MULES 201 



have never become popular, although some excellent steel or 

 dark gray mules are placed on the market. However, this 

 may be the result of using gray or light-colored mares. 

 Fancy mules are drawn from black, dark brown or dark 

 gray-colored animals. 



Soundness. The mule is ordinarily subject to the same 

 kinds of unsoundness as the horse. However, these troubles 

 are not usually developed to the same degree. The natural 

 hardiness of the mule has apparently developed the quality 

 of resistance to hereditary and transmissible diseases. This 

 condition, in conjunction with the sure-footed qualities of 

 these animals in rough, treacherous places of work or travel, 

 gives them a specially significant value. It renders a service 

 possible in the mule which could not ordinarily be developed 

 in animals possessing less hardiness or stability of action. 



Temperament and Endurance. The mule is a steady, per- 

 sistent animal, moving loads more by intrinsic muscular 

 effort rather than by weight qualifications, one of the chief 

 attributes of the draft horse. In this respect there is very 

 little analogy between the mule and the horse. Notwith- 

 standing the lymphatic temperament of the mule, it should 

 show active, energetic qualities as well as good style, sym- 

 metry, and action. Under the labor conditions in the South, 

 the mule is worked very much more successfully than the 

 horse. It will do work under the severest conditions without 

 necessarily showing any indication of fatigue. The credited 

 resistance of the mule to disease, its endurance, patience 

 and docility are commendable attributes, these factors being 

 largely responsible for the widespread favor of these animals 

 under severe or trying conditions. 



Style and Action. The mule is a draft type of animal, 

 broadly considered, although it is used largely for general 

 farm and other utility purposes. In the South it is employed 

 for driving, especially among the smaller farmers. Style 

 and action should be judged consistently with hybrid 

 qualifications. Compared with the horse, these attributes 

 are only moderately developed, although as much of both 

 should be obtained as possible. The stride should be long, 

 straight, uniform, and well balanced. Both walk and trot 



