I might buy a mule soon, and if I do I’d board it at the center where I train, since it would barely cost me anything, and I also trust the workers there. But the center doesn’t have boxes, all of the horses (approx 30) live together in a large fenced meadow as a big herd. Each horse has a status in the overall hierarchy and their own friends and foes, if two horses have bad blood, they just stay away from each other. The only times fighting occurs is when they’re forced to be in close proximity by humans (EG being tied to the same post). They don’t just randomly attack each other, but there had been a few very rare instances.
If I put a mule alongside with them, could they get along, or will they shun it? I know that all of them are absolutely terrified of cows and deer (herds of both species sometimes sneak inside the ranch to drink from our troughs, and the horses go nuts when they see them) but I’ve never seen their reaction to donkeys or mules. There are two ‘alpha male’ horses who are known to take new horses under their wing, especially females, and they sort of protect them until they figure out their place in the herd, but once again, they both might turn on a mule for all I know.
They might cast a few weird looks your mule’s way, but most horses get used to mules quickly and won’t have a problem. They do tend to be more aloof with donkeys though. I’d be more concerned about the mule. A single mule turned out with a bunch of horses will buddy up with one very strongly, and you can get a seriously herdbound animal as a result.
I have a miniature mule with my miniature horses. Gunther definitely has a different way of interacting and playing with the minis, which comes across as more pesky than playful (in my opinion). More biting of the withers and biting at the hocks. He gets kicked for his pains, but he just goes back for more. He’s very smart, so knows when he’s pushed the play a little too far.
I had hoped he would attach to my fat gelding and play with him, but he’s absolutely fallen for my little chestnut mare and chooses her for the most part.
Here they are all together, when Gunther still needed to be turned out with a halter. Notice who is goofy? Ha ha.
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We had a mini-donk at one barn I was at for a short time. The horses were petrified! However, if he had stayed longer they probably would have adapted. Do you have a set up where the mule could be separated from the horses for a period of time so they could adjust?
Our mule has been living happily with horses for nearly 15 years. He has been out with mares and geldings and is currently mid-ranked in a small herd of geldings. When he first arrived he was aggressive to a couple of higher-ranking horses, I think because he was insecure about his new situation.
If you get the mule, he may actually become the herd protector over time.
Definitely agree with the poster who mentioned that mules can quickly become herdbound, I have heard mule people say semi-jokingly that a mule can bond with a horse after being on a trailer together for an hour:lol:.
Mules have strong personalities and will teach you a lot about patience and clarity. Good luck, and have fun!
I agree, ejm. Mules are fabulous!
