196 JUDGING JACKS, JENNETS, AND MULES 



and should possess ample strength and endurance, these 

 qualities being indicated by a full, capacious chest, broad 

 muzzle, and large nostril. The color should be solid, except 

 when characterized by light points, which adds to the fancy 

 and qualifications for discriminating judges and buyers. 

 Mare mules are usually preferred because of early maturing 

 qualities. 



Age Limitations. Mules, like horses, usually have a higher 

 market value and sell to better advantage when from four 

 to eight years of age, although young mule colts sell ad- 

 vantageously on the open market. From a purely utility 

 standpoint, the mule possesses an unusual amount of vitality, 

 often continuing in service to an extreme age under adverse 



FIG. 81. Mules with style and finish have an infusion of light horse blood. 



circumstances. While advancing age interferes with the 

 normal capacity of the mule it retains very exceptional 

 enduring qualities until late in life, on the avergae being 

 much superior to the horse in this respect. Market con- 

 siderations are based on the age, conformation, quality, 

 style, and action. These factors are all important in the 

 prime mule, the age limit mentioned being directly correlated 

 with these factors in mules possessing the most desirable 

 market attributes. On the whole, age does not affect the 

 selling qualities of mules to the same extent that it does the 

 horse. They sell both younger and older to better advantage. 

 Height and Weight. The height and weight of the mule 

 depends entirely oh the proposed use or market class con- 

 siderations. Mature mules range in weight from 600 to 1600 



