On our afternoon drive we discovered a little treasure.
A proud mare and her young mule colt were out enjoying their privacy, in a pasture all to themselves. The youngster immediately saw us and seemed quite willing to make friends.
The mare however was properly protective and cautious, and Youngster quickly read her subtle cues. We were not to be trusted.
His seeming frolic was actually a display of courage!
With the colt safely distanced from us, Mom is comfortable enough to reassess the situation.
Torn between his innate curiosity and the mare's warnings,
he makes the best decision and stays by her side.
In a few more months, this young fellow can freely indulge his curiosity.
Mules, the sterile offspring of a horse and a donkey, are enjoying a renewed popularity among trail riders, especially gaited mules. I expect to see more of them in the pastures as Spring progresses.
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Comments: 44
I enjoyed this article very much! Your captions fit each picture perfectly. Great job!
Tonia, thanks so much! You know I wanted to do justice to this pair.
Tomi, I am sorry to hear about Jughead. Thirty years old is a ripe old age. I am sure he recieved the best of care. I have never owned a mule. Mule lovers are very passionate about their preference. I like that. The new interest in gaited mules has caught my attention. Combining a natural gait with the sure footed reputation ought to make an outstandng trail mount.
Robb, thanks so much. It means to me alot for you to say so.
De M, I can tell you are a mule person! Good for you. I'm glad you enjoyed this.
Debbie H. , Happy Easter to you as well. I'm pleased you found this interesting.
Rosa, Thank you so much!
elizabeth, you are absolutely right. I can't look at a mare and a mule foal without marveling and being reminded of unconditional love.
Kathleen, I would so love to see pictures of that!!
Thanks for sharing your adventure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mule
Good photos and an informative and warm story.
Mike, so glad you liked!
Fred, thank you. It was a touching scene to me as well.
Verie, here is a link you might enjoy for more information.
Mares from naturally gaited breeds like foxtrotters, tennesee walkers and paso's are bred to Jacks in hopes of offspring that are very smooth riding. :)
http://www.missourimuleco.com/
I can see you are a real horse lover, by your icon.
Kathryn, Yes, I am a horse lover all the way! My icon is Favorito, our Peruvian Paso two year old stallion.
Ina, I am so pleased you enjoyed! Smiling here too!
Mariana, thank you. I was delighted to find these two on our afternoon drive!
Jean, I haven't seen the article you referenced, but have visited sites on the web and have been pleased to find alot of great information available.
Ray, I'm pleased you stopped by. :)
He is so sweet. I grew up next door to two mules, who loved to chase me!
Great photos and commentary.
Marrianne, I am pleased you enjoyed so much.
Pam, I appreciate the compliment. It startled me, but I guess over the years I have learned a bit. :)
Nancy I know just what you mean! :)
Cecile, I thought of you actually when we stumbled upon these two. I thought with your love of ghost towns, and the frontier you would probably enjoy.