[drafts]

I am looking for some input regarding my current dilemma.

I have two horses, at home. One is Barney, my Belgian. He is not going anywhere, anytime. The other is Kota, a 5 year old paint gelding I have had since winter.

My aunt gave me Kota, because she was at her wits end with him. She paid to much for him, could not do a thing with him, and expected to have someone pay her what she paid for him. In the end, she just gave him to me, to get him out of her house.

he was very green, but had some time under saddle. I planned on finishing his training, and using him for a trail horse. I got pregnant, and I do not ride when I am pregnant, especially a green mount.

Needless to say he is an expensive pasture ornament. He is somewhat dangerous, not because he is mean, but because he is very stupid. He is definitely short a few loads.

I have always wanted a Mule. I found a pony sized, super easy keeper mule in my area. He is 12, no idea if he is broke or not. He trims, loads, stands tied, and is good for the vet.

in my current condition, I only want two horses at home. I am contemplating getting rid of the paint to get the mule. The mule would be cheaper, and easier to care for. The paint needs daily stimulation, and with a baby ont he way, I don't know when I will ever be able to provide that.

The paint has the potential to be an excellent mount, but he needs a ton of work. The mule may never be ridable, so he has the potential to be a permanent pasture companion

please help!!!!!!! What would you do? Keep the paint? Get the mule?

[cowgurly02]

It depends on what you want You said you were going to re-sell the Paint after you worked with him, so it sounds to me like you want a companion for Barney (LOVE the name btw! My pony I had growing up was Barney ) and it doesn't matter if you can ride it or not....if that's the case I would skip the hassle with the Paint, sell him and get the mule

[drafts]

Originally Posted by cowgurly02

It depends on what you want You said you were going to re-sell the Paint after you worked with him, so it sounds to me like you want a companion for Barney (LOVE the name btw! My pony I had growing up was Barney ) and it doesn't matter if you can ride it or not....if that's the case I would skip the hassle with the Paint, sell him and get the mule

Girl after my own heart! Thanks for taking the time to answer

[Peg D]

Get the mule!
Sell the paint.

[cowgurly02]

Mules are a lot of fun btw...I worked for a mule trainer in high school I have even shown in 2 mule shows for him LOL Barney might be a little suprised at the bray at first though!! LOL

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by Peg D

Get the mule!
Sell the paint.

Thats my thought too!!

[drafts]

Thank you all for replying. I really appreciate it.

I should mention, that the mule can be VERY hard to catch while in pasture. I think he is also the leary type.

That does not really bother me, I just thought I should ad it, so I could point out his bad faults.

The other problem... We had a donkey a few years ago. We only had him a few months. Barney is VERY mild mannered int he pasture. I have had him out with shetlands, horses, etc. Problem is, he lunged at, with teeth bared, the donkey. Do you think he will have the same aggressive reaction to a mule?

The mule had a bray/whinny type of sound. It was really neat.

Also, he was originally purhcased for 1600.00. Do you think, since he is so green, I could get 700.00? He is not registered. no one sent in his papers, and now it would be to expensive

[cowgurly02]

I'm not sure how Barney will react! I wonder why he didn't like the donkey?

I'm sure you could get $700 for the Paint At least here anyways, since he is started anyways.

[BklynCwgrl]

I don't understand what your dilemma is. Sell the paint and get the mule

[belle4]

Yes, sell the paint. Who needs a PITA horse around anyways? Not worth it, especially when you are pregnant.

I would sell cheap and cut your looses. Every day you feed the paint is money out of your pocket. Might as well feed something you like.