Happy National Mule Day! Oct. 26 marks the 30-year anniversary of the holiday. In 1985, under the Reagan Administration, the National Mule Day Bill was designated and signed into effect, according to Trip Advisor, on the exact 200th anniversary since the America's first mule was gifted to George Washington.
When Spanish ship Royal Gift docked in Boston on Oct. 26, 1785, they had precious cargo, in the form of a male mule (called a jack) that was a gift from King Charles III of Spain to first President George Washington.
George Washington was so smitten with the jack that he became the first American mule breeder, recognizing the value of the mule, says National Day Calendar. No doubt Washington saw the cross between a male donkey and a female horse, the mule, as having the best traits of both parents.
From the donkey, mules garner their strength, intelligence, patience, endurance, sure-footedness and even temper. Traits that come from the horse side of their lineage are the beauty, athletic ability, courage, vigor and speed.
Since both donkeys and horses have a different number of chromosomes, when a mule is made, they are usually sterile - but nothing is exact. While there has never been a case of a fertile male mule, there have been around 60 documented cases of female mules that have given birth to mule babies, according to Popsugar.
Also surprising is the range in mule sizes. You can find any size from miniature mules up to the 17 hand high draft mule! Mules are also more intelligent than their parents, and the old adage "stubborn as a mule," well, that's nonsense. Mules aren't stubborn, nor are they lazy, but being in the upper echelon of intelligence among our hoofed friends, they have the sense to keep out of harm's way.
The next time you see a pair of those giant mule ears, smile knowing these sweet creatures have been so applauded for their intelligence and worthiness that George Washington had the foresight to cherish them.
