Modest Mule Research Paper

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Pages: 3

The Modest Mule. Hikers and visitors are often fascinated by the breathtaking scenery of the Grand Canyon. Despite its rough terrain and elevated trails, travelers are excited to go on tours to see the brilliance of the Western desert. These travelers may encounter packs of mules marching slowly along the popular Kaibab Trail, carrying passengers, goods, and packages. Though many associate horses with the West, mules are the ideal choice of working animals along the canyon trails.
Special Qualities of Mules. Spooking behavior in animals can seriously threaten the safety of the riders and passengers. Mules have a gentler personality than horses and donkeys. They do not startle and-jump sideways easily under pressure. They pass through the trails
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Dr. Britta Osthaus, a senior lecturer in Applied Social Sciences at Canterbury University, Kent, found that mules are more capable of learning new tasks and adjusting to their surroundings. “Mules were faster in their initial learning than both donkeys and horses and they were also more flexible in their unlearning than dogs and horses,” said Dr. Osthaus. Her early findings suggested that mules are more intelligent than horses and donkeys. Mules are more capable to adapt to their surroundings, making them a safer mode of transportation in rugged …show more content…
Faith Burden, a British researcher, concluded in a study that mules require an extensive period of training before they can work with humans. This is necessary to ensure the safety of their future riders. A trainer must quickly gain the trust of the mule. Once that happens, says Burden, “You’ll have a partnership like no other.” Typically, trainers work with the mules for more than a month before taking them to the trails. Simmon Ashley, a mule trainer from Grand Canyon, agreed with this finding, noting “they know the trail by heart. That's how they are. They're really trusting and that's why they say, 'trust your