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Comprehensive overview – Breeding, trade, and relationships with mules in France and around the world Angèle Dequesne lors de sa présentation aux Assises du Mulet le 17/10/2025 1. Study and Observation As a third-year doctoral student in sociology, I am working on the relationships of engagement between breeders and working equines. At the Écuries d’Oz (Erika Pons), I observed the complete reproductive cycle of mules, the care of newborns, and the dynamics of supply and demand. I conducted interviews with breeders and attended festivals and shows to observe mules in demonstrations.The scientific literature on mules is limited, but some key sources exist: historical and ethnological works, specialized journals, theses on animal traction, and non-scientific sources (Mule Briefs, American Mule Museum). 2. Opacity and limitations of the data (SIRE and Stats and Maps) The filters are incomplete and confusing: confusion between mules with and without a book genetic data, lack of precision on age and vital status. Mules are classified with donkeys, which mixes species, use, and type, limiting statistical relevance. Stats and Maps: 53 farms in 2023 (most with fewer than 3 births), fluctuations of -12 to +16 between 2016 and 2023, suggesting that these are mostly the same farms, but not always active each year. Consequence: limited visibility of the numbers, hindering research and decision-making. 3. Birth trends Peak births around 2010 (~500), drop from 2011 (~300), then stabilization below 200. Since 2020, a slight increase in OC mules, linked to the emergence of breeding farms outside traditional breeding areas, particularly those focused on saddle mules. https://www.mulequipeut.com/post/explorations-des-naissances-de-mule-en-france 4. Imports, Exports, and Prices Imports: - According to SIRE: in France, there are 155 mules born between 1992 and 2024 abroad (109 in Spain, 13 in Italy, 11 in Belgium, 7 in Switzerland, 6 in the Netherlands, 3 in Portugal, 2 in Germany, 2 in the USA, 1 in Ireland, 1 in the Czech Republic). Their import dates are unknown. - According to Stats and Maps: only 5 mules are recorded as having been imported between 2023 and 2000 (2021 1, 2020 1, 2019 1, 2015 2), but the countries of import are not specified. Exports: tracked by the TRACES database (data not yet available). Prices: ○ Weaning: €2,500–€4,000 depending on the breed. ○ Broken in: €4,000–€6,000. ○ Working: up to €10,000. ○ Colored mules (OC) are sold at a higher price from weaning onwards, sometimes €8,000 at 6 months. ○ Prices have generally increased over the last 10 years, particularly for leisure and colored mules. 5. Constants and Evolutions in Breeding and Reproduction Hybridization between donkeys and mares has long been a ritualized, sometimes complex, and secret practice. Today, practices are modernized: artificial insemination, mannequins or jennies to stimulate the jack, research on neonatal erythrolysis. The mule remains an economic investment, with growing demand and rising prices. Mules retain their historical qualities: endurance, longevity, strength, intelligence, and humor. New uses: hiking, mountain trail running, groundwork, pack work, and pulling with modernized equipment, adapted to neo-rural life and leisure activities. 6. Human-Mule Relationship Constants: the mule foal is trained by the mare, the human, and experienced animals, based on the principle that "the mule teaches the master." Developments: gentler, more ethological relationships, highlighting the sensitivity and intelligence of mules, in contrast to older practices based on force or coercion. Mules are now valued and integrated into families and work, with more respectful and consistent breeding and training practices. 7. Global Situation According to the Donkey Sanctuary, the global mule population has been declining by 2% per year since 1997, with increases in sub-Saharan Africa and decreases in Eastern Europe, linked to economic development. Conclusion Mules remain an essential element of the equine industry, but their statistical monitoring is insufficient and fragmented.Breeding has remained relatively stable but is adapting to new uses and markets. Human-mule relationships are evolving towards greater respect and ethology, while maintaining the desired traditional qualities. Despite the lack of precise data, the mule is experiencing a resurgence of interest, particularly for leisure riding and saddle mule projects, with rising prices and demand. Abstract: Mule breeding in the 21st century is a continuation and legacy of mule breeding from past centuries, while also incorporating new developments. While, in substance, the breeder's profession has not changed—it still involves producing an animal that meets a demand linked to a specific region, human activity, and aesthetic criteria—a new clientele has emerged, and with it, new demands. Nevertheless, the lack of transparency in the figures makes this breeding sector difficult to grasp and clearly highlights the marginalization of mule breeding, which remains decidedly shrouded in mystery. Angèle Dequesne, PhD candidate in Sociology, CEMS/EHESS; President of Cheval&Sciences Humaines et Sociales.

A life of complicity The walk to Compostela was difficult, and the weight of my backpack was crushing my injured collarbone. "I really need a donkey to carry me!" On my way back home, I stopped in Viennay, near Parthenay, at my friend Yves's place. Yves is a leading expert on Poitou draft horses and a friend of Thierry, the current president of the National Association of Poitou Mule Breeds. "But Jean!" he exclaimed, "it's not a donkey you need, but a mule, and with a name like yours, it's obviously a Poitou mule." I had never met a mule and had no idea what my life as a mule driver would be like. "We'll see, we'll see," I said. Absorbed by my professional passion, I forgot about this offer when, two years later, in April 2000: "Your mule is born, you can come see him and decide whether you want him or not." After a few visits to the mule foal, you could say he was the one who took me. From Mustang la Richardière, he became Mario, his nickname. We grew up together, and the beginnings weren't always easy. First secluded in the communal meadows, then on an island in the Cher River with other equines, and finally in his own meadow in Mareuil with Tinclair, Mario led a life that was too independent, peaceful, lacking in training and companionship: something that proved very difficult to rectify later on. From escapades to walks in the Marais Poitevin, then along the paths of Berry, Bourbonnais, Sologne, and Touraine, we journeyed together, getting to know each other, and challenging one another. He assessed me, and I gradually corrected my mistakes by learning the unspoken rules, the non-verbal cues, his temperament... and everything else! Everything fell into place the day Eric, a Cob breeder and farrier to whom I had entrusted my mule, told me: "Your mule is well-balanced, he's extraordinary, at the trot, at the canter, even if he sometimes paces. He's good at logging and harnessing, willing, valiant, and above all, very intelligent. Jean, I'm telling you, there's only one problem... and that's you!" Self-reflection, humility, and the suppression of ego! But above all, an irresistible desire to become one with him and to learn, to learn even more. And for 20 years, it was a wonderful story of love and profound understanding. Morning and evening, grooming, ritual care, preparing the paddock, cleaning the pack saddle, etc., occupied long periods of my time, a time spent in complete harmony with him... Recently, the president of the Val2Cher inter-municipal council asked me to travel through the 33 towns with Mario the mule to introduce them to children, tourists, and locals alike. This is how the book "Au pas du mulet" (At the Mule's Pace), co-written with an illustrator and a writer, was published and given to all primary school students in the region, as well as to each municipality. Today, a few copies are available from the "Mule qui peut" (Mule Who Can) association for €15, of which €7 is donated to the Gustave Roussy Institute (IGR). My professional work has led me to work with severely disabled children, some of whom are undergoing cancer treatment. The suffering of these children and their parents deeply moved me, as it was so immense and unjust. From then on, I dedicated all my travels to actively contributing to pediatric cancer research in partnership with the IGR, under the banner of the "L'étoile de Martin" (Martin's Star) association, by raising targeted funds and speaking out about the devastating effects of cancer and the hopes for future treatments. I traveled thousands of kilometers with Mario, following a similar pattern: meeting with elementary school students in the towns we passed through, attending forums in retirement homes, discussing with hiking associations, and engaging in numerous conversations with curious passersby about our group. These many encounters were incredibly enriching, always supported by a mule constantly ready to participate in the educational exchange, especially in front of the children. He would, for example, show off his pack saddle, his port (Bouf) and starboard (Matos) saddlebags, his hooves, his tail, his large teeth, and his similar ears. His favorite thing to do was clown around, forcefully lifting my rear end with his muzzle, propelling me two meters forward while I was telling a story. This always made the children laugh. He readily accepted long sessions of petting after each presentation. Without this mule, my solidarity walks would have been in vain, and goodbye to the Jura, the Vosges, the Cantal, the Alps, and many other mountain ranges, the backroads, the towns, cities, and villages, Spain, Belgium, Germany, the forests, the coasts and rivers, the places of memory and history, the convergences of religious and civic heritage, as well as family and friendly hikes—in short, everything related to people and civilizations. Many of these journeys were thus shared with family and friends, or acquaintances, whether for a day or longer. There are numerous themed tours available: a tour of prisons in the Île-de-France region with prison staff, a visit to the Hôtel National des Invalides to meet soldiers wounded in overseas operations and those injured in the Bataclan attack, meetings with winemakers from Sancerre, Bordeaux, and Saint-Émilion, animal-assisted therapy with sick or disabled people, hikes, walks, trips, long-distance trails (GR), tours.... I could never have walked without finding meaning in my travels. This leads to hope, to overcoming suffering and accepted solitude. Inner life is strengthened and helps one transcend oneself; it is a kind (as La Boétie suggests) of voluntary servitude, but oh so rich in discovery and, above all, in the gift of meaning! Tomorrow I might set off down other paths, those of writing, to capture my reflections that have come with the passage of time, to say that Spain is a bit like Salvador Dalí, that Germany is felt through the son of Pepin the Short, that most abbeys are daughters of Cluny, that my walks are a reflection of Patrick Leigh Fermor, Marco Polo, or more simply, Montaigne, Kerouac, Ruffin, Rimbaud, Nerval, and so many others... It was at the second National Mule Conference that I met the association "Mule qui peut" (Mule That Can), dedicated to promoting this remarkable animal: the mule. Jean Poitevin in October 2025 If you too would like to support Jean's work, the book is available at Helloasso

Here we are again for a short debriefing after four days spent in Inner Mulardie—by which we mean the oldest, most traditional, and most historically rich geographical area… More great reunions, new encounters, and wonderful transitions from virtual to real-life: we love these moments! Mule Qui Peut spoke first to introduce the association, but also to introduce the small world of recreational mules, still largely unknown to the giants of the mule tradition. Throughout the discussions and presentations, we also became acquainted with the four major "traditional associations": the Poitou Mule Register, the Pyrenees Mule Register, the Federation of Alpine Mule Breeders, and the very young Massif Central Mule Association. What a pleasure to see Olivier Courthiade again, to finally meet Émile Brager, and to listen to Manu Bigarnet! In terms of organization, Éric Rousseaux did a great job—we pay him a special tribute, among connoisseurs… And what a fascinating concept these Mulet Conferences are! Long live the Conferences, and thank you, Éric, for this great success! A big hat tip also goes to CREGEN (Conservatory of Genetic Resources): efficient, kind, and caring, they offered each speaker a superb canvas bag filled with treasures—a book, a cast iron plaque, a beer, something to take notes on… so cool! And what about the Luçon-Pétré agricultural high school? Same spirit: kindness, kindness, thanks for the pretty bouquets offered to the speakers by the students of the CAP florist section, and finally, a big thank you to the cooks and the kitchen team for working all weekend for our greatest pleasure. Highlights For us, several highlights: Our presentation, first of all—not a single out-of-place word (despite how quickly I spoke 😅). Twenty-five minutes is short, but intense! And then there's the round table: we ask for more every year! The theme: the difference in training between mules and horses, expertly led by Caroline Charpentier—another wonderful discovery! A few key points: Mules are more independent than horses, and very early on. They learn faster, according to Manu Bigarnet (whom we didn't get to meet, and we regret it!) and Didier Bernard (who, for his part, is an expert in his field 😄). There's no one-size-fits-all method: every mule is different. This reinforces our toolbox approach, where we adapt to each individual. In case of refusal or conflict, the right question remains: "How am I today?" (a vast subject of study...). And after discussion with the knowledgeable audience, there was no proven difference between mules and mules: a simple matter of personal taste. Finally, the issue of weaning and methods of approach were also discussed, in a good-natured and laughter-filled atmosphere. We also had the opportunity to learn what a triptych is—by which we mean: a mare, a donkey, and a mule! That establishes the connection 😄 And throughout our stay, we saw magnificent animals and met passionate professionals, proud to perpetuate their exceptional expertise. In short, four rich, informative, and inspiring days. A big thank you to all those who work to keep the mule culture alive—from the past to the future. As with any country, Mulardie lives on in those who pass on its history; a country that knows its roots remains stable and strong.

Olivier Courthiade, “Mule School at the Méras Farm” President of the National Federation of Donkey and Mule Breeding Thanks to Olivier Couthiade for sharing this text, a testament to another era and a wonderful field experience. Methods and approaches have evolved, but these memories remain precious: they tell the story, passion, and expertise of the muleteers of yesterday, who paved the way for those of today. My equestrian career began at a very young age at the Jardin des Plantes in Toulouse on the back of a lovely Gascon donkey with the noble name, if ever there was one, and one she lived up to very well, of "Marquise." Forty-five years later, her pungent scent, the infinite kindness of her eyes, and the immense joy she aroused remain ineffable. This undoubtedly predestined me for what came next... I obviously didn't undergo the challenges of donkey riding instructor training, but "Marquise" and the kindness of her eyes captivated me forever. Moreover, fate would have it that I performed my military service in the final platoon of the 541st Military Remount/Veterinary Group of Tarbes, in the Foix-Lescun district next to the stallion depot (class 74/12). I served as a Remonte rider and a military muleteer, resulting in a fine certificate... undoubtedly the most honorable diploma I can boast! From this brief stint in the army, I learned a great deal, including a study of "in vivo" behaviors on young humans and on the genus Equus-asinus, which, let's be clear, tended to favor the latter group... The experience with the muleteer, like my encounter with Marquise, left an indelible mark on me. The sensitivity, intelligence, and beauty of these extraordinary animals immediately fascinated me, especially since the contact was not easy. Indeed, brutalized too often by inexpert, even malicious or vicious hands, constantly renewed with the arrival of young recruits, these animals inspired compassion in any man worthy of the name... Let's skip the horrors. As for the superb anecdotes, and for those interested, I recorded a few in an article entitled "The Mule: A Head," published in the monthly journal Cheval Loisirs. In short... The Mule virus was permanently infected. This is how, quite naturally, the Courserant Equine Producers' Union (09140 Seix) asked me in 1988 to lead a mule production program in the Pyrenees, subsidized by the Midi-Pyrénées Regional Council and managed by the Management of the National Stud Farm of Tarbes. Reproducing mules in Ariège was like throwing dry shavings on embers: the know-how, the taste, the passion were there. Before the war, that is to say yesterday, a thousand mules were born each year in the Ariège department! Almost exclusively sold in Spain. The "snag," and this is precisely why I was called upon, was that the Spanish were no longer buying, and it was necessary to produce a "turnkey" 3-year-old animal instead of a wild mule, to adapt to the new context, more "leisure" than "work." So it was done, and my stables welcomed ten small, shaggy Lombards in 1988. The starting gun for a 10-year-old + 2-year-old program was fired, and the Méras Farm Mule School was founded. I had the pretension of knowing a little about them, drawing on my equine and military experience... I have since learned a lot... The strength, cunning, and resilience of these young mules exasperated, discouraged, and disconcerted me as much as it captivated me. How could I make them understand, first, that I wasn't an enemy, and second, that they had to accept my rules? A real challenge. In this case, my experience training oxen (weighing over 2 tons compared to 55 kg at the time...) actually served me better than my experience training horses. It's clear that the use of force is impossible; the balance is too unequal... Caesar, a great strategist if ever there was one, also inspired me. He had a rule of using the methods of his adversaries to his advantage (whom he quickly enlisted once the confrontation was over...). So I had to learn to be more cunning, more resilient, more stubborn than the mules themselves... In other words, to establish myself as the dominant one, that is, the one elected by the dominated, recognized by them as the one they could trust because they knew. By the way, our policies could be inspired by the rules in force in animal societies... That could change the situation... In short, being elected King of the Mules is no easy feat, but it's essential if you want to be heard. This requires one major quality: justice, very close to fairness. A mule can accept the harshest reprimands when it knows it has sinned. On the other hand, a word raised above another, and even more so blows, are inevitably, one day or another, punished by acts of revenge (see the legend of The Pope's Mule). Based on these principles... How do you take action, in this case, regarding training? I deliberately skip over the phases of acclimatization, domestication, and taming, which are similar in all species and can be summed up in two principles: 1) acceptance of the tether (the dreaded fixed point), and 2) "tampering" from all sides. Let's also quickly overlook the fact that mules, like horses, are rarely raised according to the rules of the art. We generally become concerned about them when, as the saying goes, "they have to be sent away," meaning to sell them, sometimes several years after their birth. It's not until we're 20 that we learn table manners, blow our noses, and say hello... or at least it's much more difficult than when these basic but essential skills are acquired in early childhood. I have no hesitation in stating that a 3-year-old mule that's never been touched is a real primed bomb, if it wants to be... All my fellow muleteers will agree. So I come to the particularity undoubtedly linked to hybridization. I affirm that apart from the genetic formula linked to the ethnicity of the mothers (blood or draft mares, ponies, trotters or gallopers, rustic or sports, etc.) there are two main types of mules, with fundamentally different behavior: donkey mules and horse mules. The distinction is easy: the first have an angular rump, called in hippology "mule scalloped rump", the second display a round and full rump. According to one or the other conformation, the behavior is radically different: Those who "pull" from the donkey offer enormous resistance in the neck, the poll and the mouth, they are reluctant to adopt lively gaits. Those who are like the horse, work willingly at gaits on the circle, and offer their mouth much more easily. They can provide very pleasant mounts and brilliant coachbuilders without, however, "trucking up" although I have never seen mules from Hanoverian or Friesian mares... they could surprise, especially if their father is a Catalan, extremely sanguine. It goes without saying that breaking-in methods will vary greatly depending on whether you're dealing with horse mules or donkey mules. The former are perfectly suited to the methods commonly and classically practiced for horses. As for the latter, their training is greatly facilitated, in the early days, by the widespread use of the yoke throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Occitania. This yoke, known as the "Landais yoke" or ladder, consists of two ash or acacia bars (the upper and lower "shovels") pierced with three or four symmetrical mortises through which strong straps will pass, framing the collar and regulating the distance between the mules. These bars are joined by two uprights of the same wood, in the middle of which is attached a strong iron ring or shackle (the moulade) intended to peg the pole or attach the draft. Wear plates on the collar side, a recoil hook on the opposite side, and sometimes a few leather loops or hooks designed to carry forest tools (such as Sapi, axes, mauls, etc.) complete this instrument. The use of the Landais yoke is inconceivable without special tools called "Landais collars," made of large rye straw cushions reinforced with horsehair and fitted into two plane tree splint holders covered with wear plates. To hold the yoke in place, these headless collars are topped with an iron cylinder (the "hand" or "rack") into which the upper blade of the yoke is inserted, first for the stationary right-handed mule, then for the left-handed mule, which can be moved on command. This extremely clever harness has the merit of being extremely simple. It eliminates the need for bridles, reins, saddles, and swallowtails! That's all! It can only be used with donkeys and mules off flat ground, due to the rigidity of their necks (this defect becomes a strength here). Horses adapt very well to the method, provided they don't have to restrain themselves. The only difficulty lies in the particular shape of the collar. It should be noted in passing that only one master saddler, now retired and therefore elderly, possesses this expertise in the world. The National Stud Farms, regularly contacted for over five years, have not seen fit to address the subject, even though they house no fewer than two saddlery/harnessmaking schools in their stallion depots... I would like to point out that, apart from mules, admittedly few of whom work in this way, all donkeys are affected... and that beyond our national needs, a large number of developing countries could be helped by this simple animal traction technique. In terms of training, the enormous advantage of using a yoke (the same applies to cattle) is that it unites the two "learners." This considerably limits individual escapades and constitutes an important and "non-violent" form of coercion. The whip or goad are used as a "command stick," primarily to implement the vocal training to which mules are so sensitive. This is a matter of custom. The Basques goad, the Landais whip; the principle is the same and corresponds to the following law: the animal "goes to harm," that is, moves forward as soon as it is prompted by the prod. It goes without saying that the trainer must exercise great tact to avoid upsetting the students. Once this lesson is learned (it is fundamental since it determines the impulse), the sight of the whip toward the chest is enough to induce forward movement, accompanied, of course, by the vocal command. To achieve haunch movement (to press against or, on the contrary, move away from the pole or to straddle the line, for example), simply use the whip inside or outside. Here again, learning is extremely quick, thanks to the yoke. Moving backward is more difficult to achieve; it should never be required during the first lessons. It is achieved by engaging the ears, a sacred area, which is particularly sensitive in mules. This operation must be performed with great skill, in the utmost calm, and with little at first, just a single step. A game of attraction and repulsion quickly sets in, familiar to every muleteer and drover in the world: these are the famous notions of "bubbles" or "auras" developed by our modern ethologists. Once the animal is accustomed to the yoke, it becomes much easier to integrate it into traditional breaking-in if saddle reins or pack saddles are used, because "the dominant one is in place," partly thanks to the yoke. I've talked a lot about tact, skill, and tenacity... This is where the limiting factor in using mules lies. The current mood is not one of rigor, learning, humility, or difficulty... We now want to learn everything in lessons, without paying anything (except for the manual, and even then...) and especially without paying personally. This is incompatible with the use of sophisticated, intelligent, and sensitive animals. The "animal sense" (a clever blend of observational skills, tact, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, divination, accuracy, and many other qualities, including instinct and authority) are essential if one wants to live in harmony with mules. In my opinion, these qualities are innate. Various training courses and courses can only develop this kind of gift, but in no way create it. That's the Creator's business! As for the mule's uses, they are strictly the same as those of the horse. It's no surprise that a mule from a galloping mare gallops, a mule from a trotting broodmare trots, a mule from the womb of a draft mare pulls, etc. Only prejudices, customs, or routines hinder its use (apart from the qualities necessary for the muleteer, see previous paragraph). The mule has no Not popular in France. It's said, without knowing anything about it, of course, that it's small, shaggy, stubborn, mean, and a good mountain porter. In Spain, although treated roughly, it's much more highly regarded, and some ganaderos don't hesitate to use it as a mount. In the USA, a new and nonconformist country, grateful to the one who allowed it to conquer the West, the mule is held in high regard, and "great masses" are dedicated to it. Regardless of the country where it's bred, this brilliant hybrid, whatever anyone says, lives much longer, eats much less, and is far less fragile than the horse. So we must face the facts: the mule represents the pinnacle of Horse Civilization! Since its creation in 1988, more than a hundred mules, mainly from the Pyrenees, but also from Andalusia, Seynard, Savoy, and Poitou, have studied there... Roughly speaking, their destination is divided into: 30% viticulture 30% forestry-agriculture 20% long-distance travel (wagon, pack-saddle, mount) 20% various leisure activities, shows, and events

Following a discussion with Chatgpt about animal abuse, obviousness returned to me: the border between theory and experience is sometimes a chasm. In the digital universe, the slightest slap given to a mule is immediately considered to be mistreatment. From a theoretical point of view, this is held: benevolence must take precedence. But what to do when an 800 kg mule crushes your foot? According to the AI: "Get in protected contact, then push it gently on the side so that it departs. »» In practice ... It is already the hospital guaranteed to treat the multiple fractures. This anecdote made me smile, but it perfectly illustrates the gap between logical reasoning and the reality on the ground. The two do not necessarily oppose: the theory sheds light, gives benchmarks, fixes essential principles (such as the refusal of violence). But it sometimes becomes blind to physical constraints, the reflexes of the body, in the emergency room of the moment. We find this tension in many areas: Theory vs terrain knowledge vs experience intellect vs bodily With the mules, this gap is glaring. The education of an 800 kg animal is not an abstract equation. It is a melee, a permanent adjustment relationship, where instinct, physical presence and concrete experience have as much as concepts. Theory is a precious tool. It allows you to move forward with more awareness, to avoid errors from the past, to offer ethical frameworks. But it becomes dangerous when it freezes in ideology, cut off from reality, at the risk of condemning what is simply a vital reflex or practical adaptation. Our role, as muleters, is precisely to maintain this link between thought and action. Remember that lived experience remains irreplaceable. Accept that the theory must sometimes bend before matter, weight, movement, bodily experience. Because deep down, the mule is not a concept. It is a concrete, demanding and terribly formative presence. She teaches us, at all times, that experience is sometimes worth a thousand theories.

Bob et Latigo des grandes Z'Oreilles Bob Smith's arrival in France is a fine example of collective and associative success, fully in keeping with the spirit of Mule Qui Peut: sharing knowledge, cultivating solidarity, and putting the mule first. Bob shared his valuable expertise with us with disarming simplicity. Despite a 24-hour trip, jet lag, repeated changes of facilities, contacts, and accommodations, and a real culture shock, he rose to the challenge brilliantly: always kind, welcoming, and approachable, with the sole objective of sharing his love of mules. A Long-Planned Adventure It all began two years ago when Dominique, president of Mule Qui Peut, discovered Bob at the Missouri Mule Makeover. Since then, regular exchanges have forged a strong bond. In December 2024, the challenge was issued: "Are you coming, Bob?" — "I'll get my visa!" And the adventure began... Implementing such a project requires an immense amount of upfront work. Bob generously granted us a special Mule Qui Peut rate, half of what he usually charges. Then we had to set up the project, a real challenge led by Dominique and Cécile, who did a colossal amount of work: financial planning, HelloAsso ticketing, communication, logistics, organizing the courses... all while managing the Muletier Challenge and the four days in Mulardie. The phones were full of energy and the inboxes were full 😁 Finally, a big congratulations to the partner organizations for their responsiveness and welcome: L'Écrin des Mules, the Belles Bourriques de Pont Loup breeding farm, and Frédérique Blanchard-Poil de Parole. Hats off to them! They had to juggle logistics for Bob and Chris, organizing the courses, meals, and accommodation for the participants... A challenge they met with flying colors, all on a voluntary basis. The big day: arrival in France Mais oui il l'a vu la grande Dame ! On Tuesday, August 26th, Dominique and Van woke up at dawn: they headed to the airport to greet Bob and Chris! After two hours of traffic, they arrived right on time. Ta-ta-ta… where are they? How is this going to go? You all know that mixture of excitement and nerves you feel when you meet someone in person. Then the looks, the hugs… It's definitely them! Friendship takes over, they meet up, and off they go for a tour of Paris. Yes, it's a beautiful city! After a lunch break, they headed to the Vallée des Cerfs, which was our host, arriving at 8:30 p.m. The day seemed long to us… but for Bob and Chris, it was about 36 hours without sleep! The rest, you know: four intense days in Mulardie, then Dominique and Van drive them to Hélène's place from Luchapt. From there, Vinciane, a friend of Hélène's, took over with Carole, who became their driver, translator, and tour guide for the remainder of the tour. She accompanied them to the Belles Bourriques breeding farm, then to Montpellier to Frédérique's. Bob and Chris greatly appreciated her invaluable and generous help. Finally, from Montpellier to the Paris region, TGV, thanks to the SNCF for keeping their promises and delivering them safely. Dominique and Van then joined them for a final meal of debriefing and friendship, before an early wake-up call: 7:30 a.m. departure for Roissy. Bob arrived home safely... and he'd love to come back! A collective adventure The Vallée des Cerfs group, the breeding of the beautiful Bourriques de Pont Loup, and the Domaine du Reganel with Frédérique Blanchard, the courageous mules from the Écrin des Mules, and Bob and Chris, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with us. An event like this is the result of a united organization, where everyone contributes. Mule Power! As president of Mule Qui Peut, I hope that Bob Smith's visit to France will not only be a unique event, nor a showcase, but above all a lever to help many owners. Our goal is to help change the way people view mules, with a fair, respectful, and enlightened approach. Together, we can restore the mule to the place it deserves. Dominique

Muleton de l'élevage des Grandes Z'oreilles As part of the Mulet Conference, the Mule qui Peut association was asked if we had any idea of ​​the number of saddle mules or small mules currently present in the country. Faced with this question, I recalled some work I had conducted during my studies: an analysis of equine births recorded by the SIRE department of the IFCE (French Institute for the Conservation of Animals and Animals). Some of this data is publicly available and provides an approximate picture of French mule production. I emphasize this approximate aspect: the SIRE data sometimes seems incomplete, even poorly reported. Documents Used For this brief overview, I relied on two sources: The first is the equine registration file from 1976 to 2024. It provides an overview of mule production, including OC and ONC. The second is the birth register by year and department, which seems to only include mules of known origin. Are you ready? Let's take a quick demographic tour of the world of the French mule. First database: SIRE records Let's start with a general overview. Between 1976 and 2024, the SIRE data recorded 10,835 mules, divided into five categories: Mule, ONC Mule, Poitevine Mule, OC Mule, etc. For simplicity, I grouped "Mulet" and "ONC Mule" together, which, after verification, appear to refer to the same thing. Here is the resulting distribution (see graph). A peak in births was observed around 2010, which then declined. It's difficult to say what this reflects: perhaps a microchipping campaign or an IFCE census? As for breeds, the very high proportion of ONC mules complicates the analysis. This category encompasses very different profiles: from the small pack mule to the large driving mule, including the riding mule. Starting in the 2020s, we have noted a slight increase in OC mules. This could correspond to the emergence of breeding operations outside of traditional breeding grounds, particularly with projects focused on the riding mule. A few other graphs also allow us to visualize: the distribution by sex (unsurprisingly, it's around 50/50), the distribution by coat, where bay, dark bay and black pangaré dominate. Second database: the birth register The second file covers the years 2008 to 2024 and provides a portrait of production by region. It lists 2,614 births. Only draft mules appear here, probably because the registration only covers breeds recognized during this period (Poitevins and Pyrenees). The same trend is observed as in the SIRE: a peak in births around 2010, followed by a decline that stabilizes on a plateau starting in 2014. The historic production regions still dominate: Poitou and the Pyrenees, with also some pockets in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, Ardèche and Aveyron. Conclusion It seems that we are currently in a phase of relative stability for mule production in France. Aside from the major historical breeds, it remains difficult to determine the predominance of any particular type of mule, particularly because of the "ONC" category, which encompasses a bit of everything. In terms of trends, historical breeds seem to be slightly declining compared to ONC and OC mules. The decline appears more pronounced for the Pyrenean mule, while the Poitevin mule is roughly maintaining its proportions. Conversely, OC mules seem to be on the rise, perhaps thanks to the rise of the recreational mule and new uses. So here are some suggestions based on this data. But be warned: these conclusions remain debatable and are more a matter of curiosity than exact science. After all, this is just the analysis of a guy in his underwear behind his computer... Thanks for reading, and see you soon! Source: First dataset – Equine file (March 27, 2025): https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/fichier-des-equides/ Second dataset – Number of equine births in France (March 27, 2025): https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/nombre-de-naissances-d-equides-en-france-30378678/#/resources/9b2cac00-f43d-4d66-b0fc-86fb60d3d381 Operating script – Analysis and visualization (Python, Google Colab): https://colab.research.google.com/drive/1k2nSbopzcH9_rMgVgJwd5oteZae0FiR8?usp=sharing_]()

The 2025 Mule Race in the Vallée des Cerfs A real challenge... The kind of situation that sometimes makes you want to give up everything. Between the bad luck that struck some of our coaches—including Camille Navillod, one of our favorites, breaking her rib just a week before the final—and the lack of motivation of others, we only had one finalist present on the day, Julie Lagraulet, aka Amazone Lune. She arrived in a state of stress and anxiety that was particularly difficult to manage. We therefore chose to adapt the Challenge to her emotional state, to allow her to experience the best possible experience. Le stage A first for Mule Qui Peut! Inviting a professional muleteer from the United States—one of the countries where mules are most widely used—was a bold gamble. And Bob Smith-Natural Elements Horsemanship rose to the challenge brilliantly. It was also a first for him: his very first steps on the European continent... and in France! The exchange was incredibly enriching. Bob is a great man, simple and authentic, with that certain something that makes you feel like you're meeting an old friend—almost from another life 🤭. Bob is a true expert: an extraordinary experience, calm and simple, humor and kindness, a clear and respectful teaching style, both for mules and humans. The atmosphere of his workshops? A real pleasure! He observes, suggests an exercise, then guides each participant with precision and gentleness. His principle: speak like a mule—that is, communicate through body language and intention, just as they do with each other. No stick, no flag, no treats: just body language. For us little French people, it's a real adjustment process and it challenges some of our certainties... but what a rich learning experience! After the ChaLenge final, Bob continued his tour: stopping at the Écrin de Mules, the Belles Bourriques de Pont Loup breeding farm, and finally Montpellier with Poil de Parole. A huge thank you to Carole Drogoul, who served as driver, translator, and tour guide. The Final A challenge brilliantly met by the Mule Qui Peut team! Organizing a final with just one coach... a real challenge, right? Fortunately, we could count on two key allies: the training camp with Bob Smith, organized just before the final, so he was there, and the presence of our adorable Argentinian muleteer Lucia Fournier. Thanks to them, we were able to offer the public a superb demonstration of their respective approaches: respect, tact, and teaching skills were all present. A highlight of this edition! Other key moments of the day! Ju Micamb shared her approach while working with a young mule from Anne Van Aubel. The Poitou mules were out in force thanks to Nicolas Seguier-Formul'Ane, Timothée Brisson, and their companions from the Poitou mule breeds: a memorable encounter! Aurore – AC Custom Saddlery presented her saddles specially adapted for mules (a demonstration unfortunately held on Friday evening, with no possibility of reproducing it for the public on Saturday). Our old friend Joshua Mini, accompanied by his faithful companion Fany, offered us a wonderful experience with a roping demonstration. Pascal showed us his Sambu and Cabrest saddles on his Sabbah dummy. The program was somewhat disrupted by the competition and the unpredictable weather on Sunday, but everything ran smoothly and in a friendly atmosphere. The audience left delighted, with many new discoveries about our fantastic animals! The competition The competition – yet another innovation from Mule Qui Peut! Brand-new rules, designed and created by Carole Drogoul, Muriel Herion, and Bob Smith: the Mule Trail. And what a success! More than 22 participants took part in this very first edition… A figure we couldn't believe! The atmosphere The weather wasn't on our side on Sunday: rain and wind were forecast, which disrupted the program. Some of the competitors therefore arrived on Saturday afternoon. In the end, everything went well. Sunday morning, the weather was rainy but still acceptable. The results: 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 – 𝐚𝐮 𝐬𝐨𝐥 Caroline Lefèvre & Lasco – 78.7 / 80 Audrey Dulondel & Noisette – 77.6 / 80 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 – 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Caroline Lefèvre & Lasko – 64 / 80 𝐃𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞 Audrey Dulondel with Sabbah (ridden) & Noisette (right) – 90 / 90 Carole Drogoul with Alpha (ridden) & Beauty (right) – 85 / 90 Nicolas Séguier with Houblon (ridden) & Canopée (right) – 83 / 90 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐝é𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 – 𝐚𝐮 𝐬𝐨𝐥 Cécile Rohart & Friquet – 106 / 120 Thomas Duguy & Julbo – 105 / 120 Catherine Vezzosi & Fidèle des Granges – 93 / 120 Pénélope Friand & Julbo – 88 / 120 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 – 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Nicolas Séguier & Canopée – 84 / 120 Pénélope Friand & Julbo – 78 / 120 Maélis Clausse & Mr Mulet – 76 / 120 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 – 𝐚𝐮 𝐬𝐨𝐥 Audrey Dulondel & Noisette – 156 / 160 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 – 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝘀 Audrey Dulondel & Sabbah – 155 / 170 Joshua Mini & Fany – 154 / 170 Nicolas Séguier & Houblon – 142 / 170 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 Thomas Duguy & Julbo – 91 / 110 Nicolas Séguier & Houblon – 82 / 110 Pénélope Friand & Julbo – 78 / 110 Jean Arnaud Dinaud & Jazzy – 50 / 110 Another great moment of sharing in Mulardie, thank you all and Mule power!!!!

Thursday, August 28 & Friday, August 29 Workshop with Bob Smith Only 1 spot remains for August 28. Two days of learning and sharing with Natural Elements Horsemanship Saturday, August 30 – Finale of the “ChaLenge Muletier” This year, the finals truly live up to the name: a real challenge taken on by a single trainer—Amazone Lune—with her mule ChaLenge Merlin des Grandes Zoreilles. Immense respect for her dedication! Morning (starting 9:30 AM): Ju Micamb : behavioral workshop – learning to recognize subtle signs of discomfort in a mule. “The real ChaLenge!” : performance by Amazone Lune and Merlin. Nicolas Seguier ( ForMule’Ane ) ) : demonstration with his Poitevine mules focusing on education, harnessing, and animal traction work (including pulling a wooden log). Aurore Cachera (AC Custom Saddlery) : presentation on the thorny issue of mule saddles – a must-see for mule enthusiasts, saddles, and the public. Supported by L'élevage des grandes Z'oreilles Afternoon (starting 2:30 PM): Bob Smith & Lucia Fournier : not-to-be-missed demonstrations! Muriel Hérion won’t be able to participate for health reasons but will be available to answer questions. Timothée Brisson : a short performance with his two young Poitevines. Joseph Villecomte de la Mangouste : a “magisterial” intervention. Pascal Garnier : mule harnessing using selles sambu  and bridles, followed by a talk on the history of mules in France. Closing : debriefing with Muriel Hérion. Please note: the order of appearances is guaranteed, but schedules remain flexible! Sunday, August 31 – Special Mule Competition: “Le sentier des mules”  🏆 9:30 AM : Presentation by Julien Joukje  with mule Mulane . “Le sentier des Mules” competition : a unique moment, organized without any federation, with rules created by our members and collaborators. Expect a large turnout! Location : Vallée des Cerfs, Vienne (86). Event organized by the Mule Qui Peut  association🤠 💡 Location  : Vallée des Cerfs – Vienne (86)📌 Événement organisé par l’association Mule Qui Peut pour faire jolie en prémiére page Exhibitors and Partners:   Mule Qui Peut La Brasserie Tête de Mule  – artisanal Poitou brewery, with us from the very beginning. SAFE HP  – our first partner; unfortunately, will not be present on site. AC Custom Saddlery  – producers of mule saddles and bridles; well-known and present on site. Tjt etho  – makers of head-collars tailored for our mule heads; will not be present. Randoline  – saddle-pack manufacturer; on site to offer advice. Sellerie Boucle d’Or  – offers great trekking saddles with mule-specific tree options; unfortunately not present. Nathalie Rami , from l’élevage des grandes zoreilles , will be on site to talk about mule breeding with her usual benevolence. La sellerie Hiponna  – Perrine will be present with a stand of small leather items—newcomer in the field. Elise RC  – will be there! With or without her Italian-made chaps. Of course, also the Mule Qui Peut  booth, where you'll find books, T-shirts, cookies, cookie-cutters, flyers about breeders, record books, informational materials, and old equipment brought by Pascal Garnier. Not present on site but available via special “Mule Qui Peut” rates: Equirelax  and Hippigo equine transport

The 4 days in mulardie From August 28 to 31, 2025, go to the Vallée aux Cerfs (86) for a unique event around the mules: internship, final of the Muletier Chalenge, competition ... Here is all the information to remember The program Thursday 28 & Friday August 29 Internship with Bob Smith -  Natural Elements Horsemanship   Work on foot or mounted, relationship, finesse, method ... There are 2 places left on 28, 3 places on 29: Inscription No limitation for free candidates Saturday, August 30, final of the Muletier Chalenge A day full of emotion, progression and sharing A surprise demonstration not to miss an international meeting with demonstration of three big pro! Sunday August 31, 1st Pro Mule competition: MULES STRIGER technical course on foot or mounted, test noted Inscription It's great but where is it? At the deer valley, at Anne and Patrick Van Aubel (Vienne, 86) Exact location: ICI How do we get there? Train: closest stations Montmorillon Poitiers Limoges By car: easy access Carpool: A dedicated platform is in place! Caroster It's not complicated: you have room, car or van, you register your journey and the number of available places (human or mule). Looking for a journey ?, You register in the waiting list and voila, you will receive notifications And where do I sleep? Cottage or rental nearby Truck Camping on site possible (toilets and water point) How do we eat? Only the Saturday noon meal will be organized on site For coaches and stakeholders: common pot Possibility to eat together, but notify us very quickly! (logistics & financial participation requested) I have questions? For any questions: contact us via the site form or by private message. By email mulesquipeut@gmail.com We can't wait to meet you for this great moment around the mules! Exhibitors and partners La brasserie tête de mule de Beres Artisanale du Poitou, by our sides from the start SAFE HP Our first partner, present on site AC Custom Saddlery , stools and bridles for mules, we no longer present it, her work speaks for her. On site Tjt etho , halters studied at our mule heads. Cannot be present Randoline , a manufacturer of a building, will be on site to advise you Sellerie Boucle d'Or, upholstery, which unfortunately cannot be present, but super hiking stools with option arches mules Nathalie Rami of the l'élevage des grandes zoreilles she will be on site to speak to you breeding with her usual benevolence La sellerie Hiponna   upholstery will be present with a stand of small leather objects, small news in the business Elise RC   will be there! With its chaps made in Italy And of course the Mule Qui Peut can where you will find books, t-shirts, shortbread, pieces, flyers on breeders, registers, info, and old equipment brought by Pascal Garnier they will not be present but you could call on them, special mule price that can Equirelax Hippigo transport d'équidés

Diferenciado Why the PEGA donkey ???? To make a mule, you need a mare and a donkey. In France we have a beautiful Mulassière tradition and some beautiful donkey breeds. But they are mul -working mules, rather heavy. During the preparation of our trip, we had a hard time finding saddle mules. And when we get back, we said to ourselves that "gaits" mules* would have been interesting to travel ... These fast and comfortable equines for the rider have special looks, known for centuries by riders who want to travel far comfortably. So we want to produce "gaits" saddle mules, and we are turned to the producing countries, on the other side of the Atlantic. To maximize our chances, it takes appearance mares, as well as donkeys ... Some donkeys in all breeds have movements resembling the Amble, but it is very individual and the transmission of this characteristic is random. We have chosen the PEGA because it is selected for these specific looks, and produces mules of appearance in Brazil! So we left there to meet breeders and Perform our knowledge of this race. Donkey Pega is a Brazilian race. There have been donkeys in Brazil since the 1500s, but the PEGA was created and selected from the 1800s. It was at this time that the mining in the Minas Gerais developed and that the need for mules for transport was felt. It was therefore natural to establish donkeys for the production of mules in the Minas Gerais valleys. At the origin of the PEGA race, there are iberic, Egyptian, Andalusian and Italian donkeys. The particular environment of Minas Gerais and the selection of breeders shaped a race with very specific characteristics. It is an essentially mulassic breed in Brazil. Donkeys are not used for work, the mules are preferred to them. Diferenciado The PEGA donkey crossed with a mare gives an excellent product, the mule or the mule of an undeniable capacity for work, the saddle or leisure, which, thanks to its strength, its agility, its rusticity and its sobriety, has a great advantage over its competitors. Today, the PEGA race is the pride of Brazilian national farming. This breed is distinguished by a charismatic physique and special looks. In Brazil, there are Breeding competition (conformation) and gait competitions. We first recognize a PEGA donkey in its slender and slender conformation. It is like "air under the belly". His head with a busy profile is trapezoidal, especially not triangular. We also notice its long lanceolate ears, which sometimes have the tips that touch. Its size is average, up to 1m40. It is a very docile and lively donkey, close to man. He has special looks, the "Picada walk" and the "Batida merchant". The first is similar to the Tölt, and the second is a kind of trot without suspension time. Both are fast and comfortable for the rider. Crossed with appearance mares, we get the shape mules that am upset, tend or use the Batida merchant, according to mares skills. In Brazil it is the Mangalarga Marchador who are mainly crossed with these donkeys. Icaro et Isabela la relève To be informed of breeding news, do not hesitate to subscribe to our free newsletter: https://framagroupes.org/sympa/subscribe/news-globe-crotters?previous_action=info * Mule / horse "of gaits": equine which has, in addition to the step, trotting and galloping, specific additional looks, for example Tölt, Amble, Marcha Picada, Merchant Batida, Saddle Rack, Amble Rompu, Running Walk, Singlefoot, etc. These looks do not include suspension time and are generally side, except the Batida merchant, which is a slightly broken trot. Anouk and Dominic, their site: Les belles bourriques du Pont- Loup

The months of April and May were treacherous for our trainers. No dropouts, but forced breaks. It's true that a lot can happen in a human's life in seven months! And when that human is accompanied by animals, as our trainers are, it can sometimes multiply the obstacles. The good news: no dropouts! And even the arrival of a new trainer... a rather unusual one! Ju Micamb She had to limp along (due to a serious sprain) in the rehabilitation of Athos, the little devil who suffered from previous handholds. The pace is slow, but progress is evident. Athos had a huge problem with hand contact... Today, he comes to seek contact on his own. Click to see the Playlist Xavier Gravelle Xavier had some big personal problems from the start of the Challenge, but he warned us: "I'm not giving up!" And here he is again with the beautiful Grelot, for whom this break was ultimately beneficial. He stayed in the herd for three months, a necessary adaptation time for him: to adapt, to settle down, and to go from being a complete wild mule to an almost domesticated gelding. This adaptation time is sometimes essential. Click to see the Playlist Amazone Lune A true warrior, Julie! Faithful to her role, with her precisely crafted vlogs, she shares her daily life with Métisse and Vampette—a concentration of humor and tenderness. But let's not forget that her true Challenge mule is the handsome blond: Merlin with the big ears. Julie has had it all in two months: pony breeder (magnificent foals, by the way...), a catastrophic birth, foaling complications, piroplasmosis in her stallion, colic, a flood... And yet, here she is, standing tall, and fully committed. Click to see the Playlist Camille Navilod Also faithful to the post... except when her phone is broken! She shares a very educational work with Filou, impressive in his stature, but who seems overflowing with good will. Click to see the Playlist Julien Joukje He too wasn't spared, but he shared with us some great videos of Kalypso's work, where we can sense the knowledge and rigor, but also a great deal of respect for Kalypso. Most recently, a good friend of Kalypso's, Napalm, lost his sight. He's the pilot fish, and it's going to be impossible to separate Kalypso from his blind friend. Julien will do what he can. Click to see the Playlist Iloa Cuccilino Our youngest, as young as she is, has had her share of personal problems, but she's back in the race, that's a promise! Click to see the Playlist Nikita And yes, our new trainer is none other than Nikita the mule, who's back in the race. This time, she's the trainer! She's brought Maëva, aka Mae-Equus Anima, a truly amazing human, into the adventure. Another stroke of luck from the great Mule, who organized a wonderful encounter: Nikita, true to form, has undertaken to educate this human, a novice when it comes to mules, and no other, to reveal to her the secrets of the muleteering art. She will be marked down harshly, especially if there's any human abuse involved! Click to see the Playlist Natural Elements Horsemanship the bonus! Bob indirectly participates in the Muletier Challenge. Still relatively unknown in France, he now publishes a video every Friday for the French-speaking public, so that everyone can discover his philosophy and approach. He will arrive in France at the end of August to lead a short tour of workshops, in conjunction with his participation in the Challenge finals. To learn more, click on the photo. To learn more, click on the photo See you in early July for new adventures! A big thank you to all the dedicated coaches, without whom none of this would be possible. Your passion and commitment make all the difference. See you soon!