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Discussion on Horse half of mule
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Member:
Heidim
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Posted on Friday, Jul 8, 2005 - 9:11 am:
Two years ago, I purchased a two-year-old mule of unknown ancestry. I figured I'd never know her horse half as she could be any of several breeds until I noticed this week that she has absolutely no "fringe" hair at the back of her fetlocks. I wouldn't even need to clip her fetlocks for the show ring. Our other mules are likely quarter horse-based and have the usual hair on their fetlocks. Millie also has dark points, which is rare on mules, so I assume that is a dominant trait in her horse half as well. She stands 15.2 hands and is slightly narrow-chested. I'm wondering if these clues might help in identifying her breed. I'm attaching a photo for additional reference. As far as her disposition goes, she is very mellow and quite friendly. She shies at little and overcomes her fears quickly. Any guesses?
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Friday, Jul 8, 2005 - 11:36 am:
I would guess thoroughbred...but I am far from any expert. Let's see what everybody else says. I am always interested to hear the breed others see in a horse. I grew up riding two mules that my father worked in the fields and have fond memories of those two mules...Kate and Bill. Your Millie is beautiful.
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Friday, Jul 8, 2005 - 12:53 pm:
Nice mule Heidi, some horses do have a lot less fringe on the back of the fetlocks than others. I have a QH I don't have to clip.
For making mules qh's and gaited breeds usually make mulie babies with nice coloring even primitive colors. Very tall mules usually have draft or TB parentage but unique coloring is alot less likely.
Even though your mule doesn't have feathering that nice hip suggest QH. What neck of the woods did she come from?
Nice to see someone wearing a helmet on a trail ride!
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Member:
Heidim
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Posted on Friday, Jul 8, 2005 - 3:30 pm:
Thanks for the insights, Ann and Cheryl. I forgot to mention that Millie is not gaited. To my knowledge, she was foaled in Minnesota but Iowa is also a possibility.
PS to Cheryl: I'm a huge proponent of helmets. I started wearing one after my first child was born, and it lasted only two rides. Yes, I got tossed right onto my head. I recommend them for young or old.
Heidi
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Member:
Chohler
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Posted on Friday, Jul 8, 2005 - 4:12 pm:
I live in cowboy hat land, people think i am silly for wearing a helmet. Years of rank horses and concusions will do that to you though.
I still say QH possibly TB. Your Molly has a very nice face for a mule and a real nice hip. You have quite a treasure.
I have always liked mules, but when I listen to my neighbors mules talking I am not sure I can handle the ruckus.
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Member:
Erika
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Posted on Friday, Jul 8, 2005 - 6:16 pm:
Can you stand a third breed opinion? Your mule looks a lot like some American Saddlebreds. They are lightly feathered, fine, often narrow. Not all are gaited (mine is three-gaited), but they do tend to be reactive, but willing.
Fun discussion, guess you'll never know for sure, but I do think that is a very pretty mule!
PS. keep the helmet on!
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Member:
Heidim
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 - 4:13 pm:
Thanks for everyone's input. I rode Millie today, and discovered she's already an old poke at the age of four. I guess that means she's more likely a quarter horse cross than anything--but who's to say for sure? Happy and safe riding to all of you...
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Member:
Lisamg
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005 - 4:34 pm:
Very beautiful mule! My opinion is Thoroughbred but there's a lot of that in QH anyway. So you might be right.
Lisa
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