The exact origin of the Mule is unknown. It is thought that the first Mules may have come from Paphlagonia and Nicaea, in modern day Turkey although Mules were also in Egypt since 3000 BCE. They are a very old breed!

Mules are the deliberate cross of a female horse and a male donkey. It is also possible to create a Hinny, which is a cross of a male horse and a female donkey. For a variety of reasons, mules are more common than Hinnys. Both Mules and Hinnys are largely infertile, meaning they cannot produce offspring and there are no purebred Mules or Hinnys. In rare cases, female Mules and Hinnys have been successfully bred with a male horse or male donkey, but all male Mules and Hinnys are infertile as well as the overwhelming majority of females.

Mules can be any size, but their size largely depends on the breed of their mother.

The breed was used primarily for mining and work purposes. The Mule's were used to carry carts in mines and through towns because of their strong frame and pulling power. Mules have stronger pulling power for their size than horses do, making them an idea candidate for pack animals.

Mules were considered a great tool to have throughout history. Lafayette of France sent George Washington a male donkey as a gift which Washington bred to his famous Andalusians horses to create the start of the "American Mammoth Jackstock". Mules were part of the American Westward Expansion, as well as the American Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Their ability to traverse rough terrain and carry heavy loads make them an ideal candidate for war animals. Today, mules are still used as pack animals as well as in other equestrian sports, and as pets. They compete in everything from cart races, to hunter/jumper, to reining!

Height: 8 - 16 hands

Weight: 50 - 1100 pounds

Coat Colors: Sorrel, bay, black, grey, white, roan, palomino, dun, buckskin

Markings: Can be solid, pinto, have appaloosa patterns, and dun markings

Conformation: The mule comes in all sizes, shapes and conformations. There are mules that resemble huge draft horses, sturdy quarter horses, fine-boned racing horses, shaggy ponies and more.

Common Uses: Pack animals, war animals, farm animals, a variety of equestrian events

Temperament: Kind, friendly, gentile, energetic

Place of Origin: Unknown