Saturday, September 9, 2006

Mule, donkey lovers association forms local chapter

Argen Duncan El Defensor Chieftain Reporter, aduncan@dchieftain.com

It's where big ears rule the day.

A new chapter of the Rio Grande Mule and Donkey Association has formed with Socorro as its base.

The statewide organization is dedicated to mules, donkey and all equines, but people don't have to own any of the above to join, said Socorro member Mark Lane. He said 14 people attended the Southern Chapter's first meeting after its approval last month.

"It's a group that's primarily out to have fun," he said. "(Even) though they do compete in things, they're not a competitive group."

He has been told the reason lies in mules' sterility: even if someone has the best mule, no one can breed it.

Association members go on trail rides, participate in competitions and parades at fairs and bring their donkeys and mules out to educate the public about the animals.

At most meetings, Lane said, they try to have a speaker. Past topics have included equine first aid, equine-related legal issues and mounted shooting.

The chapter meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at El Sombrero. The next meeting is Sept. 26.

"We're always looking for new members," Lane said.

The association charges yearly dues of $15 per individual or $25 per family. It has no other requirements to join.

"As far as the Southern Chapter, I think getting organized is the big thing for us right now," Lane said of the group's goals.

He would also like to have about 30 active members, he said.

Lane joined the association after buying his mule "Jack."

"I didn't name him; he came with the name," he said.

Jack was the first mule Lane owned, so he wanted to know more about the animals.

"You can learn just through the club, through the meetings, through the monthly newsletter and through the other people in the club, getting to know them," he said.

Mules typically live 35 to 40 years, compared to a horse's 25 or 30.

He got his mule because of the animal's large size, "hybrid vigor," hardy constitution, sure-footedness and lower feed expense compared to a horse.

Lane has ridden Jack as well as having him carry a pack. He named a mule's memory is a particular challenge with the animal.

"A mule never forgets being mistreated," he said.

Because the animals are much less forgiving than horses, their handlers must use a lot of kindness and patience.

Lane said the stereotype of lazy, stubborn mules isn't true.

"They're going to protect themselves," he said.

Mules will stop if they become too tired, while horses will allow riders to run them to death. Also, horses often panic and fight when they're tangled in barbed wire, but mules tend to stand and wait for someone to release them.

Lane isn't sure if mules are smarter, but he believes they think differently.

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