How is a mule different?

Question

Not biologically, I know all that, but I'm thinking of buying one after having horses all my life and would like to know if they are different to work with, have different social rules, have to be trained differently. Also does anyone know where to get one in the UK, and can anyone recommend a good book about them?

Answer 1

First :) Mules aren't for everyone.

The difference between mules and horses is that mules will not work for you unless they know you are working for them.

Mules need to trust you and once you have a bond with them, they will give their hearts out for you.

As far as training, you can't be rigid and really have to reroute your training methods. There isnt' alot that is different than horses however. Mules get bored easily with repetition and need changes. I have voice trained all of mine, mainly due to driving cues but I do believe longears respond better to verbal cues.

I show my mule in western,english, driving, halter, trail, showmanship, cattle etc. My son shows in all those and speed events. Most mules tend to show in all events for a coveted all around high point at shows. I trained my mule to lay down so I could get on him since he is so tall. Mules want to please once they understand your their friend. It took a bucket of treats and a couple of months for him to learn it. Do not push training issues, go the speed of the mule. They are very forgiving animals.

Mules are not kickers typically. However it is something that should not be taken lightly with training. Mules do not forget. However, I have ended on bad notes with mules and taken the night to rethink a training tactic and succeeded the next day. They DO NOT hold grudges.

There are 2 mule showing associations. North American Saddle Mule Association. There is a new one that formed also thats IMAD International Mule and Donkey. You can register your mule even if you don't know the parentage, they explain all that. I only registered mine for showing purposes.

Mules can do anything a horse can do. Many breeders are getting into using high bred mares to accomplish awesome speed and cattle mules.

I sold all my horses in 2000 and went strictly to mules. I love horses, but mules have my heart. They are awesome animals, very sociable and extremely talented.

I would get a Meredith Hodges book
www.luckythreeranch.com

Brad Cameron has wonderful videos that I highly recommend. You can google search the name.

As far as the UK, mules are rare there from what I understand. I know someone shipped a jack over there. If you would email Mules N More magazine, I bet they could point you to someone over there that could help you.

Answer 2

Some people understand mules more than others, but one of the most obvious characteristics are that mules are much more sure footed than horses on the trails. Mules excell in most disciplines, but they are especially good at driving. Although some mules arn't known to jump, others have been known for jumping ability. Training wise, a mule's way of thinking through obstacles are often mistaken for a stubborn streak. Mules think more than horses, horses have the fight or flight response, where mules think in their best interest before reacting to a situation. Mules do not appreciate whips or spurs taken to them. While horses can take a certain amount of stress (depending on the horse), mules do not appreciate whips or spurs taken to them. Mules are naturally friendly to their primary handlers. I hope I helped :)

Answer 3

No idea about where to get one in the UK but I love mules. Absolutely wonderful mounts - with superb smooth gaits. And if you get a 'gaited' mule - out of a foxtrotter or walker mare - it's even better.

Mules require the same care as a horse - pasture, shelter, grain etc. but they can do well enough on rougher shelter and pasture and not as much grain. whereas, for example, a highly bred thorobred may require alfalfa and a "powermix" of grain, a mule will be fine with grass hay and oats.

Also, a not-too large mule - say, 13 hands and 750-800 lbs will be a fine mount for a grown adult - even one who is on the stout side - whereas a larger adult would need a much bigger horse.

Mules are creatures of strict habit - so, if he is trained to stop working at 5:00 p.m., he will stop. Period. and refuse to continue except back to the barn. That's where the stubborn streak idea came from.

No. they aren't stubborn - but you do have to give them a good reason why they should do something - especially something dangerous - such as jumping etc. But I had mules that jumped, performed dressage, worked in my garden and were generally good trail horses. But you have to "convince" a mule - rather than "order" it to do your bidding.

Despite his habitual behavior, I don't believe that old story about giving a mule 3 days worth of food and he'll eat what he normally eats for three days - whereas you give a horse 3 days worth of food and he founders and colics - Don't take the chance with your mule.

Never, ever be cruel to a mule (or any other animal) trying to make it do what you want. Coaxing and convincing will do, thank you. If you lose your temper at your mule - for his habitual behavior, stop. Think and realize that he probably knows more than you do about nearly everything.

Oh my! I do hope you can find a nice mule - they're absolutly wonderful mounts. Yes. Yes.

Oh - and a nice fairy tale - all mules (and donkeys too) carry the cross of Jesus on their backs - because that is the animal that carried Jesus triumphantly into Jerusulem on Palm Sunday. And the donkey is the animal who carried Mary to Bethlehem just prior to Jesus' birth. charming.

Answer 4

Mules are sturdier - they tend to have better balance over rougher terrain. They are stronger than horses, and can be more stubborn. The mules I have known, which hasn't been many, do need a firmer hand - but once they're trained, they're so smart they will remember it for life.
I knew one mule trained to do everything from vaulting to dressage and a spanish walk. Very very very very smart hors,....um....animals, and probably worth the investment.
I know here in the States, there is a national mule organization that holds an annual mule show, with everything from driving and pulling to jumping to help promote mule's versatility, reliability, and athleticism.
Good luck.

Answer 5

If you are going to use him as a work animal
mules can work longer and walk longer than horses can

For mules while you still use raines most people also call to them to tell them to turn left or right or to start going

long ago it was called the song of the mules

Answer 6

The difference we say here in KY is that the difference between a mule and a horse is that a mule "never misses." (like in kicking) The mules I have known hasve generally been a big pain in the rear end (breaking stuff, etc.). I knew one who did dressage, who went to show and would crawl over the top of his stall out. They are generally like ponies, too darn smart for their good or anyone elses. The modern guide to mule care is a good book, and I'd say you'd just look for a breeder in your area, though I've never heard about too many in the UK? Good luck!

Answer 7

Hopefully the links help.

WHAT CAN YOU USE MULES FOR?

Anything you can use horses and ponies for, depending only on size: riding - racing, endurance riding, hunting, jumping, gymkhanas, dressage, shepherding etc.; in harness - private driving, scurrying, cross country, dressage, light and heavy haulage, agricultural work; under pack - for work or leisure.

ARE MULES REALLY BAD TEMPERED AND DO THEY KICK?

Mules are only bad-tempered if handled incorrectly and with lack of understanding. They can kick with great speed and accuracy, but only do so in self-defence, when they are afraid or think something is going to hurt them.

ARE MULES DIFFICULT TO LOOK AFTER?

They are very easy to look after in that they are rarely ill or lame, rarely need shoeing, are not fussy about their food and can withstand extremes of climate.

ARE MULES DIFFICULT TO TRAIN?

No, but their natures are different to horses'; you must gain your mule's trust and learn to understand each other, and then he will do anything for you.

Answer 8

All the difference is that a mule is halve donkey halve horse but if you are planning on getting a mule they act as great gaurds!! If you get one then you can train him to be out of a fenced in feild and just walking around your house staying in your land and you'll be safe from alot of things!! (expecilly snakes) But most mules are a little bit harder to work with because there brats.