Ask Meredith – Buying
When buying an equine, ask for a soundness check from a reputable veterinarian. Check the health records and registration papers on the equine you are buying, and try him out a couple of times and visit him more than just once before taking him home. Buying at an auction is risky, so bring a knowledgeable person with you if you plan to bid at an auction, and make sure all paperwork is in order. The best place to buy is from a reputable breeder. Often, you can see both parents, the facility where they live, and the way they train. This can give you a clearer picture of the kind of equine you are buying. Ask for and check references.
Click on the title below to see the complete question and answer.
Buying a Mule
Question: I'm looking to buy a young molly. She is not quite 1 year old. When I go to look at her, can you give me 1/2 dozen things to look for in confirmation and behavior?
Answer: Here are some things to look at:
1. While someone holds her lead, stand in front of her and just far enough away that she must stretch her neck to touch you. Take some dirt in your hand and let it trickle out of your hand and fall to the ground. What does the mule do? Is she curious? Does she ignore you or try to leave? This is a way to test the trainability of the animal and to test for a negative disposition. The animal with a trainable and amicable disposition is the one who is curious about what you are doing and does not get frightened and leave or ignore you. Her eyes should be soft and not fixed. Ears should be expressive and attentive. The mule should want to come to you.
2. Check the body for any scarring or signs of severe trauma, hernias, and irregularities.
3. Stand back and look at the animal's overall structure. It should appear to be balanced and smooth. There should be a good and equal angle at the hip and shoulder and neither a back that's too long nor too short. Legs should be set in square to the animal's torso and be straight with clean bone. The animal should look as one animal, not one animal made from a lot of different parts.
4. Check the feet carefully for any flaws or inconsistencies, cracks, rotting, etc.
5. Check the teeth and compare to chart for accuracy of age and health.
6. Watch the animal while someone walks and trots him on the lead line. The gaits should be rhythmic and regular.
7. Get a vet check!
Mule-Donkey Location Help
Question: I would like to know if you can be of assistance to me in my search. My father would like to have a mule or a donkey. Since I am very supportive of the Human Society I thought that it might be a good idea for my father to search for a young mule/donkey that is not of show quality. I can assure you that this animal would end up being a pet.
My father has a piece of property that is fenced and plenty of water and food should be of no concern to the present owner, along with getting the animal current of shots. My father (many years ago) farmed with mules and donkeys. So now that he is retired he spends all of his him out on his acreage that he has.
My dad took care of "Buddy" for 3 months. He became so attached to this little guy that it was hard to see him go. Anyway, if you know of anyone in the CO, NE, MT area that may have a young one that needs a good home, thanks!
Answer: You are so very kind to be thinking of your father this way and I hope we can help you to find an animal that would do. Is he set on having a mule, or would a donkey do? If so, you might want to contact the Bureau of Land Management and see about adopting a young burro. If they are young enough, they need good homes and make excellent pets.
I no longer breed and sell mules to the public but you can check in the Classified Ads section at www.luckythreeranch.com and see if there are any offered, or you can put up your own ad asking for one. The service is free.
Should I Get a Mule?
Question: I live on a 30-acre farm in middle Ga. I have always been interested in Mules. I am a beginning rider. Should I get a mule? If so what kind, how old, how big etc.
Answer: I think you should do a little research before you make up your mind. If you are a beginning rider, then you should do this anyway. If you already have an interest in mules, then you should find out as much as you can about them, so you can decide just what type you would want.
We have developed a series of books and videos that can help you do that and when you decide what you would like to have in a mule, I know where to get it. Most people who had horses and tried mules don't like to ride horses that much anymore!
