History of the Mule Train
Photo taken of the Mule Train at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA in 1995
A Brief History of the Al Kaly Shrine Mule Train
When the Army decided to phase out the mounted units at Camp Carson, CO in 1957, it did Al Kaly Shrine a favor. Albert Rodee, an Army veterinarian, suggested that the tradition of the mules should be kept alive and that a mule patrol be formed. Potentate A. Alan Ladd approved the concept and twenty-eight mules were purchased by individuals for an average price of $25.00. And so the Al Kaly Mule Train was formed.
At first the mules were relocated to various individual pastures, and on their first night away from the Army, a number of them jumped over fences and returned to their Camp Carson stables. It did not take the mules long to realize that the life of an Al Kaly Mule was preferable to one in the Army, so they soon decided to stay put.
After several moves, the Al Kaly Mule Train found a home at an old Sinton Dairy farm. Old dilapidated buildings were torn down and the new Tack Room was constructed. The Ranch has expanded through additional purchases of land and now occupies approximately 27.5 acres off of Interstate 25, just south of Colorado Springs. In 1972, the Mule Train Drill Team was formed. Ably assisted by the Rangerettes, the task of training riders and mules began. The mules did well; the riders took a little longer. Today, the Mule Train Drill Team is in high demand and participates in competitions throughout the country.
The Al Kaly Shrine Mule Train has participated in parades and drills all over the country. Highlights include two trips to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, the JFK Inauguration Parade and ceremony, and the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. We’ve ridden our mules in Calgary, Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and other cities around the country. The numerous trophies and awards won by the Mule Train riders and mules are on display in our Tack Room.
First Big Trip
Parading in Washington, DC for JFK’s Inauguration, 1961
The Al Kaly Shrine Mule Train was invited by the Governor of Colorado to help represent his state at JFK’s Inauguration. Somehow, the members and families scraped together enough money to load themselves and mules onto a train and head east.
Recent Parades
The Mule Train participates in many local civic and regional parades and functions in Southern Colorado. Our job is to keep the Shriners International organization in the minds and memories of the citizens of Southern Colorado and advertise the services of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.