Author	Thread: Mules
Deborahe View Profile History	Mules Posted : 5 Aug, 2008 08:13 AM Mules and donkeys aren't the same animals. A mule is a cross between a female horse (mare) and a male donkey (a "jack"). The more unusual "hinny" is a cross between a male horse and a female donkey (a "jenny"). Mules are supposed to be sterile, but since 1527, there have been more than 60 documented cases of foals born to female mules. Versatile and surefooted, mules come in every size from 36 inches in height to more than 17 hands, or 68 inches (Percheron draft). Mules are known for their jumping ability and can clear fences up to 72 inches tall from a standing start. Did You Know? One of George Washington's finest gift to America is the development of mules as domesticated farm animals. More that anything else, Washington considered himself a planter, who farmed more than 3,000 acres at his Mount Vernon, Va. home. Washington learned that Spain's King Charles the 3rd was breeding donkey stallions with horse mares to come up with a hardy working animal. In 1785, King Charles sent a pair of donkeys to Washington as a gift, but one of them died on the voyage here. The Mammoth Jack, named "Royal Gift," along with a jack and two jennies, (gifts from Marquis de Lafayette) put Washington in the mule business and introduced the breed to America. Maybe, I'll Get One ! Deborah Post Reply
SusieQ8 View Profile History	Mules Posted : 5 Aug, 2008 08:20 AM Cool info!:rocknroll: Sure, I will be sharing it someday. Is this a true story or is it like "Al Gore" inventing the internet? (couldn't resist, please forgive the ribbing not meaning to be a thorn:angel:) Love in Christ, :dancingp: Susan :toomuch: Post Reply
Deborahe View Profile History	Mules Posted : 5 Aug, 2008 08:38 AM TRUE STORY :rolleyes: God Bless You, Susie :angel: Deborah Post Reply
View Profile History	Mules Posted : 12 Aug, 2008 04:27 PM Wow...This was an interesting piece..Who would have guessed...not me...I like to horse around and am sometimes stubborn as a mule but I have learned something new today. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks! Robin Post Reply
Revelation22 View Profile History	Mules Posted : 13 Aug, 2008 09:08 AM I WANT ONE !:bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::bouncy::ROFL: :rocknroll:revelation22 Post Reply