The cross that has been most significant in human history is the one between horses and donkeys to create the mule. Mules have played a key role in the development of the world.
The mule has been deliberately bred by man since ancient times. Harness races for mules began in Olympia in 500 BC. The mule was highly valued in ancient Greece for use as pack animals and to draw carriages as well. In the Old Testament, the mule replaced the donkey as the ‘royal beast’ and was ridden by King David and King Solomon at their coronations. In ancient Rome, mules were used for transport and their amazing strength and endurance was known to all. When Hannibal crossed the Alps in 216 BC, he had mules to carry the equipment. In Medieval Europe, when larger horses were being bred to carry heavily armored knights, mules were the preferred riding animal of gentlemen and clergy. By the eighteenth century, the breeding of mules had become a flourishing industry in Spain, Italy and France and by 1808, the United States had an estimated 855, 000 mules worth approximately $66, 000, 000 (that would be $1, 357, 195, 714 in today’s dollars!). Mules came to be favored over horses in the second half of the nineteenth century because they developed a reputation for hardiness and the ability to take care of themselves. Unquestionably, their hard work, stamina, strength and patience played a key role in the development of the world.
There are so many ways to describe a mule: loyal, steadfast, strong, reliable, calm, tolerant, intelligent, stubborn, sensible, patient and much more. Some even say that a mule has a sense of humor. What adjective do you think best describes the mule? By the time you are finished reading this book we hope you will come to know, love and respect ‘The Mighty Mule’.
विषयसूची
Mule Qualities 8
Mule Basics 8
What is a Mule? 8
Mule Terminology 12
‘Making ‘a Mule – The Formula 16
‘Making’ a Mule – Meet the Horse 18
‘Making’ a Mule – Meet the Donkey 20
Mule Traits – Characteristics and
Conformation 24
Mule Traits – Differences: Mule vs Horse 26
Mule Versatility 30
Mule Tack 36
Training a Mule 40
Mule History 43
Mules in Ancient Times 43
Mules in the Middle Ages and
Renaissance 46
Mules Throughout Europe 51
Mules in the New World 54
Mules in America 56
Mules in the Modern Era 75
Mule Stories 85
Sir Gawain and the Bridleless Mule 85
Mule Bombs of Valverde 86
Smokey Joe 88
Zhang Guolao and His Mule 89
Duldul 89
When a horse lover opens her heart
to mules 90
Roy the Big Red Mule 92
Mule Days 93
The Great American Horse Race 94
The Funeral of Alexander the Great 98
Flying Mules 100
Honky 101
The Charge of the Mule Brigade 102
The Real Civil War Mule Brigades 104
Bess – The Mine Mule 106
Francis the Talking Mule 110
Festus and Ruth 112
Three Mules 114
Ole Pete 115
Puckett General Store 120
Roanie – Spirit Led 122
Ole Tobe 124
Sterlin the Appy Mule 125
Lightning 126
The Joys of Mule Ownership 127
What is Your Mule Personality 129
My Mule Story 132
Sources 136
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