Mules on the Wild Frontier

[@julienielsen3746]

Makes me think of a letter to Ann Landers I read years ago. This guy wrote that when he was a child his dad would always say he was stubborn as a mule, which really bothered the kid. So, one day he looked up what a mule was in the dictionary. Then he showed it to his dad. It said a mule is an equine animal that has a mare for a mother, and a jackass for a father. His dad never called him a stubborn mule again.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL!

[@williamgosvener47]

@@ArizonaGhostriders hahaha.....

[@nmelkhunter1]

Now that’s funny.

[@ChibiPanda8888]

🤣🤣

[@kwaffen9070]

That's funny

[@joecuppko40uh29]

Something I was told as a young'un, so one of those things old folks used to say, supposedly a good reason to ride a mule is that they can smell water a lot further than a horse can, and in places like west Texas, New Mexico, Arizona etc, that can be a real handy trait, I was told like 7 miles how they came by that number I have no idea, but I was just a little guy and listening to old men that were babies during the Civil War and had gone west as young men, some of whom had come back home with money in their pockets and some that came home without pockets. These were old men that could make a bullwhip sing and would sit down with a bunch of string and stand up a couple of hours later with a rope. Thanks for another look into what in many ways were better days Santee.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

👍👍

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I worked for a small farm that used mules The old man that owned it was born in ,98 or 99 he swore mules wouldn't step on crops like horses or damage them like a tractor. He plowed with the tractor and planted cover crops with it but all tillage was done with mules. They were great at the job. I enjoyed it, it was a lot of hard work but fun. Àt a bit more than minimum wage we after he was sure we knew what we were doing paid us $2.25 an hour instead of $1.63 an hour. Lunch was often wonderful his wife would bring us wonderful German meals for lunch or have us clean up a bit and eat in the house, They retired around 1979 the son took over and the property was taken over by Fort Belvoir for base housing.

[@fretforyourpilot]

I have a mule! As someone who always had horses, making the switch to a mule was... definitely different. My mule, Ruby Red, is incredibly smart and she always lets me know when something isn't quite right. They're also kinda like cats and it took me around a year to get her to trust and open up to me. She's a BEAST on the trails!!! Couldn't ask for a better mount. Walks through mud, over slippery rocks, and in and out of washes like it's not an issue. If she's behind a horse (who aren't NEARLY as sure-footed as my Ruby Red) on the trail, she looks at me like we're stuck in traffic haha.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Cool!

[@mrstacyj9496]

US special forces still employ mules on tactical missions - the soldiers (and marines) love their critters

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Cool to hear!

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Mules and Donkey's are highly underrated and undervalued animals by a lot of people. But, the people that interact with them know just how fantastic they really are.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you!

[@GreenMosin93]

My Dad used to have pack mules for elk hunting out west. At one point we had 5: Mike, Missy, Maggie, Brownie, and Jenny. (The "E" sound at the end of their names was a good luck thing for my Dad after he had a long line of reliable pets and working animals with "E" names) Mike and Missy were dark bay colored siblings, Missy having a faint white blaze and nose, and Mike having both rear white socks. Mike was the best mule I've ever known. Great with kids, responsive to commands, great to ride, and never faltered under heavy load or duress. Missy was mostly the same, but a bit more stubborn and a kicker in her early years. In their last year together Missy went blind in one eye and both went nearly deaf. Missy passed more than 2 years after Mike did, wracked with health issues but still able to walk around the pasture twice a day, and bray when we were late to feed her. They were both buried within sight of their pasture. Both lived to be 20+ years old. Brownie was another dark Bay with a mostly white nose. He was nice enough, but definitely hated heavy loads that the others handled easily. He only lasted a season before being traded for Jenny and Maggie. Jenny was a bay with a tan nose and the epitome of "stubborn jackass". She could haul, but liked to stop and refuse to budge at the worst times. She seemed to work best at the back of the pack because the first time she was lead she kept stopping, but liked to follow the others. She also was responsible for girdling nearly all the elm trees in their pasture from gnawing on them. Somehow she stuck around for awhile until she was traded. Maggie was a chestnut with almost a blonde mane and tail. In fact Dad occasionally called her a "dumb blonde", both jokingly and seriously. She wasn't bright, was prone to stubbornness, and impatience, but boy could she move. Always getting the zoomies out in the pasture, won a race at a show with her previous owner, and if you let her she'd probably have flown. As she got a bit older she did mature and mellow out enough that she got traded to a friend who wanted a good riding mule. Dad was hesitant about her temperament but the guy saddled her up and rode her around the pasture with no incidents. She seemed to like him better than Dad!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

COol!

[@garrettfromsmokeinthewoods]

Great show! An Old timer once told me a story about a freighter whose mule stopped in the road and would not move. after an hour of whipping and cussing the mule the freighter decided to light a fire under the mule. The mule moved forward just far enough to burn the wagon to the ground. lol have a great day.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Oh wow! If that's true it's hilarious!

[@garrettfromsmokeinthewoods]

@@ArizonaGhostriders lol well those guys didn't let the truth get in the way of a good story if you know what I mean

[@Plasmacore_V]

My grandmother grew up on a farm during the 20's and 30's. I remember her telling me about their mule Sam, that he was smarter and more gentle than the horses, and while he would do what you wanted him to, he did it at his pace and you weren't going to change his mind.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

So cool

[@jakeroberts7435]

I own my second mule, he's well trained and fun to ride, his name is Jake. Some people would say he's stubborn, l think he is just a deep thinker, he's smart

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

@@jakeroberts7435 Awesome

[@mattwithers6259]

My Grandfather used to sing “a mule is an animal with long funny ears and he kicks up his heels at everything he hears”. Hearing that instantly brought back a memory of him. Thank you

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome.

[@jimf1964]

Mark Twain in the book Roughing It wrote a hilarious section about what I believe were mules ( but perhaps just old horses) who were used to delivering milk, and when he used it to go on a date, it kept going to the same houses and stopping, and refused to move until he got out. There were a few other funny stories about them when his character was in Hawaii

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Roughing It is generally funny.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

I'll bet Sister Sara liked this vid too, since she's got Two of them! Greets from the Netherlands 🌷, T.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL!

[@johngaltman]

As a kid we had a mule named Rosy, and when us kids would ride her, whenever she could, as we were riding past a tree she would side step to knock us off... As an older brother I very much enjoyed when she did that to my little brother all the time... He never seemed to catch on to what was happening... I didn't like it so much when she did it to me for the first time though...

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great story

[@bostonrailfan2427]

if someone calls you as stubborn as a mule, thank them! they’re strong, smart, necessary animals 😎

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yep!

[@michaelplanchunas3693]

Martha Summerhayes in her book "Vanished Arizona" wrote about a trip by mule train to her husband's post in Arizona. She was at first shocked and dismayed by the cussing, cursing and general foul language the muleskinners used to get their mules going. By the end of the journey, she fully understood the muleskinners.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

That's an amazing account of frontier life, that book. I recommend it to everyone.

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome.

[@bigblue6917]

Talk about a blast from the past, I remember Muffin the Mule. I watched it when I was a kid. The woman in the programme was Annette Mills the older sister of the actor John Mills. The British Army also used mules in both world wars, many supplied by America, with them being used by troops fighting in the jungle in WW2. Ponies were used in the mines and they were also kept down there which meant they also went blind. During the Medieval Period knights would used mules to carry their armour when they were out on campaign. A breed similar to those mules are still to be found in Spain today. Anyway. thanks for the video, Santee. Enjoyable and informative as always.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you. I did the "Muffin the Mule" add just for those across the pond.

[@maxlutz3674]

The German mountain troops still use mules as animals of burden. Their handlers need to build a lot of trust with their mule. The mule needs to trust the handler enough to get blindfolded and still follow the lead.

[@julienielsen3746]

Jason in this video talks about mules used in England, and his "Mule with no name" from Spain. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmG3p4KJqsSrgrM

[@nilo70]

Thank you again Santee for keeping the Old West alive ! And my new coffee cup from you looks Very Cool 😎

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

My pleasure!!

[@JidoKashi]

Columbia, Tennessee was one of the biggest traders of mules in the southeast, and many breeders would drive mules by the dozen to Columbia to make a profit. That’s how it quickly gained its nickname, “Muletown.” Since it was near a smaller phosphate mining town like Mount Pleasant, trade between the two was huge, for their work in the mines and the mountains. Even today, it’s a livestock hub that even the Amish buy from. They’ll bring buggies and wagons all the way from Etheridge, a whole county over! And of course this continues today with yearly “Mulefest” or “Mule Days” festival. Although today, Columbia’s festival mules are mostly relegated to the sale barn and the parade itself, it’s become a big festival for craft beer and local music. The Mule Day parade’s quite a sight. Living in a city most of my life, I’d never even SEEN a mule in person until my first Mule Day. Very good video that reminds me why I love that little Tennessee town so much!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

There were a lot of mule spots in the south and midwest. Interesting.

[@jfsinc]

That really brought a smile to my face. Thanks Santee. 🙏

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Good!

[@arthurleino]

Learned to ride a mule before my Sister had a horse. They used them in logging here in the PNW. Great video.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you!

[@UncleDanBand64]

I have always liked mules. I broke a young John Mule a few years back. It was an experience. As for as intelligence, they are super smart. Here is the difference between a mule and a horse. Say you load your mule and your horse in the trailer, you have a wreck and your mule and horse are both injured. It will be a long time before your horse forgets that he got hurt in the trailer. The mule will never forget you put him in the trailer.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

That's what I read about them. Thanks for sharing!

[@UncleDanBand64]

I heard that😂@@GC-Jo

[@robaldridge6505]

@@GC-Jo well, quit stuffing her into the trailer..... LOL

[@justdustino1371]

The Library of Congress has a channel here on KZbin and they have Edison footage of a US Army mule train on the Santiago trail in Cuba in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. The Army muleteers were civilian contractors. Haywire McClintock, of Rock Candy Mountain fame, was a muleteer during the Phillipine War, about 1901.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

The footage interspersed in this video is from that.

[@justdustino1371]

@@ArizonaGhostriders I will watch again, I didn't realize that!

[@thomasgreen8532]

Dad said that he preferred a mule if he was going into the back country. A horse will drink water until the die but a mule will not. My Uncle had a team of 4 Mules and an cargo wagon, he loved getting them all gussied up and do all the parades in and around. Denver CO.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

So cool, that history

[@philpartin8618]

I always look forward to your videos. Thank you sir

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Glad you like them!

[@michaelpage4199]

That was a great bit of history on that one. No horsing around on this one

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL!

[@marcosaraiva9205]

The mule the muscle of the old west 💪 thanks for bringing up ! Very well deserved! Have a great weekend.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You bet!

[@marcosaraiva9205]

@@ArizonaGhostriders 🤠🍺

[@handlebarslim78]

Pard another good video. I appreciate what you do to keep the great American Cowboy fresh on the minds of all. Especially for young ones. 🇺🇲🐂🤠

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Much appreciated!

[@practice965]

I read the article you mentioned a few years ago. It is very good and I highly recommend it. Thanks

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome

[@rhondaz356]

OMG, Santee, I don't know how you do it! You and your colleagues pack more entertainment and information, into your quick paced, so enjoyable, audio and visional videos, than anyone I can think of. I learned a lot more about these "workhorses" than I ever knew. I don't know how you do it, but I'm so happy you do. Thank you...🤠👏👏👏👏👏

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Wow, thanks!

[@gtd-sq2pj]

These make my Saturdays.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you!

[@AZHighlandHomestead]

Mules are fantastic!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes they are!

[@margeoconnor166]

Wondered what was the difference berween a mule and a donkey. Now I know. Plus it was fun hearing Chill Wills voicing Francis the Talking Mule!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Good that you lked it

[@HootOwl513]

I used to kid my younger Marine Buddy, [Using our Gunny's gruff voice]: ""Boy, back in the Old Corps, we didn't have no GI Bill, or any of that fancy stuff... We were lucky if we were issued 40 Acres and a Mule on mustering out. And we liked it.'' Anyway, he took me way too seriously and after getting out, bought himself 20 acres near Spokane, and a mule. He was a hunting guide and used the mule as a pack animal. Mules are quite intelligent, he said. Equally smart as German Shepherd. [And if you know any GSDs, they're plenty savvy for a critter.] His mule was like a friend, he said. Sometimes he'd poke his head in thru the kitchen window and snag a bag of potato chips, if he wanted salt. After about 20 years or more the mule finally packed it in and my Buddy was broken up about it. He didn't talk like Francis, but my Buddy could understand him pretty well.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great story!

[@fordenginebuildersv8power184]

Can’t beat a good mule! Cool video!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you!

[@rumsin300]

Great video and learned more about mules. Thank you!!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

So glad!

[@jerseyred9554]

Very interesting episode this week Santee. I think it gave me a little better understanding of some of the women I've dated

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HAHA!

[@steveholder1956]

Hey Santee , you forgot Ruth on Gunsmoke , that was what Festus rode all the time .

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

If I could only find a hi-def clip of Ruth....but I can't

[@RoryPattonDreamerOfDunsidhe]

Nice to see the clip of Muffin the Mule. When I was wee I always watched ,"Watch With Mother" so that took me back about 65 years. Interesting post as always. Thank you! 😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@AlphaTraveler1]

Another cool video Santee. I have to say our history books really dont talk about the mules or horses at all. LOL. Keep on ROCKING it my friend. 👍👍👍👍

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Will do

[@alan_whoneedstiedye]

Another very enjoyable episode, thank you. Now to go check out your merchandise 😀

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Awesome, thank you!

[@NGMonocrom]

Nice one, Santee. Thanks for the link.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Any time!

[@justinweaver8787]

Mules are very useful an helpful. Good video buddy have a good weekend

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes they are

[@theultimatehunt]

Adorable Creature

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Pretty cute.

[@flouisbailey]

I live near a mule town, In Kentucky we like to think thoroughbred but mules we’re very important.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

They still are.

[@marcomoralesjimenez8133]

My grandfather has a black mule with white socks on each leg. Ironically, the mule is calmer than my horse :v And as a Mexican I can assure you that on this side of the river the mules have more physical condition than the American mules (please do not offend)

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I get it, and that's why they could carry more and have better endurance.

[@dennisw.truman3325]

I found the episode Santee. Can’t wait to see the episode, “Old West Preacher, Dressing the Part.”

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank You!

[@BillSprague]

Thanks for giving the mule the credit it deserves.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Always!

[@luizjunior.92]

Sister Sara didn't really need two mules. Great content,Santee.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you!

[@jeffmay5493]

Thanks Santee for the Mule story. When I moved to Texas from IL I came to Plano, TX which has a bit of a mule history. One of the leading families was Wells and they bred and sold mules. Almost had pair of donkees Gladis and Elvis but deal fell through. Happy Trails.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you!

[@uniballoutlaw]

Those Borax wagons look really familiar... saw them on Engel's and another place still using Mules today are the fellas at Broncs and Donks

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes!

[@Gentleman_Songster]

Well, I'm glad I stuck with it right to the very end! Muffin the Mule was a great favourite on BBC children's TV back in the -- never mind, let's just say my childhood. Annette Mills, the lady at the piano, was the sister of British actor John Mills. You can find one or two videos of Muffin and Annette on KZbin. (I've still got my MTM puppet, though the strings need renewing.)

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I did that for my fellows across the pond.

[@Gentleman_Songster]

@@ArizonaGhostriders And we appreciate it!

[@jacktribble5253]

Comprehensive. But you never do anything half assed. Best of Days.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL! Thank you!

[@joealbert7773]

Rinker Buck's book about the Oregon trail states that more wagon going west were pulled by either oxen or mules than horses. He took a wagon over the Oregon trail and it was pulled by a 3 mule hitch.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yep. I've got a guide that mentions using a team of mules.

[@Bucklerbjorn]

Really interesting to get to know more about the Mule. Heard about them but have never seen or met one so :) keep up the amazing work you do Santee for old west interested people around the world. Yeehaww.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks, my Swedish gunslinging friend!

[@The-Three-of-Us-and-Gus]

Santee, Mule Days is held in Bishop, CA. It is north of Death Valley, at the foothills of the Eastern Sierra’s. It’s not only a re-enactment of the 20-mule team, it’s also a competitive even for all sorts of mule disciplines. My wife and I attended this year and it was a blast. Cheers!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Awesome you attended

[@StinkyGringo]

Another great video Santee! I learned a lot!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronniechestnut9097]

I love my mollie mule Millie.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Cool!

[@kharisibenakir4189]

Being an Eastener, can you do a video on "Tenderfoots and Pilgrams" and their role in The Old West. I'd love to see how they adapted and assimilated.

[@phredphlintstone6455]

More than a few didn't

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Sure

[@anthonygalliart1789]

@@ArizonaGhostridersplease include greenhorns and the fellers who just fell off the turnip wagon too

[@robaldridge6505]

this should be FUN !!!!

[@kakarroto007]

Isn't it like 5 or 6 o'clock in the morning, where you guys are at? You guys should do one on "Time" in the Old West

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Arizona. Yep, 5 o'clock it goes up.

[@BJBlaskovichGaming]

@@ArizonaGhostriders Why so early?

[@JackofAllTrades92]

They probably have their videos set to auto-upload at that time so makes it easier than doing it manually.

[@BJBlaskovichGaming]

@@JackofAllTrades92 Point taken.

[@squint04]

Thanks for the great episode and the visit over morning coffee!!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

You're welcome.

[@jasonattenborough4026]

Another excellent video Santee!!! I'm quite surprised you didn't show the other uses for mules, that is at a mule tanneries.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

👍

[@Archer838]

Good video. I always enjoy them. Thank you.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Glad you like them!

[@hankfrankly7240]

Great video on a underrated animal to the uninformed. Thanks 👍

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dsdcain]

Thanks for the new content for me to watch this morning. Be safe out there, and take it easy man.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks, you too!

[@ridgepuzey]

I have multiple mules and their tough animals.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

COol!

[@Robert-oz7dx]

I'm in Ketchum Idaho and every year we have wagon days and it's about the mules pulling ore wagons. We have a parade and a team of mules pulls a train of ore wagons through town its pretty impressive what those animals can do.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I'd like to see it one day

[@PewPewBeets]

I don't know if they still do it; but you can pay to ride a mule down the Grand Canyon. I've never done it but it looks like a lot of fun. The man that ran the program told me that the mules know the canyon better than any human so they never get lost nor do anything to put the riders in danger.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I think you still can.

[@joelhurley2678]

Great Video Santee! I don't know if you know, but Missouri was the #1 , Mule exporter at one time. During WWI, that is where are fighting Men received their Mules from. Hey Santee, could you do a video on the Great Western Stove Company? Thanks 😊!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Cool! I didn't know!

[@normangerring4645]

Thanks Santee, another good one for my weekend start.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Any time!

[@AdaM48state]

I love mules. if I had the room to keep one I would get me one.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I'd get a mini-donk.

[@AdaM48state]

@@ArizonaGhostriders lol I would need a tea cup donk

[@ximthedespot4673]

This reminds me of a video by the British historian Dr. Mark Felton on the importance of mule on all sides of the second world war for their ability to haul supplies.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yeah, they were real popular.

[@dennishein2812]

Good one.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@LionquestFitness]

I've always been fascinated by mules as a sterile hybrid. In the Southeast mules weren't completely fazed out by the tractor until the late fifties and early sixties. Even in the early seventies my wife's grandpa had a mule go round and round on Hwy 80 in Savannah crushing sugar cane for the syrup he'd sell. He'd put my wife and her brother on the mule to attract tourists who take photographs and buy syrup.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

That's cool!

[@tulemike6627]

my grand parents had 2 mules on their farm. have fond memories of the farm. my mom would often call me an intelligent donkey.not her exact words,but, i'm sure that's what she meant.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL!

[@aminslee9378]

Can you do a video on military life in the old west?

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes

[@alswann2702]

Santee, Can you do an episode on 19th century Californios before, during and after the arrival of Americans? I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates the Spanish ladies!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes

[@juliejay5436]

Oh dang it! Now I want a badger on a leash too!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Good cuddly badger!

[@jjsadventures]

Thanks for making my Saturday morning!!!! Have a great weekend Santee!!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Much appreciated!

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Pretty cool! Another classic in the can. Keep it rollin’!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Rock on!

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

@@ArizonaGhostriders 🤘🖖

[@ericruss4189]

Great video and informative as always. My Mama used to go with her dad to the tobacco warehouse to sell their crop. They would haul it on a buck board and used mules to pull it. There were even some Confederate artillery thar used mules as well as some Confederate Cavalry. Mules are great!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yes!

[@TrainTracker911]

Love your shows. Very informative. Learn something new every episode.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks for watching!

[@rhorn8038]

He Haw well I spied 4 AGR logos. Between the ears on the pack on the shirt and the cup.... Whoa and well done team that vid was fun and really full of interesting mule lore.. Keep up the great work. Thanxx

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Much appreciated! Glad you found them

[@JimJonesKoolaid]

What an amulsing video!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Heeehaw!

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Hello. Very interesting and informative.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Hey, thanks

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Good one Santee!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks!

[@Mark-buggs]

Very interesting. Still patiently waiting to see one on blacksmiths. They seem to be very important to the western expansion.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

yes.

[@sixgunmiller6198]

Much more sure footed, nothin finer than a good Missouri mule. Mules are smarter than people.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Shhhh, don't tell THEM that.

[@phillipallen3259]

I have a little perspective on this subject. One aspect that was not mentioned is mules usually live longer than horses. I grew up with horses and mules. Our oldest mule lived past the age of 35. Mules tend to take a lot of personality traits from the mare. The mule can kick with speed and accuracy of no other animal. An example is I say a PO'd mule in the back of a truck kick through the slats in stock racks and take a man's cowboy hat off his head. The mule didn't want to hurt him, just let him know that the mule was unhappy. I've got a hundred more mule stories because as I said, I grew up with them and I've broke a few to ride and pack.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great extra info. Thanks, Phillip!

[@Stuingtion]

I always had a fascination for mules. Seeing this video on them was quite amazing to see! Learned a lot of new things about mules! Keep it up, Sante!

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Our pleasure!

[@Stuingtion]

@@ArizonaGhostriders I look forward to your next video!

[@led8541]

Great video Santee

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thanks!

[@robertbuckey6517]

Another great episode Santee! I live just outside of Queen Creek, and I didn't know that about the mules.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Very cool!

[@joep4235]

fantastic vid !!! I've been on this planet for a long time, and I just learned mules are sterile !!!!! ha ha ha... (and when I saw the title of the vid, my first thought was Clint Eastwood talking about his mule in Fistful of Dollars... I was counting on you to put in a clip !! :-)

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

HA! Thanks, Joe

[@classicgunstoday1972]

I was half expecting to see a clip of Alfonso Arau giving Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner a tour of his home town in Columbia on his little mule...er yeah. Anyway, most people when think of mules instantly put it in the category of comedy relief. Gabby Hayes/Fuzzy St John looking prospector with his mule, sister sarah, Cahill US Marshal forced to buy one from a crusty farmer. Good presentation of an under appreciated animal

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@larrysmith1568]

A good mule will pay for itself.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

I'd say!

[@illmade2]

Having had both when I was younger, I can say the mule is a wonderful animal, very intelligent, strong, and the most stubborn beast I've ever seen. You can 9 times out of ten coax a horse into doing whatever you want, but with a mule if it don't want to do it it ain't happening.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Great info!

[@timmattingly2250]

Santee, you disappointed me; when Sourdough told you the price for his badgers, I was waiting for, “Badgers, we don’t need no stinkin’ badgers”. We live about 80 miles south of St. Louis in what used to be known as the Lead Belt. The last mine in this area is about 20 miles from here and shut down in 1972. In it’s beginnings, back in the 19th century, they also stabled mules in the mine. When the mules were brought outside, they too were blinded. After that first string was blinded, they developed a technique to prevent this. They would wrap the mules’ eyes with enough wraps of cloth to protect their eyes from the light. Each week or so they would remove a layer until all the wraps were removed.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

LOL! thanks

[@BoyNamedSue4]

2:26 my distant cousin was actually the guide for the trip where this photo was taken.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Whoa cool!

[@CaliforniaFly]

Festus Hagen would be proud of you guys for this video! Check out Mule Days in Bishop CA.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Much appreciated!

[@CaliforniaFly]

@@ArizonaGhostriders I miss the pew, pew, pew sometimes. It always cracks me up!

[@tomjackson4374]

One of my favorite sayings, "beat like a rented mule", not that I advocate hurting animals, some people have it coming. And remember Festus Hagan rode a mule, that dadburn ole scudder.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Yup!

[@tscream80]

4:25 - Figures mules would have their own Union. ;)

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

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