A calm animal is priority with me--like I said, I'd just as soon ride a turtle if I could find one big enough!

Art, I looked at two yesterday that could tote you, me, and one or two more just like us all day long. Mules are unbelieveably strong.My old one was only about 800 lbs (and she was fat)--looked like I should have been toting her instead of vice-versa--but she'd carry me all day long (I was a bit lighter then, but not a whole lot). The one's I'm considering are 15+ hands, one is a good 1,200 lbs or more, the other is pushing 1,100lbsbut she's young and will probably fill out more--she's as tall, maybe a hair taller, but narrower.

I was only able to ride the bigger one--man, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it! She had a really nice gait, very calm, very responsive, but didn't show much personality. Could be because she hasn't been worked much at all the past 3 years.

Plan to ride the other one Friday--the owner wasn't home when we looked at her. She had as much personality as any horse I've ever seen, more than most. Very friendly, very laid back. Her mare was a big saddle horse, and she's narrower across the back. Not a good trait for a pulling mule, but I think she'll be more comfortable to ride--the bigger mule has a back like a picnic table! If I ride her long, I'll probably get a few inches shorter due to getting bowlegged!

The smaller built one isn't quite 4 years old, but has been ridden a lot the past 18 months. I'm leaning towards that one, but I haven't ridden her yet. If Ihad the cash to spare and the time to spend with them, I'dbuy both--this is harder than trying to decide on a bow!

Chad