Mules
A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey. To be technically
correct, a mule has a donkey as a father and a horse as a mother.
The animal who has a donkey as a mother and a horse or pony
as a father is really called a "hinny" and differs
significantly in looks and abilities from a mule.
A mule has the body of a horse with the extremities of a
donkey. It has long ears and a short thin mane, which may
stand upright like a donkey's or be a little longer and flop
over. Its tail has short hairs on the dock like a donkey but
is much fuller. The legs are like the donkey's, with small,
straight-sided hooves. The head is a little narrower than
the donkey's, but otherwise very similar.
Mules are stronger than horses, with much longer working
lives. They rarely become ill or lame or suffer wounds. They
are able to withstand extremes of temperature, can live on
frugal rations, have tremendous stamina and resilience, and
are exceptionally sure-footed.
Mules are highly intelligent and are very quick to learn.
Being so intelligent, a badly handled mule can be a problem.
You cannot force him to do anything. You must persuade him,
or give him only work that he wants to do. Both the mule and
the handler are a lot happier when this approach is followed.
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