone care about the animals working anymore?

 

We too are saddened by this required change of events. For all of you who do not quite understand why this could be safer, please read on... Our motto is "give your mule a life" We have been training mules for over 14 years. What do you suppose this means? It means that people should educate their mules and use their mules. However, is it reasonable to put a mule into a crowd of thousands of people.  Hmm... that is the question. That brings us to thinking about how the mules work. When animals pull a wagon, they are built to get the wagon rolling, which requires a lot of energy. They are then required to keep it rolling, which is easier for them using momentum. When a wagon can roll along without conflict, it is good for the mules and they enjoy their work. Now add thousands of  people in their way. This requires that we demand our mules either walk slower, which is difficult and much more work for them, or stop and go, which sores their shoulders and makes them unhappy in their work. In order to avoid them stopping and going, we place two people walking in front of the wagon to clear the road. Our employees have been required to pick up small children and baby carraiges and move them to avoid conflict with our teams. Because of these two factors, and the fact that we actually care about the wellbeing of our mules, we asked the Winterhaven Committee what they can do to make this a better and safer driving environment. They deemed that it become mechanized.    We are happy to have anyone who has information on how to better drive teams safely through huge crowds, come on down and give us some ideas. To all those naysayers, we are open to suggestions and insight. Now, the question is, why would it be safer to be mechanized? Because we can stop and go and not be concerned with the well being of the mules who are working under our care. So, we welcome all of you in the vicinity to come on over, give us some information on a better plan! Welcome! We will hook up a team and let you help us with this problem. All of you are invited! Finally, to anyone who believes it is fair and just to put mules inside of and event of this magnitude and call if fair to the animals and the people walking inside, please explain to us how. We are happy to change back if you find a way to make it safe and fair for our mules and those visiting winterhaven!

Our Winterhaven Mules...    

To all of those people who are sad to see the mules go, we agree.  Many people are wondering about the mules and what will become of them?   Our mules have done an amazing job for us, and for you.  We are proud of them.  Each one has their own personality and story of how they came to us.  Each one is an individual.  Each one is silly and comical.   Just like us, they are all unique and special in their own way.  We love them.  Because of this outpouring of concern for our amazing mules, we want to assure everyone that the mules are fine.  Of course, they are wondering why they aren't preparing for their big event.  They are wondering why they aren't driving every day.  They are wondering why they are not getting their borium shoes on.  Because of how we feel about our mules, how proud we are of them and their excellent track record working in Winterhaven, we too are wondering what this change will hold.  We feel the same way you guys have expressed at this loss.  We are devastated. However, we are responsible for the well being of each and every one of our mules.    Looking after their safety by making this difficult decision, we believe, is the best thing we can do for them.  They do not deserve to be put into the environment that Winterhaven has grown into.  They have worked too hard to be set up for failure.    Please understand that our concern is not just for the people visiting this event, but is also for the best interest of our mules.  Our training motto has been "Give your mule a life".  You can see it in our reds saddle mules website and our advertising over the course of the last 15 years.   This has been what we have stood by in training mules.  This is what we need to continue to consider as the people responsible for giving our herd a life.  We take this concern seriously.  That is why we agree with the devastating decision to change our power from mules to mechanized.  Sad? Yes...  But your support is what will make us feel that this difficult decision is correct and in the best interest of our mules.  We would like to welcome you to meet our mules in person at our Ranch in Benson Arizona.  If you are concerned or have questions, please set up a time to visit us and our amazing mules!   Don't forget the carrots!

Heartbroken in Benson...

ps....  We will find a way to keep the jingling of sleigh bells

Winterhaven is getting closer and it is an all encompassing concern for me and my family about the change from mules to vehicles.   I keep getting all wrapped up in my emotional concern for our lost tradition.  I am so sad about this huge loss of our very identity. It is who we are!  I must admit, we are very proud of the fun mule rides we have provided to Tucson for many years.  ... then I stop and think...  Is it really fair for me to be so self absorbed?  Is any of this really about my pride?  Maybe it is about the fact that it is difficult facing change.  Any kind of change brings stress... animosity....  concern...   Especially when the change is not one that feels good.  Do we worry that no one will support this change?  That the Festival itself will suffer from this change?  Of course.  You guys are the reason we have been doing this all these years.  Likewise, you guys are the reason for the change...  I ask myself... is it reasonably prudent for us to take our teams in there knowing that the potential risk has increased for an accident simply due to the popularity of the event? Are we being fair as vendors to try to hang onto our tradition, simply for the tradition?  Or the popularity of the event? Or the revenue?  Or because we haven't hurt anyone? 

I suppose everything is simple... risk vs tradition.  Has the risk increased?  Yes... Why?  Simply due to the increase in foot traffic inside of the event.  Has the tradition changed?  Hmmm...  The residents are still going to decorate.  There will still be the Tucson Food Bank collecting donations and helping those in need.  There will still be wagons, trolleys, and vendors selling their cocoa, popcorn and cupcakes.  There will still be Tucsonans walking around and enjoying the lights.  There will still be memories made, relationships begun, and families strengthened through the power of sharing and spending time together.  Therefore, is it really going to ruin the festival?  I don't think so.  I sure hope everyone understands the struggle we all face in this decision.  All us mule vendors as well as the Winterhaven Committee.  We have to remember, this is a decision for YOU! Whether any of us like it or not... it is a good thing.   It will contribute to the safety and beauty of this event.  We are supportive of this decision.  We will look forward to your support!  I have faith that it is out there Tucson.

Winds of Change.... Do we embrace them?

 

We have made our living training mules all our lives. We train them to ride and drive for clients all over the country. We love it.   We understand the mules.  We admire the mules.  We want to show how amazing and great mules are!  One way we do this is by driving them at Winterhaven in Tucson Arizona.  Winterhaven is just the best with the teams and wagons. Simply beautiful. Amazing too... having teams alongside people walking the streets, enjoying the light show... Incredible!  This accomplishment is remarkable.  

 

Of course, with all good, there is risk…. Winterhaven has grown so tremendously over the last two years to a size never imagined by any of us involved.  This amazing and beautiful festival of lights has became known all over the world!  We have had  clients come and ride with us all the way from Europe, Australia, and many other places.   This has became a destination!  Unbelievable.  Sadly, because of this tremendous growth, the risk involved with having our beloved mules in winterhaven has also grown tremendously. 

Because of this growth and because of trying to live our lives honestly and morally, we have reached a crossroads in our winterhaven event.  All involved with the production of the Festival are debating on how to increase safety inside of the event?  As the wagon vendors, we ask ourselves...  How can we proceed with our wagon rides and still maintain the level of safety that we have held ourselves and our company  to year after year with the enormous work and accomplishments by us, our staff and of course…. Our mules!  Simply put, it is time we decide whether the wagons rides should continue with mules at the front or is it time to convert to vehicles out of respect for the safety of those on our wagons, people walking around in winterhaven, and our mules.  We love our mules.  We love having them in winterhaven.  We love promoting the beauty and work ethic of the mules.  We love advocating for their amazing talents by driving them in winterhaven.  However, as heartbreaking and disappointing as it is, we believe that change is inevitable.  We believe that it should be our responsibility to work hand in hand with the Festival Committee to create what is best for our passengers, families walking in winterhaven, and most of all, the reputation of our mules. 

Is this going to be fun?  Well… first off… we will miss our world famous mules pulling our wagons.  We have deliberated as to what would be fun…  Here is our plans should this change occur….   We think open topped jeeps that play Christmas music through the festival could be a blast.  We want the driver available to our passengers and that is why we want our vehicles open.   Music played during the ride might encourage singing and the Holiday Spirit!  We could decorate it with lights and make it beautiful.  We have considered the issue of exhaust and do not want our passengers subjected to this.  For this year, we would extend our exhaust pipes out away from the wagons.  We have discovered that it may be possible to convert each jeep to LP gas that burns cleaner and greener!  This would be a goal for 2014. 

So… will you guys ride with us? We hope so.  Will you guys support this effort of change towards a safer Festival of Lights?  We believe so!  We have faith in you!  The Food Bank has faith in you!  Still, the biggest question of all is will we be making the right choice?  Will we be able to sleep at night?    

I know I will…

But I’ll cry a little for the winds of change….  Julie...
 

 

 

2013~~~  Well... this year has held many interesting changes for all of us!  Not just at home but in our country as well.  Even now, the government is shut down! 

Still, we are gearing up for another exciting season at Winterhaven in Tucson Arizona.  We hope that our little event brings big joy to all of those who ride with us as well as those who see our wagons while walking through the beautifully lit streets of Winterhaven.  If you are looking for a great and unique family Holiday adventure, this is definately one that will be remembered for years to come.  I believe that quality time spent enjoying your family is worth all the gifts money can buy!  We hope we can help make this special time of year a little more magical for you and yours. 

This years festival is going to run from December 14, 2013 through December 26, 2013.  We will have wagons running each night at 6,7,8 and 9pm for a 40 minute ride through the Festival of Lights!  Check out our website for all the details and come on down and see us. 

Enjoy this fall!  It is short and precious and BEAUTIFUL! 

Julie and the Gang at Winterhaven Rides

2012 Winterhaven Festival is here!!

Well... it is almost here!  I cannot believe how quickly the year has passed.  I feel like I've spoken with so many of you just the other day...  however.... it was a year ago?  Crazy! 

We thank all of you who have reserved with us both in years past and now.  Things are coming together and we will be out there Saturday.   We are so excited to provide this tradition to all of you... Hope you enjoy it!

RESERVATIONS!! 520-825-0208

Hey Tucson!  For reservations through Winterhaven on a wagon pulled by mules or horses, call us at 520-825-0208!   Also, check out our site at www.winterhavenrides.com

Hope we see you out there!  It is BEAUTIFUL!!

To the Residents of Winterhaven......  YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!  You did a great job this year.  I'm impressed!!