Hinny & Mule Differences: Hinny vs Mule

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Horses and donkeys are commonly bred to combine characteristics from each species to create a mule or a hinny. Though mules and hinnies are both a donkey and a horse cross, there are differences between the two.

Are Mules and Hinnies Horses?

Though mules and hinnies both share one parent that is a horse, they are not technically considered to be horses. However, horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies are all a part of the genus Equus.

Since donkeys are also not horses, mules and hinnies are bred from two different species. Mules and hinnies are often carefully bred by people to get the perfect balance of horse and donkey features.

Difference Between Mule and Hinny

The difference between a mule and hinny lies in their parentage. Though you may not think the parentage would make a difference, in this case it does.

A mule is the offspring of a mare (female horse) and a jack (male donkey). A hinny is the offspring of a stallion (male horse) and jenny (female donkey). Though are often collectively referred to as mules, there are differences between the two.

Why Do They Breed Mules and Hinnies?

Mules are considered to be hybrid vigor, which means they show qualities superior to both parents. They are stronger than both horses and donkeys, as well as being able to work for longer.

Mules are great for riding and working, as they seldom become lame or ill. They tend to live longer and have better stamina. Hinnies, on the other hand, don’t often exhibit much hybrid vigor. They are often smaller than mules and generally don’t have as much stamina.

However, both mules and hinnies can make wonderful mounts for riding. They are sure-fitted, hardy and intelligent.

They make great companions for working ranches and trail riding due to their sturdiness. Mules and hinnies are also shown and can make great mounts for riding different disciplines.

If they have a gaited horse as a parent, they can be gaited themselves. Both are capable of making great companions for people due to their unique characteristics.

Hinny vs Mule – Physical Similarities and Differences

Since mules and hinnies are very similar, they share a lot of the same characteristics and often look very alike. However, there are some distinct features that set them apart from each other.

Both mules and hinnies have become loved by people worldwide for their unique personalities and characteristics. People will generally breed different breeds of horses and donkeys to get the cross they want.

Appearance

At first glance it is often hard to tell the difference between the two. However, there are some attributes that set them apart.

Mules tend to have bodies more similar to horses, whereas hinnies tend to have bodies more similar to donkeys. Hinnies tend to have smaller ears with a more horse-like face with extremities similar to a horse. Mules tend to have longer ears with extremities similar to a donkey.

Hinnies tend to be smaller in size and can vary more in appearance than mules. They tend to come in a wider array of coat colors. They often have fuller tails, as well as shorter backs and rounder hooves than mules. Hinnies are not as common as mules because it is harder for a jenny to get pregnant from a stallion.

Size

Mules tend to be larger than hinnies. Since donkeys tend to be smaller, so do hinnies, as they take after the size of their mother.

Both can vary in size, as they can be bred from different breeds of horses and donkeys. They are often divided into three categories: miniature, saddle, and draft. A miniature mule is 12 hands and under, a saddle mule is 13-16 hands and a draft mule is often 17 hands or taller.

Behavior

Mules are known to be intelligent and quick learners. They are often bolder than horses and typically have a calm disposition.

However, mules are sensitive and can be stubborn to work with until they gain your trust. Once they are confident around people, they are known for being playful, affectionate and loyal.

Hinnies tend to be more reserved than mules. They can be more stubborn, as they often take after the temperament of donkeys. Typically, they are quieter and are not prone to spooking. Once they gain the trust of people, they can become more compliant, but they are often less adventurous.

Chromosomes

Since horses have 64 chromosomes and donkeys have 62, their offspring have 63 chromosomes. This causes mules and hinnies to almost always be sterile.

Since they are almost always sterile, it is very rare that they can reproduce. However, there have been a few cases of mules and hinnies giving birth.

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