So much for buying my first mule. Donk was a complete bust -- horribly ugly with a personality to match. I should have know just by hearing his name, but I was willing to give him a look.Here's how it all started...
A few weeks ago, I told my trainer that I think I'm ready to start shopping for my first mule. While I'm not sure how I'll swing the purchase, I've been assured that it takes a good long time to find the right animal, so I thought I'd have her begin the search.
Personal observation: My requirements for this mule are few -- safe to ride on the trail, older than nine, and younger than 20. Other than that I've made the decision to keep my nose out of it and let my trainer do the shopping.
A few days ago, my trainer called to let me know that she had heard about a mule that might be a good fit for me. After a brief discussion, I agreed to let her set up an appointment with the owners. The next evening we set out to meet him. The owners lived nearby, so it was a short trip.
As we drove up to the house, we saw Donk tied to a tree out front. I was struck by his appearance. This had to be the ugliest mule I've ever seen! He was pure white with beady little eyes. His mane had been roached, but the forelock remained. Not a good look in the mule world. To top it off, his head was huge and horribly unattractive.
I'd be lying if I said that my heart didn't sink a bit at the sight of him. That said, I was still willing to take a look. I'm familiar with the saying, "You can't ride pretty," and I don't plan to be the one to challenge that wisdom. I would let my trainer guide me in this little expedition.
The owners came out and introduced themselves. They seemed like a very nice couple. They said that they'd purchased Donk to take on hunting trips, but found that it was more trouble that it was worth to bring him along. Made sense to me.
Then the husband, "Bill" said he'd give a riding demonstration and proceeded to tack up the mule. (My trainer never rides an animal that the owner won't ride.) Donk showed a little annoyance when accepting the bridle, but Bill did not have gentle hands, so we gave him a pass.
Once he was ready to go, Bill climbed aboard and rode Donk quietly up and down the driveway. The mule was calm and willing at both the walk and the trot. Bill didn't canter him, but I was in search of a good, safe trail horse, not a show animal.
Things were looking pretty good at that point. Despite his appearance, Donk appealed to me. He was gentle and sweet. In fact, he reminded me a little of Winnie the Pooh.
On the drive home, my trainer and I discussed Donk's advantages and faults. Since I wasn't buying a show animal, the looks weren't important. Plus, I liked his demeanor. We quickly came to a conclusion -- though I wasn't ready to buy him, I'd gladly take him for a trial period.
That evening, my trainer made the call and the owners agreed to let me try him out for two weeks. We would pick him up the next day...
Photo: Donk, the wonder mule!
