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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.

In the gentle French countryside, where fields stretch as far as the eye can see, fascinating and unique creatures are born: mules. Resulting from an unusual union between donkeys and mares, mules are the fruit of a delicate and complex nature. Natural Challenges of Mulesque Breeding Breeding mules is a challenge, an unnatural challenge even. Donkeys and mares do not share the same codes of seduction, making reproduction complex. A donkey may refuse to mate with a mare, and vice versa. Differences in scent, posture and behavior between the two species add a layer of complexity. The mare, expressive and sometimes aggressive, reacts differently from the donkey, who is more docile. The act of mating can be tumultuous, sometimes requiring prior familiarity between the future parents to ensure success. The Importance of Selection and Handling In the world of musk breeding, parent selection is crucial. Since mules are hybrid beings, part horse, part donkey but also neither, they behave differently, requiring special attention. In France, two breeds of mules are recognized: the Poitevine mule and the Pyrenees mule. In addition to these breeds, there are donkey/mare crosses giving birth to mules with papers. These documents determine the level of participation in official equestrian competitions, establishing performance criteria. Genetic and Behavioral Challenges Genetically, most mules are sterile due to their unique chromosome configuration. During meiosis, cell division, hybridization creates an individual with 63 chromosomes, making the animal sterile. However, despite this sterility, mules can exhibit reactions typical of stallions or donkeys, requiring castration to prevent behavioral problems. Education: Key to Success Raising the mules is a crucial step. Hypersensitive hybrids, they require a gentle and consistent approach. Breeders play an essential role in establishing bonds of trust from the first days of life. Daily handling, awareness of various situations and the creation of bonds with humans are fundamental. Each positive experience helps build the mule's trust in humans, establishing a deep and respectful bond. The Role of Passionate Breeders In France, a few passionate breeders devote themselves to breeding mules. Their expertise and commitment are invaluable as they preserve this complex and unique tradition. Among them, names such as the Grandes Z'Oreilles breeding, the Erika Pons breeding and the Marie Layral breeding are recognized for their quality. Mulesque breeding, a demanding and exciting profession, reveals the beauty and complexity of these hybrid creatures. Each mule, with its unique character, is a testimony to the commitment of the breeders and the magic of the union between two species. Educating, understanding and respecting these extraordinary hybrids are the keys to perpetuating their legacy and making them travel, confident, alongside humans. A mule is much more than just an animal. It is a lesson in humility, love and trust, embodied in every look, every stride and every moment shared.

Mule where are you from? The origin of mules and mules is hidden from us by the impenetrable veil of the dawn of time. Its existence implies the simultaneous presence in the same country of the horse and the donkey. The historical documents bequeathed to us by the East allow us to go further back into the past of these animals, the writings left by the Latin authors lack precision, they confuse in the generic name of "Jumenta", all of the beasts of burden and harness making up army convoys. The mule often appears in ancient Assyrian bas-reliefs, and according to Mr. Pietrement, the first oriental mules must have originated in the Asian regions between the Ganges and the Mediterranean coast of Syria. This is where Asian horses (Mongols) first encountered African donkeys. In the Annals of the Kings of Assyria, mules are frequently mentioned around 1200 BC. Among the Hebrews, during the time of King David (10th century BC), the mule was the usual mount for the leaders of Israel. After the murder of their brother Amnon, David's sons each fled on a mule. After David's reign, the Bible often makes reference to mules. Homer (800-740 BC) provides many details establishing the antiquity of their existence in Asia Minor and Greece. Mules were sometimes offered as gifts, indicating their high regard. Herodotus (480-425 BC) tells us that the Persians used mules in their wars against the Scythians. Their braying and long ears startled the Scythian horses, a phenomenon still constant in the horse world today. Mules were present at the siege of Babylon. Xerxes, the Persian king, also used them when fighting against the Greeks. Diodorus informs us that Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) brought a multitude of pack and harness mules from Babylon. Diodorus of Sicily, a Greek historian from the 1st century BC, shows that three centuries after Aristotle, there was an absence or at least extreme rarity of donkeys and mules among the Gauls of the English Channel coast. It was horses that were used. The domestication of the European donkey dates back to the Hispanian center, around the polished stone age. Pliny (23-79 AD) talks about donkeys used for plowing but whose main purpose is to produce mules. Moreover, the term "Mulus" was used for the mare-donkey hybrid, and "Hinnus" for the mule, a root preserved by the Anglo-Saxons, where "bardot" translates to "Hinny." According to Mr. Pietrement, the oldest precise date indicating the use of mules in the West goes back to 534 BC. It was during the Gallo-Roman period that the animal spread across Europe. In Italy, the papal court's etiquette did not allow for mutilated subjects to be used in harnessing. The disobedience of male mules was a hindrance to their use, leaving only mules for the Pope's carriage. Italian nobles adjusted their own etiquette to that of the pontiff, riding mules instead of mulets. According to Mr. Sanson, in Italy, mules make up half of the equine population. In the Iberian Peninsula, they exceed this proportion. In Spain, mule breeding competed with horse breeding for a long time. The proliferation of mules had nearly wiped out the good horse breed in the two Castiles, Asturias, and Galicia. Mules were exclusively reserved for luxury carriages; those of Philip V, King of Spain (1663-1746), consisted of six coaches drawn by six mules. 20,000 mules passed from France to Spain each year, and it was during Joseph Bonaparte's reign that the use of horses became widespread. In Pau and Biarritz, wealthy Spaniards who came for the season brought splendid teams of mules. In France, mule breeding was introduced from a very distant period, thanks to the Saracens, who were later defeated by Charles Martel at Poitiers. In 1498, Louis XII and his retinue went on a pilgrimage from Chinons to Angers, with teams of mules and horses. Louis XII himself rode a mule. In France it was the army in the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries that would be in great demand for mules, Napoleon crossed the Alps on his mule. Civilian mules are used almost everywhere in the French mountains for transport and agriculture. Demand is therefore strong and entire regions specialize in breeding mules and mules: Poitou, the south east, the Pyrenees, the south of the Cévennes and Franche-Comté. In the middle of the 19th century, the French “mulasse industry” was powerful and heavily exporting. The arrival of motorized vehicles has caused this animal to fall into disgrace; no one needs it anymore, despite a still significant presence in Greece, Italy and Spain. However, they have retained an important place on the American continent, North and South. Napoléon a franchit les Alpes sur sa mule. Ref- La grande histoire du mulet. A.Guenon Édition du vieux crayon- Mémoires des ânes et des mulets Gérard Rossini Édition Équinoxe For further : https://leg8.fr/armee-romaine/mules-route/?fbclid=IwAR0oxJd0dH6tPkXRq5ySHHJhlO8z6U9bVsNzXnGaa7TbTYKbQ4ZXD1GAc-U https://archeorient.hypotheses.org/10538 A big job: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/20655454.pdf The mule in the Middle Ageshttps://books.openedition.org/pus/12985?lang=fr&fbclid=IwAR3cjyER0RafOF-57VMp72G7Tr9W1mVMR-wlzMbaPMhqDfIAvUEK27MYil0

At the heart of each mule lies a singularity, its own essence. Whether a balanced mix of horse and donkey or a more complex combination, each mule is inimitable. However, dressing these hybrid creatures proves to be a challenge in its own right. The Art of Communicating: The Mouth of the Mule Mules have their own language, and it is essential to understand their sensitivity. While pulling on a mule's mouth won't get you anywhere, it's crucial to master the nuances of ennasures and mouthpieces. Ennasures vary, but hackamore is often preferred. As for bits, each mule has its preference, sometimes requiring countless trials to find the right one. Among them, the Myler MB36 handset stands out by first communicating with the nose before engaging the tongue and bars. Bridons and Cabestre: Between Tradition and Functionality The large ears of mules require special bridles. A net opening at the headrest is ideal, and due to the width at the base of the ears, tailoring is often necessary. The Cabestre, a traditional halter, is both ornamental and functional. In Spain, it includes a cavesson inside the noseband, providing a means of restraint if necessary. Some models even allow the addition of a bit. Exceptional pieces, such as those from Claude Garrabé's collection, bear witness to the art of this accessory. The identification plate on the front of the halter made it possible to determine the owner The Prickly Problem of Stools: Customized or Nothing! Finding a suitable saddle for a mule is an arduous quest. If your mule has a horse's back, standard saddles may be suitable. However, if its morphology is more complex, tailor-made becomes imperative. A special saddle and bat post will be made Conclusion: The Subtle Art of Dressing a Mule Each mule is a blank canvas, a unique equine with its own preferences and characteristics. Dressing a mule thus becomes a subtle art, combining tradition, functionality and a deep understanding of each individual. It's not just about bridles and saddles, but about a deep connection between human and animal, where mutual respect and understanding are the key words. The art of dressing is ultimately the art of understanding and respecting the exceptional nature of each mule. 🐴✨ Source of images: “The Art of the Hybrid Equine” by Claude Garrabé.

In the picturesque corners of France, where the mountains embrace the plains, mule drivers maintain a delicate balance between patience and perseverance, calm and self-control. Their job is not limited to the art of guiding mules; it is a subtle dance between human and animal, where communication goes beyond words and is expressed through gestures and emotions. The Qualities of the Mule Driver: A Palette of Attributes The mule driver embodies a set of essential attributes: - Patience: He waits, observes and understands the nuances of each mule. - Perseverance: Faced with challenges, he persists with determination, guiding the mule at every step. - Calm: In the eye of the storm, the mule driver maintains his composure, thus reassuring the animal. - Self-Control: He controls his emotions, providing the mule with a stable and predictable environment. - Humor: He appreciates the mischievous side of the mule, knowing that humor is a key to his heart. Communication: Body Language and Emotions Much more than a simple verbal exchange, communication with a mule is based on body and emotional language. Authenticity is essential; any feint is immediately detected. The mule responds to sincerity, recognizing the authentic mule driver among the crowd of impostors. While the horse may show understanding, the mule requires a deep connection, based on mutual trust. The Mule Driver’s Vocabulary So even if the verbal language of the mule driver is important, the palette of vocabulary going from unicorn pink to the dark purple of strangling rage, whatever the language, the mule can understand it. Small Mulardian glossary: - Mulatitude: Attitude which consists of sticking to one's positions - Mulitude: Form of adoration that borders on ecstasy - Mulopath: Subject who thinks mule, speaks mule, omnibile - Multitude: Have plenty of mules - Multernelle: Having a maternal relationship with a mule goes both ways -Mulardie: Refers to the place where we meet mules, the landmarks are Mulonian - Having fun: When you play stupidly with your mule - Mulletry: Rebellion of the mule, but can also be said during a rebellion of the mule driver, who must combine the crimson color of his coat to frighten. It is also the order of mule drivers, one enters after a ceremony where the new one undergoes adulation. - Mulinerie: Do something stupid but power mule - Muletypasse: Mule that is used for everything - Mulicien: said of a person who knows how to put mules to music. - I'm in a hurry: Insult ​The Unique Language of Mules: A Universe to Discover The mule has its own lexicon, a fascinating mix of noises ranging from soft murmurs to more intense vocalizations. From the soothing sound of the call to the loud squeak, each sound is an expression of his emotional state. Between the bray of the dad and the neighing of the mom, the mule reveals itself through rich and varied sound ranges. She communicates her moods, her joys and her frustrations with astonishing precision. Quand plus rien ne va The mule driver sits down, picks up a good book, meditates on his mistake or prays to the patron saints of mule drivers Saint Eloi and St Antoni dels Porquets

Office President Dominique RMMO Vice président Joshua MMO Secretariat Florence Treasurer Cécile Recruitment of mules in charge of Helloasso Relationship between coaches Agnès Logistics, sponsors Search for sponsors, challenge logistics Nathalie and Jed The com Ambassador Rémy Tiktok Nathalie Instagram Lisa The website Infographics Magalie

One of the two registered mules recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture Origine It's the hybrid (in principle sterile) resulting from "unnatural" mating between the Baudet du Poitou and the Trait Poitevin mulassier mare. In the Poitou region in the 19th century, Trait Poitevin mares were used almost exclusively for mulassière production. Breeders only bred horses when the mares were unable to produce mules. The most discerning of them would, however, breed successful aging mares to the horse, in order to preserve the stock. The giant of the category was once sold worldwide (up to 18,000 per year in the 19th century). Today, annual production barely exceeds twenty animals, which are easily sold in southern Europe. Since autumn 2002, the "Mule poitevine" appellation has been officially recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture. Animals resulting from a cross between a male registered in the Baudet du Poitou studbook, approved for public breeding for the production of Baudets du Poitou or mulassier production, and a female registered in the Trait poitevin mulassier studbook, are automatically entered in the Mule poitevine register. Morphology The Poitevin mule's head, large and long with highly developed ears, resembles that of the Baudet. The pyramid-shaped neck is trimmed with a sparse mane, which is generally trimmed to round and raise the neck, giving it a "rouée" shape. The withers are not very pronounced; the back and loins are straight; the croup is sharp, short and swollen; the chest is broad; the ribs are flat and long. The shoulders are short and slightly sloping; the forearms are long; the muscles are flat and well defined; the fetlock is strong; the pastern is short; the joints are highly developed and very dry; the foot is smaller than the horse's; with a supple, resistant black horn. The tail is thin with fine, sparse manes. The color of the coat is given in most cases by the sire: bouchard (zain black), boyard (black with whitish washes), or robin (bay with all its shades); more rarely by the dam: gray, biche (isabelle with or without mullet stripe), red, yellow, caille, roux, péchard... The Poitevin mule usually measures 160 to 165 cm at the withers, but can reach and even exceed 170 cm for an average weight of 600 to 700 kg. Skills and uses Their sturdiness and sure-footedness make them a remarkable tool for the pack. In Savoie, for example, mules have been used for several years by hiking organizers, including some Mules Poitevines, to carry the luggage of tourists hiking around Mont-Blanc. These mules carry up to 200 kg on their backs, and climb to altitudes of 2,500 metres. We can also mention Mustang Richardière, Jean Poitevin's mule, who accompanies him on long-distance trips. Mules Poitevines are also used for carriage driving and leisure saddling. While most are used for family leisure, a few have taken part in competitions. Dolly and Thalia, for example, took part in the Route du Poisson driving competition as a pair, and more recently Sirocco, a young mule driven by Bénédicte Touchard, took part in the Pays de la Loire and SHF driving competitions, including the national final in Compiègne. Finally, the Mule Poitevine is above all a draught mule, particularly suited to farm work and skidding. Stallions Didier Bernard Old-fashioned hand-assembly

Mules and bardots are hybrids of horse and donkey. Their feet are just like the rest, a clever blend of the two species! On the whole, mules' feet have the same structure as horses'. From the inside out, we find the same bones (3rd phalanx, navicular bone and 2nd phalanx), ligaments and tendons, ungular cartilages, chorions and the horny box. On the horny box, we find the fork, sole, bars, medial and lateral lacunae, white line, wall... But there are a few differences. - Shape first. Mules have 4 oval feet, while their small-eared cousins have rather round forefeet. - Viewed from the front, mules' feet are more "tubular" without being tight, while horses' are conical. - The sole of mules is often more hollow than that of horses. - The fork is located behind the heels, as in donkeys, whereas it is at the same level as the heels in horses. I'm talking about the position of these structures on the dorsopalmar axis. If we're talking about the distal-proximal axis (the "height"), the heels of mules are barely above the height of the (healthy) fork, as in horses. The trimming process Since mules' feet are made up of the same elements as horses', trimming is done according to the same principles. The same method is used. But as with horses, this doesn't mean that the result is identical feet. Every horse has different feet, and mules have different feet, but the method and principle remain the same. There are just a few details to watch out for. Mules sometimes have very compact soles, which do not exfoliate, as is the case with some donkeys. If you don't use the right markers when trimming, you can be fooled into getting feet that are too long. Don't be fooled if you have to grate sole! I n mules, as in donkeys, the unpigmented wall (stratum internum) is not white but grey. So be careful when marking the beginning of the mustang roll. Auteur: Anouk Nathan

Olivier is certainly one of France's oldest muleteers, if not the oldest. A colorful character, not always approachable, you have to show him the ropes, and like any self-respecting mule-head, underneath his rugged exterior lies a tender, sensitive heart. The authority on mules in France, this scholar is tireless when he starts talking about mules. It was the donkey Marquise who paved the way for him, at the age of 5, during walks in Toulouse's Jardin des Plantes. Then came the animals on his grandmothers' farm, the equestrian center, the Cepière racecourse, the town's marechal-ferrier, the municipal horses that pulled the garbage cans... in short, the virus was inoculated in childhood, and it leaves its mark... After agricultural studies, Olivier passed his monitorat. He developed a passion for the Merens horse and other endangered breeds. Thanks to his father's retirement in the Ariège region, he began breeding his own dogs, cows, horses, donkeys and mules on a small farm perched in the heart of the Ariège region. A military interlude as a mule driver and rider in the last remount platoon of the 541° Groupe Vétérinaire de Tarbes, where he served the mules more than France... This is how he came to run the Ecole des Mulets de "Méras", created in 88 to promote the Pyrenean mule. His message: "Loving mules doesn't mean bleating in front of and with them, but trying to understand them instead of imposing our own sense of language, comfort, justice, etc. on them..." in a word, let's avoid anthropomorphism. As for those who practice breeding, professional behavior is essential. Without it, we're going to end up with a population that's more numerous than it is good, idle, unemployed and therefore neglected, because I still think that human beings have more regard for their tools than they do for their toys.

In the enchanting atmosphere of the Dordogne, in the heart of France, an extraordinary event is taking place that promises to redefine love and respect for mules. Welcome to Mulardie, where mules become more than just creatures, they become partners, friends. You've been eyeing that mule for a while, but given the beast's reputation, you don't dare take the plunge. I'd like to say, you're right, being a muleteer can't be improvised. These meeting days will also be an opportunity to meet other owners, find suitable equipment and books, and have a drink with other muleteers! Discovering Mulardie Rescuing mules, working them, finding their human Welcome to Mulardie Mulardie is more than a place, it's a state of mind. It's a place where mules find refuge, love and respect. It's a unique event that not only offers a chance to mules in search of a home, but also elevates the art of mule training to new heights. RMMO - L'Amour Sauveteur Marie Petit, partie trop tôt, présente à nos cotés... The Rescue Mule Makeover (RMMO) is much more than just a competition. It's an act of love, an outstretched hand to these hypersensitive creatures who have fallen on hard times. Mules are often rejected in shelters, where they lose their trust in humans. The corollary of this situation is that they leave in the wrong truck... This is where the "Mule qui peut" association comes in. The mules entrusted to these trainers benefit from 7 months of attention, care and education. The result? Confident mules, ready to find a loving home. At the same event, not only will you find your mule, but you'll also be doing a good deed by taking an animal out of an animal protection shelter. On the day of the event, a challenge will be organized so that the eventual buyer can see for himself the quality of the mule and the work carried out. The challenge will consist of a Mountain Trail, a long reins test and a small show, at the trainer's discretion. The animals presented will be of all sizes, most of them OI. MMO France - Elegance and Excellence Mule Makeover France (MMO France) embodies elegance and excellence. Trainers, owners of their mules, engage in an exhilarating competition where the art of horsemanship meets the grace of mules. It's the place where connoisseurs turn to find the perfect mule, the one that will become their companion on the road and in adventure. The MMO follows more the American model, with trainers owning their mules, entering them in competitions and selling them. It's not the same category of animal, nor the same tests. The MMO is destined to become a European event. RMMO MMO 2024 - L'Événement d'une Vie The 2024 edition of RMMO MMO, to be held in early September 2024 at the Mini ranch in the Dordogne, promises to be the most symbolic of all. Location of the evenement The mules, handed over to the trainers in February, will be pampered, educated and prepared for their grand presentation in September. It's a show not to be missed, an event that redefines what it means to love and respect these incredible creatures. Join us in Mulardie, where every whinny tells a story of redemption, every stride is a step towards the future, and every mule finally finds her human. Future owners will have the opportunity to be supervised by the trainer who has worked with the animal and therefore knows it inside out. The list of trainers and mules will be unveiled at the end of January 2024

Florence Hurlet, Belgian mulopath under observation on the mule planet. I found my mule on the internet, thanks to a broken arm. Impossible to say in hindsight that on that day, I would have been better off breaking an arm... I searched for literature on the subject for a long time, but apart from Adolphe Guénon's insightful book... Nothing. Or almost nothing. I "met" on the web some owners of these prodigious creatures with (human) ears attentive to other owners and their mule adventures. Hallelujah, I was no longer alone in the world with my alien. Well, I admit, when he acts up, I am alone in the world... Most of the time, newcomers to the matter ask the questions and answer them themselves, I let them talk. Although, I still manage to get annoyed by questions like, "Does it jump?" "Does it gallop?" or "Is it ridden like a horse?" Or worse: "Oh, a donkey!" There are also those interested individuals who would like a user manual provided to them. Come on! I've been figuring out how mine works for 10 years, and they want it translated into pure mule language! So, for those who still dream and watch mules from afar, here are some generalities for when you approach and capture them. (Hehe) It's very different from a horse. Without really being so. For training, you do it like with a horse, a slightly special horse... like a hooligan. Always be polite, fair, explain well, rephrase, make sure he understands, and then stick to your positions without getting upset. It's smarter than a horse, more whimsical too, takes notes, remembers everything, knows how to read and write in bold. It learns at a super-sonic speed, once (well explained) is often enough, a few revisions, and there you have a professional in the field. What it knows how to do makes it very comfortable. "Anything you give in to will be served and renegotiated weeks, months, or even years later, thanks to a mood swing of the beast." Also, know that the animal, besides being a lawyer and a unionist, is also an actor in its spare time. It bluffs, simulates, and only a great shared life experience allows you to see through its game and put an end to it promptly without arousing its legendary sensitivity. Another observed phenomenon, this time with the owner, is the colorful language acquired by getting too close to these hybrids: The legendary mule curses. These are direct consequences of their cohabitation. Jacob (my mule) suddenly takes me very seriously if I swear in dialect. From then on, a punishment or a justified curse will always be accepted. In addition to their auditory outgrowths, excellent bio-indicators of their state of mind, the animal is equipped with another equally reliable barometer, I named it: its tail appendage. Although the annoyance is clearly understood in the sudden movements chasing unpleasant information like nasty insects, the phenomenon would deserve a more in-depth study, akin to the dance of bees. (humor) Some big mule classics: they don't like giving their hindquarters too much, they don't like their ears touched too much, it can pull and make you ski or take you away as if you were a straw, it grumbles firmly, sulks, and quickly turns wild if you don't handle them for a few weeks... All these faults are defused with patience and appropriate exercises. In general, they don't like care and injections, especially injections. Luckily, they heal very quickly. They learn a lot by mimicry, watching their buddies. I practiced that way for the truck and the farrier. Water (river and shower) and mud in general, they don't like too much either, it can be worked on like the rest, but it's good to know. They have a pronounced instinct for conserving and preserving their physical integrity, so any obstacle that can be bypassed will be, period. Your request for passage not being justified. Sit at the negotiation table. Reactions also depend on the mother; if she's a draft horse, the temperament will still be colder. But, in general, they go a few meters to safety, then observe. A horse is still running behind its panic while the mule has gone back to eating. It's curious like a cat with the flexibility of a feline. Worse than a concierge, it knows everything that happens and what time you come home, it's playful, frolicsome, chases after dogs, cats, and birds passing through its meadow, it dismantles everything out of curiosity. You never get bored with a mule at home. It's a good companion, but try to stay his friend because it's also a kung-fu champion and willingly turns into a combat mule. Be patient, it needs to give itself, grant you its trust. Don't delegate delicate things that it would bear from you thanks to the trust it grants you, don't betray it by giving yourself your own injections. Nothing stops a jenny except a bullet in the head, her luck being that we are not armed. You'll say that the portrait is acidic and that I'm not selling you all the qualities of the subject. So, we'll discuss another time its terrible gregarious instinct, its frustrated sexuality, its oral expression, and its atypical coat; otherwise, this mule notebook will close on my prose. It's true, its countless qualities, dreams of great rides, and beautiful complicity, I leave you to discover, create, and realize them yourselves. It's an extraordinary animal that will offer you angers as intense as your satisfactions. Prepare for a passionate relationship with an exciting animal that will regularly force you to question yourself without going through a therapist's couch and one day be able to say that you had a horse in your life and that this horse was... a mule! Florence Hurlet.