What is the difference between mules and hinnies

Though mules and hinnies both share one parent that is a horse, they are not technically considered to be horses. However, horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies are all a part of the genus Equus. Since donkeys are also not horses, mules and hinnies are bred from two different species.

Mules and hinnies are often carefully bred by people to get the perfect balance of horse and donkey features. The difference between a mule and hinny lies in their parentage. Though you may not think the parentage would make a difference, in this case it does.

A mule is the offspring of a mare female horse and a jack male donkey. A hinny is the offspring of a stallion male horse and jenny female donkey. Though are often collectively referred to as mules, there are differences between the two. Mules are considered to be hybrid vigor, which means they show qualities superior to both parents. They are stronger than both horses and donkeys, as well as being able to work for longer.

Mules are great for riding and working, as they seldom become lame or ill. They tend to live longer and have better stamina. However, both mules and hinnies can make wonderful mounts for riding. They are sure-fitted, hardy and intelligent. They make great companions for working ranches and trail riding due to their sturdiness. Mules and hinnies are also shown and can make great mounts for riding different disciplines.

If they have a gaited horse as a parent, they can be gaited themselves. Both are capable of making great companions for people due to their unique characteristics. Lesser common colors include white, palomino, dun, buckskin. Even rarer still are painted or spotted mules, but they do exist. Both mules and hinnies are known for their long lives and hardiness. For mules, this is strength and agility.

For hinnies, this is surefootedness and thoughtfulness. Both hybrids have strong feet, excellent endurance, and gentle temperaments. If you treat them well, they can both outlive most horses and thrive well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond! Did you know that both of these equine hybrids can be gaited?

Gaited horses perform a variety of movements outside the standard walk, trot, and canter. The running walk, pace, and rack are all common for gaited horses. Hybrid equines often inherit these gaited abilities from their horse parents, especially if the horse breed is well-known for it.

Paso Finos , for example, can make great mule parents. But, a gaited hinny could have a smooth, ground-covering gait instead. Mules and hinnies compete in all sorts of competitions that were traditionally reserved for horses. While they are barred from the upper levels of hunter and jumper competitions except at mule specific shows, where they often excel , mules can compete in USDF dressage events. They even occasionally compete in the finals in Kentucky!

Overall, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a mule and a hinny. At the end of the day, the most important factor is finding a companion that suits your specific needs.

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates as well as get access to the FREE resource library! Donkey vs. Mules who have handlers and trainers who are smart and respectful tend to be "obliging, kind, patient, persevering, calm, tolerant, sensible, loyal, affectionate, playful -- and also proud, jealous and calculating," according to the British Mule Society. Hinnies are more donkey-like in temperament, in part because they are raised by donkeys.

However, hinnies are generally quieter, less curious, more compliant and less independent and adventurous than mules. They prefer to avoid trouble rather than confront it.

Visible differences between mules and hinnies can be subtle and are not consistent enough to be used to identify one hybrid from the other. A method that may be more reliable than others is behavioral. If you release a mule or hinny into a mixed group of equines, the mule tends to choose horses for company, as she was raised by a horse mother. The hinny will be more likely to choose to socialize with the donkeys, because his mother is a donkey. Maura Wolf's published online articles focus on women, children, parenting, non-traditional families, companion animals and mental health.

A licensed psychotherapist since , Wolf counsels individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, body image, parenting, aging and LGBTQ issues. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.

Parentage The parentage of a hinny differs from that of a mule. Appearance Mules have been said to have the body of the horse with extremities of a donkey, whereas hinnies have the body of a donkey and the extremities of a horse.

Hybrid Vigor Mules possess hybrid vigor.