The Dilema

Any true longear affecionado has at least one Breyer Balking Mule in their figurine collection, and if you happen to live or photoshow that little enigma, chances are you've run into a west coast judge with a 20 page thesis paper on all the reasons why that mold makes a better SADDLE type Mule than DRAFT. Or perhaps your judge is from the deep south where draft mule diatribe reins. So what's a body to think?!

Body Comparisons

When you get right down to it, "draft" type mules generally aren't as muscular or muscle-bound as draft horses. Sure, they're big and round, but if you look carefully you'll notice that draft mules are built more like a heavy hunter in body type than draft horse. Draft mules lack that heavy musculature more commonly seen among draft horses. This is especially true of Percheron and Belgian type draft mules. Think of it as size without the bulk. Keep in mind that draft mules will often lack the heavy, feathered legs of draft horses - yes, even shire/clydesdale mules!

"Saddle" mules is a generic term applied to mule offspring from Dam's between draft and pony stature. There are STOCK type saddle mules (out of Quarter Horse, Paint, Appaloosa, and other stock type dams), and GAITED type saddle mules (out of Saddlebred, Tennessee Walker, Paso, and similiar breeds), and finally, LIGHT type saddle mules (out of Arab, Thoroughbred, Morgan, Mustang, etc.)

The Breyer Balker is "passable" as a saddle mule, in a generic mixed or grade breed sense. I've seen her presented well as such, under realistically-scaled tack and props. But slap a classic size saddle on that traditional sized mold, and watch her suddenly turn DRAFT before your eyes!

You also have to keep in mind the origins or context in which the Breyer Balker was fashioned upon. First introduced into the Breyer Creations line in 1962(?) the Balking mule was originally meant as a replica of an era gone by, the early (albeit stubborn) work type mule. Many of the mares used in early mule breeding programs were not purebreds, and thus not the best quality. Most were "heavy work type horses" (Draft type mares bred to heavy work or saddle type stallions), soley for the purpose of having animals that could work in the fields, haul wares to market, and still pull the buggy or wagon Sunday morning to church. The Breyer Balking Mule paid homage to that.

Choices

If you're wanting a good realistic stock type saddle mule, then we suggest setting your sites on either the newer Breyer Brown Sunshine Mule mold or better yet, the Hagen-Renaker DW Mule. Both are stocky and cut enough to represent that type of saddle mule any day. But if it's a draft cross you're looking for, then look no farther than the Breyer Balker.

Breaking Barriers

Hey, just because you decided to make your Balker a draft cross, does NOT mean you can't show or campaign her in regular performance classes (like equitation or trail) against other saddle mule or horses. "Draft" types can be highly competitive as well!

Take "John Henry" for example, whom I think resembles the Breyer Balker more than say, the HR DW Mule. This phenonemal black percheron draft mule from Albany NY has been turning heads under saddle and harness at shows across the country, often at the expense of his shorter eared cousins! He is so nicely balanced you forget about his "draft" heritage until you're standing next to him getting some scale - and then you realize he is HUGE! 16+ hands and some 1400 lbs!

Nor should you take the Balker's "sulky attitude" negatively. Instead of seeing defiance in the mold's clenched teeth and turned back ears, take it as grit and determination and then set out to find ways to photograph that new "Can Do" charm! It CAN be done! It HAS been done!

(For additional reading on this, see article "What Can You Do With a Balker?!")

(This Page last updated: January 25, 2001)