Mules combine horse and donkey traits in ways that require husbandry knowledge specific to the hybrid, with welfare implications for working mule populations.
Mules that are stoic about pain expression are at risk of having welfare problems go unrecognized. Their reputation for stubbornness often reflects pain, fear, or confusion rather than willful disobedience. Training methods that rely on coercion are inappropriate and counterproductive. Working mules in developing countries face similar welfare challenges to working donkeys — overloading, harness sores, and lack of veterinary care.