A guy I know used to raise horses and mules. He said a mule was ten times smarter than any horse ever dreamed of being. He trained one roping mule to work off voice commands. He also said you should never mistreat your mule, as it will never forget, and sooner or later, it will get even.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah, they are super smart, and they are thoughtful vs reactive (for the most part). They’re really special animals and we’re really thankful for ours! 😊 I think your friend was right- if you mistreat them, it could take a loooong time to earn back their trust.

@stevenwaller3295

Ай бұрын

That's because of the donkey in it.. on all count's

I remember the Grand Canyon Mules. As a kid in the 1970s, we went on that trail ride every year from 1974 to 1979. There was a steel gray mule with black legs, mane, tail and mascara named Bellamy. That mule took one look at me and snorted EACH YEAR then proceeded to completely ignore anything I asked him to do and just went along on his merry way. There used to be a couple of vista points for taking photographs and I never got to stop no matter what- he just kept going. Apparently he was in his 20s at that time, so well over twice my age and didn't think some brat had any need to stop when he knew his feed bag was at the bottom of the trail.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Haha! 😂 That’s awesome that you got to do that ride so many times. And that’s super cool that you got to ride the same mule each time! Yeah, it seems like those mules make there living by not varying from the course- at all! lol Hopefully you at least got a picture of the experience somewhere, even though Bellamy wouldn’t let you stop along the trail 😊

@rastus666

Ай бұрын

I hiked into the Grand Canyon right behind the pack mule train. I never did catch up to them.

I was in Yosemite, waiting for my brother nephew and son to get back from a high trail ride. A mule was tied up in the staging area; only a piece of twine separated his back hooves from where I stood. A woman pulled up on a bicycle pulling a bike trailer with her child. She parked the bike, with the trailer squarely behind the back hooves of the mule. And the bike fell over with a clatter! A horse would have kicked out at the noise and run a quarter mile away, and only then looked to see what made that noise. The mule turned its head around; you could almost see the thought balloon "tourists!" and then calmly went back to its quiet contemplation while waiting to be ridden. A mule is just more sensible than a horse.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Hahaha “tourists!” 😂 That made me laugh out loud! Thanks for sharing such a fun story. That’s a great example of a mule’s inclination to think things through before reacting! 😊🙌🏼

@ellenrittgers990

Ай бұрын

Which is probably why mules instead of horses are used for the rides down into the Grand Canyon.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@ellenrittgers990 exactly! Those mules are amazing! 😊

@ellenrittgers990

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT I’ll say! They not only navigate narrow trails in a sheer cliff face, but do so carrying nervous riders, many of whom have had little or no experience in riding - amazing calmness and patience!

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@ellenrittgers990 that’s right! That’s the most amazing thing to me 😊 Pretty cool! We hope to go do that ride one day

Mules along with draft horses, are under appreciated. You need to be patient and kind with a mule though. Unlike a horse, you can’t just bully them. It’s a more partnership oriented relationship.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I think you are SPOT ON! I think it was a horseman named Tom Dorrance who said, “You have to treat a mule the way you should treat a horse.” 😊

@Beanmachine91

7 күн бұрын

why be mean to a stubborn jack ass lolol

I am a mule lover and loved using them . I am 82 and have hung up my spurs but I have my memoried

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

That’s awesome! I bet you have some amazing memories… hopefully we’ll have as many years with mules as you did 😊 Thank you for watching and taking time to leave a comment 😊

@DonnaScarpa

29 күн бұрын

I’m a carriage driver and my dream team has always been a pair of mini mules!

@DonnaScarpa

29 күн бұрын

I am too old now but I always loved and enjoyed training both.

Everyone made fun of my jack donkey being only 48 inches, saying he would never breed my morgan. One morning in the dim fog, the sun just coming up, something was doing wind sprints in my pasture. Upon investigation, there was my little mule soaking wet from birth. He raced from one end of the pasture and back. He didnt care about leaving his mom. She didnt care either. I named him Zoomer. He would be 23 years old now. He just came up to the house for a fig newton. One thing about mules...if they know you are going riding, they will load 6 or 7 times into the trailer, by thenselves, waiting for the stupid horse to get in. ❤❤❤

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Haha! Thats awesome! 😂🙌🏼 And zoomed sounds like the perfect name! We hope to have ours for as long as you’ve had zoomed… we’ve only had ours for 3 years, and we absolutely love them- I can only imagine the bond you’ve formed with yours!

Watch those ears they will point things out you mite have missed

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

That’s so true! They’ll point to deer, elk, people… a lot of things I would miss! 😊

I like people who don't horse around. Over 100 years ago our family had two legendary matched mules, Jake and Jehu, who were amazing working animals well into their teens. My grandfather said if a horse gets its hoof caught in a fence it will thrash its hoof off. A mule will wait for help. Great vid. There is no fool who rides a mule.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

That’s awesome! I love seeing matched working mules 😊 They’re special animals. And I like your saying, “there’s no fool who rides a mule.” 😊🙌🏼

@danielreasor6487

Ай бұрын

I totally agree. People say mules are dumb.they are smarter than their owners-riders

Slow, steady & reliable. Sounds like my Toyota. Great educational video for back country trips. l have heard many of the same pluses about mules over horses for many years. Thanks again

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

The Toyotas of the equine world 😊🙌🏼 That’s really a good comparison- not super flashy, but they are reliable, and the people who own them really appreciate them! Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a nice comment!

I’ve more horse experience (virtually) as a grandma of a barrel racer. However one of our horse friends took me on a trail ride on her mule. Unbelievably comfortable and secure. The mule had ideas of her own. It responded to correction. I fondly remember the vertical climbs it made so sure footed. Amazing animal! If I were ever to have enough property I would definitely invest in a mule.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Oh that’s so cool! Yeah, a good mule is super fun to ride in rough country like you’re explaining 😊 Good horses are sure fun too, though- especially for people who like to go fast, like your granddaughter! 😊 Hopefully she has a great spring and summer barrel racing! Have fun watching 😊

Fantastic video with much common sense. My father was a mule man in the sixties and seventies , everything you have said is spot on target. Thank you for sharing. Mikel

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you so much for taking time to watch and for leaving such a nice comment! We really appreciate it 😊🙏🏼

Hi new subscriber here, I have three horses and a miniature horse and donkey. I am very interested in getting a mule for my wife who is a novice but from watching your videos we’re convinced a mule would be a great fit for her, now to find one. Take care

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

That’s fantastic! 😊 Sounds like you guys already have an awesome herd, and a good mule would be a great addition! You probably already know this from your time with horses, but just be sure that her mule is a GOOD mule- mules that have been mistreated can be tough to get along with. I hope you find a great one, because they’re absolutely awesome animals 😊 Thanks for watching and taking time to leave such a fun comment! I’m excited for you guys! Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions- I think our email is on our channel homepage (if not, I’ll put it up there in just a minute) 😊

Raised mules for over 40 years. Same mule that wins reining classes wins hunter jumper classes and packs elk during hunt season. Nothing like mule hugs❤️

@MTN_BUILT

17 күн бұрын

Oh wow! That’s so awesome!! We hope to be able to have that much mule experience in our lives 😊🙏🏼 They really are amazing animals! We’re sure thankful to have ours. Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a comment 😊

@lynneyork1371

17 күн бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT They are worse than chips, can’t have just one. I am near 79 and just had 2 mule foals born this spring. Hoping for 2 more. Love your channel and dedication to our 4 sure footed equines.

Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. Very interesting to hear ❤

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and taking time to leave a nice comment! 😊

So interesting! i'm intrigued for sure. looking to get my first ever equine next year for mountain trail riding and camping. Are they really 'stubborn' or hard to train?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Oh awesome! Thats exactly what we use ours for and they’re a great fit 😊 Horses can be really good too though- it really depends on the specific animal. They aren’t stubborn, like their reputation implies, but they do like to think things through. It sounds kind of funny, but if you apply a bunch of pressure to a mule while they’re processing something, they can be prone to just not moving. But if you let them solve the problem and just guide them through that process, they’ll take you wherever you want to go 😊

My mule was great in endurance riding! The Arabs may be the "Cadillac" of the endurance races... but my Mercedes beat them all! I think mules are clever...they are too smart to hurt themselves, or let someone else do so!

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

That’s super cool that you used a mule in endurance competitions 😊🙌🏼 They really are incredible animals! We’re so thankful for our herd 🙏🏼

@user-zq4rl9hs4f

Ай бұрын

My friend and I got lost while trail riding on a super hot humid day. She rode an arabian that was soaking in sweat. My mule had just a little sweat behing his ears and under saddle pad, but very little. The mule could have gone another day or two. Super endurance. I think the best endurance mule would be out of a standardbred mare. Mine was out of a thorobred. He could go forever.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@user-zq4rl9hs4f that’s super cool! Not that you got lost, but that your mule did so well lol It really seems like mules are just perfect for that kind of thing, and it sounds like you had a great one! 😊

Thank you for making this video, I was raised with mules and to this day I don't really care for horses, then again I don't really like cats either...

@MTN_BUILT

2 күн бұрын

Haha thank you for taking the time to watch! We feel the same 😂😂

I love mules and you did a great job reporting.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😊 And yes, they’re such lovable animals- we’re so thankful for ours! 🙏🏼

Back east in Connecticut in the '60s, I worked for a Shade Growing Tobacco Company that grew about 1000 acres a year on 10 or 15 farms. One of the old-time managers loved mules and kept about 50+ on the home farm. They were used to cultivate between the rows because a mule walked straight and would not break the leaves. A horse's back end sways and damages the precious leaves. Off-season they sold the manure to a mushroom farm.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Wow, that’s interesting! My wife would LOVE to have 50 mules lol it’s amazing how many old-timers really prefer mules to horses- especially when there’s farm work to be done!

Incredibly intelligent animals. Si/Fi writer Robert Heinlein wrote several of his books with mules in the exploring of Space ..

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

Wow, that’s interesting! And yeah, they really are smart! I’m pretty sure mine is smarter than I am a lot of the time 😊

@dalewadsworth5703

2 ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT LOL ….

@dalewadsworth5703

2 ай бұрын

Heinlein, Lazarus Long, from Methusla's Children, and more... Mule,...there was 'the Mule', character became a villain in Foundation series, Asimov? These would make good winter reading material. Have a blessed night everyone @MTN_BUILT

i love your cap, i live in a cottage in Ireland called Hare Cottage .......any chance of getting the patch? :-) Annie

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you! We have the hats for sale on our website (mtnbuiltmerch.com), but I don’t think our supplier ships overseas 😕 I love that name for a cottage! Thank you for watching and for the nice comment though! Have a great day! 😊

Wow, what a great VIDEO! Thanks for showing. John P.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and taking time to leave such a nice comment! We appreciate it! 😊

Thanks for pointing out the horse in the picture. I might have missed that!

@MTN_BUILT

22 күн бұрын

The thumbnail isn’t actually a horse… But maybe that’s not the picture you’re talking about lol

Great information just curious to know what type of mule is the brown one thank you

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Her mom was a quarter horse and her dad was a mammoth Jack donkey. She gets those markings from the primitive dun gene ☺️

@robertgonzalez8419

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT thank you God bless

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@robertgonzalez8419 God bless you as well!!

Great video did you hear whether you won the film entry and I really don't have the passion to take care of such beautiful animals but to get around John Deere made the gator for me and Polaris made the 450 and we can take them just about any where lol loved the video thanks kray

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

Hahaha! Thats awesome, and they don’t require as much hay either! 😂🙌🏼 We actually DID win the film festival contest… we just found out today and we’re so excited! I’m so proud of Alyssa! Thank you for asking 😊

@kraymississippi4388

2 ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT that's awesome what did you win and are you going to show us the film or have we already seen it thanks kray

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

@@kraymississippi4388 it was the one that says “Wilderness Whitetails” with a picture of Clyde on the thumbnail picture 😊 The company is paying for us to go down to Denver to watch the film festival. It should be pretty fun!

@kraymississippi4388

2 ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT yes I remember and yeah have a good time thanks kray

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

@@kraymississippi4388 thank you 😊

A cowboy said "if you're trailering horses and wreck they will remember they were in a wreck, but a mule will remember who was driving

@MTN_BUILT

8 күн бұрын

Hahaha! That’s a great way to put it 😂🙌🏼

I like your explanation, plus they are beautiful. But a fairly good one is expensive at auction.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you, and they really are pretty 😊 But you’re right, they are super spendy at auction, and it’s risky to buy them off classifieds, because a mistreated mule can be tough to get along with… we’ve been super fortunate with ours! 😊🙏🏼

I'm a Muleowner and i love this special, intelligent Animals! Especially my very good Boy Josh! I agree with all you sayed! ❤

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Awesome! They really are amazing animals 😊 We are SO THANKFUL for our little herd 🙏🏼 Give your boy Josh some scratches from us!

@user-gv4kr3sw1e

Ай бұрын

Will do! 😊​@@MTN_BUILT

Love this!

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! They’re such amazing animals! 😊 We’re sure thankful for ours 🙏🏼

What part of the mountain states are you in? Im wanting a mountain/trail riding mule.

@MTN_BUILT

14 күн бұрын

We’re in Idaho, and we love it here! I hope you can get one- they’ve added a lot of value to our lives, for sure 😊

You guys are lucky in the USA as we don't have many mules in Australia thow I did buy one from a riding school and he was a character but got away one day and broke his leg had to put him down

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

As man! That’s such a bummer… I’m sure that was a rough experience to go through. But yes, we’re super fortunate to have quite a few mules on the market here in America. We sure love them!! 😊

It seems like I read or saw a story about either John Chism or Charles Goodnight. It seems one or the other preferred mules for the ride. Which I thought was odd due to both lived close to Commanche Territory and I would think needed the speed to get away.

@MTN_BUILT

25 күн бұрын

That’s a good point! Maybe their tactic was to dive off into rough country where they couldn’t keep up with his mule 🤷🏻‍♂️😊 That’s pretty interesting though!

@outdoorlife5396

25 күн бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT Thanks

I really like the mules!!!

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! We’re so thankful for them 😊🙏🏼

And then there's the practical jokes. A mule has a sense of humor, and USES it.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Hahaha! It’s so true! We love it when ours get in a goofy mood- they’re characters, for sure! 😂

This was terrific!

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you! We LOOOVE talking about mules! They’re amazing animals 😊🙌🏼

For me, a person should get what they are attracted to. If you really love what you have, the bond and trust between the two of you will in the end be what gives one an enjoyable and safe trail ride.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

That’s so true! Plus, if you’re attracted to horses (or mules or donkeys), and you’re happy when you see them in your pasture, that’s a huge plus! We love our mules AND our horse 😊 And my wife really wants a donkey too, so we might have a problem lol 🤦🏻‍♂️

@garythurber9867

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT Good point. A donkey would be a cool addition.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@garythurber9867 oh gosh! Don’t encourage her! 😂

Great video!

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! That was a fun one to make… we always love bragging on mules 😊🙌🏼

@bobbiemayers354

2 ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT as you should they are both gorgeous

@MTN_BUILT

2 ай бұрын

@@bobbiemayers354 thank you ☺️

I’m glad to see the mule get some respect.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

They’re such incredible animals 😊 We’re really thankful for ours 🙏🏼

where I live in the Piedmont Alps the mules are used to supply the mountain refuges at high altitude

@yoeyyoey8937

Ай бұрын

LukeG.B. What are the mountain refuges?

@LukeG.B.

Ай бұрын

@@yoeyyoey8937 Mountain shelter, sorry for my bad english

@yoeyyoey8937

Ай бұрын

@@LukeG.B. It’s ok I’m just curious because it’s a different culture. Like are the mountain shelters villages or towns or places people live in? Or is it for sport like climbing or camping or vacation?

@LukeG.B.

Ай бұрын

​@@yoeyyoey8937the shelters are managed only in the summer period by those who request from the Italian Alpine Club and last for 5 years after which the manager changes... they give hospitality to hikers and those who practice mountaineering at high altitude

I know they use them in New Orleans to pull the carriages because they handle the heat better and are hardier. I took a ride in one and the driver was telling us that in the city only the mounted police had horses and the carriages used mules. I also saw a couple dressage mules. I know you said that mules are like dogs, but my Walker is very much like a big Lab. He does have a big head and ears so maybe he’s part mule 😳😂

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Oh that’s super cool! That would be fun to do a carriage ride in New Orleans. Haha! That’s funny that your horse is like a lab! Thats so fun 😊

@rocketpigrecords3719

Ай бұрын

Also a better choice in a city full of loud drunks, less liability. Plus, city feller like me usually doesn't notice the difference 😂

@kryptonarie6367

Ай бұрын

A horse can't be part mule, because although both are equines, horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 63 chromosome, so their mule offspring can't reproduce. Meaning mules are born sterile, so there are no mule + mule, mule + horse or mule + donkey babies.

I think the surefooted-ness of mules is THE factor that decides. I'd rather go safely through a mountain path than just fast and maybe roll downhill halfway through. XD Also, you forgot a factor that makes them better: The precious, pretty and long ears! Perfect for danger detection but I just adore an equine with larger ears.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Haha! That’s such a great point! When those long ears get to floppin’, I just can’t help but smile 😊

@Managable_Mayhem

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT Exactly! 🥰

Nice looking mules!

@MTN_BUILT

29 күн бұрын

Thank you! We’re sure thankful for them 😊🙏🏼

Mules inherit intellect from the donkey side, donkeys in fact are really smart they have great memory and they can get used to voice commands, they also memorize the way home no matter where you ride them to

@MTN_BUILT

12 күн бұрын

I believe it! Mules are so incredibly smart and it makes alot of sense that it comes from the donkey 😊

Because of how smart mules, they are NOT for everyone. Patients and consistency are the key. As loyal as your dog when you establish a relationship with them. Trust worthy and self preservation, they will keep themselves safe and you. “A horse will let you be the boss, a mule wants to see your resume’.” I found this several years back and it’s true and Mules will always be checking up on that resume’. Most lovable, kind, animal I’ve ever owned. Honor them and enjoy! ❤

@MTN_BUILT

22 күн бұрын

This is PERFECTLY stated! 😊🙌🏼 I love everything about this comment. I want everyone to get to enjoy mules like we do, but I always get a little nervous when someone says, “I watched your videos and now I want to get a mule!”

You just earned a sub brother

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you so much for watching! 😊🙌🏼

TOTALLY RIGHT+

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊 We appreciate you taking time to watch and leaving such a nice comment!

I was just wondering, I am a western Junkie. So I really don't know. Which would be better for a farmer? Mules or Oxen? Also could you cross your oxen with cows for a better breed? Just asking, it might be dumb question.

@MTN_BUILT

25 күн бұрын

That’s a great question! And I think mules would be a better choice! They require a lot less food and water than oxen do. There were a lot of dead oxen on the trails west, but very few dead mules 😊

@outdoorlife5396

25 күн бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT I also looked up Oxen, they were older steers who were castrated, who had been bread for work. I have a friend who is a trail rider, he will only ride a quarter mule. He was a hard sell, I know, he used to hate mules and tease people who rode them. I guess the laugh is on him.

@MTN_BUILT

24 күн бұрын

@@outdoorlife5396 oh interesting! And that’s funny about your friend! It seems pretty common for people to poke fun at mules until they’ve spent some time with them 😂

My aunt had two pit ponies they were absolutely the sweetest things ever but she was told at the auction that the one mule had killed one of the miners appearintly he had mistreated a good bit of the mules and was known for it one day he dropped something when the mule handlers were taking it back to its stall he got kicked right in the temple and died instantly theyre smarter than ANY animal ive ever been around and have a better memory than elephants the molly that killed him WAS in her 20s when it happened and lived into her late 30s at our farm where the other one lived to 41! Theyre the best animals and i wish more people understood they're more sentient than dolphins octopi ravens magpies or any other intelligent species and theyre loyal and protective too i love mules and i swear theyre my spirit animal lol

@MTN_BUILT

19 күн бұрын

Oh wow! Thats crazy… that’s one of the many reasons to treat mules well. But yeah, it’s absolutely amazing how smart these animals are… it’s incredible to watch them process things and make smart decisions 😊 We absolutely love them!

Sounds just like my XJ. Perfect.

@MTN_BUILT

11 күн бұрын

lol I love it! I’d take an XJ too 😊

@mojrimibnharb4584

11 күн бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT Both is good!

Can they run for long distances?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah! They’re not near as fast as a horse in a sprint, but they can cover long distances really well

Is your dog a GWP or a pointing Griffon?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

GWP ☺️

A Donkey/Mule is more likely to defnend u against trouble. I remember heraing about a burro coming to his riders rescue when she was attacked by coyotes

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Oh wow! That’s really cool! I believe it, because donkeys sure don’t like predators! 😊

Great for promoting Mules

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you! That was the goal 😊 Gotta share the longear love!

How much can a mule carry compared to a horse? Does the back anatomy of mules and donkeys have advantages over horses' backs?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Great questions! It varies depending upon the individual animal, but in general, pound for pound, a mule would be able to carry more weight than a horse. And you’re spot on- it’s because mule’s backs are generally flatter and more structurally sound than a horse’s back. 😊 Horse people get fired up when people bring this up, but we’re horse people too! lol we love our quarter horse as much as we love our mules- they just have different strengths 😊

@lennardschneider6847

Ай бұрын

Thank you for answering. Yes, from the looks of it, a donkey's or mule's back looks sturdier. Amazing animals 😊❤

Por algo lo utiliza el ejercito en montañas. El andar es mas parejo y estable ..

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yes! That’s a great point! 😊🙌🏼

What about price to buy? Are they cheaper than horses?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I wish they were, but mules are generally at least as expensive as horses. 😕

A mules hind foot lands exact same spot as where the front foot was while a horse tends to overstep and this is what makes the mule more sure-footed.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

That makes a lot of sense! Thank you for sharing 😊

You make me want to get a mule and I don’t even ride or do any farm work or anything lol

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Haha! That’s awesome! Mission accomplished 😊🙌🏼

My grandfather born 1901, worked a farm in Kentucky with a pair of mules. By the time I came along he replaced mules with a Ferguson T-20. Working in the fields Granddad would time to time reflect fondly about his mules. He told me his method of how to treat your mules to get them to work all day. Granddad’s secret…Kindness.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

This is one of my favorite comments I’ve ever seen! We don’t have the amount of experience that your grandfather had with his mules, but man, we TOTALLY AGREE! We have one mule in particular who was a little mistreated before we got her, and she is flourishing now that her peace and confidence are starting to grow. I think your granddad knew what he was talking about 😊

Btw i suspect the horse in Laura Ingalls books named Bunny was really a mule because look at the long ears!

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Haha! That’s awesome! 😊

Many armies still have mules for transportation in mountainous regions

@MTN_BUILT

6 күн бұрын

That’s what I’ve heard! Thats pretty cool that they’re still used even in an era with drones and all kinds of crazy technology 😊

The man with no name would agree.

Mules have a good sense of humour

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

They really do! They’re SO fun 😊

As you will see using the link below, you can exclude the part where you said that mules cannot be used for roping kzread.info/dash/bejne/eXqdrdOcj9q1e5c.htmlsi=Z8AqumajJzsUhTtA

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Did I say that?! I stand corrected 😊 What I should have said was that horses are generally better for roping because of their speed and more pronounced withers. 😊

@nancymarcio8724

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT you are right. I just wanted to show you this

Downside: not as great at sprinting I don't see myself horse racing so... Yeah mules are the best. There's a reason the Marines use mules. Also I like the way that mules have to like you to do what you ask, instead of being fear or routine motivated like dumb horses.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah, it’s really true! Once you build that trust, they’re really enjoyable to be around 😊

@Fluffyponyequestrian

23 күн бұрын

Horses are not dumb!

I grew up with ranch horses but know nothing about mules. That was informative, but not hippy-dippy. Thanks.

@MTN_BUILT

14 күн бұрын

Haha! I’m glad to hear it 😊 Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a nice comment! Have a great night 😊

My father would also tell how much more sure footed and more power a mule has over a horse

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I think he was onto something! Pound for pound, their incredibly strong and tough animals 😊 And their sure-footedness is our favorite thing about them!

Horses are best! ❤ ❤ ❤

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

We love our horse too! 😊 A good horse is an incredible animal, and they definitely have their place 😊

While trimming a front mule hoof, holding the hoof between my legs, the silly mule picks up his opposing rear hoof and scratches his ear. You will never see a horse do that❤

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Hahaha! My wife’s mule did the same exact thing, and she brings up that story all the time! 😂 They’re so impressive! 😊

I love the name Cedar. Are mules less likely to founder than horses?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

We love that name too, and she actually came to us with that name 😊 And yeah, it seems like mules are less likely to founder

That one mule looks more like a zorse or a zonkey to me. This is based on the markings and mane.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah, we get that quite a bit, so you’re in good company 😊 The striping on her legs actually comes from a dun gene 🧬 which is present in donkeys and some horses 😊

Wow, lots of cowboys in USA, don't want a horse, mule will out work anyday! John P.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Mules are incredible for riding in rough country! We don’t rope, and we live in some rough country, so we absolutely love our mules! Thanks for watching and taking time to leave a nice comment 😊

Are they cheaper to buy than horses?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Not really, unfortunately. 😕 We just watched a sale this weekend and the good mules were going for between $7k and $18k 😬

@bethg.5611

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT Yipe.😬

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@bethg.5611 lol yeah, seriously!

Mules are the best!

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

They’re such incredible animals! 😊🙌🏼

I’d love a mule. Or work around them.

@MTN_BUILT

21 күн бұрын

They’re so awesome! I hope you get the chance to spend some time around them- you’ll enjoy it for sure! 😊

Do Needs and mules can browse more than horses making packing grains less needed.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah! It seems like their guts are much hardier 😊

One word to say, who knows knows: Secretariat

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Secretariat is definitely faster than any mule 😂 we would definitely agree with that, and that’s why we touch on in the video how, depending on the discipline, you might be better choosing a horse over a mule! ☺️👍🏼

@titadeacon9421

Ай бұрын

Ok, would you prefer a ride on Secretariat, say at age 6, or the *finest* mule - over rough country, or in city traffic? Near fireworks? All day? In a crowded show ring, all dressed up? bet not.

Bro you look real handsome with only mustache (without beard)

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 👨🏻😊

welp I was studying Biological concept of species by Sir Ernst Mayr and this is a great example of infertile species hahah

@MTN_BUILT

18 күн бұрын

Haha yep! That’s probably their biggest downfall 😕

I have heard that mules have the ability to watch each one of their feet due to the arrangement of their eyes. True or false.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I’ve heard that too (enough times that I think it’s probably true), but I haven’t ever actually asked a vet. I do know that they pay attention to each foot’s placement… they stumble occasionally, but less often than a horse, for sure 😊

My grandmother always believed mules were far more intelligent than horses.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I think she was onto something! 😊🙌🏼

A 20 mule team can carry heavy loads for a long ride quite well. If treated with enough TLC, those mules will love you to the grave.

@MTN_BUILT

21 күн бұрын

The 20 mule team is SO AWESOME! I’m so impressed by the animals and the teamsters. 😊 We’re so thankful for our little herd 😊🙏🏼

Love horses , but will take a-mule over one anytime .

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Same here!! 😊🙌🏼

Not sure your height and weight 🤔. The main reason mules are not pratical for some is their size. Otherwise, fine. Maybe draft horse/donkey cross?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I’m 6’0” and right around 210, and the mules do great packing my rear around. A lot of mules get pretty big, actually, and pound for pound, they’re probably actually stronger than most horses 😊

Maybe it's the horse in the mule that you like the most. Or maybe it's the donkey

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

For me it’s the combo! I love the size and athleticism from the horse, and the less reactive nature and hardiness of the donkey 😊

Some say mules are stubborn I don't think so a mule always know what's best for himself

@MTN_BUILT

19 күн бұрын

I think you’re spot on! Couldn’t agree more 😊🙌🏼

i am envious. no donkeys in my country, thus no mules.

@MTN_BUILT

23 күн бұрын

Oh wow! That’s super interesting!- I’m thankful we have donkeys and mules here… they’re awesome 😊

@frogi109

23 күн бұрын

@@MTN_BUILT indeed sir. got to spend a little experience awhile ago when i was schooling in utah on horses & the mule, as you said, on a grand canyon tour. they seemed better if you have to go on slopes or rocky trails. their feet may look more or less the same. but someone with a little animal sense, would know soon enough they use their feet after judging whether it’s safe or not. rather than “if that’s what you want” kind of thinking like the horse.

The other thing mules are better is that they'll chase bears away instead of running away.

@MTN_BUILT

22 күн бұрын

They’re definitely more aggressive toward predators! 😊

I have been around horses and mules for 7 decades. All disciplines. For trail riding, just mamby pambying around on rough terrain I suppose mules excell. But I absolutely hate the “pony withers” on donkeys and mules. Mutton withered - won’t hold a saddle well at all. Always needs a crupper strap. Short choppy bone jarring gaits. Always has to have a strong curb bit. I was shocked to see snaffles on these in this video, but I suspect they just look like snaffles from the sides but are bicycle chains in the mouthpiece. Mules are stubborn and cantankerous. Buck and bite at anything they dislike. Have friends with donkeys and mules and for anything for performance, like running or jumping, covering ground effortlessly, horses are far far superior. Might not be as surefooted, but horses are much more reactive and sensitive to guidance aids. Maybe for old ladies and crippled men are mules, I would take a nice high withered horse any day.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Wow, that’s awesome that you’ve had so much experience with them- we hope to be in your shoes one day 😊 And you’re definitely right about their withers… we always ride with a crupper and Alyssa just bought a britchen that she’s super excited about 😊 We just ride in regular old smooth snaffles and they do really well- especially Alyssa’s white mule! My dun mule had been ridden with hard hands for a lot of years before we got her, and I’m not the best trainer, but we’re improving and she’s getting softer 😊 If I was better with my timing she’d be much farther along, but I just try to do the best I can and offer her a feel.

Used by the German army in the Alps

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

That’s interesting! I’ve heard that several different countries have used them for military tasks, and it makes sense because they’re incredible animals 😊

@ellamayr

Ай бұрын

@@MTN_BUILTMy brother in Germany worked with mules in the military (albeit many years ago). And I know from the past (i.e. before helicopters became established) that mountain huts were often supplied by mules. I have seen this especially in the Italian and Slovenian Alps. My father also worked with donkeys to supply mountain huts in Germany immediately after the war. Sometimes Haflinger horses were also used. But I mainly remember the pictures with the mules. However, heavy cold-blooded horses were (and in some cases still are) used for the work of hauling wood from the forests.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@ellamayr wow, that’s so cool! They’re incredible workers 😊 And that’s neat that they used haflingers as well! Thank you for sharing 😊

Why do you use bits??????

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

We use snaffle bits because they’re mild and we don’t have our mules going good enough to ride them in a hackamore yet 😊

My grandfather rode mules. A horse couldn’t hold his big a$$

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Hahaha! That’s awesome! 😂🙌🏼

Safety, yes, Mules watch where they place their back hoofs.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah, that seems to really be true! They’re amazing animals 😊

I wanna get me a mule

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

I hope you do! Make sure you get one that’s been treated well… the nice ones are amazing, but ones that are fearful of people can be hard to get along with. 😊

Why do you always see a horse leading a string of mules? Working cattle? Performance? The mule is half horse. They’re great for what they’re great for. Awesome animals. But better?

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Super valid points! And I actually talk about that in the video 😊 Mares are especially good for leading a string because the mules buddy up to them really well. I think people probably usually lead a string with a horse mostly because of pride though lol That being said, we do have a young mare that we’re hoping will be our string leader in the future 😊 And as far as working cattle, you’re spot on! People do ranch work with mules, but the horse will win in that situation 100% of the time, in my opinion.

A horse 🐎 on his worst day is better than a mule. Now if you are talking about trail riding in steep terrain, mules are more sure footed. Now that brings to mind the old saw " my rifle, my pony and me". I'm just messing with you, been around both animals most all of my life, my dad wouldn't own a horse, but he sure liked a mule 😅

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Haha! We love our mules, but we have a young QH mare and we love her too 😊 If we ever wanted to rope or go fast, our horse would DEFINITELY be the better choice lol

@galewinds7696

Ай бұрын

I love 'em both , used to have horses, not now got too old to care for them, I sure miss them being here

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

@@galewinds7696 aw man! I wish you still had ‘em around. They’re sure a blessing to have 😊🙏🏼

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

@MTN_BUILT

9 күн бұрын

😊🙌🏼

The US military used them plenty in WW1

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard! 😊 it makes a lot of sense since they’re such great workers!

The day govt bans motorcycles i will be getting one of these

@MTN_BUILT

26 күн бұрын

They would be a great option! Hopefully the government won’t overreach THAT much any time soon! 🙏🏼😬

Just ask Festus.

@MTN_BUILT

Ай бұрын

Yeah! Festus knew what was up! 😊🙌🏼