Why the prejudice against white mules?

Soliae · 08-27-2008, 07:43 AM

Here in the south, I get a lot of folks telling me not to get a white mule. Problem is, I LIKE white and other light colored mules...and really hate the pangare type coloring of most dark mules. I know you don't ride the color, but I don't necessarily need a mule unless I find exactly what I want, color and all.

So what do y'all say? I assumed it's just silly old wives tales, like white hooves on horses.

Chevychic26 · 08-27-2008, 08:16 AM

I personally think it's because they are lazy and cleaning a white animal takes extra time!

Honestly, I don't know. I also prefer lighter colors in my animals. I have a Classic Champagne Walker and he doesn't get nearly as hot as the dark horses, I just have to use sunscreen on his face.

I would get what you want and what will make YOU happy!

Good Luck!

P.S. The horse in your avatar is STUNNING!!!!

Carri · 08-27-2008, 09:21 AM

I don't know, I have never heard that! Maybe it is because they are hard to keep clean?

My husband's only request in our horse buying was that we not get a white one. He still doesn't know that Miley (dark dapple grey) is destined to be white one day!

Akita it Girl · 08-27-2008, 11:54 AM

It could be for cleaning reasons, or it could be because white horses ( and mules ) can get sunburned, are more likely to get melomona ( sp )

I personally LIKE white mules. I think they look a whole lot better.

David · 08-27-2008, 02:29 PM

I don't know why the prejudice ( I'm from the south and I've never heard of people not liking white mules) but the best pair of mules I've ever seen were both white. It's not everyday you see a pair of 6 yr old mules that will do a three point turn around with a full wagon, and I saw this pair do them on both sides. Not to mention they pulled the wagon all day without a single protest. I was impressed.

**gbarmranch** · 08-27-2008, 02:32 PM

Mule days are coming up in Adair, TN this weekend.. y'all could go there and ask around..

roberts617 · 08-27-2008, 02:37 PM

I have no idea, but I'm interested to find out if there's a reason or it just really is the fact that they don't want to wash them!

tallyho · 08-27-2008, 03:31 PM

This may be urban legand/ old wives' tale...........but I heard that white horses or mules attract more flies than the dark colors. White animals were not used (supposedly) in the wagon trains westward for that reason.

Can't speack from experience, never having have a white or grey, but that is what was told .......

beezwing · 08-27-2008, 04:19 PM

one thing is certain, the first step to ownership of a white equine is lowered grooming expectations

Soliae · 08-28-2008, 07:23 AM

Oh, the cleaning part I am familiar with, my horses are light. Well, half the year they are Orange (red clay mud) the other half they're a nice golden color, hehe.

What I was told by one guy specifically is that white mules are "harder to train, more stubborn" and that they are just plain "fools". This sentiment was confirmed by a couple other people standing around with their (dark) mules at a mule show here in Tennessee a few weeks back.

These were all country boys, so I took it with a grain of salt, but wanted to find out if the myth was more widespread, or just something that may have been local hearsay/myth.

At the same show, a beautiful tall white gaited mule won the walking mule class. Every head nod at the runwalk, it's ears would flop over its head. Was absolutely a great looking mule -I'd have taken it in a minute if it had been for sale.

There was also a little white appy mule that won most of the timed events. Hot little sucker - but boy could he run!

cascy · 08-28-2008, 07:40 AM

Don't guess I know of anything that would be different of a white mule then a colored one...

But we do have two palomino mules... both gaited

and for sale

Otis

And Olive

rivervu2 · 08-28-2008, 08:57 AM

Cascy - love those babies!! I would love to have a mule for herd protection. Wish you were closer

Soliae · 08-28-2008, 01:09 PM

Oh my god...I love them. I really need to breed my champagne mare to a jack....

*gulp* What are you asking for them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascy

Don't guess I know of anything that would be different of a white mule then a colored one...

But we do have two palomino mules... both gaited

and for sale

Otis

And Olive

snwflk · 08-28-2008, 01:43 PM

I saw the most STUNNING pair of DRAFT MULES ever and they were WHITE- just simply Magnificent- Pefect matched pair and SOLID WHITE- 17h I think?

I would have LOVED to have something so Purty!

Both my dogs are white?

I like white critters- I just think they are very PRETTY

I still am waiting for the Guy on the WHITE horse to "wisk" me away- sigh

OH wait he did, cept, he's bald, drives a ford truck and can barely ride.. oh well still love him!

ToveroMom · 08-28-2008, 09:38 PM

I have never heard of any white mule prejudice.

cascy · 08-28-2008, 09:45 PM

Sol- I'm heading to chuckwagon races tomorrow morning, I'll get you a pm asap.

runfoolcoyote · 09-03-2008, 09:02 AM

I have never heard of there being prejudice to white mules. My other half has been wanting a white mule to help clean up the place. *we've got trees down where a tractor can't go without tearing stuff up*

Off topic: Cascy, that is the best signature I have seen in a long time!

highrail2 · 09-03-2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascy

Don't guess I know of anything that would be different of a white mule then a colored one...

But we do have two palomino mules... both gaited

and for sale

Otis

And Olive

Oh my, I'm in LOVE

with Otis, I wish we had mules here

I have only seen 2 in australia in my whole life, I rode a lovely 16hh mule in Canada when I was over & I loved her

Touche · 09-03-2008, 09:34 PM

I don't know about the white mule thing, but I just have to say that Cascy's mules are gorgeous.

Really eye popping babies.

cascy · 09-03-2008, 10:03 PM

Thanks you all... And Sol, I didn't mean to steal your thread

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08-27-2008, 07:43 AM
Soliae Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 127	Why the prejudice against white mules? Here in the south, I get a lot of folks telling me not to get a white mule. Problem is, I LIKE white and other light colored mules...and really hate the pangare type coloring of most dark mules. I know you don't ride the color, but I don't necessarily need a mule unless I find exactly what I want, color and all. So what do y'all say? I assumed it's just silly old wives tales, like white hooves on horses. __________________ Click on the Eggs and Hatchlings to Help them Hatch and Grow!

08-27-2008, 08:16 AM
Chevychic26 Newborn Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: florida Posts: 48	I personally think it's because they are lazy and cleaning a white animal takes extra time! Honestly, I don't know. I also prefer lighter colors in my animals. I have a Classic Champagne Walker and he doesn't get nearly as hot as the dark horses, I just have to use sunscreen on his face. I would get what you want and what will make YOU happy! Good Luck! P.S. The horse in your avatar is STUNNING!!!!

08-27-2008, 09:21 AM
Carri Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 9,949	I don't know, I have never heard that! Maybe it is because they are hard to keep clean? My husband's only request in our horse buying was that we not get a white one. He still doesn't know that Miley (dark dapple grey) is destined to be white one day! __________________

08-27-2008, 11:54 AM
Akita it Girl Weanling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Md Posts: 344	It could be for cleaning reasons, or it could be because white horses ( and mules ) can get sunburned, are more likely to get melomona ( sp ) I personally LIKE white mules. I think they look a whole lot better. __________________ Everyone has their hobbies...mine just happens to include whips, spurs and leather.

08-27-2008, 02:29 PM
David Long Yearling Join Date: May 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,066	I don't know why the prejudice ( I'm from the south and I've never heard of people not liking white mules) but the best pair of mules I've ever seen were both white. It's not everyday you see a pair of 6 yr old mules that will do a three point turn around with a full wagon, and I saw this pair do them on both sides. Not to mention they pulled the wagon all day without a single protest. I was impressed. __________________ "If you see your stirrups slap together above the horn, you're probably bucked off". Dave Stamey.

08-27-2008, 02:32 PM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,212	Mule days are coming up in Adair, TN this weekend.. y'all could go there and ask around.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-27-2008, 02:37 PM
roberts617 Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 4,767	I have no idea, but I'm interested to find out if there's a reason or it just really is the fact that they don't want to wash them! __________________ Never be too quick to criticize yourself. It's not fair to all the people who are dying to do it for you!!

08-27-2008, 03:31 PM
tallyho Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Trappe, PA Posts: 1,105	This may be urban legand/ old wives' tale...........but I heard that white horses or mules attract more flies than the dark colors. White animals were not used (supposedly) in the wagon trains westward for that reason. Can't speack from experience, never having have a white or grey, but that is what was told .......

08-27-2008, 04:19 PM
beezwing Coming two Join Date: May 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,716	one thing is certain, the first step to ownership of a white equine is lowered grooming expectations __________________ “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” St Francis

08-28-2008, 07:23 AM
Soliae Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 127	Oh, the cleaning part I am familiar with, my horses are light. Well, half the year they are Orange (red clay mud) the other half they're a nice golden color, hehe. What I was told by one guy specifically is that white mules are "harder to train, more stubborn" and that they are just plain "fools". This sentiment was confirmed by a couple other people standing around with their (dark) mules at a mule show here in Tennessee a few weeks back. These were all country boys, so I took it with a grain of salt, but wanted to find out if the myth was more widespread, or just something that may have been local hearsay/myth. At the same show, a beautiful tall white gaited mule won the walking mule class. Every head nod at the runwalk, it's ears would flop over its head. Was absolutely a great looking mule -I'd have taken it in a minute if it had been for sale. There was also a little white appy mule that won most of the timed events. Hot little sucker - but boy could he run! __________________ Click on the Eggs and Hatchlings to Help them Hatch and Grow!

08-28-2008, 07:40 AM
cascy Kid Safe Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 6,006	Don't guess I know of anything that would be different of a white mule then a colored one... But we do have two palomino mules... both gaited and for sale Otis And Olive __________________ To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

08-28-2008, 08:57 AM
rivervu2 Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 908	Cascy - love those babies!! I would love to have a mule for herd protection. Wish you were closer

08-28-2008, 01:43 PM
snwflk Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 508	I saw the most STUNNING pair of DRAFT MULES ever and they were WHITE- just simply Magnificent- Pefect matched pair and SOLID WHITE- 17h I think? I would have LOVED to have something so Purty! Both my dogs are white? I like white critters- I just think they are very PRETTY I still am waiting for the Guy on the WHITE horse to "wisk" me away- sigh OH wait he did, cept, he's bald, drives a ford truck and can barely ride.. oh well still love him! __________________ Suzie Q

08-28-2008, 09:38 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,296	I have never heard of any white mule prejudice. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

08-28-2008, 09:45 PM
cascy Kid Safe Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 6,006	Sol- I'm heading to chuckwagon races tomorrow morning, I'll get you a pm asap. __________________ To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

09-03-2008, 09:02 AM
runfoolcoyote Weanling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Middle TN Posts: 216	I have never heard of there being prejudice to white mules. My other half has been wanting a white mule to help clean up the place. we've got trees down where a tractor can't go without tearing stuff up Off topic: Cascy, that is the best signature I have seen in a long time! __________________ Has anyone seen my sanity-I've seem to have misplaced it.

09-03-2008, 09:34 PM
Touche Coming two Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,890	I don't know about the white mule thing, but I just have to say that Cascy's mules are gorgeous. Really eye popping babies. __________________ Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. W.C.Fields

09-03-2008, 10:03 PM
cascy Kid Safe Join Date: May 2006 Location: arkansas Posts: 6,006	Thanks you all... And Sol, I didn't mean to steal your thread __________________ To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.