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If you are too old and out of shape to hike alone, you are too old and out of shape to take care of a mule or two alone. Animal care is a 24/7/365 job, hiking is a hobby that occurs when you are in...
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#1: Post edited
by
James Jenkins
·
2020-04-30T16:43:10Z (almost 4 years ago)
<p>If you are too old and out of shape to hike alone, you are too old and out of shape to take care of a mule or two alone. Animal care is a 24/7/365 job, hiking is a hobby that occurs when you are in the mood and the weather meets your fancy.</p><p>Unless you are already hiking on trails, that allow equines (It should be obvious see: <a href="https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/20115/4079">Why aren't the mule trains outfitters required to clean up after their animals?</a> ) than the trails you use now, probably do not allow them. </p><p>Even where equines are allowed, many areas require special diets prior to bringing the horse to the park. Which either drastically increase the care and handling overhead, or it derails any impulsive outings </p><p>Very first thing about mules, is that they eat baled hay for a good part of the year, the lightest bales are around 40 pounds (18KG). Second is that they can be stubborn, the phrase "stubborn as a mule" exists for a reason. If you are to frail to walk with a day pack, you are to frail to manage a mule. </p><p>If you really want to consider a pack animal, see the list at <a href="https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/21211/4079">What is the feed/day limit for various pack animals?</a> there are several smaller animals that are easier to care for. But this is still a 24/7/365 commitment, if you don't currently have pets, you probably want to consider this deeply before moving forward.</p>
- <p>If you are too old and out of shape to hike alone, you are too old and out of shape to take care of a mule or two alone. Animal care is a 24/7/365 job, hiking is a hobby that occurs when you are in the mood and the weather meets your fancy.</p>
- <p>Unless you are already hiking on trails, that allow equines (It should be obvious see: <a href="https://outdoors.codidact.com/questions/57080">Why aren't the mule trains outfitters required to clean up after their animals?</a> ) than the trails you use now, probably do not allow them. </p>
- <p>Even where equines are allowed, many areas require special diets prior to bringing the horse to the park. Which either drastically increase the care and handling overhead, or it derails any impulsive outings </p>
- <p>Very first thing about mules, is that they eat baled hay for a good part of the year, the lightest bales are around 40 pounds (18KG). Second is that they can be stubborn, the phrase "stubborn as a mule" exists for a reason. If you are to frail to walk with a day pack, you are to frail to manage a mule. </p>
- <p>If you really want to consider a pack animal, see the list at <a href="https://outdoors.codidact.com/questions/58031">What is the feed/day limit for various pack animals?</a> there are several smaller animals that are easier to care for. But this is still a 24/7/365 commitment, if you don't currently have pets, you probably want to consider this deeply before moving forward.</p>