MULES 197 



siderations. Mature mules range in weight from 600 to 1600 

 pounds or over. It is only on the larger markets that the 

 heavier and draftier animals may be obtained. The 1100 to 

 1200-pound mule is best suited to average conditions and is 

 therefore in greatest demand, as a general rule. The heavier 

 bred mules are not generally as much in favor because they 

 are frequently not as smooth in form or as agile as the horse 

 of similar weight. The lighter mules are used for work 

 which is less exacting in its requirements and usually where 

 weight is not of first consideration. The height and weight 

 are very closely associated, except in unusual instances where 

 dissimilar or rare crosses have been made. The draftier, 

 weightier mules average about 16 hands high or over and 

 weigh from 1200 to 1600 pounds. 



General Conformation. — In general, the form of the mule 

 should conform closely to that of the horse. While the 

 best individuals do not equal the horse in its square, compact 

 form, the nearer this ideal is approached the greater the value 

 of the animal from the market standpoint. Mules do not 

 possess the same amount of symmetry or rotundity of form 

 as the horse. The correlation of the parts is not as sig- 

 nificant, there being a greater tendency for each part to 

 individualize itself. This is not necessarilj' a fault, how- 

 ever, as a complete harmonious cross would not naturally be 

 obtained under the conditions in which mules are produced. 

 The mule has a grosser appearance than the horse, less 

 definition of structure, and clear-cut lines. The tendency 

 to resemble the jack is apparent. 



The body of the mule is less cylindrical than that of the 

 horse, smaller, and less capacious. However, the nearer 

 the general body conformation of the mule approaches 

 that of the draft horse the better it is liked, both on the 

 market and in the show ring. The feet of the mule are 

 smaller and longer than in the horse and the arch of the 

 foot is greater. The mule is characterized by moderately 

 clean, square legs, and good feet. The ears are long, the body 

 comparatively narrow, and the hindquarters inclined to be 

 light and unsymmetrical as compared with the horse. Fre- 

 quently the croup is higher than the withers, thus resembling 



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