Now let me introduce you to Precious. Precious is a twelve year old mule. She is not just any old mule, she is a gaited Fox-trotting mule but none the less she is still a mule. And I have a couple of stories to tell... I wanted to own a mule so now I own a mule. I have horses in my pasture that I can ride but I wanted something a little smaller since I'm advancing in age and have trouble getting on a taller horse.

(story to be continued) I'm leaving on vacation so I will tell you about Precious when I return.

Cool pic...

Owning a mule was one of the things on my "bucket list" and so now I own a mighty fine mule named Precious.

I never rode the trails with her or her previous owner, an elderly gent, but was told she was a mighty fine mule.

Precious was raised by a man, then she was purchased as a two year by an elderly gent who owned her until I purchased her from him as a twelve year old.

You might imagine her culture shock when she found herself with a woman handler. I mention this because she appeared to be hard of hearing when I first tried to get her attention. I finally came to the conclusion that she didn't know what to think of a female handler so she tried to ignore me! Mules are smart and she is a mighty fine mule.

(to be continued)

mo, what a beautiful mule. Unlike donkeys aren't they always much bigger? Still, I think they exist in the donkey category. Anyway, you mentioned your 'Precious' and how you were to elaborate more on her. Thank you so much for this. This is one beautiful picture - with feeling.

Ah, Preciouse, your definitely cool by God!!!!!!



tomo / " The Island " ( Ireland )

Tommy, "thank you" I'm not a poet but creative writing I just might be able to accomplish. We each have our own gift.

I really like the poems you shape with words. Each morning I sit down with coffee in hand at the computer checking to see if you've posted another.

I like poetry that reaches into a person soul and with the mind's eye we are able to form a picture. And you have that gift.

Mules are hybrids, the results of breeding a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). The size of a mule will usually depends on the size of the mare bred, so mules come in all sizes and shapes.

You usually can not make a mule do something they don't want to do and they don't forget. Therefore, it was important that Precious' transition was a good experience. It has taken some time but we are becoming good friends. I'm not sure what she thinks of me but Precious is a mighty fine mule.

(to be continued)

mo, you're absolutely the bee's knees. Your so fine. Thank you again and again. You touch me. You warm my very Soul.

As for your 'Precious' I appreciate hearing how they're bred. I guess that answers my concerns about their size differences. A 'Jack' and a female horse. Yes, I see what you mean.

Please, mo, anything more concerning 'Precious' would be greatly appreciated. Daily activities from time to time. Precious growing nearer to ye over time, those sort of things. Anything, really. Just keep us all abreast. Oh, and your picture of Precious? Absolutely beautifully done, mo. A great pic.

tommy boy moran / " The Island " ( Ireland )

Rushing in to look for another (to be continued)...Mo, you do have a "gift", excellent share!..It would seem Miss Precious has hit the "jack"pot....

Like most purchases I make, I gave much thought and consideration to what I wanted in a mule. Color didn't matter, since color, has nothing to do with how a mule rides, their temperament or disposition. I was most interested in the breeding, size, feet and the eyes. Mules come in all sizes and are bred for different purposes, to do different task. I wanted a mule bred for trail riding, gaited and not too tall.

I was told that Precious was a mighty fine mule, just what I was looking for. Now, horse and mule traders are all about the same, they will tell you tall tales, not necessarily a lie but not the truth by any means, so buyers need to beware. That is the truth not often appreciated by eager buyers, only to learn the critter is not all they thought it was just because they liked the color or the seller told them it was a fine purchase, only to learn after they got home and tried to ride the critter there was a reason why the seller was selling the ornery critter.

It was agreed that I had two weeks before the sale was final and I became the proud owner of a mighty fine mule, that is if Precious and I was able to see eye to eye after she was unloaded in my corral.

They told me she was a mighty fine mule but I certainly had my doubts those first two weeks. Those two weeks were interesting! Remember she had never been handled by a female before being unloaded in my corral.

(to be continued)

now you own a mule ... cool ... once as a child a mule threw me and I landing on the ground and was not impressed by the mule :.)now as I am older I see a lot of mules at this one farm ...even had to stop in the rd for a cow and mule they must have been friends... but did not know about vehicles in the rd ... but finely got back to their pasture where it was safer for them ... good luck with your mule precious...
and hope she likes you too...