Why Are Mules and Hinnies Different?

The Mule. A mule is produced when you breed a male donkey to a female horse, also known as a mare. A "hinny," meanwhile, is produced when you breed a stallion, or male horse, to a female donkey. Mules possess characteristics of both of their parents but are typically sterile and unable to reproduce.

Why are mules more common than hinnies?

The conception rate is the same whether a mare is bred to a stallion or a jack, but is lower in a jennet bred to a stallion. ... As a result, jennets don't foal every year, as a mare might, but will occasionally skip a year. Breeding mules from mares is therefore more economical than breeding hinnies from jennets.

Are hinnies as good as mules?

Hinnies Are Still Useful!

They're also more careful on trails than mules, but they are just as muscular – hinnies often possess the size and strength of a horse. This makes them great pack animals. Although they may take their time, a hinny won't tire as quickly as a mule.