Parentage
A mule comes from a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). A hinny comes from a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny). The two can look similar; mules are more common.
Fertility
Horses and donkeys have different numbers of chromosomes, so mules and hinnies are almost always sterile.
Why people value them
Mules are known for sure-footedness, endurance and good sense, and have long been used as pack and riding animals in rough country.
Sources
- Heritage Breeds List (donkeys and draft horses) — The Livestock Conservancy
By National Horse Co. Editorial Team · Checked against cited sources 2026-10-03. National Horse Co. is not affiliated with the organizations cited.