Getting a mule?

I'm looking for a new ride.... and I'm beginning to think about a mule. I love the fact that they are so sure-footed. How hard is it for a horse person to adjust to a mule?

At almost 65, I'm really looking for my last equine. I want slow, reliable, safe. I'm in no hurry to get anywhere except down the trail at a walk and I'm in no rush to buy. We do a lot of up and down and across water. I'd like to have a cooperative partner...

My husband doesn't care what I ride as long as I don't end up back in the hospital but some of my friends are appalled that I'm considering a mule. Safe and a trail partner is what I'm looking for. So should I think about a mule or am I nuts? And what should I look for in a mule that might be different than I 'm looking for in a horse?

I guess at this stage I'm just intrigued.

I'm no mule expert but I'm quite certain they need a specific set of tack including breech straps for the saddle to prevent the saddle from slipping since they haven't got withers.

I'm curious to find out if most mules have the tendency to be standoffish as all of the mules I've met seem to be but I'm sure it varies.

If I ever get the chance, I'm going to buy a riding mule. I've always wanted a long ears.

They're more sure footed than horses, but they do have to be trained differently. You can't FORCE a mule to do anything, they need to be convinced it's a good idea.

They're very loyal to their owners, but do tend to be rather cool to people they don't know.

My BFF had a riding mule and she LOVED him. However, her first boy was very green and didn't work out. She now rides a mammoth donkey and he is awesome! When Gram gets scared, he freezes in place. Much safer than a spooky horse ;)

Find a good donkey/mule breeder/trainer who can guide you to a selecting a nice bombproof experienced riding animal. If you're in Texas, I can give you a name...it's when my BFF got her donkey.
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I don't know about mules, but I have a donkey who is a very sweet boy. And I agree, you can not force a donkey/mule to do anything. They can make very good partners IF you spend time with them and build a strong relationship. My donkey was bred and raised by my grandma and she had him for 19 years before I got him. They have such a strong relationship that even if she has not seen him for a few months, he will come to her when she calls and he won't come to me! And I love their ears.

I have my first mule and they are different to train. It has been a learning process though.

I haven't owned one yet but been around them, my thoughts are to look at about 100 mules before you buy, and try to get a trial period before you decide. When there good there good but if there bad there horrable. I was always against them untill about a year ago, I don't know what changed to mind but my mare is bred to a donkey! I can't wait till next summer
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I have always wanted a mule. I don't know what it is, but I love them. I had a friend who used to event her mule and they were a great team. Her mule was so brave and solid. I loved watching them go cross country. And he was devoted to her, it was adorable.

Ever since then I have had my eyes and ears peeled for a nice mule.

Someone just posted a link to an ad for what sounded like a perfect mule under umbest horse ads" on this forum. He sounds like a wonder mule!!

This is Buttercup. She's out of my TWH. My barn owner has her for sale. I just can't keep her and her mother ridden. I hope eventually she'll find a good home.