Mules are the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare), which makes them exceptionally strong, highly intelligent, and super adaptable.
Mules have the speed of a horse with a donkey’s surefootedness.
Mules are 99.9% sterile due to their uneven number of chromosomes.
Mules can live up to 40, even 50, years.
Mules have long ears that distinguish them from horses and donkeys.
Mules can rotate their ears independently to detect sounds.
Mules have harder hooves than horses.
Mules can kick sideways and backwards.
The skin of a mule is more resistant to sun and rain than that of a horse.
Mules have natural resistance to diseases and other common equine ailments.
Mules can build strong bonds with the people who care for and work alongside them.
Mules require less food and have more stamina than horses of the same weight and height.
Mules have the ability to adapt and excel in challenging conditions, from rugged mountainous regions to hot deserts.
Mules have a keen sense of their own physical limitations. They are more cautious and aware of danger, making them safer to ride when crossing dangerous terrain and unlikely to be startled.
Mules have played a vital role in transporting military supplies and equipment in combat for centuries.
Pack mules provide unlimited mobility to cavalry, infantry, and artillery units – Pack Mule History (1871-Present), U.S. Army.
Mules serve not only as West Point’s mascot, but also as the mascot for the entire United States Army.
Today the Army Mule is the only service mascot that has a real job in combat operations. Mule packing is taught at both the Army and Marine mountain warfare schools.