I've noticed an interesting thing with my mules that I've been meaning to mention, but it really paid off today! I've been using them to haul round bales out of the field for the last couple of weeks and the horse flies have been awful. Well, the mules have learned when I saw "Whoa" and call on one of them by name and say "I'll get it." it means that I'm going to kill a fly for them. As soon as I say it they freeze! They don't twitch a muscle or swish their tail. They wait for me to get it and then they can move. Well it really paid off today. I was coming back across the field after dumping a bale and my lead mule started bucking and kicking at her belly strap. I couldn't figure out what was wrong but thought it might be a horse fly on her stomach. Well, called on her to whoa and they stopped but she was still kicking like crazy. I got to where I could see and it was a bumble bee just in front of the belly band and he was set down on her with both ends, biting and stinging. I told her to stand still and I'd get it and as soon as I said that, she froze. She stopped kicking and cocked one ear and turn to where she could see me and watched to see what I was gonna do. She was still quivering all over as I raked the bee off and stomped on but as soon as I did she bumped me with her nose like she was letting me know she sure appreciated it. I got back on the cart and we went back to work.

Mules sure are smart! And they get it from their donkey sire. Donkeys have a habit of bumping. They bump each other and also seem to bump me in greeting. In friendship and not in disrespect. Have tried putting out an elbow and other deterrents but they still do it. I just leave lots of room between us when I can.

Never found a horse that smart in the 60 years I've been using them.

funny how these little cues can pay off, huh? I got a new Belgian and few months ago and the first time I swatted a fly off him, he almost had a heart attack. Thought I was hitting HIM. After some serious fly swatting sessions (and the flies have been bad this year), he also stands still and waits for me to get it. I knew he had learned what I was good for when he got a big fly on the top of his rump and backed 20 feet across the turn out to where I could get up on the fence and take care of it. He is also grateful for the help.

Very smart mules! I had a horse that just knew when I was about to swat at big flys and wouldn't move or flinch when I swatted.

You can't beat a smart mule

I had a Donkey Jack that would atand by the fence and watch me work the mules in harness.
One day I brought him in and threw harness on hime drove him around in the barn for about 10 minutes. Then drove him out and harrowed some field. It looked like a drunk had done the work but for a fifteen minute wonder he sure caught on fast.
From then on I would put him up as the thrid animal in the span when I needed a little more power. He sure seemed to enjoy himself.