Furry Diary

Mule

Equus mulus

Also called John, Jack, Molly, Mare mule

hybridShort profile

From The mule is a hybrid of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare), first bred before 1000 BC in Anatolia and Mesopotamia.11

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan25 to 40 years2
Sizelarge
Extremely strong for their size
Intelligent and highly trainable
Long-lived and hardy
Less flighty than horses in danger
34

Looks how to spot one

Short, smooth coat

Mules have a coat that can be any colour seen in horses or donkeys, often with pale areas on the belly, muzzle and legs, and sometimes primitive markings like a dorsal stripe or zebra stripes on the legs.1

ColoursAll horse and donkey coloursOften mealy points on muzzle and belly1

Personality what they are like

Mules are intelligent, sensitive and cautious. They think before acting, which can be mistaken for stubbornness, but they are actually very trainable if handled with patience and kindness. They form strong memories and do not forget harsh treatment.35

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Mules need plenty of time outdoors in a secure paddock with high fencing, as they can jump from a standstill. They require mental stimulation and regular exercise, whether in-hand, under saddle or just running in a field.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Hooves need trimming every 6 to 10 weeks by an experienced farrier. Mules can be nervous about foot care if not trained early. Groom the coat regularly. Routine veterinary and dental care is essential, but mules may need a vet familiar with their different reactions to drugs.31

Home where they are happiest

Mules need secure, high fencing because they can jump fences from a standstill. They need shelter, space to exercise, and a companion equine. They are hardy and adapt to many climates, but should not be stabled for long periods as they do not settle well.35

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed like a donkey: most of the diet should be straw, with limited hay or grazing. Do not give grain or cereal-based feeds. Mules store water efficiently and can drink up to 15 gallons daily. Avoid overfeeding to prevent laminitis.31

Company who they like around

Mules need the company of another equine, such as a horse, pony, donkey or another mule. They are intelligent and social; long periods alone can cause stress.35

The story where it all began

Mules have been bred for thousands of years, first in the region now known as Turkey and Iraq before 1000 BC. They were prized as pack animals in warfare and for carrying goods in rough terrain because of their strength, sure-footedness and calm nature. Today they are kept as working animals, for riding, driving, and as companion pets.13

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Mule. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Mule, and what should it eat?

Feed your mule like a donkey: most of the diet should be straw, with limited hay or grazing. Avoid grain or cereal-based feeds to prevent laminitis. Furry Diary's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water daily, and always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.31 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Mule?

Avoid feeding your mule any foods from the ASPCA list, such as chocolate, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Also, do not give grain or cereal-based feeds. For a full list, consult your vet or a good breeder.61

How much space and land does a Mule need?

Mules need a secure paddock with high fencing, as they can jump from a standstill. They require plenty of space to exercise and roam, along with a companion equine. The exact amount varies, so ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.35

What kind of shelter does a Mule need?

Mules need a shelter that protects them from extreme weather, but they should not be stabled for long periods as they do not settle well. They are hardy and adapt to many climates. Provide a dry, draft-free area with bedding.35

How do I look after a Mule's hooves or feet?

Hooves need trimming every 6 to 10 weeks by an experienced farrier. Mules can be nervous about foot care if not trained early, so start handling their feet gently from a young age. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily hoof picking and farrier visits every 8 weeks.31 Furry Diary plan

Does a Mule need grooming or shearing?

Yes, groom your mule's coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. Mules do not typically need shearing, but routine grooming helps bond with them. Always check for any skin issues and consult a vet if needed.31

Can a Mule live alone?

No, mules need the company of another equine, such as a horse, pony, donkey, or another mule. Long periods alone can cause stress. Furry Diary's starting plan emphasizes that they should never be left alone.35 Furry Diary plan

How long does a Mule live?

Mules typically live between 25 and 40 years, so they are a long-term commitment. With proper care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.2

Is a Mule good with children?

Mules are intelligent, sensitive, and cautious, so they can be good with children if handled with patience and kindness. However, they form strong memories and do not forget harsh treatment, so always supervise interactions. Ask a good breeder for specific advice.35

What regular vet care does a Mule need?

Routine veterinary and dental care is essential, and mules may need a vet familiar with their different reactions to drugs. Furry Diary's starting plan includes annual teeth checks. Always consult your vet for a tailored health schedule.31 Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. en.wikipedia.org: Mule en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight kg, height cm, length cm, coat or body, colours, grooming or care, diet basics, history
  2. spectrumcare.pet: mule spectrumcare.petused for weight kg, lifespan years
  3. thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk: caring for mules and hinnies thedonkeysanctuary.org.ukused for height cm, length cm, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
  4. britishmulesociety.co.uk: mule information britishmulesociety.co.ukused for best traits
  5. aspcapro.org: donkey care handbook 5th edition aspcapro.orgused for temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, social needs
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. mynewhorse.equusmagazine.com: thinking about getting a mule heres what you need to know mynewhorse.equusmagazine.comused for fun fact
  8. spectrumcare.pet: mule care guide for beginners spectrumcare.pet
  9. a-z-animals.com: mule a-z-animals.com
  10. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  13. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.