Mule who are you?
The mule is a hybrid, resulting from the crossbreeding of a mare and a donkey, referred to as a mule for the female and a mulet for the male. As for the crossbreeding of a jenny and a horse, it becomes a bardot or bardote.
Similar to a bardot, the animal is complex, being brilliant and intelligent; it reasons, discusses, negotiates.
It is a highly sensitive being that never forgets. It is better to spend time winning over its heart, in which case it will lead you to the ends of the earth, than to strike it, which could result in, at the very least, hospital stays.
It is an epicurean, enjoying taking the time to live, contemplate, play, and lie down to watch the clouds, all while nibbling on a few blades of grass within reach of its snout.
It is a hard worker when motivated for the job; without motivation, it becomes bored and remains stationary.
If you have a good connection with it, it's just like having a big dog. However, it must express its opinion— the mule chooses you! There is no question of saying, "he/she is a beautiful model, I'll buy it." No, no, no. It's a love story; I love you, do you love me? This inevitably leads to an exclusive and often deeply bonded relationship. "You have to live it to feel it; it doesn't express itself with words," muleteers often say.
Mule what do you eat?
The mule is a frugal animal that is content with little. An old proverb states that it can feed on a field of stones, and the corollary is that on fertile ground, it can quickly gain weight.
It inherits its feeding behavior from both parents, adopting both the grazing behavior of its mother and also that of its father, consuming branches, brambles, tree leaves, and woody plants.
Despite this, a supply of trace elements is necessary, including a regular portion of salt.
Mules in France
They are present in the folklore of southern France, where enthusiasts preserve the ancient traditions.
In the Alpes de Haute Provence, there is an important association that acts as a guardian of mule culture: La maison du Mulet
Still sometimes used for carrying loads in the high mountains, they have found a new role as leisure animals, replacing horses for some or serving as pets.
Olivier Courthiade
one of the oldest French muleteers and an adopted Ariège resident, has spent his life educating mules, writing, playing the piano, and lovingly cooking for his friends. He exemplifies the qualities of a muleteer - sensitivity, intelligence, love.
The ancient art of muleteering still exists in France, but be aware that whether young or older, they can be counted on one hand.
Mules in the high mountains
Sure-footed, afraid of nothing, she is the ideal companion for hikes, carrying, where she can show initiative, hence her interest
Stronger than a horse, agile like a cat, thoughtful, tender and affectionate when you have won her heart
In animal traction
For working in the vines, her little feet, the alignment of her steps, her calm and reflection make her an ideal companion.
We also find it in logging, hauling mules with unrivaled strength and always this notion of reflection which characterizes these equines.
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