For years high quality gaited mules have been much-sought-after in the
United States. Until recently, however, Gaited mules have been relatively
unmarketed in the Gaited Horse Community. Gaited mares produce wonderful
mules with a smooth, ground covering, easy to ride gait and a remarkably
docile nature.
A growing interest in gaited mules has caused much diversification in
the gaited mule breeding.
World Champion Ramblin Rose and rider,
Doug Waugh in the warm up pen at the International Livestock
Expo,
Mule and Donkey Congress held in Springfield Illinois
Since it began in 1945, the National Tournament of Peruvian Paso Horses
offered classes for Peru’s Paso mules. Peruvians had ambling donkeys
with exceptionally
high quality gaits, and these were the key to producing laterally
gaited mules. Unfortunately, they were scarce, expensive and very small.
North America, too, has laterally gaited donkeys, and a high quality lateral
gait is reliably transmitted to mules produced by crossing these with Peruvian
Paso horses and other gaited breeds.
A mule is a cross resulting from a Donkey Jack (Stud) and a horse mare.
Because Mules are a cross between Two different Species, they are Sterile
meaning they can not reproduce. One reason mules cannot reproduce is because
they lack functioning reproductive equipment. The males don't produce sperm
capable of fertilizing an egg. The male germ cells which eventually become
sperm are either missing or degenerate to the point where complete mobile
sperm production is virtually impossible. The few sperm which have been
observed were deformed and immobile. Examination of the tissue in the testis
also showed a lack of chromosomal pairing necessary for normal sperm production.
In the female mules and hinnies ovulation is vary rare. Same as with the
male mule, there is an almost complete lack of germ cells in the female
ovaries.
A Gaited mule looks somewhat like both its parents. The head resembles
both, with the ears shaped like the horses but MUCH longer. The eyes are
more almond shaped. The neck is straight with little arch, even from crosses
with horses known for an upright neck and arch.
Contrary to popular belief, mules are not stubborn unless they are ill
treated. They naturally have a attach to people and very smart. They
are extremely hardy animals that are not very susceptible to disease.
They can take a much larger work load than horses and are not as likely
to suffer from being overworked Saddle fit has to be addressed carefully
don't try and fit a horse saddle on a mule, they hurt the mule's back.
They have long Ears, short manes, and small feet like Donkeys, but like
horses they are large with well shaped, muscular bodies. They make
a sound that is half whinny and half the bray like Donkeys.
Since Gaited mules are half horse they can usually do any gait the gaited
horse can plus
the donkey has a amble (fast walk). Consistent production of gaited
mules is almost assured when both the jack and the horse are gaited. Gaited
mules can perform more than two gaits, they canter too!
The American Gaited Mule Association
(not-for-profit) was founded in 1994. One of their goals is to educate
the public on the virtues of the gaited mule.
AGMA
P.O. Box 764
Shelbyville, TN 37160
Walking & Racking Mule Association
(706) 342-1037, or write W.R.M.A., c/o Amy McLean,
3600 Fairplay Road, Madison, GA 30650
The American
Donkey and Mule Society( has the fact on history.)
North American Saddle Mule Association
(this means riddable mules just not
gaited)
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