Some horse people might believe the mule is an inferior equine, but that's just snobbery and lack of knowledge about this hybrid animal. Both mules and hinnies are sterile. As nouns the difference between pony and donkey is that pony is any of several small breeds of horse under 142 hands while donkey is a domestic animal, , similar to a horse. The less common but similar hinny is a cross between a horse stallion and a donkey jenny. A mule can only come from crossing a donkey with a horse but cannot (in most cases) continue a bloodline. A mule is a crossbreed between a male donkey and a female horse. Horses and donkeys are of the same family (Equidae or horse), but different species (Equus caballus and Equus asinu, respectively). The most obvious difference between a horse and mule can be seen in the ears, which are much larger than a horse, and the mane and tail, which are usually much thinner on a mule than a horse. Because mules are more popular than hinnies, the odds are good that it’s a mule. • Mules are more commonly produced compared to hinnies. Genetically, all horses have 64 chromosomes, and all donkeys have 63 chromosomes. all white mule who needs a lot of work so I might get the chance to train one soon. If you were riding an unresposive horse and then a very responsive mule, there'd be a difference. If you’re interested in an equine companion with the strength and size of a horse, but the easy-going and gentle nature of a donkey, a hinny or a mule … However, mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, whereas hinny is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey. Aside from the obvious differences in appearance, a mule is much stronger and smarter than a horse. Pros The mule hoof also has a thicker wall near the toe and heel, and the frog can extend a little behind the hoof. Mules, on the other hand, are a cross between a female horse and a male donkey or “jack” (hence the word “jackass”). Of the two first generation hybrids between these two species, a mule is easier to obtain than a hinny, which is the offspring of a … Mules usually have thicker, tough walled, concave feet, a very desirable trait in a mule or a horse. Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes. Mules can live 30-40 years with proper care. The reason for these deficiencies of this chromosomal combination is because the hinny and the mule were created by man. A mule is built differently from a horse. I have yet to meet any one who switced to riding good mules from horses who has ever gone back to riding horses. Further, mules are sterile and cannot reproduce. ( I'd love to have a gaited one!) The most obvious difference between a horse and a pony is size. For most purposes, a pony is under 14.2 hands high if you ride English, and under 14 hands if you’re a western rider. In other words, they are artificial species. Even though most donkeys are much smaller than a horse, they have much more stamina and can carry much heavier loads on their backs. I was offered a 50in. I'm just wondering what are the difference in how to handle things or how to approach training. A mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse . The muscle of a mule is arranged differently than a horse, giving their bodies a broader look and their back less of a downward curve. Mule feet are said to be tougher than horse’s and less given to lameness, and I guess it must be so, because a mule will usually have smaller feet than a horse of the same size, and it’s not uncommon for a horse-sized mule to wear pony shoes (if shoes are needed, which is not usual). As a verb pony is to lead (a horse) from another horse. Plus, they have tougher, thicker feet. Donkeys are a different species than a horse, but in the same family. It is interesting that each of the below animals has a distinct difference among them when it comes to how they became such an … In comparison to horses, mules typically have good withers, more body weight over their front, and a deep, but not overly wide, chest. Mule’s also … Every mule has one parent who is a donkey, and one parent who is a horse. This size distinction varies between places too and often they are arbitrary sizes set for the show ring.