BUYING A MULE - WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
The following guide lines were written by Hurley Hughes during a discussion on the MulesOnly list.
#1. Show up 'cold turkey' and ask the seller to go catch and halter the mule. Pay attention as he is lead up to the barn and tied. Tied! If you can't tie him up without him tearing the barn down ... you are already in trouble!
#2. Look at his head real good. Are both eyes level on his head (no deformities!) and are both eyes sound. Meaning ... is he blind or impaired?
#3. Look in his mouth. Any teeth kicked out? Age? Look at his tongue. Any cuts / scars?
#4. Does he act silly when you touch his face, head, ears?
#5. Look at his back. Saddle marks, scars?
#6. Look at his legs. Any scars, lumps, bumps or knots that don't belong there?
#7. Look at his feet. Side bones, ring bone, founder, wire cuts, etc.
#8 Ask that the seller go around and pick up each foot. Here is where you want to start watching this mules eyes, ears, tail and over all attitude. Judge by what you SEE not by what you are being told.
#9. Ask that the SELLER drag out the tack and put it all on the mule. While he is STILL tied up. Keep your eyes wide open, looking for problems. He may want to pull back at this point, kick, or maybe even lay down. Disregard any BS stories that are told to you and make YOUR judgment by what you SEE!
#10. Stay off of this mule! Make the seller mount the mule and ride the mule while you watch. Is his tail up under his hind legs? Does he have a hump in his back? Are his ears loose and relaxed? Is he showing signs of not wanting to ride away from the barn?
#11. If all has gone well and you like what you are seeing, it is your turn to handle and ride the mule now. Assuming that you do ride well? For the first few rounds and until you get a good 'feel' for this mule, stay in a small round pen or similar.
#12. Have the seller load the mule in a trailer with no help from you. Two horse trailer maybe?
#13. Make your decision! Or ... call in a consultant.
reproduced with permission.
(Hurley runs the Cowboy Trade Day Event twice a year in Claremore, Oklahoma. It looks to be a lot of fun!)
Other things to consider:
-- Hire a vet for a pre-sale examiniation - don’t use the same vet as the seller.
-- Arrive at least 30 min before an appointment and watch in case the seller is getting the mule tacked up and ready for you.