The Difference between Horses and Mules

A general overview on the basic differences between horses and mules, and the advantages each might bring to a given situation
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[@thinkertoo2995]

Just a little story about an event that happened to me. 8 years ago, i bought a 10 acre planted pines property and was walking along the fence when I saw a donkey and some cows on the other side. The donkey had a clump of barbed wire wrapped around his ankle trailing off about 20 feet. I didn't know ANYTHING about donkeys so I tried to reach through the fence to his hoof to get it off but he was out of reach. He moved towards me, sliding the affected leg as close to the fence as he could to allow me to undo it. I spent about a minute working the knotted wire off of his ankle while he stood patiently still until I finally got it off. His ankle and lower leg were raw and bleeding and had some pus at the wound. He ambled off and I dragged the barb wire back to my side and took it to the landfill. I thought that was the end of it. The very next day, I was dragging a bale of hay to the far side of the field to feed some other donkeys and cows ( the owner of the property was a jerk who wouldn't feed them well ) and here comes Jack ( that was the name I gave him ) He came right up to me, and leaned his shoulder against my right hip and just stayed that way for a short while. Don't ever tell me that donkeys can't speak or say Thank You !. That was the beginning of our friendship since then. He's been a GREAT friend. I will always have a special place in my heart for Jack.

[@GetReady4LiftOff]

Beautiful love story

[@sharksport01]

Great story thanks for sharing.

[@billtozier9081]

Thankyou, what a nice story.

[@Lily-has-wings]

Wow! What a beautiful story. Bless you for taking the time to help him. You are an angel and Jack was smart enough to realize that.

[@conniewolf7300]

🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️💚

[@sailiraq]

Years ago I was trail riding alone in the mountains west of Colorado Springs on my mule Luke. The trail narrowed to a foot path that crossed a scree field of small loose rocks with a very precipitous drop off. Halfway across I began to think I’d made a serious mistake but was not at all sure we could turn back on the narrow ledge of a trail. I put my weight in the stirrups, dropped the reins and said “Luke, you decide whether we should go on or turn around.” I held my breath while that mule, with the agility of a mountain goat, did a U-turn, and extricated us from what could have become our last ride together.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

That is a great story. Illustrates perfectly the wonder of a good mule.

[@conniewolf7300]

Great story about how a mule made the best decision!

[@darrellowings2343]

That is cool.

[@packsaddle101]

Once again, you're right on the money. Just a couple of thoughts....I've found that people have trouble with mules when they try to treat them like a horse. You can't do it! They have a completely different mindset. Like you mentioned, you can practically force a horse to do anything. With a mule, you've got to make them think that it's their idea. Another difference...if a horse gets caught in barbed wire, they'll thrash themselves to pieces. With a mule, once she finds out that it hurts, she'll wait there for literally hours until you come and get her out. Also, you were spot on when it comes to the quality of feed. I very, very seldom feed my mules alfalfa. Oh, maybe I'll feed them a grass/alfalfa mix in the winter, but never straight alfalfa. It's too rich for them. I usually just stick with a good quality grass hay. If I do feed them alfalfa, it's like having a bunch of sugared up ten-year olds at a sleep over. I don't need that. Here's another difference on how they think...if you put a horse in a trailer and you happen to have a wreck in that trailer, the horse will always remember the trailer. On the other hand, if that happens with a mule, the mule will remember who put him in...and will eventually retract some retribution. When it comes to riding in the mountains, going from a horse to a mule is like going to a Cadillac after riding in a Jeep. They're just more comfortable, mostly because they're built differently. Now, let me be clear...a mule is great for what they were invented for. I don't rope calves off my mules. I don't cut cattle with my mules or barrel race. But for rough, steep, rocky, uphill, downhill mountain work, I prefer a mule. That being said, I usually don't lead the pack string with a mule. I use a horse for the exact reason you explained. If there's a minor insurrection in the middle of the string, i.e. a pack slips or an animal gets tangled up or whatever, a horse will let you turn him around and wade into that mess. A mule thinks, "Do I really want to get involved?" A mule inherits size, athleticism, and often disposition from the mare. It inherits brains, longevity, and toughness from the jack. Now, when the sire is a stallion and the mother is a jennet, you get what is called a "hinney." Why don't we see more hinnies? A couple of reasons. First, for some reason, it's harder for a jennet to conceive when bred to a stallion than it is for a mare to conceive when bred to a jack. Also, the mule has the conformation of the donkey but the disposition of the horse. Whereas the hinny has the conformation of the horse, but the disposition of the donkey. Not a real good combination. When we talk about longevity, a horse usually starts going "downhill" around age twenty or so. A mule is still going strong into its thirties or sometimes even forties. Of course, a mule develops a little slower both mentally and physically than a horse. When a mule is around six or seven years old, you can almost see the "light" go on and they start to act a little better. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, a mule shouldn't even be born until they're six years old. (By the way, I say that "tongue in cheek.") You'll see that "light" on again when they're around twelve or fourteen. That's when they usually stop playing their mule tricks. So, why don't we see more people riding mules? One reason is because it's a lot easier finding a gentle horse than it is finding a gentle mule. Second, (and this was true in the 1800's and is still true today) a good mule usually costs about a third more than the average cost of a horse. Also, once someone gets a good mule, they won't be inclined to part with it. I've rattled on long enough. This is just my two cents worth and it probably isn't even worth that. Great video as always.

[@DryCreekWranglerSchool]

This is exactly what I was hoping for when I asked experienced hands to comment and chime in. Thank you! Your points are all valid, and beautifully filled in some areas I missed.

[@packsaddle101]

@@DryCreekWranglerSchool Thanks. I don't know if I really added that much. You hit the proverbial nail right on the head. One more thing, as you already know, you HAVE to train a mule the way you SHOULD train a horse. Again, thanks for the video.

[@RBEmerson]

Like the part about the wreck, the mule, and retribution. If a mule shouldn't be born until it's about six (like that metaphor), what does that say about when some people should be born? I'm jus' askin'... LOL

[@packsaddle101]

@@RBEmerson Sorry, Richard. I think I'd better not go there. It might get me in trouble with a lot of people. LOL

[@patmcguffin2439]

@@packsaddle101 Both you and Duane (hope I spelled your name correctly) commented on how a mule like to think things over. I have a quick story to tell about exactly the thinking they do. I was riding drag on my mule behind a couple of short strings when the lead came on a long bog and managed to push everyone and everybody through the bog. It was pretty soggy and too deep for comfort, fortunately, it didn't get too western. Now my mule is watching the proceedings, looking things over, and, I gave him all the time he needed to sort things out. He looks to the left and looks to the right then walks to the left off the trail about ten yards to solid ground and walks right around that bog without either one of us covered in mud which I can't say for the rest of our party. So you guys are right, most times, it smart to let the mule be the brains in the partnership.

[@edclay28551]

We had a mule from the time I can remember until I was around 20 years old. Her name was Pet and was 35 when she died. We used her to plow and do general garden work. Pull the harrow, wagons, sleds and such. That girl was very intelligent to say the least. When working in the family garden she would not nibble, would pivot around at the end of the row so as not to step on the plants, and would work all day, well up until 4 pm. It was like she had a watch because at 4 pm she would stop and not move an inch. Daddy would have to unhitch her from the plow or whatever implement he was using at the time and then he could take her to the barn and take the tack off of her. She would eat, drink, roll around in the dirt and bray like crazy. We did not have fences and she roamed free but never left our property of 50 acres. Another quirk she had; a man could not catch her. If one of us went out to get her she would haul her butt off and run a few feet off, stop, look back to say ha ha. No, but my mother or grandmother could go out and halter her with no problems. I think she knew if one of the guys went out to get her, she had to work in some way. LOL...She was gentle with children as well and growing up I could lay under her hoofs and never fear. Oh, I forgot, once she was haltered and dressed out to work for the day, she was a hard worker until, like I said 4 pm. She was a great trail rider as well and I have ridden her all over the mountains where we lived. Funny thing she proclaimed herself as the great protector of the other farm animals. She would chase away foxes, coyotes, and other predators. Weird! Poor old pet died when she was a little more than 35 years old. I will always have a special place in my heart for her.

[@lindaschweitzer5349]

Actually donkeys can be quite vicious in protecting their property...very good guard animals. So she got that from her donkey side.

[@vessietaylor]

Love your story... 💞

[@shawnagarstad9078]

I love donkeys

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

Rest deeply sweet Pet You are loved 🥰 still and I never met you but your family member wrote such lovely words I feel tears in my eyes . God bless you and your family Pet

[@italianice59]

Thank you!!

[@daisycasey9077]

randomly came across this video. hit play and stayed through the end. this is youtube at its best imo. great stuff

[@handyandy5929]

Same here man. Honesty and no ego is a rare thing. We just got a free education on mules. Thanks Dry Creek! SUBSCRIBED

[@tylergavin8219]

I did as well

[@djondjon]

Same here! 😄

[@dorothyjenkins6762]

@@tylergavin8219 this was fantastic. Loved him! I’m subscribing So interesting, Thank You 😊

[@superdave1263]

Ditto. This cowboy brings me back to my roots in southern Idaho. He’s easy going and just telling the truth.

[@pickinscott]

After 40 years and owning probably about 20 different horses and riding in all kinds of different terrain, I bought my first mule a couple of months ago. Be damned, I love this fellow and I think he's probably overall about the best animal I've ever owned. 🙂 "The mule is smarter than the rider." Yeah, I can see that. A lot of what you said gives me pause for thought. Thanks.

[@barryjanis]

I had a cousin that was born in 1900 , and lived in Woodville, Mississippi. He purchased a young, Army Surplus Mule from the Government right after WWll. The mule was used to plow a small family garden and was also used to ride family members , and to check on his cattle. My cousin said that as his pet mules teeth started to fail that he would feed him sweet feed with molasses. Every morning his pet was standing by the gate waiting to be fed. One morning the old mule didn't show up , because he died during the night. Cousin Joe had tears in his eyes as he related the story of his pet mule, and that he was at least 42 yrs old.

[@destroyerinazuma96]

My rural Russia grangran kept a dog who grew very weak past 14. Even when the dog's rear legs gave up, grangran kept the dog around. I like to think that dog passed quietly while sleeping in warmth. People care about their animal friends that much.

[@crystalrogerson2348]

When I was younger, in my teens, I was lucky to meet a man by the name of Sam on a trail ride. he was an older black man and he was riding a beautiful mule. We were parked sideways on a hill waiting for people to get off and walk their horses up the hill and then down the other side, which was extremely steep. I was on my Paint, which was as sure footed as a billy goat, and Sam’s mule started braying. Well, my horse had never heard anything like that before so he took off sideways. Sam was so impressed that I stayed on, and so was I 🤣😂, that we rode together for the next five hours. We were the only ones to never dismount when we came to a difficult area because we knew the capabilities of our mounts. Come to find out, Sam didn’t live all that far from me and we became very close friends. This man truly was able to connect to animals in a way that was amazing. I learned so much from him. I remember him saying one time that horses were the dumbest animals, especially compared to mules. I remember the day I got the best compliment ever. Sam told me that my little Paint impressed him because he could see him reason through things and that he was pretty smart for a horse. I would sit and listen to Sam tell me stories of being a cowboy out west and that it was difficult because of prejudice, which was made even worse because his wife was white. She was such a wonderful woman, and the love and strength they showed as a couple was truly inspiring. Seeing this video made me so happy because it brought up such wonderful memories. Thank you, Sam, for all you taught me and for being my friend. Hopefully we will ride together again one day.❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@conniewolf7300]

Great story and sentiment! Thank you.

[@fredhorsefeathers3225]

I don't know how I found you but I was surprised and I havent thought about her for a while but I had a mule given to me for my 11th birthday. She was a palamino, probably about 15 years old at the time. I rode her everywhere. She was sneaky and intellegent but never ever mean or stubborn just like you said I had to learn how to break it down for her and show her exactly what I wanted and wait for her to see it and then she would do whatever I asked. When she was turned out to pasture the first thing she would do everytime was walk the boundry. And you could watch her making her mind up as she did it. She would first walk with her head low to the ground and if she found a spot where there was a dip under the fence she would come back again later. Then she would walk with her nose along the top of the fence and if she found a spot where the wire or board was low she would come back later and hop that fence right at that spot. I mean hop, she would stand still next to the fence pull up her front legs and hop over. Now if she couldn't find a low spot she would go back to the dip she found before and shimmy under- nearly crawling on her belly if she could get her ears under she was good. If I found her out I would yell at her, "you get back in there! Get!" and she would go right back in, then it was time to fix the fence. lol She died around 30 years old. The sweetest old girl, she taught me so much.

[@gigicostlow4414]

Funny. I had a mule that tried to jump a barbed wire fence and got stuck on it. My cousin had horses in a pasture next to ours and found him. Not sure how long he'd been there but it was 5 hrs between when I was there and he found him. He was standing there half asleep. My cousin cut the top 2 strands and the mule just walked off and started grazing. Not hurt at all. About a week went by and he got into my cousin's pasture. I thought well, you finally did make it over. I went and got him. Couple of days later my cousin called me and said you won't believe what I saw your mule do. He crawled under the fence. Yup, he found a low spot under the fence and did just like your molly did. He was a character but was very gentle and so much fun to ride. I trusted my life with him when out on the trails. I never tried to second guess him when it came to letting him pick his way through brush or across water. He never spooked at anything. He would just stop and look at whatever jumped out at us or look for where a noise came from then go on. I miss him so much.

[@LRyan-li9wr]

@@gigicostlow4414 Kind regards to you Gigi Costlow You are so lucky to have had the opportunity to have your own mule, and I sure can see how you would miss him. It's beautiful to make such a connection with an animal, and to have stories like you have to tell others about like me!

[@lesliehilesgardener6959]

What a gift to you at 11 wise parents or somebody in your life WONDERFUL FOR YOU FRIEND

[@neoncatfish3585]

I was hunting on some public land in Oklahoma. A game warden came pulling up and had a horse trailer. He came over and talked to us and checked us for hunting permits. Then went to the trailer and unloaded a mule! Then hopped up on the mule and went to the fence and they jumped it, to go check on other hunters. Darnness thing I ever seen!

[@alanaadams7440]

How lucky you are to have had such a wonderful animal. Thx for sharing

[@billstewart2433]

Been riding mules for 40+ years and the differences you noted are right on. My current and last mule is trained, dead broke, but ya just never know. We were riding and came across a bit of high water across the road. Maybe 18" deep. She would not across. I had to get off, take off my boots, and wade through. As long as I was the guinea pig, it was fine with her and followed me like a puppy. Mules can be different!!

[@rootmeansquared]

A really good description of the difference between a mule and a horse. I’ve had the same mule, Sarah, for about 10 years. Wouldn’t trade her for anything. One of the reasons that I like her so much is she won’t let me do anything stupid. If she says “no” I know I’m missing something and I had better take a closer look.

[@sharksport01]

I just have a question, and im ignorant, i live in the inner city hard ghetto. If you listen to your mule everytime it says No. Wont it say No everytime it doesn't want to do something?

[@levanataylor790]

@@sharksport01 Equines are herd animals, they expect to cooperate with others. If you're a "herd leader" they want to go where you go and do what you say to do... to a point. They don't switch off their mind, and may say no; but if they trust you, they'll only say no with good reason.

[@brucebennett5759]

@@levanataylor790 So, you're saying equine are like people. Especially like the relationship between a boss and the employees.

[@cacatr4495]

@@sharksport01 The donkey (the Jack) which was the father (sire) of the Mule has a spirit of cooperation so long as you 1. don't abuse it or break trust (and they WILL remember that if you do!), and 2. don't ask him to hurt himself. So long as those two rules aren't violated, the Mule that carries the Jack-mentality will cooperate. They're very loyal, and very smart.

[@jimsteele9975]

@@sharksport01 Yep...they'r smart.

[@bentnickel7487]

I'm 72 y/o and just realized I've been a mule my entire life. That explains so many things, that have gone unanswered. :-) ;-)

[@conniewolf7300]

😂😂

[@KateMcCridhe]

Your example reminded me of a friend from years ago. He had a big mule (almost as big as my QH/Percheron I had as a kid!), was active in reenactment and trail rides. One time he was on a trail ride, came up to a river. Mule wouldn't go across. He dropped the reins, thinking what to do. The mule wandered up the bank a few yards and crossed. The river never got deeper than just above her ... ankles (ugh, forgot what that's called). About half way across, a couple hotshots come charging up the trail, dove right into the river. Water up to their saddle horns. He told that story as his first example of why he liked mules. He used the term mule sense as meaning sensible disobedience. He want a picture painted based on End of the Trail. But instead of a dejected looking horse and man, he wanted a sharp eyed mule with his ears forward, looking for the best trail down, and a confident and relaxed rider sitting the with loose reigns.

[@conniewolf7300]

Great story!

[@lynnschook6124]

"Sensible disobedience", I like the way you put that.

[@pharoahcaraboo9610]

fetlock is their ''ankle' :)

[@KateMcCridhe]

Thank you! LOL I hate when I can picture the details of how something works and all that in my head, but the word just ain't there. Then I hear the word and wonder how in blue blazes can I forget that word? Oi. Letho... something-er-other... aphasia... eh?

[@cattymajiv]

@@KateMcCridhe I call it a menopause moment! It only ever happens with nouns. The names of people and things.

[@davidthomas4697]

Thank you for sharing that with me. I used to walk threw this field that had a mule in it to go to school. 8 maybe10 years old. The mule would see me climb the wooden fence and come over to walk with me to the other side. Out of school i climbed fence mule would follow me to other side. This went on for a couple years. The farmers wife seem me one day and told me the mule was dangerous and had hurt a couple of the farm hands. I think the mule was glad to see me. We walked together and i would talk to the mule like if he was my puppy. Sounds crazy , but i think the mule felt the same way i did. Safe. Thanks

[@conniewolf7300]

Great story!

[@larrydotson2625]

That lady was probably just making up a story to keep you out of her field. I had something similar happen to me once when I was just boy. A man told me that a very friendly horse was actually dangerous just because he didn't want me to pet it.

[@cattymajiv]

@@larrydotson2625 Or they had treated the animal in a way that was sure to provoke that kind of response. Horses and mules are not normally vicious for no reason, and 99% of the behavior that gets called aggressive is really done out of fear. Only very rarely do horses kick, bite, buck, rear, shy, or whatever, for no reason.

[@Shipwright1918]

I had a miniature mule once, and she was smart as a whip. Always came when you called her by name, even from far away, and she could cut cows from a herd and shepherd them into a pen just by asking her. "Go get the white one, Bertie." Mmmkay, lemme think it over for a second. Right-o, I'll be back in a few. Few minutes later, here she comes with the one I asked for right in front of her like a little trooper. Nevermind that steer's several times bigger than her, she's the boss and she isn't going to let it go until it's parked smartly in the pen. Job well done, a good brushing and a treat well-earned.

[@Isaac-mc4kk]

I don't have a horse, I don't have a mule... I live in the city and I love this channel. God Bless.

[@goamules]

I've had 6 mules, and packed and rode mules in the wilderness almost exclusively. Sometimes people with horses come along. The horses would panic if they saw something they weren't familiar with, bucking off riders into creeks, rolling down switchbacks in front of my stationary, watchful mules. I've had few problems with Mules in the roughest country. Remember this: A horse is a plains animal, it evolved to run away from danger. A donkey is more of a "stand and fight" animal because they evolved in rocky mountains too rough to run in. Kind of like a mountain goat. They are much more careful about danger. It's why the Grand Canyon mule rides have never lost a person....and always have used mules, not horses.

[@conniewolf7300]

👍🏾 They do use a few horses....or they used to!

[@cherrybarb4651]

That makes a lot of sense!

[@cacatr4495]

@@conniewolf7300 Nope. Feel free to see my 3-part TV program (1990) that is in both my Beautiful Arizona, Scenery for the Soul playlist and in my Movie playlist. Some private and experienced riders have gotten clearance/permission to bring their horses in to ride them in The Canyon for their *private journey, but for The Canyon ride down, they have always only used Mules. It is the Mules that have the impeccable record of safety.

[@smokemtngal]

Is it true they prefer Tennessee mules in the canyon?

[@mountainmuleman0311]

Yes, the mules we use come from the Reese Brothers in TN

[@kathrynhelm4176]

Although I love equines of any type I am in no way a “horse person”. I found you by browsing and I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I’m a great grandma who loves to learn new things and although I knew the breeding part I did not know their differences. You’re never too old to learn. Thank you. 👍❤️

[@robinrummel1359]

I'm a Nana who always loved and rode horses. Several years ago I started reading about mules out of curiosity. From everything I have learned, if I were to ever ride again I would want a mule because I believe it would be smarter and wiser than me! Have you ever heard the expression (somewhat derogatory to educators) "those that can, do; those that can't, teach"? For those of us with lots of years experience, the saying is more like " those who are young, do; those who aren't, learn new things they will never use". Doesn't have the same zing but it's the best my swiss cheese brain can do! 😂. Keep on learning and maybe some day we will each actually have a chance to ride a mule one day. ☺️

[@alicewanderland9339]

From another great grandma....always wondered if Missouri mules really are different, and if so in what ways? Thanks for your lesson!

[@MsKindaSorta]

Oh my… you’re words are mine with exception to being a great grandmother. This was a great learning experience. Yup, if I ever get anything to ride it will be a mule. I’m not very “equintelligent.” 😂

[@skippylippy547]

[@TannerHortonMusic]

I’ve been around horses my entire life, got into the mule business at 16 thinking I had it figured out (don’t we all) it took me about 3 days after I got my first one to figure out I had no idea. Big 16 hand John mule out of a big jug headed Tennessee walking horse mare. That son of a gun wore me out for 3 days and my grandpa who grew up with mules and is very good with them I guess set back and watched me for a couple days and just said “the minute you learn you can’t outsmart him, it’ll get easier” that mule wound up being the best animal I ever owned and I’ll never see another like him I’m afraid. All it took was realizing he was smarter than me and I had to find some patience. After all that and I got some trust between us, there wasn’t many places he wouldn’t pack me. And beat anything else that was with me.

[@stevenoel3280]

I grew up with mules on the farm and in the log woods. Biggest advantage in rough going, is that the mule never panics. Get him tangled in wire, brush, etc. And he most likely will just patiently wait for you to dig him or her out. As a small boy I was let loose in the woods with a large mule, dragging logs to the loading point.

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Darn right!. Right away they will stop right away when realizing that they're in a bad situation and not panic, and not cut their fetlocks with wire or whatever they've encountered. If it's a super questionable Trail on slippery slope , they'll stop, and not go forward. That is a fact. I ridden them along very steep Cliffs where the fall was 250 ft vertically and felt perfectly comfortable in their ability to maintaining focus on the trail.

[@eddiereedbigband1]

Good evening Mister Noel. You sure are a good spellar fer a boy who drugged cut timber bhind a mule. What year did you do this an in wat state ?

[@stevenoel3280]

@@eddiereedbigband1 even country boys had schools in KY 60 years ago. And they even taught reading, in one room schools, with eight grades.

[@conniewolf7300]

@@Desert2snowoffwego You must have ridden in the Grand Canyon! I don’t know if they still have the rides or not. A bunch of city dudes were trying to shut it down a few years ago. I was friends with an old mule skinner named Marion Perkins who retired from that outfit. When they retired him they gave him his white mule. Can’t remember the mule’s name at the moment. I’m getting old, too! Marion is gone now. I knew him from up around Williams, AZ! Beautiful country!

[@conniewolf7300]

@@stevenoel3280 Yea you can probably read better than these kids they’re turning out now!!😁

[@pinkserendipity1]

I have a mustang, a mule and 2 donkeys. Very different training for each. My mule and donkey are attached to me more than my horse. Don't get me wrong. My mustang will take good care of me when I'm on his back. But my mule and donkeys thrive on my hugs, scratches and massages. I take twice as long to train my mule and donkeys than it does my horse. However..... my Jenny donkey will show the boys what I want once she gets it. She knows she'll get a good treat for it. Patience is key with them. But I love my horse too.

[@harrycul]

Hey Brother, you are spot on in your assessment of a mule. I’m 72 years old and I have a lot of years behind me working mules but not riding them. Number one on the agenda must be gaining the trust of the mule. If you can’t do that you can’t do anything with him. Once you gain his complete trust he will climb a tree to try and please you. I love my mules. Keep up the good work. With love, Harry.

[@patrickfarley1277]

I’ve heard from a packer, “a horse will give you its heart, a mule will give you its soul.” Of course this requires the patience, experience and intelligence from the rider/leader as talked about on the video and within the comments.

[@Pete-from-Tn]

Had a few mules, they always had my respect. Also even rode better then 90% of the horses. Got knocked out when I was about 15. That mule stood over me until I came to myself. I still know my horse at that time. Might have done that, but not for sure. The mule, always watched out for me. But that mule came first.

[@lisad2701]

Longtime horse trainer/breeder here. Did my own vet work as well as hoof trimming. The difference is quite simple. Horses "try" to kick you - mules just do it!

[@larrydotson2625]

A noteworthy difference!

[@Ron-tu3xq]

My young horses could have kicked...but like a dog growling letting me know...no. I tried to put some medication on him he cattle kicked at me. My other horse he will wheel around and show me he could kick if you keep it up. Spotted Saddle horses

[@janicegipson4691]

Good talk. Growing up, everybody was about horses, except a few older people who worked mules. We tried so hard to talk Dad into buying us a horse. NOPE. We lived and rode in canyon country. Finally found out my Dad had a mule growing up though all his sibs rode horses. He rode her to school, she could be turned into pasture during the day but always showed up at the gate at going home time, could spot snakes before he did & take her own way around - a mule thinks, he said, just gotta think yourself & be able to show the mule. He never would deal with horses, wasn’t in his personality to appreciate loyalty over steadiness. He wouldn’t trust horses with his children, lol. You said it well, for both types of equines.

[@erinjean2695]

I have two good mules and I’d never in my life trade them for horses. They are wonderful and we pack all over the mountains together. I got them both “cheap” as “problem” animals…but they just take a different approach to life and training is all. One of them was supposed to join a forest service pack string and they didn’t want him, the guy who had him literally couldn’t wait to get him out of his barn and for the life of me I can’t figure out why. I’m telling you that mule they couldn’t wait to get rid of will do absolutely anything you ask him to. He’s damn fine. So smart. The forest service definitely let a gem slip away.

[@davidsimons9132]

I rode a mule on a high county Colorado elk hunt a couple if years ago. Most sure footed critter I've ever ridden. No one else wanted to ride him and picked the horses to ride and one horse got us into some problems but the mule just stayed calm through it all.

[@sheilareser9696]

Some mistakes often commonly made by new/inexperienced mule owners are not giving the mule enough time to adapt to new surroundings, too much repetition, and working to fatigue. Mules get very firmly attached to their homes/surroundings, much more so than horses, especially if they’re treated well. Adapting to a new one just takes them more time. Wait to work with your new mule until it’s calm and at ease in the new home before attempting anything beyond routine handling (petting, grooming, leading, etc.). Be aware this could take weeks or even months. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is your new mule’s trust/respect of you, that just takes time and on their clock, not yours. Second, especially when training a young mule, if it does something right the first time, quit and go do something else. Come back to it later, no worries, it will remember and not forget. Horses often benefit from repetition, mules don’t. They get bored, and just like bored children, will do things you don’t want. Also with young mules don’t work them too long or too hard. While they won’t let you actually injure them, working them to that point or close to it, will sulk them and cause them to become balky and uncooperative in the future. Remember mules hold grudges, they don’t forgive and they don’t forget. They remember a bad experience by associating it with you.

[@ratfan03]

Can I ask a question? Some background. Sorry it's so long My friend has a mule. She is broke and trained, but arena trained and 15 years old. It's her first mule. I ride horses and have no experience with mules. She sent it to a mule trainer for 3 months when she bought her. The trainer did miles of trails with her. When she got her back, she did ok for a month or two. Then one day she was riding alone about 1.5 miles from home, the mule decided to go home. My friend said she trotted all the way. She would not turn, stop or even slow down. From that point on the mule did not want the woman touching her. She would act cinchy and pin her ears if she was brushed. She had the vet, chiropractor and had her on ulcer meds for 2 months. She rode her today by herself out around the roads near her property. The mule did ok. Acted nervous a couple of times. Still does Not like to be brushed or touched much except her head. Before when we did ride together, she would school the mule a lot. Really more than I would a horse even. I do know that's a no no with a mule. I do know she is not a confident rider and doubts herself quite a bit. My question is: what can she do to develop a better relationship with her mule or is it a lost cause at this point?

[@bsavage357]

@@ratfan03 If your friend is not a confident rider, she may also be not be a confident handler of her mule and my be inadvertently causing the mule's nervousness. Has she considered getting an instructor. She may need a new set of eyes to help improve her confidence in grooming and riding.

[@nettiebinning4463]

I grew up living on a ranch with both horses and mules. My Dad and his boss used to hire out to take folks to Yosemite National Park on 2 week pack trips. They never let anyone ride the mules, and we had some very calm, sweet and easy riding mules. I was never aloud to go with because I was a girl, but mostly too young. I could and did almost everything my Dad did and until now i did't realize that when I asked why they never put those people on a mule and he told me they were't smart enough, he wasn't talking about the mules!!!!! I never thought to look at it from that angle! Thank you! I pretty much knew all of what you were saying and like you I'd like to understand more about "mule psychology".

[@conniewolf7300]

Great story!

[@montanawarren8462]

Is that why they call the Democrats jackasses?

[@daylesuess552]

@@montanawarren8462 yep, they're a whole lot smarter than the republicans.

[@oregonoutback7779]

Excellent audio quality on this video. Big thumbs up. This was the best explanation of the difference between horses and mules! My great grandfather had about a hundred mule teams. He build roads and dams as part of his construction company. My grandfather had about a million mule stories he shared with us kids. During World War One, the Army was actually smart enough to recognize his talent and let him wrangle mules for them. He credited his mules for bringing him home alive. Congrats on the new grandchild. It's almost worth raising teenagers, just getting to the part of having grandkids :)

[@Robin-ci2kx]

I hope some day soon you will write down your g-grandfather's and grandfather's mule stories- at least to pass on down to those kids and grandkids. Stories like those are a fast-dying breed and we owe to those who came before us to write it all down before it's gone. We think they will remember but I have forgotten a lot of the stories I heard from my grandmother and just remember the skeleton, but not the details.

[@tbreese57]

George Washington, when he retired to Mt Vernon, preferred a mule for riding around his plantation, as well as for plowing, wagons, etc. He was a developer, breeder, and advocate for the modern American big mules we have today. Magnificent animal, learned a lot from your talk DeWayne!

[@mruthcowboy4991]

Thanks. By far the best, simplest explaination of the differences between a mule and a horse. I lived with guys that owned mules and didn’t explain it as well as you just did. Keep on schoolin’

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

Glad to have found this channel. That was an xcellently presented and well considered assessment of the issue. I would add only the following. When I was just a kid (a loooong time ago- i'm far older than you :) I once asked my grandfather about his opinion, he had mostly horses, but kept a few mules, and he explained it much the same as you have. I, however, had occasion when I was a bit older, to come into possession of an Iron Mountain mustang stud about 9 years old. He had been a herd stallion, was in his prime and yet seemed at first glance to have a different, more contemplative demeanor than any horse I'd seen up to that time. I had him in a bout 50 ft. corral with 7ft. panels, and would feed, water him by hand each day, and spent a lot of time just 'hanging round' him (outside the corral) for about 3 days, talking to him, moving slowly and just 'hanging' for at least 4-5 hours each day. On the fourth day, he approached me, stood by the panels, and let me touch his shoulder. An hour or so later, he let me rub his neck, which he had been rubbing against the bars trying to 'scratch' something that was irritating him. The next morning, he nickered as he heard me approaching, and seemed to pretty much totally relax as he munched his hay, looking up only as I slowly opened the pen and stepped inside. When I made no move to advance further, he went back to feeding. I stayed where I was, just mumbling nonsense as my grandfather had taught me to do, in slow even low tones. When he had eaten enough, he turned, took a drink out of the tub, turned, walked over towards me, and just began 'sniffing'. 10 minutes or so later, he extended his neck, and touched me with his muzzle. A few minutes after that, he turned back to his hay at which time I slowly reopened the gate, and left. That evening, as I brought his hay, he nickered again, promptly settled into eat, but his time I had also brought a lb or so of sweet feed, which I had also placed in his feeder. He'd apparently never seen that before, and he sniffed awhile and finally mouthed a bit, liked it and promptly gobbled it down :) Maybe/most likely he could smell it on me, cause he then moved across the pen to where I was, probably looking to see if I had any more, which I did :) After that day, the progress we made together was simply astounding. In temperament I found him to be somewhat between a normal saddle horse and a very bright , but more affectionate mule. It was some time before I ever even had to put a halter on him, as he would pretty much come when called, and permit me to do pretty much anything to him. In my state, there was once a requirement for all the horses to be blood tested for encephylitis (sp?) and gotta tell you, my VERY experienced old vet was amazed to watch me call out for him, see him explode out of the timber in a full gallop, screeching to a stop just in front of me, and then standing quietly while I took the hypo and drew blood from his neck. In fact, he used to tell that story to anyone he met that ever bad-mouthed mustangs. Since then over the last 40 years or so I've had probably 50 mustangs, many of which are his descendants, and almost without exception (got one beautiful mare that is simply the wildest horse I have EVER encountered) they have proven intelligent, thoughtful, and engaging, not to mention they can rival the good mules in rough terrain, tho maybe not extreme endurance. What has always struck me the most, was their trust and loyalty once you've established a 'relationship' with them, studs as well as mares. One of his offspring, a 1300 lb or so 16 hand paint stud, once laid down in a field for me, (no ropes, drugs, or restraints of any kind) and laid quietly while my vet and I performed surgery on one of his hind leg tendon's (he'd backed into some barbed wire and severed it, so we had to 'sew' it back together asap before they retracted too far) same vet by the way. Nonetheless, I always hankered for a good mule:) There's some breeders in my area that have bred some almost the size of draft horses. :) Edit: I've rec'd a few priv emails asking about my 'equine related background', so I thought I'd offer a bit. My Great grandfather was a horseman who had a number of live fire incidents with Butch Cassidy and his 'friends' when they would periodically try to rustle some of his horses as they traveled past his ranch. I grew up in the 'high' Rockies where I was pretty much allowed to literally run free with my older brother alone across the mountains, while we were of grade school age. Learned an awful lot first hand from watching 'nature' in action during those years. Much later, I was blessed with the opportunity to 'emcee' the Reno Stock Show, during which I was noted for telling 'really entertaining 'family friendly ' jokes, and for once stepping down from the booth , to enter the arena and catch by hand, a young high-bred colt that had bolted from his handler and had been evading all attempts to re-capture him for some time, thus holding up proceedings. I was also invited by some of the cowboys that same day, to participate as a 'celebrity' in their static calf roping event, which I ended up winning. I was at some point a tracker for the San Bernardino County's Mounted Posse (now THOSE mountains offer some rough terrain), and for some years the spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burrow program, where I also used to give demonstrations on taming /training newly adopted Mustangs while avoiding injury to both horses and the new owners:) Lastly, for those in the entertainment industry, I was a good friend of Slim Hart who provided many of the horses and teams for a number of movies/ events, etc. and for whom I 'saved' a number of horses scheduled for destruction due to having done serious injury to someone and being considered too vicious, dangerous and untrainable to remain alive. In fact I have fond memories of one particular paint mare from off the Ford ranch that had put two cowboys in the hospital, with serious life threatening and debilitating injuries, that quite literally tried her best to rip my throat out the first time Slim introduced me to her lol. She latter became my favorite saddle horse as she was incredibly fast, powerful, and yet surefooted as hell, yet still a horse. While out trail riding one day, She was surprised by a competive bike rider in multi colored armor who suddenly appeared flying up out of an arroyo a few feet in front of her looking all the world like a space alien. She reared, spun and bolted almost in a single movement leaving me flying through the air like an upside down frisbee, breaking my back when I landed face up on a large anthill. When I woke up though, it was to her muzzle breathing into my face as she had come back to check to see what had happened to me. When my head cleared, I found I couldn't stand, so using her foreleg, I dragged myself up to where I could reach the cinch, then the stirrup, and then slower than molasses (I was in some serious pain) up and over the saddle like you see them carrying dead guys in the western movies. Without guidance, she walked slowly bout a mile and a half back to the stable and stood quietly while the assembled riders eased me down and then into the ambulance. She then allowed a particularly talented young woman to return her to her pen without event, which was highly unusual, as she the first person that I was aware of , other than myself, whom that horse ever permitted to do so. Though in the end I lost a great deal of flexibility, I recovered to an adequate degree and the mare remained with me through several moves and for many many years and rides, thereafter. One last thing, I'm particularly proud of :) Among all the available options available, I was the one who taught John Wayne's eldest daughter to shoot:)

[@monicapdx]

Thank you for your comment - I enjoyed it immensely. Brought back memories of one of our neighbors out in the country who had a magnificent Mustang stallion he pastured next to our property line. Deep strawberry roan with black points. I only got up close once, when his owner rode him by our little hobby farm and stopped to talk with my parents, but I loved seeing him in his pasture at least once a day. He was amazingly well-behaved, too. I dunno about *riding* him, but he never broke out and went looking for mares. Dad got into raising donkeys in a small way, and we could turn them out in the field next to his, and he never paid much attention to them. ;) Nor to my successive geldings I had for 4-H!

[@doghairdontcarelindaniel7531]

Wow such a great story to behold. Thank you for that. So interesting.

[@doghairdontcarelindaniel7531]

My dad traded a guy at the stables where I kept my horse for a mustang. Freddy was small build but mighty. Fastest one there. He had been taught to bow down so you could get on. We finally took him up to our farm where we went every weekend for years an turned him out with another horse. When we pulled in he would run up to us then turn and run like the wind along the fence line tail in the air, showing off. Best horse ever.

[@jimrollin23]

I like this description, it fits with what I saw in Ethiopia. I lived there for three years. There are a lot of donkeys, mules, and horses. The land is rough and mountainous with a lot of steep gorges. Ethiopians preferred the mules to ride in the back country. Some told me the mule's gait was easier for a long day than the horse. Traditional stories say the emporers rode mules because they were more comfortable except when they went into battle where they rode horses.

[@itiswhatitis1775]

I can’t think of any other KZbin channel that I have been so thoroughly impressed with.You two are doing an outstanding job. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this channel.

[@galescott8433]

thankyou. for the great information!!

[@clivefelgate9802]

Have only ever ridden horses until we visited Yosemite. Did a trail ride on a mule. He knew what he was doing every step of the way. I had no input what so ever because every time I tried to command ,my mule ignored me and got on with the job! Got put in my place. Lesson learned👍☕ stay safe and well.

[@donnagray4901]

“They are perfect for what they are. You have to decide; is what they are, what you need.“ Love that!

[@shadeshadyshade254]

“ The mule is smarter than the rider “ lol….that cracked me up 🤣

[@CarlJohnson-ry3gc]

Made me think of Festus and Ruth

[@dongarrett6228]

@@CarlJohnson-ry3gc not that many left who know or remember them.....

[@mintonmiller]

@@CarlJohnson-ry3gc It is because of Festus and Ruth that I have always thought if I could live the life, I want a mule if for no other reason than everyone else has horses. The story line went Festus had gone through a number of mules in his life and named them all Ruth regardless of gender.

[@veronicamorgan1915]

Thank you for this simplistic, understandable definition of the differences.

[@pamrobertson1222]

I LOVE horses, but to be honest… the best ride I have ever had was on a mule!! She was smooooth!! Like riding a Cadillac! Hat off to the woman that raised and trained that mule from the day her little hooves hit God’s earth! Nitro, you changed how I viewed mules. Sherry, thank you for the gift of riding Nitro and the blessing of your friendship. Hope you are enjoying your Big sky country!!

[@conniewolf7300]

I’m just not too sure I would have got on a mule named Nitro!!😁😁

[@johnnysalter7072]

I am in my mid 70's now but as a teenager I would work in the summer for an uncle that raised beef cattle. He had bought a little light garden mule (called Joe) for an employee. He sent me across the highway in the morning to feed the horses and bulls. One morning I went and Joe had evidently kicked at something in the night and his right leg was hung in the top strand of a barbed wire fence. Joe staid as still as one of those Buddhist Monks meditating. I ran back and got some wire cutters as I was cutting the wire and cut the wire I was concerned that he would drop his leg, when freed into more wire. So I held his leg pressed against my chest, to walk him out and let the leg down. He was so damn smart he didn't even shift his weight over on me, it was like holding a baby. It broke the hide some but he did not even bleed he remained so calm. Had it been a horse he would have been dead before I got there.

[@njutarn8381]

amazing!

[@LibertyGarden]

Best explanation about the difference between mules and horses. That explains why on Grand Canyon trails, they use mules with tourists because the mule does all the driving.

[@kyleharmon7115]

one time we rode the mule ride from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I got to ride a John named Elvis. He was wonderful. He neck reined and even had a reverse gear. Never had to worry while on his back.

[@marjk1407]

I was 13, many years ago, going down that trail, and at a particularly skinny spot, with an infinite drop off to our left, my mule TRIPPED on a rock, did a little hop-skip, and calmly kept going. My heart didn't stop p-p-pounding for a loooong time!

[@conniewolf7300]

@@marjk1407 😂😂

[@OleGeezerCirca1941]

I was happy to hear conversation about equines again after over half a century. I used to talk with our veterinarian when he came to the farm to treat our Thoroughbreds. Doc was a mule vet during WWII and I learned a lot about them, many things he told me were said by you in the video. Doc, the horses, and the farm are now long gone, but pleasant memories are still strong. I'm glad I took movies during that time. Not so long gone now are the type of cigar you were smoking in the video. Three years back the family M.D. said no more stogies unless you want an earlier retirement to a marble orchard, so I quit. I found your channel by accident, but now I'm a subscriber with all notifications. 👍

[@Robin-ci2kx]

The following is a bit off the wonderful topic of mules but may help some of you out there who would like to quit smoking or keep smoking but be as healthy as can be. A person who smokes, or did, needs lots of vitamin c which is depleted completely by something in the cigarette or cigar. Three capsules of 500mg a day or even more. Also something that I think helps quit which I discovered recently are xylitol gum or candies. Dr. John's on Amazon has very tasty candies that have vitamin c, a decent amount of fiber, and are very fruity-tasting. I am now, however, addicted to their lollipops instead of tobacco. The good news is that the lollipops are doing me nothing but good. They not only help with something to do with yourself while you're quitting, which was what I found the worst part, but the xylitol helps strengthen your tooth's enamel and helps keeping you from getting cavities. If you type in "health benefits of xylitol" in the search bar you will find a long list of things it helps with. My dental hygienist daughter, who has sparkling white teeth, backs these 100%, and my dentist just told me to keep doing whatever it is I'm doing because it's working. In Finland they give their kids xylitol gum after lunch and the number of cavities has gone down by 80%. We should be providing this for our kids in schools, too.

[@steve4157]

Next time wife tells me “your as stubborn as a mule,” I’ll take it as a compliment. It’s for her own good.

[@lizlovsdagmara5525]

I have always taken "Stuborn as a mule" as a compliment.

[@larryreese6146]

My wife complements me all the time. But then, it's a mutual admiration type thing. You know?

[@alanaadams7440]

Goid one!

[@lynnschook6124]

🤣🤣

[@joelruder2857]

The biggest thing I noticed between horses and mules in the mountains of Colorado elk hunting, mules didn't spook as easy as a horse. If a Mule deer is off the trail, the mule stops, picks its head up and looks. Our horses jump back/ turn away from the deer. Both horses and mules are trained trail animals with years of experience. Going through quakies the mules will stop, look around to find easier path through fallen timber, horse plows through it. Just my observation.

[@cattymajiv]

What are quakies?

[@frankirwin2377]

Having two mules, Genie and Sadie, I learned from them early. We used them for team work when feeding cattle or in canyons with the wagon and also the hay wagon. They knew their job and a voice command was all that was needed.

[@anthonyoloughlin3532]

From Central London UK. For a start is that sky behind you for real? Amazing. Man you are living. God Bless

[@rv9178]

This is the best explanation of the two I have ever seen/spot on/great job sir! I have a riding mule that is also used for plowing and pulling logs and brush (lineback bay quarter mule) I call him a garden mule 14.2h 800lb good in garden rows small feet //never underestimate a good mule I always say// and yes patience and talking to a mule is key they don't just take commands like a horse will

[@kathybrown8703]

Awesome vid mate. Met a few OG cowboys like you when I was camp cook on six day outfitters pack trips in the Colorado Ricky's back in the nineties. That time ,for me , was an amazing insight into the last of the western breed and lifestyle. I'm proud to be able to say I was an American cowgirl for six months and learned to bake a cake in a fire and make jelly in a stream.... But for me the chance to meet the last of a dying breed, the American Cowboy, it was a time that I will always cherish. Xx

[@kathybrown8703]

Btw

[@kathybrown8703]

I came from New Zealand......

[@roman0robert]

I was born and raised a city boy. What I know about ranches and horses and mules is what I've seen on TV westerns. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video! I've learned a lot from your talk and all of the comments below.

[@theeardrafter]

I was blessed as a young boy to grow up on a farm but hadn't realized the gift it was until i was much older. We had 50 head of Black angus and a few horses, couple of thousand Rhode island reds and some hogs. Miss Riding so much. Thank you for your detail about the Mules Characteristics.

[@islanderdraws]

Top shelf audio this go round! 👍🏼 Adapting and overcoming as a true cowboy does. Thanks for teaching in a manner that is respectful and NOT condescending. 🙏🏼

[@terrythornock6468]

I just happened onto your video and I absolutely loved it!!!! I laughed several times and I can tell we are alike in many ways!!! I think you laid out your topic and explained it as clearly as anyone could!!!! I never got an opportunity to be around mules and I feel I truly missed out!!! However, I have had a couple of really wonderful horses, my best of which was the red dun pictured to the left. I’m now a 100% Disabled Veteran and Above Knee Amputee with some serious back injuries, so my cowboy days are over. I wish I could have experienced mules, but I just never knew anyone who had them. I feel I missed out!!!! Thank you kindly for so plainly explaining the difference of mules and what they have to offer above and beyond a horse!!! You said it all very well and I applaud your efforts!!!! SALUTE!!! Terry Thornock Idaho Falls, ID

[@jamesadams3548]

I grew up with my Dad telling: Son you have to be smarter than what you’re training. When I young I didn’t understand what he was talking about but I learned pretty fast the hard way. Hahahahaha I had a team of mules and I think that made me better with my horses and of course watching him. He had a great way of teaching me without me knowing.

[@adrianaclark8498]

I was on a mule during a trail ride. I had two horse riders in front of me and both riders knew nothing about horses. All of the animals knew this was a trail ride, and they all knew what to do. Walk calmly and follow the trail no matter what the beginner riders do. Until, the rider in front of me started showing off to the others what he knew about the horse.....which, sadly, was nothing. The horse had no idea what the rider was asking of him and became more and more frustrated. This was about to become dangerous. So help me God, my mule turned his head back to me and looked me dead in the eye. His expression was priceless. Without any signal from me, he pulled alongside the rider in front, and nuzzled the horse, as if to say, "calm down." I told the rider to drop his reins. and when he didn't do it instantly, the mule pulled the reins away from him before I could even do so! I told the rider to dismount, and I dismounted too. I got on the horse and put the rider on the mule. And off we went without a care in the world! It was just unbelievable, and to this day I still can't believe it happened. But, the riders behind be said it was just uncanny!

[@billcochran4072]

I once took an all day ride with a friend of mine and his dad when I was about 9 or 10. My friends dad ran a ranch in the rugged high desert/forested mountains of eastern Arizona near the New Mexico border. I had ridden some but I wasn’t a seasoned rider. My friends father put me on a one-eyed mule named Butch (a deer hunter had shot out one of Butch’s eyes out years before). Our task was to deliver a horse to a pastier about a half a days ride back in the mountains. They couldn’t have paired me up with a better animal, he was the most sure footed animal I’ve ever seen! On our return trip, we took a different route and stopped by an old hermit’s cabin who had an apple orchard, the old man was of German decent, we visited with him for about a hour or so. The last leg of the trip took us down a really steep trail, standing straight up and down in my stirrups. It was a ride I’ll near forget and I’ll always admire sure footedness of a mule under me.

[@TotalHorseMedia]

Mules are the HUMMERS of the equine world. Good advise and assessment of the mule. Thank you!!!!

[@zappastail]

I was given a "Stubborn" 3 year old Mini Mule by experienced Horse trainers. She is an absolute GEM to me but I was used to Donkeys so I think I have a different approach. She is 8 now and has a Jack companion about the same age. The Jack can't be around Cows but my Gem gets along with Cows, Dogs, Kids and tolerates Chickens to a point.

[@johnelliott4521]

Everything you said is spot on, you have to reason with mules. When Had them if they didn't want to do something I listened. I spent a summer running fence line with a team of mules. They stopped at quiting time and that was that. One day they stopped 100 yards from a break, i talked with them told them would stay in harness or move, they moved. They each got an apple. Been my experience most mules are smarter than most people.

[@sarahcoleman8560]

Glad I found your channel ~ I was "Dust2Trust" ~ starting colts until a drunk teenager hit me head on & ended a lot of stuff in my life, but I'm hoping some day to at least get back to the ground work end of it,. Anyway your experience and topics keep me sharp and remembering. Thanx !!!

[@saspinks3001]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I hope the Good Lord will bless you richly and perhaps even put the right horse in your life.

[@james-we6fr]

I had a pair of mules I used for my wagon. I was having a problem with one of them. My dad walked over and said Son you have to be smarter than what you are working. So I listened to him as he grew up working mules and horses. Finally I got them to where I could drop the reins and set in the back of the wagon and talk to them to go where I wanted to go. A friend and I used to go on trail rides. Most of the people had gated horses and after a while they would have trouble keeping up. I kept them in very good shape and fed them well. We went on a short trip one day for 26 miles made a stop for refreshments halfway and it took us 2hrs 16 minutes. The horses showed up 1 1/2 hours later. We also would take them and they would easily make 50 miles a day on trips that we would take camping for a week to 10 days.

[@theblackbear211]

Man, I loved your assessment. I thought that it was spot on! During the few years I was working with horses and mules (in the high Sierra Nevada) we would explain it like this: If you ride up to a cliff with a well-trained horse, and you spur him - he will jump off that cliff with you on his back. If you ride up to a cliff with a well-trained mule, and spur him - he may just throw you over that cliff - because that's where you want to go... but he will not jump off that cliff just because you think you want to go there!

[@tarat53]

Came across this video via a reddit post about the Red Dead Redemption 2 video game. Pausing at 3 minutes to say there's just something about your presence and way you speak that makes you incredibly enjoyable and easy to listen to. I also have family in Idaho, near Priest River. I know it's a year later but I hope everything went well with your daughter!

[@marksmith1143]

Love the vids Duane. 40 year packer and elk guide here. Packed in 4 western states. I agree with all you said. I usually prefer riding a horse over a mule also, for reasons you stated and also because the horses I've rode usually have a better handle than the mules I've riden. On the ground working with em and packing em , or shoeing them for that matter I'll mostly give the horse the best grade. Once packed an tied in a string and going down the trail you just can't beat the mules. Mules seem to always be aware of things going on and can think a few steps ahead. A horse will go to daydreaming and snap out of it all of a sudden and the wreck is on. I'm a mule man when it comes to packing but it can sure be a love/hate relationship. Thanks again for the content. Meeteetse, Wyoming.

[@rockie307]

Just came out of the mountains near meeteetse. Beautiful country hope one day I can elk hunt there.

[@tanneradams20]

Like you said in the beginning. It’s about what YOU need. I’m a larger rider at 6’4 and 280 and to top that off there’s not a bit of flat ground within 30 miles of me. I know they can handle it, but I feel bad for sitting on a walkin horse. I’ve got a big molly out of a belgian and she is literally the most sure footed I’ve been on in the mountains. It took way longer to get her to be my “partner”, but she’ll take me to the end of the world. She’s made me a more confident rider all around and taught me loads more than I ever thought I didn’t know.

[@anidaralopez5676]

Growing up we'd stay with my great-grandma every summer. They had tractors, but they also always kept their two old mules, Meg and Betz, for (I assumed) backup. Lord knows there was always a tractor in the shop. I remember walking down a potato row and picking up potatoes plowed up by the mule team. My dad, who also grew up as a farm kid before joining the USAF, would talk about how the smoothest ride he ever had was on his mule. As he said "when you wanted her to do more than walk, you had to rub a corn shuck behind her ear." LOL

[@nbk9372]

Sir, I sure enjoyed your take and explanation on them giant jack rabbits. Many fond memories raced through mind as I read your family community commenters and they each contributed to those fond memories, all good memories. If I was to add my know how of mule, jenni and quarter horses, it would turn into a book. I would not change a thing if I was to restart my life over, it would be very much the same way as it was when I started at six years old. My hammer head mule Sambo was 17+ hands high (that's a Mack Truck), my quarter horse (from Grand Canyon) was Dandylion 15+ hands and my jenni Black Diamond was 12+ hands (she was my 450 dragster...once I manage to get it outta granny gear), these three of God's creatures were my teachers, my friends and were the best tools of "one" of my trades. Of course I can't leave out our top notch ranch foreman who only spoke when I needed correcting. All I have to add to your family here is, if you're going get involved with a mule, learn to talk and listen to your mule. When you talk to you're critter, watch the ears and when it looks at you with perked up ears, by golly you're about to have the greatest love affair of your life! Sincerely US Army & Cow Puncher retired!

[@conniewolf7300]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@josephlansberry737]

I was born in 1932 in north central Pennsylvania in the refractory/brick & soft coal region. The mule was the equine that went underground before modern mining equipment was developed. They worked in a two or three string hitch with only voice commands no lines. I don’t think a horse or a donkey could do that job but the correct size mule was the answer. Their intelligence was a great help also.

[@bigcliffadventures]

Good talk in 1927 my grandfather had 100 mules and built roads in Texas so I lesson to you and your so right about mules . God bless you

[@jessehawkes1298]

Mules are badass, they’d kill predators and protect herds. We’d also let the horse out of the pen to graze and keep a mule with them. For some reason a horse trusts the mule and won’t run off

[@LRyan-li9wr]

Donkeys are also badass, they do the same !

[@mckgarth]

I'm not sure about mules, but horses do Not like to be alone.

[@joantauscher6679]

@@LRyan-li9wr terrific video . Learned a lot.

[@cattymajiv]

@@mckgarth I'm really interested to know if donkeys and mules are as much that way. They call it buddy sour, when a horse gets gets really badly attached to his or her buddies.

[@junioralves5092]

Hi. I have horses and mules here in Brazil and I agree 100% with you. Thanks!

[@madusan1]

Sending a thank you from this green horn for putting everything in easily understood terms. Long time animal lover. Have yet to experience a mule let alone riding one. Cheers from Vancouver 🇨🇦

[@MBarram]

That was fantastic. Could not say it better the example with riding with others and resolve a "nervous" situation a trusted horse is most likely your better bet. This is with a trusted horse only. The great thing about the mule is it doesn't spook or scare as a horse does. I grew up with horses and one day a mule came to the farm as a rescue from a place where he was beaten as he wouldn't do what was asked of him to do. it took more than a year and lots of patience before I could ride him. The coolest thing about the mule is it assesses every new situation and this only once. it takes time and patience, but different to our horses always spooked and nervous our mule had only to assess the situation once (for several minutes though) to pass our running red tractor. Anyway, the point is they seem the same but their mind works differently. I love riding horses and get them over obstacles quickly and at greater speed but this is only when I know the terrain. I love the mule because it's more like going out with your best mate and assess things together and overcome obstacles as a team. I think it is safe to say, that with a horse you are in charge of the thinking and assessing and a good trusty horse will do anything for you... the mule will go further with you and in a safer manner as long as you are not in a hurry and ready to work it out in a team... this means leaving the saddle here and there and show your mate there is nothing to be fearful of. Thank you for the video "dry Creek Wrangler School".

[@stuglenn1112]

Good assessment. Mules also can really handle the heat. Here in Florida I've seen mules laugh at stuff that would have totally melted a horse.

[@bluegrasstransport5266]

What a wealth of information, for a old man like me, wanting a mule but have only had a few Horses. But in my older years of 67 i want a mule thank you for this video, i just found your KZbin podcast. Ft. Worth Texas is listening.

[@illbfrank]

I live in Western North Carolina near The Great Smoky Mountains. I use donkeys to hunt bear in these mountains. I have learned to trust them and have learned just how strong and agile they are. I had a donkey jump a chest high log that had fallen across the trail with me on his back! It freaked me out when he did it, but we sailed over that log like nobody's business! I would love to get a mule, . Thanks.

[@Z8Q8]

Then just find a quality mare...

[@glendayount455]

smart. Would love to get a good riding donkey. Inauspicious live in Cullowhee.

[@conniewolf7300]

They have mule jumping contests at the mule shows. I’m not gonna say what they call it because it sounds racist, but some hunters like the smaller mules that can jump over a fence when they’re out hunting. Then the hunter just climbs over the fence and gets back on the mule!

[@jimsteele9975]

@@conniewolf7300 Thanks for the best belly laugh I've had in years!🤣

[@jackx4311]

My thanks for this very clear and helpful video. You're probably correct in saying there are many people who know more about mules than you - but you did a first rate job in sharing what you DO know! My stepfather was in a machine-gun company in the British Army in the 1930s, stationed on the border between NW India and Afghanistan; their job was to prevent Afghan tribesmen raiding into India. Jim said that they frequently worked with the Royal Artillery mountain howitzer teams, who broke the guns down into parts and loaded them plus ammunition onto pack mules. In recent years, both the British and US Armies used pack mules in Afghanistan, as there are lots of places where even the latest wheeled or tracked vehicles can be used. Jim said that watching the heavily loaded mules pick their way up and down tremendous gradients was like watching a cat walk along the top of a wall covered in broken glass - they were that dainty on their feet, and so well balanced. But - as you point out in the video - Jim said that some men just COULDN'T get on with mules, at all, EVER. But the *good* mule handlers formed such a close and trusting bond with their mules that they didn't need lead ropes; they'd walk (or scramble!) where they needed to go, and the mule would just follow. No force, just plain old trust.

[@ButchElrod]

As I novice mule rider, I got a few chuckles and really enjoyed your assessment.

[@Digibeatle09]

I’m just a humble owner of 2 donkeys here in Ireland but found this video about their near relations - mules (and the differences between them and horses) - very informative and well presented. As regards the diet of donkeys, it’s well known they are great foragers - not quite in the category of goats who’ll literally eat the shirt off your back if they’re so minded - but a great variety of different grasses, wild plants, leaves - and small branches of some trees even - are sustenance to the curious donkey and if a mules are anything like a donkey - which seems to be the case - there’s “always something on the menu” in most of the environments they find themselves in !

[@johncoigley3492]

I'm glad to hear you talk about the difference between the two animals I grew up in the suburbs North of Boston Massachusetts Everett and Malden to be exact we had horses and ponies. My father and Uncle were at a auction there was this real big mule nobody wanted him and he was going to go to the slaughterhouse my father and Uncle bought him for $3 turns out this was a walking mule. At first it was kind of hard until he got used to where he was then he absolutely turned into one of the most gentle animals we had. I was around 10 or 11 years old I used to ride Jarhead! To school and back. This guy would go home happy dropping off at school when I got out of school he was waiting there for me this went on all the way until I got my driver's license. We finally got to put him down he outlasted a couple of houses and it broke her heart when he was gone! Thanks for the story I've never heard anybody describe the difference like that before in such a manner and being absolutely right!!

[@mj-ls7qr8xp3n]

Geez what a beautiful backdrop! I saw a man using a huge mule to work a very small plot of ground for gardening in se Alabama. I was amazed how the mule was so precise in his movements and attention to what he was told to do. He was beautiful and big! Amazing.

[@PahaPoniesSpanishMustangs]

My first teacher of horsemanship was a mule breaker in ww2. Best intro one could ask for. Especially since I ended up preserving the old Indian pony. They think a lot like a mule, I tell folks. Where there has to be a good reason for risky work. Your channel is awesome - thanks!

[@chascapark]

Making Videos - I taught Video Editing and my family goes back to Vaudeville. I'm 55. Take it or leave it. 1. If it gets windy and the audio sounds like a freight train, (Do a 30 sec test shoot) then wrap or cover your mic in a piece of sock. A fuzzy muffle of some kind on a mesh will work too. The fuzzys really break the airflow. Before you shoot inside, clap yours hard. If you hear an echo hang some material or move the shoot elsewhere. Dialogue gets muddy with reverb/echo. Tile floors and bare walls are a big problem for dialogue. 2. ALWAYS shoot with the sun in your face. Unless the Silhouette is the desired effect. But here its distracting. We are simple entities and - oh look shiney....... 3. In my professional opinion which is worth almost a bean and a half is that, the way this video is presented, is PURE GOLD. DO NOT BOW to the shlock you see thinking that the views or subscriptions are the goal. It is not. NEVER CHANGE PLEASE!!! So called professional production today is pure poop. ALL of it. When I was at Paramount Pictures they laid off, on a fri of course, 700 people. Who were they? All of the old seasoned staff that, oh ya know, had LIFE EXPERIENCE and could write stories. Then hired half as much fresh outta college fools for half the money and the entire industry now has half of the quality and 0 storytellers. Because ALL of the production companies did the same thing . That is why we see remake after remake and why Star Wars took a dump. Not to mention the satanic content. Just tell the story. IE: kzbin.info I love these videos and I like the drone shots to show the immensity of his surroundings. hmmmm? This guy doesnt even talk. You'll notice at the end of this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKW5Ynd3aLaLrrc the music and the attempt at "professional" production actually takes one OUT of the moment. Music and sound effects do not enhance or denote quality. I want to hear how they love the food but all I hear is the music. He does not need text. We learn from failure, so spoon feeding is counter productive. Music is a big issue for legal and quality reasons. I'm sure you know that. Fake or invented production logos, tags and or title sequences mean nothing and are used in the industry to "eat time." (old guy trick#784) so skip it. As you are already doing but I'm on a roll so ya... From your video I see almost perfection. If you: 1.Face the sun 2.Mind your mic (Perfect what you have here, baring any incoming wind) 3. Refrain form enhancement 4. Ignore view accumulation (if it is good, they will find you, I did.) 5. Leave the viewer with a final positive thought. wink Then you will be in the "one of very few" club. A preeminence few obtain. It's good to be different. ALL that said, If I were you, I would make as many 7min trailers for your channel as I could and fill THOSE with fancy eye candy and whatnots. Why 7mins? Because youboob likes it that way and you'll get into their lists promoting your channel. I will push people to MY server hosting MY websites when they are done, because I charge for the viewing of MY content and I will fill youboob with "commercials" of my content. I cant stand what youboob is pushing and they make a load of doe from our work. We make zip. I also can not and will never be censored. I can not be shut down. wink Can a mule be racist? Are mule people racist? Nobody is safe. I'm just sayin. Thank you for being you. Keep yer powder dry hombre, MB

[@arctodussimus6198]

When my uncle Barney spent a lot of money on a particular mare, he was really proud to be able to have such a fine horse. The day after he got this mare to the house, as he was brushing her out, she bit him. Drew blood. It was a serious bite. As a punishment (because he never, ever, hit a horse) he decided to inflict a far more “appropriate” reprimand. He bred her to a donkey. I was just a kid at the time, but I can remember uncle Barney telling my Dad “Imagine her embarrassment when she pops out that mule!” And he was dead serious. My Dad’s brother-in-law, my uncle Barney, was at Omaha Beach on D-Day in WWII. He never talked about it, but he was an unquestionably honest man. His reputation was as big as Dallas. I learned a lot about life from my Dad.... and my uncle Barney. May they Rest In Peace.

[@mccoulombe941]

Sir You have a clear and concise manner of speaking. And teaching. I really enjoyed this video. I was just working at a stable where i encountered A mule and this video really cleared up my view On this amazing animal

[@susanpaulson4062]

I really appreciate this explanation thank you very much for this . I have a good Appaloosa horse (26) years old had him since he was 3 days old . He’s way smarter than I am . He’s a really good horse but he’s the been the hardest horse I’ve ever had as far as staying a head of him . The horseman that did the riding part of his training told me he was smart and sensetive and he thought more like a mule . ( trainer also trained mules ) I never knew what he meant by that but this makes perfect sense .

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello Susan, how are you doing?

[@michaelthompson7570]

One of the best most honest and funniest vid have seen in long time! Thanks…

[@kenjohnson6573]

You would call me a Tenderfoot or novice. Last time I was on a hoarse I worked for the UN in Mozambique back in 94. Sounds like a western, back in 94.! I watch your and read the comments. They are all great. Keep up the great videos and you guys keep the great comments. Someday I hope to take a Tenderfoot trail ride with you.

[@buddycarroll9641]

I'm 75 yrs old and was raised in Missouri around Missouri Mules. My dad had a white Missouri mule with blue eyes, which is VERY rare. Back in the late 1940's we had a town Marshall who rode a Mule and carried a Colt .45 on his hip. Lord, how I miss those days.

[@practice965]

I have been unable to find the video but a veterinarian on one of the Bishop mule days videos gave a great explanation on why self preservation in mules is so strong. If memory serves... donkeys come from a part of the world that has steep and treacherous terrain. As a result they have to asses every situation in order to decide whether to run or fight. Horses on there other hand come from open plains country and flight is the best option for survival. Mules therefore enjoy the best of both worlds. My memory is not perfect so if I'm wrong on this, I am happy to be corrected. Thank you.

[@johnnyhighwoods1780]

your right, donkeys are desert animals, also prey animals so everything out there is trying to kill them. thats why they can reason better than a horse.

[@sheilareser9696]

All that is true. But added to it is the donkey’s fight or flight instinct. They are much more likely to fight a threat if they think they can than a horse. A horse’s primary tendency is flight. This explains why a mistreated mule is so dangerous. They have no qualms with kicking, biting or just stomping a mere pesky little human who they see as a threat.

[@johnnyhighwoods1780]

@@sheilareser9696 hi, six of our mules were abused so much by stupid humans that they were deemed "dangerous" so they went to sale and ended up in kill pens. my wife desensitized them over time, a couple are still a little off but are safe to handle only by us We had 2 that took about 5 years of everyday exposer and they finally felt safe. And it is so nice to see the "light bulb" go in after they get it and Know we are a team and not threatening..

[@sheilareser9696]

@@johnnyhighwoods1780 Good work! It reminds me of the saying “If you take the time it takes, it takes less time”. Retraining a soured mule is 3 times the work and time of taking the time to do it right in the first place, and the reality is some just never do seem to be completely reliable or trustworthy ever again, despite your best efforts.

[@dirkmoore4224]

My Father, God Rest his Soul, had no use for a Horse. He Loved Grandpa's Mules. Thanks for the video, good stuff!

[@MrBearbait75]

The audio is superb! Knowing you, I knew you wouldn't let this get the best of you. Thank you for passing on your knowledge. I like the idea that this is our channel. Good idea!!

[@anthonygambitta6220]

Mules are like engineers, analyzing everything. I like that. Horses are like technicians, fix and replace exactly what you learned in school, period!

[@jackgrayson832]

that is the best comparison of horse and mule i have ever heard, my grandpa and uncle bread and trained mules for draft and saddle... uncle Jessy fabricated tack for his mules, because store bought was not good enough...

[@abigail1023]

"You could get hurt there but much more importantly - I could get hurt." 😄 You have an incredibly entertaining way of educating.

[@rustymcnitt5508]

You've got a great outlook on how to do your videos. If you make it a just you, it won't last, but like you did here invite others and ask for their experiences is the best way to go. Because you're including them. Not many people do this and wonder why they failed. Love your attitude and feelings about abusive actions. That is one area I will go off on in a heartbeat. Love all animals and have always wanted a horse but either I couldn't afford one or didn't live in the right place. Now at being a 72 yr old female I just enjoy my passion through videos that I find honest and informative. Just came across yours this evening, enjoyed it a lot, so thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge. Best always Rusty in OK

[@rifleman1873]

I love your explanation. I was a little reluctant to watch because I thought I knew the difference, but I learned a few things. And your ability to tell the story is amazing. Keep up the great videos.

[@charlieswearingen500]

I usually rode a saddle horse the mules had bonded to. That way all I had to do while on the trail was care for my saddle horse and the mules would never leave my saddle horse and took care of themselves. I would picket the horse and let the mules free range at night. Also, I just let the mules follow my mare on their own through dangerous sections of the trail, steep narrow trails, deadfall, avalanche chutes, etc ...

[@underdogfilms1]

Your articulation about mules and horses was excellent. You sounded like a professor who knows his business.