Horse or Mule?

[406flyfish]

Mules hands down for backcountry use. Get ready to put down some $$. Jake’s Mule days are coming up in WY. 15-25k for bottom to middle range.

 

[Beendare]

Some quality commentary here^

I've been in a bunch of horse wrecks. The only mule wreck I've seen was an intentional act by my buddy trying to push his mule across a half frozen Beaver pond forcing him to crank through thin ice.

The mule didn't like it....heck, I wouldn't have liked it either.

Horse wrecks are as simple as a pannier getting hangup on a tree....most mules I've seen just stop until you extract them....some horses freak out.

 

[Cliff Gray]

age old debate...
all I know is you could fill a semi up with pack goats and llamas, I still wouldn't trade ya for one good mountain horse or mule

It depends, but for most serious backcountry hunting, I give the slight edge to mules. Hybrid vigor is real -hardiness, stamina, and longevity. I've had mules work in the mountains for over 25 years. Horses usually top out closer to 12–17 working years. That longevity deal applies to using them for fun just as much as it does to those using them for work. It's a gigantic advantage when you factor in the cost, pain and hassle to get to a spot where you have a great one.

They're more economical – Mules eat less, stay sounder longer, and have fewer vet bills. They keep weight on with less feed and bounce back from tough conditions better. Most guys can get away with shoeing just the fronts on most mules, depending on use.

Trail-savvy and sure-footed – Mules look where they step. They’re smart enough to avoid slick spots and will protect themselves from injury, even if it means disobeying you. You can ride a horse to death. You won’t do that with a mule.

Better on knees – Pound for pound, I can ride a smaller mule than a horse, which matters because I’ve got bad knees. Their build is easier on me, personally. It all depends on breeds but generally they are not as broad as horses also.

But they’re not perfect – Mules aren’t built for riding as cleanly as horses. Typical horse withers vs typical mule withers make a big difference in the mountains. You need the right tack and know-how to avoid saddle sores on mules. Also, availability is an issue—good mules are harder to find, and bad ones can be real bad. That’s why some folks stick with horses—they're more common, and their behavior is often more predictable.

 

[mulepkr]

I have done everything on both and my only requirement is solid steady animals however I myself ride a horse to lead with not that you can't lead with a mule but life is easier on a good lead horse. I put my loved ones on a good mule to bring up the rear because if things go south a good mule will not do anything that will get itself hurt so if a person stays on they will be safer than on a horse that panics. As for packing I use mostly mules but a nice calm horse that the mules like in the line-up won't hurt a thing and can also be good to mix in with the mules on a high line at camp. Good solid mountain horses or mules don't grow on trees though and people don't get rid of their good ones very often. I have had the best luck raising and training my own but I realize not everyone can or want's to do that. I think it's easier to find good horses than good mules because there are more good horse trainers than mule trainers and once a mule learns something good or bad it is there pretty much for ever. [ like others have said ]