The MULE!


The word mule is used for either the cross of a male donkey and female horse or a female donkey and a male horse. The resulting differences are very obvious.

The mule is said to have the body of a horse with the extremities of a donkey. The most obvious characteristic of any mule is it's long ears, the short thin mane and a tail which has shorter hairs on the dock but a little longer than the donkeys and much fuller than donkeys. The withers of a mule are low or nonexistent, the back is flat with a goose rump, the body flat-sided with weaker quarters than the horse and also narrower and less deep shouldered. The legs are straight with small, hard, dense, upright, straight-sided hooves. The head is a little narrower than the donkeys. And, mules often grow taller than both parents.


Why are mules becoming so popular?
Comparing them with a horse:
Weight for weight Mules are stronger than horses.
They are much longer lived with much longer working lives.
They rarely become ill or lame or suffer wounds.
Mules can withstand extremes of temperature.
They can live on frugal rations.
They have tremendous stamina and resilience.
They are exceptionally sure-footed.
Mules are highly intelligent and are very quick to learn.

Mules have a reputation for being obstinate and bad-tempered, but they are only that way if they have been badly brought up. Punishment should be avoided if possible. The mule should be asked to do something that it perceives to be safe and pleasant. Talking to a mule, even tho it seems odd, is necessary. The mule has very sharp hearing. It has been said, "You can talk to a horse, but you can whisper and chat to a mule."

Purchasing a horse is much easier than purchasing a mule. This is because very few mules come on the market.

And lastly, mules mature more slowly than horses do so please don't rush into riding them.