Winter Care and Special Attention for Our Mules

Written and posted by Bo Cruz

Winter is hard on all of us and as such, we tend to spend less time outdoors with our animals when they probably need us the most. As equine owners, while it might be an inconvenience due to weather patterns, we should try and devote extra time to let our mules know they haven’t been ignored. 

The Mule Train provides our mules with food and shelter daily with the help of our Caretaker and a few dedicated riders. On our off time, however, a frequent visit, a gentle touch, a few kind words, and maybe even a treat every now and then will help keep our mules healthy, happy and prevent potential healthcare problems. It also enhances trust and personal relationships, keeping these mules rushing to the fence for that attention all creatures crave. 

I personally enjoy approaching the Hay Barn in my truck only to be greeted with the baying of mules, all out of tune...knowing they can expect a few treats, a brushing, or even a trot in the round pen.

Unfortunately, like humans, mules don’t live forever but, as owners and caretakers, we can do our best to ensure they live as long and comfortable, as possible. 

For instance, on feeding: changing to a higher quality forage in the winter is important to provide additional calories that our older mules need. Their foraging provides heat through fermentation. Fortunately, the Mule Train provides that extra hay, mixed with alfalfa, beet, or soybean feed, and keep a salt block with loose minerals for those cold winter-nights. 

Legume-type forage, such as alfalfa, beets, or soybean supplements contain higher calorie and protein content. Mixing these supplements with grass hay, or even soaking some cubes, provides additional energy that mules need to stay warm and sustain their body weight and temperature.

While alfalfa is gentler on the stomach because it’s easier to digest, it encourages mules to drink water because of the high nitrogen content in the protein. However, we should make sure to avoid too much alfalfa or “mule crack” as it is sometimes called, during the Spring and Fall riding seasons - the effects of which is akin to giving a 4-year-old child Mountain Dew and a candy bar.

Concentrated feeds or grains, however, are also important to add nutrients for older mules. Pelleted senior feeds are easier to digest, but we should make sure to look at the package labeling and ensure the protein value is about 12-14% and the added fat/crude-fat value is 8-12% to sustain optimal energy levels. Most experts agree never to give an average-sized equine (1,000 +/- pounds) more than 5 pounds of grain per day. 

Supplementing forage with feed can help ensure our older friends stay healthy until the Spring. Adding too much grain creates a greater risk for laminitis, colic, and other digestive problems. That said, remember that it may take a few weeks to see results or body changes after supplementing feed.

If our mules are still losing weight after adding forage and feed, it could be a digestion problem. Digestion begins with the ability to chew. Poor teeth can make it even more difficult to maintain body weight and energy levels during the winter. Our mules recently had their teeth floated a few months back, which helped owners identify which mules needed to start a senior or completely modified feeding regimen.

Frequently evaluate your mule’s appearance and energy levels. For example, thick hair can be deceptive and lead owners to believe their mule is healthy when under that long winter coat lays a thin animal. A protruding belly also misleads us to believe our equines are fat, but older animals carry weight differently and a thin or unhealthy mule can still have a big belly. 

The amount of fat on our mules is better evaluated by looking at the upper rib cage, back, and between the hind legs. The Mule Train's leadership maintains a habit of having our vet visit periodically for yearly vaccinations and individual exams to ensure our mules are in optimal health. They also ensure that we worm them quarterly, rotating brands of wormer with Panacure or Invectrim/Invectrim Gold in the Spring, Summer, and early Winter. 

So, when we winterize our homes and campers, let's not forget some of the most precious creatures that God has entrusted to our care.