Mules

A mule is a cross between a male donkey (jackass), and a female horse (mare). If you cross a female donkey (jennet) with a male horse (stallion), you'll get a hinny. Hinnies and mules are not a species. they are a hybrid between two other species, the donkey and the horse. Hinnies are rarer than mules because female donkeys and male horses have a lower conception rate than male donkeys and female horses. Mules and hinnies look very similiar, but hinnies tend to be smaller and more horse-like than mules. Mules and hinny's can be male or female, but they are all sterile and cannot reproduce because of an uneven number of chromosomes. Male mules should always be gelded. Sometimes male mules are referred to as John Mules and female mules are Molly Mules.

 

Mules have characteristics of both the donkey and the horse. Their ears are larger than a horse, but they are smaller than a donkey's. They will have shorter manes, coarser coats, thinner limbs, shorter tails, more almond shaped eyes and smaller hooves like the donkey. They resemble the horse more in height, length and shape of the neck, length of its coat and tail bone.

 

Mules can be any size from Miniature Mules or Pony Mules, (because they are bred from pony mares), to large 1,200 lb. or more draft mules. Mules are used in various ways. Some mules are used to pull wagons, carts or farm equipment. There are lots of trail riding mules (even some gaited mules), and mules are often used as pack animlas as they are sure-footed and dependable. Mules are also being used in all equine sports such as dressage, cutting, roping, hunting, jumping (mules are excellent jumpers), and cross country.

 

Mules need less protein than horses. They are very hardy animals, have more stamina than a horse and can carry more weight than a horse of the same size. Mules can kick in any direction and strike anything within their reach. Mules are not mean, but mistreated mules can become very uncooperative.

 

Mules are very intelligent and will not put themselves in danger. This is why mules are often called stubborn. They're really not stubborn, just smarter. Mules are always thinking. They never forget and never forgive.

 

A mule will be a mule every day of his life.

 

If you are looking for saddles, harness or tack for your mule, SaddleAuctions.com has a huge selection at bargain prices. If you are already a member of ebay, great! If not, click on the ebay link below to get started. Register now. It's fast and free!