[Anyplace Farm]

I didn't even bother to see how many nay-sayers might be telling the poster (considering to convert a Saddlebred to being a jumper) that the Saddlebred wouldn't do well as a jumper. My response was that if mules could do it, why couldn't a Saddlebred?

Anyone remember back when mules actually did compete in the jumpers but were later outlawed?

Anyone else get a kick out of the mule jumping competitions and the fact that they do it from a standstill? That mule's got room to spare!

Anyone know who this guy is? Must've been a big deal to make it on Life magazine.

[Eklecktika]

I don't have any answer to the questions in the OP, but I have to say-

I rode for a local horse trader in college, and we would routinely get mules in. I went with him to ride a few through the sale at HC Mules Days in OR, and if you haven't been, you NEED to. It's just sheer delight. These old boys, with SantaClaus-bellies and beards race their mules on the track, with bedrolls and cast iron pans on their saddle and there's no thought of right or wrong, it's just plain FUN.

I'll never forget the mule I rode through the sale-he was a big (16+hh-I could b a r e l y get on him without a leg up) sabino chestnut mule. Gaited, and when we first got him, he pulled like a freight train. He softened up eventually, and we had a ball.

[ExJumper]

My trainer told the story of her friend who rode a mule in the hunters and kicked ass (pun kind of intended ) I've seen photos of the mule in question and it was remarkable. She showed the mule until it was outlawed.

[Wanderluster]

I judged Bishop Mule Days twice and had a great time watching the races . The jumping was a mounted event and although it seems mules find it impossible to do flying changes there were a few that really did the job.

[purplnurpl]

I have a mule.
er...my Stepdad has a mule therefore I have a mule.

One time, {{at band camp}}I put the mule in my horse's stall with the stall guard up and the he didn't even seem to see it.
And it broke easily--I don't think he even felt the pressure.

Our paddock gate is completely bent over because the mule plays with the mini donkey over the top of the gate.

He's big (16.1 with oversized head). And dun. And a mule.

I've jumped him. He jumps.

he can be seen on this page. My grey horse is 17h.
http://kaboomeventing.com/contact.htm

[alibi_18]

What was the reason given so they are now outlawed?

[ExJumper]

What was the reason given so they are now outlawed?

They are neither a "horse" nor a "pony." They are half-horse.

[alibi_18]

They are neither a "horse" nor a "pony." They are half-horse.

I know but, since they were allowed before, what was the reason given for not allowing them no more? Someone woke up one morning and re-wrote the rules stating only horse and pony were allowed? I thought there might have been some sort of a good reason...

[ExJumper]

I know but, since they were allowed before, what was the reason given for not allowing them no more? Someone woke up one morning and re-wrote the rules stating only horse and pony were allowed? I thought there might have been some sort of a good reason...

Nope. They weren't explicitly allowed before. The rules had always been written for "horses" and "ponies." No one botherd to make the distinction until people starting to get mad that they were being beaten by mules. So it's not that they re-wrote them, it's that they started enforcing the terminology.

[Anyplace Farm]

I have a mule.
er...my Stepdad has a mule therefore I have a mule.

One time, {{at band camp}}I put the mule in my horse's stall with the stall guard up and the he didn't even seem to see it.
And it broke easily--I don't think he even felt the pressure.

Our paddock gate is completely bent over because the mule plays with the mini donkey over the top of the gate.

He's big (16.1 with oversized head). And dun. And a mule.

I've jumped him. He jumps.

he can be seen on this page. My grey horse is 17h.
http://kaboomeventing.com/contact.htm

Love the mule. That gray is scrumptious.

[jenm]

My young mule LOVES to jump.

Look out, world!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHRst4bH0ss

[Calvincrowe]

While he doesn't jump, there is a trainer here in Oregon who is riding Heart B Porter Creek, and luscious bay mule, at 2nd level, recognized and winning. Was quite the sight at Dressage at Devonwood. Audrey Goldsmith is her name, and that mule ROCKS! Dressage realizes that mules can compete and should compete directly with horses and ponies. Though, they do "upset" the DQs and their mounts on occasion with their vocal stylings.

[Anyplace Farm]

My young mule LOVES to jump.

Look out, world!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHRst4bH0ss

I love your mule's tummy! I wanna 'pank it!

[kenyarider]

Norma and Cindy Talburt of Roseburg, Oregon used to ride and jump lovely mules in the 1970-1980s. Norma is still riding mules, last I heard.

[alibi_18]

While he doesn't jump, there is a trainer here in Oregon who is riding Heart B Porter Creek, and luscious bay mule, at 2nd level, recognized and winning. Was quite the sight at Dressage at Devonwood. Audrey Goldsmith is her name, and that mule ROCKS! Dressage realizes that mules can compete and should compete directly with horses and ponies. Though, they do "upset" the DQs and their mounts on occasion with their vocal stylings.

Love the flapping ears!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=UJu76FhsflU

[SmartAlex]

I once witnessed a mule jumping competition at the state fair. Very cool. They just set up a high single pole with a cloth draped over it. This is to replicate coon hunting where they are out at night, crossing barbed wire fences and stuff. You just throw your coat over the top wire, climb through, and your mule jumps over after you.

[jenm]

Audrey Goldsmith is her name, and that mule ROCKS! Dressage realizes that mules can compete and should compete directly with horses and ponies. Though, they do "upset" the DQs and their mounts on occasion with their vocal stylings.

I was lucky enough to have spent time with Audrey last year when she was in my area visiting family. She is a delightful woman and the perfect person to be in the spotlight with her wonderful mules. I wanted to send my boy to her for training, but I don't think I want him to be so far away. I love how she is rocking the dressage world. What I find interesting is that mules can compete in dressage up to the FEI level but not in eventing. If any group were going to ban mules, I would think it would be the dressage people!

I love your mule's tummy! I wanna 'pank it!

Lol, you should see it in the winter, his underbelly is all soft and long and fuzzy!

[withatwist]

When were mules outlawed from jumpers? I saw a mule in the 3'0 jumpers a few years ago at Spruce Meadows. So fun to watch! There was a pretty big fan club for the mule. They placed pretty well too, from what I remember.

[Jumpthemoon16]

There was a little mule in the JBN at an event I went to in September, ridden by a little girl. My Quarter Pony was sh*t-scared of him, too :| So we ended up having to drop a couple of numbers so we weren't warming up at the same time!! He did really well... I think they ended up winning the division or top 3! Out of 21. (I placed 5th, just for comparison :P)

[Polydor]

When were mules outlawed from jumpers? I saw a mule in the 3'0 jumpers a few years ago at Spruce Meadows. So fun to watch! There was a pretty big fan club for the mule. They placed pretty well too, from what I remember.

There were 2 mules that competed on the summer circuit in the 1.10m -1.20m i believe. Kicked some serious butt. Loved watching them go. Also i thought at least one of these mules had a passport from Equine Canada but maybe not.

There is also Team Mule who compete in the Battle of the Breeds in september at the Masters. THey won finally last year or the year before.

When did it become outlawed and for US only or Canada as well??

P.