TEES, Alta. – The much maligned mule and denigrated donkey have had a rough ride through 20th century culture, often pictured as stubborn and foolish. But each donkey must have his day and in Tees they get two.
The Canadian National Donkey and Mule Championship brought 75 breeders and enthusiasts to the central Alberta town of Tees in conjunction with that community’s 90th birthday.
“The history of this country was shaped by the work of the mule,” said organizer and stock farmer, Allison Magee, of Clive, Alta.
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Donkey and mule owners are quick to point out the advantages of the mule over the horse through history. The tough, intelligent, common-sense mule could easily be teamed and work in the worst of conditions that would break the body and spirit of any horse.
“You never hear anything good about a mule. The army used them, industry used them, everybody used them. It’s a forgotten fact,” said Richard Magee, Allison’s husband.
Denis Debruyne, a Westerose, Alta., donkey and mule breeder, says interest in the animals is increasing rapidly, possibly due to heightened attention in the U.S.
“They are getting very big in the states. We have a lot of interest up here now. … We have no trouble selling them,” said Debruyne.
With 43 separate events testing the capability and intelligence of these animals, the skinners attending the event in Tees could convince even the most hardened skeptic of the ability of the mule.
Mules take prize for obstinance
Whether ridden or driven, the animals showed how well they respond to their human handlers and how easily they can be trained. But even the best skinners were no match for the mule when a moment of obstinacy would come over it.
Many a competitor would find herself with a winning performance well under way only to have her equine partner suddenly decide on a moment of rest.
These moments were few and far between though, and most of the events were filled with finely tuned performances of willing and skilled animal participants.
The practical side of these animals was not lost on mule owner Don Henderson. Two years ago he was told he would have to carry oxygen with him at all times. This meant small cylinders, tubing and a cart to pull around his farm and everywhere else he travelled.
“I had to go on oxygen and I wasn’t going to stay at home,” said Henderson. He developed a pack for his mules to carry the bottles and replace his cart on rough terrain.
Once again Henderson is able to participate in one of his favorite pastimes, trail riding. Riding one mule and trailing another, he has frequented places like Alberta’s Dry Island Buffalo Jump with his O2 in tow.
