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In Europe There are a few isolated muleteers in Belgium, but some of them are really good! Florence Hurlet (Planet Ster), Muriel Herion England is a bit like France, without the mountains and the south! But there are a few mules, who are pampered, with a special mention for Ellen Cochrane. In Italy: History has left its mark here, and mules are still frequently used for mountain transport and timber hauling. An extraordinary man, Enrico Maria Scolari, an Italian, put his mule to the test. In Spain, the famous Aréna mule fair in Andalusia demonstrates the country's attachment to mules, of which there are many more than in France. ​ North America In the US, the mule is king, with its own day, the Mules Day, and its own challenges, the famous Mules Makeover. A specific discipline is practised here: free mule jumping. The event ends with an auction, where the amount reached is between $10,000 and $20,000. In Canada, it depends on the state, but overall it's not a popular animal, even if the winner of the 2023 Missouri Mule Makeover is a Canadian from the state of Alberta. This has to do with climate and history; as feeding horses in winter was too difficult and expensive, early settlers used donkeys almost exclusively, as they were easier to train, so there were no donkey-horse encounters. SOUTH AMERICA A land of mules too, magnificent animals, an age-old culture, not always subtle, but very beautiful. In the rest of the world No or very little information for the moment. This blog post will be completed as and when it is available.

The mule route Old Europe is criss-crossed by mule trails, and let's not forget that the mule guild was the ancestor of truckers. They have all more or less disappeared. But thanks to the initiative of Equiliberté, the mule route has been reopened. In Poitou, and more specifically in the Mellois and Gâtine regions, the breeding of donkeys/mules has held a significant place since the Middle Ages. It was in the 19th century that this Poitou activity reached its peak and achieved exceptional results, especially in terms of export. In 1886, more than 20,000 heads were exported, and the total population was 240,000 heads. 80% of sales were exported to Spain and Italy. The exportation was either entirely on foot to Dauphiné, the south, and Italy, with a possible return to Spain, or by boat to Spain from Nantes after a journey on foot. From 1890 onwards, this situation deteriorated, lasting until 1977... Mainly produced in Poitou-Charentes, young mules were transported to the East of France to be raised, trained, and finally handed over to users. The transportation of travelers, goods, the army with its equipment, and challenging agricultural work—all these tasks could only be accomplished with sturdy animals like the mule, which has often proven itself throughout history. Under the auspices of the national federation of equestrian hikers EquiLiberté, Guy Bouillaud, founder of UDRE 79 (Union of Equestrian Hikers of Deux-Sèvres) / EquiLiberté 79, and EquiLiberté National, wanted to rehabilitate the "Route des Mulets" with the aim of highlighting this activity concerning the history of mules and its impact on communication between regions and countries. Many traces can be found in cities and villages, and they are highlighted during this equestrian activity of past years. In 2021, the Route des Mulets came back to life, with Christian Michel starting from Champdenier, the starting point of the Mule Route, to Bourganeuf in Creuse. In 2022, Philippe Baudet and Gérald Yart, in charge of major routes at the EquiLiberté federation, embarked on the Route des Mulets but had to interrupt their journey in Marcenod (42) due to an injury to one of the mules. In 2023, a team of 7 mules and 3 humans, Emile Brager and his 13-year-old son Olivier, and Gérald Yart, resumed the journey from Marcenod to finally complete the Route des Mulets. Following these various journeys, the initial itinerary will be slightly modified. The itinerary was made possible thanks to the work of some EquiLiberté members and, for the alpine part, thanks to some professionals in equestrian tourism—all of whom are thanked here! A nice site to visit

Florence Hurlet and Jacob the Mule Belgian champion in 2017 and 2019. Runner-up in 2016. 3rd at the 2019 European Cup. I'll have to take a look at the Belgian Cup. 24th at the european championships in Italy in 2018. 34th at the world championships in France in 2022. Nathalie Rami, élevage des grandes zoreilles, carriage driving Here is the story of two Mules and two Mules de Sport. French T.R.E.C champions in Driving pair category in 2012 , 2013 , 2014 and 2017 ! French T.R.E.C champions in team driving in 2015 -2016 and 2018! Vices Champions de France de T.R.E.C en Attelage catégorie team en 2017 et 2019 ! Les Globes-Crotters Anouk and Dominic, 19 months with 4 mules across Europe from the Atlantic to the Black Sea and back home 10,000 Km Joined by Koutche in Bulgaria, an unusual dog, just like his traveling companions. Des nouveaux talents se profilent...A suivre donc...

Writing about mules is pretty rare, unless you speak English. But here's what we have on hand: Le Mulet Intime, by Adolphe Guenon, the bible, republished in 1999 under the title "la grande histoire du mulet" thanks to Olivier Courthiade and Jacques Clouteau. The Meredith Lodges Books Mule stories, by Olivier Courthiade The Cordoba bibliomule (comic strip) L'école des Mules, children's book Le Mulet Valésien Mules and Mules, exceptional animals, Eric Rousseau Loys Bastide and his Charline Pierre Albert Clément, a must-read Les Muletiers, by Pierre Pancrazy Bibliography for long-distance riders And our last two, our favorites Brèves de Mules, collective work (à commander sur brevesdemules@outlook.fr) La folie des glandeurs François ou l'or des muletiers Authors: Escoulen, Daniel

The mule is a versatile animal: if you choose the mother's origin carefully, you'll find her in all equestrian disciplines, where she often excels. Let's not forget that the animal is intelligent, and once it has chosen you and given you its heart, it will do anything to please you, and it has the means to do so... She does very well in TREC, Mountain horse, equifeel and all Western disciplines, depending on her mother's origins in dressage, Wallace the Mule being a good example, in show jumping and eventing. Harnessing and animal traction remain the mules' preferred fields of activity. Thanks to their intelligence and great sensitivity, they excel in equicoaching and equitherapy. Long-haul travelers, who can set off for anywhere from a few weeks to several years with equines as crew members, also give mules a very special place. Emile Brager, co-founder of CALC (Cavaliers Au Long Cours) and author of the essential book "Techniques du voyage à cheval", has made a major contribution to their promotion. Each mule is unique

Immerse yourself in the eccentric world of mules with "Brèves de Mules". "Brèves de mules" is a collective and associative work made up of 95 short stories and anecdotes, funny or moving, illustrating both the joys and difficulties of working with this animal, little known to the general public. Some are very short, others several pages long, slices of life, small anecdotes, very personal feelings - in short, a patchwork of varied stories that give an idea of the mule's uniqueness, temperament and incredible qualities, and of what it means to have a relationship with this animal. Reading these stories should delight those already familiar with our hybrid, and perhaps inspire others to get closer! The book has no author, but 67 co-authors. It features some fifty photos and as many drawings, by some twenty illustrators. With 244 well-crafted pages, its aim is to raise awareness of the mule as a hybrid animal (or mule if it's a male!), as books on the subject are rare in the French language. The associations "La Maison du Mulet" and  "HIPPOTESE" contributed financially to the production of this book, as did several members of the CALC association (Cavaliers Au Long Cours). Rémy, a member of these three associations, was the driving force behind the idea, gathering together the stories and designing the layout of the book with the indispensable help of his wife Véronique. The book, which sells for 15 euros (plus postage where applicable), can be purchased in several ways: You can purchase it at the boutique of the Maison du Mulet in Seyne les Alpes or by contacting this association through the HIPPOTESEassociation. You can also submit a request via email to the following address managed by Rémy: brevesdemules@outlook.fr.

Mule who are you? The mule is a hybrid, resulting from the crossbreeding of a mare and a donkey, referred to as a mule for the female and a mulet for the male. As for the crossbreeding of a jenny and a horse, it becomes a bardot or bardote. Similar to a bardot, the animal is complex, being brilliant and intelligent; it reasons, discusses, negotiates. It is a highly sensitive being that never forgets. It is better to spend time winning over its heart, in which case it will lead you to the ends of the earth, than to strike it, which could result in, at the very least, hospital stays. It is an epicurean, enjoying taking the time to live, contemplate, play, and lie down to watch the clouds, all while nibbling on a few blades of grass within reach of its snout. It is a hard worker when motivated for the job; without motivation, it becomes bored and remains stationary. If you have a good connection with it, it's just like having a big dog. However, it must express its opinion— the mule chooses you! There is no question of saying, "he/she is a beautiful model, I'll buy it." No, no, no. It's a love story; I love you, do you love me? This inevitably leads to an exclusive and often deeply bonded relationship. "You have to live it to feel it; it doesn't express itself with words," muleteers often say. Mule what do you eat? The mule is a frugal animal that is content with little. An old proverb states that it can feed on a field of stones, and the corollary is that on fertile ground, it can quickly gain weight. It inherits its feeding behavior from both parents, adopting both the grazing behavior of its mother and also that of its father, consuming branches, brambles, tree leaves, and woody plants. Despite this, a supply of trace elements is necessary, including a regular portion of salt. Mules in France They are present in the folklore of southern France, where enthusiasts preserve the ancient traditions. In the Alpes de Haute Provence, there is an important association that acts as a guardian of mule culture: La maison du Mulet Still sometimes used for carrying loads in the high mountains, they have found a new role as leisure animals, replacing horses for some or serving as pets. Olivier Courthiade one of the oldest French muleteers and an adopted Ariège resident, has spent his life educating mules, writing, playing the piano, and lovingly cooking for his friends. He exemplifies the qualities of a muleteer - sensitivity, intelligence, love. The ancient art of muleteering still exists in France, but be aware that whether young or older, they can be counted on one hand. Mules in the high mountains Sure-footed, afraid of nothing, she is the ideal companion for hikes, carrying, where she can show initiative, hence her interest Stronger than a horse, agile like a cat, thoughtful, tender and affectionate when you have won her heart In animal traction For working in the vines, her little feet, the alignment of her steps, her calm and reflection make her an ideal companion. We also find it in logging, hauling mules with unrivaled strength and always this notion of reflection which characterizes these equines.

In the gentle French countryside, where fields stretch as far as the eye can see, fascinating and unique creatures are born: mules. Resulting from an unusual union between donkeys and mares, mules are the fruit of a delicate and complex nature. Natural Challenges of Mulesque Breeding Breeding mules is a challenge, an unnatural challenge even. Donkeys and mares do not share the same codes of seduction, making reproduction complex. A donkey may refuse to mate with a mare, and vice versa. Differences in scent, posture and behavior between the two species add a layer of complexity. The mare, expressive and sometimes aggressive, reacts differently from the donkey, who is more docile. The act of mating can be tumultuous, sometimes requiring prior familiarity between the future parents to ensure success. The Importance of Selection and Handling In the world of musk breeding, parent selection is crucial. Since mules are hybrid beings, part horse, part donkey but also neither, they behave differently, requiring special attention. In France, two breeds of mules are recognized: the Poitevine mule and the Pyrenees mule. In addition to these breeds, there are donkey/mare crosses giving birth to mules with papers. These documents determine the level of participation in official equestrian competitions, establishing performance criteria. Genetic and Behavioral Challenges Genetically, most mules are sterile due to their unique chromosome configuration. During meiosis, cell division, hybridization creates an individual with 63 chromosomes, making the animal sterile. However, despite this sterility, mules can exhibit reactions typical of stallions or donkeys, requiring castration to prevent behavioral problems. Education: Key to Success Raising the mules is a crucial step. Hypersensitive hybrids, they require a gentle and consistent approach. Breeders play an essential role in establishing bonds of trust from the first days of life. Daily handling, awareness of various situations and the creation of bonds with humans are fundamental. Each positive experience helps build the mule's trust in humans, establishing a deep and respectful bond. The Role of Passionate Breeders In France, a few passionate breeders devote themselves to breeding mules. Their expertise and commitment are invaluable as they preserve this complex and unique tradition. Among them, names such as the Grandes Z'Oreilles breeding, the Erika Pons breeding and the Marie Layral breeding are recognized for their quality. Mulesque breeding, a demanding and exciting profession, reveals the beauty and complexity of these hybrid creatures. Each mule, with its unique character, is a testimony to the commitment of the breeders and the magic of the union between two species. Educating, understanding and respecting these extraordinary hybrids are the keys to perpetuating their legacy and making them travel, confident, alongside humans. A mule is much more than just an animal. It is a lesson in humility, love and trust, embodied in every look, every stride and every moment shared.

Mule where are you from? The origin of mules and mules is hidden from us by the impenetrable veil of the dawn of time. Its existence implies the simultaneous presence in the same country of the horse and the donkey. The historical documents bequeathed to us by the East allow us to go further back into the past of these animals, the writings left by the Latin authors lack precision, they confuse in the generic name of "Jumenta", all of the beasts of burden and harness making up army convoys. The mule often appears in ancient Assyrian bas-reliefs, and according to Mr. Pietrement, the first oriental mules must have originated in the Asian regions between the Ganges and the Mediterranean coast of Syria. This is where Asian horses (Mongols) first encountered African donkeys. In the Annals of the Kings of Assyria, mules are frequently mentioned around 1200 BC. Among the Hebrews, during the time of King David (10th century BC), the mule was the usual mount for the leaders of Israel. After the murder of their brother Amnon, David's sons each fled on a mule. After David's reign, the Bible often makes reference to mules. Homer (800-740 BC) provides many details establishing the antiquity of their existence in Asia Minor and Greece. Mules were sometimes offered as gifts, indicating their high regard. Herodotus (480-425 BC) tells us that the Persians used mules in their wars against the Scythians. Their braying and long ears startled the Scythian horses, a phenomenon still constant in the horse world today. Mules were present at the siege of Babylon. Xerxes, the Persian king, also used them when fighting against the Greeks. Diodorus informs us that Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) brought a multitude of pack and harness mules from Babylon. Diodorus of Sicily, a Greek historian from the 1st century BC, shows that three centuries after Aristotle, there was an absence or at least extreme rarity of donkeys and mules among the Gauls of the English Channel coast. It was horses that were used. The domestication of the European donkey dates back to the Hispanian center, around the polished stone age. Pliny (23-79 AD) talks about donkeys used for plowing but whose main purpose is to produce mules. Moreover, the term "Mulus" was used for the mare-donkey hybrid, and "Hinnus" for the mule, a root preserved by the Anglo-Saxons, where "bardot" translates to "Hinny." According to Mr. Pietrement, the oldest precise date indicating the use of mules in the West goes back to 534 BC. It was during the Gallo-Roman period that the animal spread across Europe. In Italy, the papal court's etiquette did not allow for mutilated subjects to be used in harnessing. The disobedience of male mules was a hindrance to their use, leaving only mules for the Pope's carriage. Italian nobles adjusted their own etiquette to that of the pontiff, riding mules instead of mulets. According to Mr. Sanson, in Italy, mules make up half of the equine population. In the Iberian Peninsula, they exceed this proportion. In Spain, mule breeding competed with horse breeding for a long time. The proliferation of mules had nearly wiped out the good horse breed in the two Castiles, Asturias, and Galicia. Mules were exclusively reserved for luxury carriages; those of Philip V, King of Spain (1663-1746), consisted of six coaches drawn by six mules. 20,000 mules passed from France to Spain each year, and it was during Joseph Bonaparte's reign that the use of horses became widespread. In Pau and Biarritz, wealthy Spaniards who came for the season brought splendid teams of mules. In France, mule breeding was introduced from a very distant period, thanks to the Saracens, who were later defeated by Charles Martel at Poitiers. In 1498, Louis XII and his retinue went on a pilgrimage from Chinons to Angers, with teams of mules and horses. Louis XII himself rode a mule. In France it was the army in the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries that would be in great demand for mules, Napoleon crossed the Alps on his mule. Civilian mules are used almost everywhere in the French mountains for transport and agriculture. Demand is therefore strong and entire regions specialize in breeding mules and mules: Poitou, the south east, the Pyrenees, the south of the Cévennes and Franche-Comté. In the middle of the 19th century, the French “mulasse industry” was powerful and heavily exporting. The arrival of motorized vehicles has caused this animal to fall into disgrace; no one needs it anymore, despite a still significant presence in Greece, Italy and Spain. However, they have retained an important place on the American continent, North and South. Napoléon a franchit les Alpes sur sa mule. Ref- La grande histoire du mulet. A.Guenon Édition du vieux crayon- Mémoires des ânes et des mulets Gérard Rossini Édition Équinoxe For further : https://leg8.fr/armee-romaine/mules-route/?fbclid=IwAR0oxJd0dH6tPkXRq5ySHHJhlO8z6U9bVsNzXnGaa7TbTYKbQ4ZXD1GAc-U https://archeorient.hypotheses.org/10538 A big job: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/20655454.pdf The mule in the Middle Ageshttps://books.openedition.org/pus/12985?lang=fr&fbclid=IwAR3cjyER0RafOF-57VMp72G7Tr9W1mVMR-wlzMbaPMhqDfIAvUEK27MYil0

At the heart of each mule lies a singularity, its own essence. Whether a balanced mix of horse and donkey or a more complex combination, each mule is inimitable. However, dressing these hybrid creatures proves to be a challenge in its own right. The Art of Communicating: The Mouth of the Mule Mules have their own language, and it is essential to understand their sensitivity. While pulling on a mule's mouth won't get you anywhere, it's crucial to master the nuances of ennasures and mouthpieces. Ennasures vary, but hackamore is often preferred. As for bits, each mule has its preference, sometimes requiring countless trials to find the right one. Among them, the Myler MB36 handset stands out by first communicating with the nose before engaging the tongue and bars. Bridons and Cabestre: Between Tradition and Functionality The large ears of mules require special bridles. A net opening at the headrest is ideal, and due to the width at the base of the ears, tailoring is often necessary. The Cabestre, a traditional halter, is both ornamental and functional. In Spain, it includes a cavesson inside the noseband, providing a means of restraint if necessary. Some models even allow the addition of a bit. Exceptional pieces, such as those from Claude Garrabé's collection, bear witness to the art of this accessory. The identification plate on the front of the halter made it possible to determine the owner The Prickly Problem of Stools: Customized or Nothing! Finding a suitable saddle for a mule is an arduous quest. If your mule has a horse's back, standard saddles may be suitable. However, if its morphology is more complex, tailor-made becomes imperative. A special saddle and bat post will be made Conclusion: The Subtle Art of Dressing a Mule Each mule is a blank canvas, a unique equine with its own preferences and characteristics. Dressing a mule thus becomes a subtle art, combining tradition, functionality and a deep understanding of each individual. It's not just about bridles and saddles, but about a deep connection between human and animal, where mutual respect and understanding are the key words. The art of dressing is ultimately the art of understanding and respecting the exceptional nature of each mule. 🐴✨ Source of images: “The Art of the Hybrid Equine” by Claude Garrabé.

In the picturesque corners of France, where the mountains embrace the plains, mule drivers maintain a delicate balance between patience and perseverance, calm and self-control. Their job is not limited to the art of guiding mules; it is a subtle dance between human and animal, where communication goes beyond words and is expressed through gestures and emotions. The Qualities of the Mule Driver: A Palette of Attributes The mule driver embodies a set of essential attributes: - Patience: He waits, observes and understands the nuances of each mule. - Perseverance: Faced with challenges, he persists with determination, guiding the mule at every step. - Calm: In the eye of the storm, the mule driver maintains his composure, thus reassuring the animal. - Self-Control: He controls his emotions, providing the mule with a stable and predictable environment. - Humor: He appreciates the mischievous side of the mule, knowing that humor is a key to his heart. Communication: Body Language and Emotions Much more than a simple verbal exchange, communication with a mule is based on body and emotional language. Authenticity is essential; any feint is immediately detected. The mule responds to sincerity, recognizing the authentic mule driver among the crowd of impostors. While the horse may show understanding, the mule requires a deep connection, based on mutual trust. The Mule Driver’s Vocabulary So even if the verbal language of the mule driver is important, the palette of vocabulary going from unicorn pink to the dark purple of strangling rage, whatever the language, the mule can understand it. Small Mulardian glossary: - Mulatitude: Attitude which consists of sticking to one's positions - Mulitude: Form of adoration that borders on ecstasy - Mulopath: Subject who thinks mule, speaks mule, omnibile - Multitude: Have plenty of mules - Multernelle: Having a maternal relationship with a mule goes both ways -Mulardie: Refers to the place where we meet mules, the landmarks are Mulonian - Having fun: When you play stupidly with your mule - Mulletry: Rebellion of the mule, but can also be said during a rebellion of the mule driver, who must combine the crimson color of his coat to frighten. It is also the order of mule drivers, one enters after a ceremony where the new one undergoes adulation. - Mulinerie: Do something stupid but power mule - Muletypasse: Mule that is used for everything - Mulicien: said of a person who knows how to put mules to music. - I'm in a hurry: Insult ​The Unique Language of Mules: A Universe to Discover The mule has its own lexicon, a fascinating mix of noises ranging from soft murmurs to more intense vocalizations. From the soothing sound of the call to the loud squeak, each sound is an expression of his emotional state. Between the bray of the dad and the neighing of the mom, the mule reveals itself through rich and varied sound ranges. She communicates her moods, her joys and her frustrations with astonishing precision. Quand plus rien ne va The mule driver sits down, picks up a good book, meditates on his mistake or prays to the patron saints of mule drivers Saint Eloi and St Antoni dels Porquets

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