The Book of Mules is the must-have book for anyone who owns or rides a mule or other equine hybrid, or is otherwise a proud, perhaps even mulish devotee of such creatures in a largely horse-centered world. It is, in short, the ultimate resource on everything anyone would ever want to know about mules. The offspring of a male donkey and female horse, mules are known for their grace, strength, agility, and lovely long ears. With both charm and intelligence, these sure-footed creatures have a long- time association with the American West and a dedicated following that comes as no surprise to those who know them. The Book of Mules addresses their origin and history and breeding, and provides invaluable information on owning, riding, and showing them. It lists events, discusses health care, and provides breeding information as well as a useful glossary, resource list, and bibliography.

Donna Campbell Smith is the author of The Book of Miniature Horses and The Book of Draft Horses and has contributed to Stable Management Magazine, USA Equestrian, and other such publications. She has worked in the horse industry for thirty years. Donna lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

FROM THE PREFACE It is with a sense of recapturing the past that I have writtenThe Book of Mules. I have met some nice folks and their mules while gathering this information, and I believe it is a very good thing that mules have found their way back into our hearts. Look around you. They are out there still, serving in the military, carrying tourists into the Grand Canyon, and entertaining us under the spotlight. They are good companions that carry riders safely on the trail or to the winner's circle in the show ring and the racetrack. Mules are making a comeback.