mule or horse? opinions please

[leigha]

I love mules. I want a mule, but some how get the feeling that you have to be a seasoned horse person to own a mule. I rode horses when I was younger, but I'm green, but really want to learn. I've read the mule books that are out there, but know there's more to learning than just reading books about mules and mule training. I've been spoiled by my father's stories of his little cotton mule he had growing up, pet mainly, his mode of transportation when he was a boy. Is it ridiculous to think I could get a small riding mule under 14 hands that would be gentle enough for me and my kids to ride? Kids are young 8 and 7, but are doing well in horse riding lessons. What do I need to look for? look out for? Help me out you horse and mule people, please.

[Hammer4]

I think, same as a horse, you can get a mule that will do that for you. All of them are different just like all horses are different. Go out and look at some and find one that has the disposition you want.

Post over into the Equine forum there are some mule lovers there. I don't have any personally but wouldn't mind it if a good one crossed my path.

[LisaInN.Idaho]

Hammer is right..you should post in the equine forum. There are several people there who have both.

[Ramblin Wreck]

Good advice above about seeking info on the Equine Site, but I'll expound a little on what Hammer said. Dad had a mule when I was very young, and he was the only one who could handle it. It would kill calves or anything smaller than him if given half a chance. Dad put up with him because he was a hard worker. A good friend and neighbor had one that was as gentle as a kitten. You could ride it to the fields pulling your tools/plows on a sled behind.

[PinkBat]

We've had numerous horses and two mules. Just like with horses you can get all sorts of different personalities in mules.

Like Ramblin Wreck mentioned, some do like to attack calves or newborn colts. One of ours attacked colts and he had to go live with a neighbor. The other mule is just a sweetheart and easy to ride.

[Gracielou]

I've got a horse, mule, and mammoth donkeys. They all have their own personalities and there are some nasty mules out there but there are also nasty horses and donkeys. When I was looking for a mule I just missed a pair of mules that were being used to teach riding to handicapped kids so good sweet mules are out there. I'd take my time to find one. I love my mule-nothing bothers him and the only thing he doesn't like are goats. I know this so they are never in his area-no problems. Good luck
Pinkbat mentioned mules killing calves and foals- My Dad raised mules and had mules guilty of this. My mule on the other hand loves cattle and babies. The last baby donkey born, my 16 yr. old gelded mule was sure it was his. He would get the baby and tuck him up to his chest and threaten anything (other horse and donkeys-not me) The jennet had her own personal baby sitter.

[leigha]

Good advice, keep it coming if you have any. Thanks to those who have posted already.

[wr]

I see absolutely no reason you can't start with a mule. The general criteria would be the same, you need something willing to give you a nice beginning so you need something kind, honest and experienced. You will find when you start shopping for a horse or a mule that quality animals with experience are difficult to find so in my opinion, you might as well stick to your guns and get what you want instead of wishing you would have.

[sidepasser]

Pumpkin is a very good mule. She has babysat foals and treats them like she would her own if she could have any. She has toted children, been shown in western pleasure and barrel racing before I got her, and I rode her all over the place. Never took a wrong step and gentle as could be.

Good mules aren't cheap for the most part. You might run up on one every once in a while, but well trained mules can cost as much or more than a well trained horse doing the same discipline. You can buy a mule that can drive, plow, and ride (a three bell mule). Personally I prefer a molly mule because I like mares. Buy one already trained if you have never owned one before, they can't be forced into doing things and training is best done by someone with experience with mules. Not saying a horse trainer can't train a mule, but most have no clue as to the mule's way of thinking. Mules are not stubborn, they just have huge sense of self preservation so won't "jump into something" if it might get themselves hurt. Many mules will chase a dog and some will kill calves/foals if they aren't used to them. My mule won't hurt either, but will stomp a dog flat if it isn't one of "ours". Again that donkey in her coming out.

Mules don't normally have near the health and hoof issues that horses have, can live on little feed but like a horse, need good hay and plenty of fresh water. They will tend to get overly fat which can lead to founder if fed too much sweet feed/grain, they are best on hay or pasture with just enough grain to keep them coming up or maintain their weight. A fat mule is a fool mule..lol..they can get up to mischief! I've enjoyed my mule and she is on loan to an older lady who wanted to continue trail riding on a safe, dependable, footsure equine and she loves Pumpkin.

Find a person who fools with mules and see if you can apprentice or take some mule handling lessons. I will say my mule is much more "loyal" to me than to anyone else as she bonded with me and not my son. Some mules do tend to pick "their" person and while not mean to others, they merely tolerate others while they actively look for their "real" owner. My mule has been unusually good with children and will take baby steps and go so slow when a child is leading or riding.

Best money I've spent on a four legged hayburner in many years and I don't regret it one bit..she was my first and only mule, but I spent about a year looking and trying different ones before I found her. Take your time and get one that "fits" you.

[airotciv]

Must agree with everyone, it really depends on the animal. I grew up with horses, some nice, others not. Our neighbors had donkeys and Mules. Some nice some not. The neighbor kids always wanted horses and we always wanted donkeys and mules. LOL Well us kids would get up at 6:00 am on saturday and sunday and ride the hills for hours. I can't remember either being better with us kids. I don't have either at ther moment, but I'm looking for a donkey (2) or mule at this time. But I do have a story, My sister remembered how much fun we had with the horses, when we were young, so she bought 2 horses, only to remember her sister (me) did all the training and grooming and clean up after them. Then they weren't so much fun. Her horses became unfreindly, because she never did anything with them, too much trouble and she was afraid of them. She didn't remember her fear of them until she got them. Well they are with good people now. I guess the point to this story is to really make sure you are up to the work you need to put in, grooming, training, and cleaning. At 8 years old I was up at 5:00 am to feed, groom and clean before I went to school, the sister slept in the tack room until I was done. Then I would come home from school, to train the foals, workout the others and then groom and feed. My sister always had an excuss not to be there unless dad got mad, then she would clean tack in the tack room. She was only there for the saturday or sunday rides. All fun, no work. They are alot of work, but worth it if you really want to put in the time.

[Wolf mom]

Having had both, I think mules are a wee tad smarter than horses and once they make up their mind about something, it's a little harder to retrain them out of their decision.
If you're green, it may be an idea to make sure to get an equine that is very well trained. Mules seem to know when they can get away with something & learn quickly that they can do it over & over & over...
Lots of mules have a faster gait too so you want to think how much you're giong to ride with others & what kind of equine they have. Its not pleasant always having to either continually crank them up or down when you're just going on an afternoon pleasure ride.
Just my 2 pennies

[wyld thang]

There's a mule show on RFD tv channel, we have it on DirectTv.

[leigha]

Thanks for all the replys. I'm going to do some more homework and just be patient until I find what I'm looking for, just wanted to know if I was crazy or not. Yes, I am but what a great way to live!! If anyone has any more advice please give it. Thanks.

[DixyDoodle]

Yep, try posting in the Equine forum but be prepared: some will tell you to get a donkey instead. LOL