Somewhere in the evolution of the horses'
many lines, one began emerging that looked different from the others. It's ears began to
elongate, it's mane thinned and stood up, while it's foot changed from oval to elongated
and diminished in size. Like adolescent boys, it experienced a dramatic voice change.
Enjoy your visit here on the farm. You
will find a variety of mule information and a few things just for fun. If you like what
you see share this site with a friend, we love company here on the farm.
Aerial view of the farm (taken1994, I think)
If you
think horses are fun just wait 'till you ride your first mule! You can always trust your
mule to take care of you on the trails. I trust Zeb on any trail anytime. He's a world
class mule.
What I have learned of MULES.
I have learned that many
of the old tales you hear of mean and honery mules is purty much just that, old tales. Now
I'm not a sayin' that they aren't based on a story or two of things a mule may have done
at some time or another, just that they ain't necessarily the way all mules are. Mules are
smart and learn a lot quicker than horses, but don't seem to mentally mature as quickly.
(is that like an oxymoron?) Being that a mule learns more quickly you have to be careful
how you teach him. Learn him the wrong way and you'll work twice as hard to correct it.
Once they know something they know it and it's hard to change their mind. A mule doesn't
have the flight response that horses do. This bravery comes from the donkey line. A mule
may step back a step but will then defiantly approach the cause of suspicion to
investigate further. His self preservation instinct will also protect you on the trails. A
mule in the pasture becomes king of the jungle to invading critters. A few strong snorts
will warn intruders they best be moving quickly this field or a good chase could be at
hand. As a herd animal mules are not inclined to create the 'pecking' system as horses
demand. Most of the time a herd of mules will be quit docile as is their nature. They say
a mule has a good memory too. That if ya make one mad enough at ya it will keep that
grudge and sometime bring it back to you. Maybe that's why all the people I know with
mules treats 'em so well. I have seen a mule kick, and boy can they wing one! A mule can
kick with more accuracy than a horse, and unlike a horse a mule can kick out to the side,
what ya might hear called 'cow kicking', without even first caulking his leg, just
straight off the ground he's got ya! I have learned that mules are a real people equine.
They long for your attention and praise and almost lay down at your feet for a good ear
rub or body brush. Mules are loyal, strong, and ever enduring. What I have learned of
mules.
MULE MORSEL- It is interesting to speculate how different the
course of Western Civilization without the invention of the mule. Neither the horse nor
ass, by itself, would have been so efficient a helpmate to man as the mule. It is unlikely
that selective breeding of the horse could have instilled the endurance, patience, as
resistance to disease possessed by the mule.- Albert C. Leighton
If you
think horses are fun just wait 'till you ride your first mule! You can always trust your
mule to take care of you on the trails. I trust Zeb on any trail anytime. He's a world
class mule. 
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