11 Thursday, May 29, 1997 Pahrump Valley Gaze/te
Mule owners and admirers don't use a lot of fancy adjec-
tives when talking about their animals. They might not call
their mules marvelous, but when they describe mules the
listener knows mules are. About the only thing that upsets
mule folks is m have their special animal called a horse.
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You might argue that if you call the mule a horse, you're
half right since the mule is the product of a donkey and a
horse. The jack (breeding male donkey) and the mare horse
produce an animal that is neither donkey or horse. The mule
inherits some of the best traits of each to make a truly unique
equine.
The mule gets its long ears, high intelligence, great
endurance, sure-footedness, ability to endure extremes of
heat and cold, smooth gaits, strength, keen sense of self-
preservation and distinctive bray from the jack. The height,
body conformation and disposition are strongly influenced
by the mare. The pairing creates an animal prized for its
intelligence, versatility and kindness.
Historically the mule has been a "beast of burden." In
ancient Israel and Greece, the mule was used to turn wheels
and tread endless belts to provide a source of power for human
use. He has continuously served man by transporting people
and materials. He pulls wagons and carries loads on his back.
He was, and in some areas still is, a valuable farm animal
pulling plows and other farm equipment.
George Washington established the breeding program
that developed the American mule beginning with an excep-
tional Andalusian jack and jennet (female donkey) that ar-
rived at Mt. Vernon, Va. on October 26, 1785. The pair, a gift
from King Charles III of Spain, had exceptional value since
Spain forbade exportation of its prize donkey stock. Wash-
ington then acquired two jennets and a jack from Maim. Top
quality mules were bred from these foundation jacks and
started America's ascent to become the top producer of
quality mules and donkeys in the world.
Transporting heavy loads is only one facet of this versa-
tile animal' s talents. His sure-footed and smooth-gaited char-
acteristics make him an excellent saddle mount. He can
traverse narrow, rocky trails more comfortably and safely
than a horse. His innate sense of self-preservation prevents
him from taking the frenzied step that could catapult him and
his rider over a cliff or put them in other life-threatening
danger.
The impressive range of the mule's abilities was on
display last weekend at the 28th annual Mule Days celebra-
tion held each Memorial Day
weekend in Bishop, Calif.
The population of the small
town swells from 4,000 to
40,000 as mule aficionados
Jan McDonald M.D.
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arrive from all over the country for this "premiere showcase"
of the mule.
Spectators line the streets to watch the parade, with 165
entries, billed as the largest non-motorized parade in the
world. Dignitaries ride in vintage, mule-drawn carriages
followed by professional packers with their strings of smartly
outfitted mules. Mules parade proudly, carrying cowboys,
children and costumed characters. There are mules of every
size and color.
The diversity of the mule dictates its myriad uses. The
animal varies in size depending on its breeding. The large
draft mule is bred from a mammoth jack and a draft horse
mare. The lighter saddle mule is the product of a standard or
mammoth m/fie crossed with any of the light horse breeds.
The miniature mule is bred from miniature Mediterranean
jacks crossed with a Shetland pony or miniature mares.
These general categories are further broken down by the
specific type of horse. For example, a mammoth mule and a
Thoroughbred mare may produce a mule used for racing or
jumping. A Quarter Horse mare will probably be used to
obtain a mule used for cutting, reining and barrel racing. A
Tennessee Walker may be the mare of choice to produce a
pleasure riding mule.
Mule Days has events that determine "World Champion
Mules" in 23 events including English Performance, Western
Performance, Running Mule, Pack Teams, Champion Team-
ster, large and small teams, Gymkhana Mule and many, many
more. Four days, Thursday through Sunday, are packed with
mule competitions in over 150 categories in an attempt to
cover the wide range of mules and their talents.
Former "horse people" are happy to share tales of their
conversion to "mule people." Many like mules, horses and
donkeys. Some are still deciding• All scoffat stories that have
led to the similes "stubborn as a mule" and "kicks like a
mule." This, they say, is the result of the mule being smarter
than his handler.
One thing not to be denied is the beauty, ability and
personality that characterizes these magnificent mules. The
owners might not describe the mule as magnificent, but it
doesn't seem overdone for an animal that can pull a wagon,
win first place in a Western riding class and carry his rider on
a week long pack/hunting trip in the high mountains.
For more mule information contact The American Don-
key and Mule Society (ADMS), 2901 N. Elm St., Denton,
Texas. Phone: (817) 382-6845.
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