The modern mule is more misunderstood than his close cousin, the horse. The physical distinction is clear — the mule is a hybrid cross between a male donkey (called a jack) and a female horse (mare). The hinny is a cross between a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny). Regarding temperament, however, the mule has a "reputation" that is not altogether deserved. Mules have traditionally been described as strong, surefooted, and — all together now — VERY stubborn!

Surely a creature as intelligent, athletic, and affable as the mule deserves better than being an equine symbol for obstinacy, compared to every contrary person one encounters! Why not "smart as a mule" or "versatile as a mule" instead of the overused "stubborn as a mule"? Smart and versatile are both appropriate and true descriptions of the mule. Even the mule's infamous stubborn nature is more accurately recognized as common sense. After all, the mule practices "safety first" and favors moderation in all things.

The mule may be misunderstood, but people sure do like them. Several recent drives over back roads in rural East and Central Texas confirmed for me that there are a great many mule (and donkey) fanciers. Seems like we saw almost as many mules as horses in the pastures.

What is this magic of mules that appeals to more people than ever? Meredith Hodges, author of Training Mules and Donkeys, and co-founder of the American Donkey and Mule Society, writes that "many people still do not understand why the mule is as capable as he is." She explains that certain qualities like the muscular structure inherited from the mule's sire, the jack, make the mule an exceptionally strong and versatile performer. Donkeys are also naturally attracted to humans, although understandably, they work well when treated with kindness, but perform poorly when badly treated. The donkey's sensible nature, strength, and surefootedness, combined with the gentle disposition, courage, and speed of the horse results in a singularly splendid equine, the mule. Of course, those long donkey ears and that distinctive bray come from the donkey side of the family tree.

The mule has been admired in this country for centuries. George Washington, "first in war, peace, and the hearts of his countrymen" has yet another lesser known claim to fame as the man who made the mule popular in America. After the Revolutionary War had ended, Washington wanted to import the huge Catalonian donkeys from Spain. Although the Spanish government did not allow exportation of their jacks, the King of Spain was so honored that the great General Washington wanted to import the Spanish donkeys that he sent two of his best jacks to him as a gift. One of the jacks unfortunately died aboard ship, but the other arrived in good condition at Mount Vernon. General Washington was thrilled with the donkey and named him Royal Gift. The mules sired by Royal Gift were impressively tough and soon it seemed like half the farmers in Virginia owned one of Royal Gift's mules.

To understand the mule and how to train one, it is important to appreciate the differences between donkeys and horses. Since the mule is half horse and half donkey, the temperament profile of the mule will be somewhere in between that of the horse and the donkey. The major difference between the two equines is their ability to tolerate punishment. Basically, donkeys do not tolerate punishment as cooperatively as a horse. Certainly, you should always be kind and gentle to all animals, including horses, donkeys, and mules. This is mentioned only because it is a recognized temperament difference that relates to the donkey's attitude toward training.

Trainers must be patient, and above all, keep a sense of humor. It has been said that while donkeys can act really dumb, they can always make their trainer look even dumber, so how dumb can they be? Since mules are half horse, they are easier to train than donkeys.

Mules lag about a year behind horses in overall development, so it is better not to begin formal training in their second year, because the mule is still like a rowdy toddler at that age. Instead, play games with the foal. The young mule has a great sense of humor and can be easily taught to play simple games like tag.

I hope this has cleared up any misunderstandings you may have had about mules, and that you too can feel the magic of our long-eared friends.

— BE