Dallarnil's David and Di Scholl recently experienced the strong demand for mules in Australia when the first mares foaled down to their imported donkey, Moses.
The pair made headlines last year following a huge effort to import the 15-hand son of a world champion show animal from America.
Just recently they placed a notice on Facebook advertising his first two mule progeny and sold the first in just three hours, followed by the second one in five hours.
Overall the two averaged $8500 plus GST, and will be delivered once weaned at about seven to eight months.
The couple who live in the North Burnett, have made it their mission to set about breeding the best mules in the country and have searched far and wide for their genetics.
Mr Scholl, who has been breeding mules for the past three years, said he had already used an Australian-bred Jack but was not happy with the progeny.
He had previously travelled to the United State to study and learn more about mules and donkeys, so he enlisted the support of friends to find a suitable jack.
His friends found Diamond Creek Moonwatcher Moses, who the couple imported as a tried and proven donkey jack, to help achieve their dream.
By the time Moses arrived in Australia, he had cost the couple $60,000.
According to Mr Scholl it was definitely worth it, and now that the Moses foals have started to arrive, they are not disappointed.
"His two foals that are now on the ground are far better than what I expected," he said.
There will be another six mares of a variety of breeds to foal down by September and October that all have good temperaments, great conformation and attitude.
Now it is chilled semen duties only for Moses.
"Di and I arrange collection of his semen as required and we can consign it anywhere in Australia," he said.
The couple's love of mules goes back about eight years ago when they saw one selling at the famous Echuca Horse sales in Victoria.
"He stood 13.3 hands high and is as tough as nails that I rode first, and have now handed over to Di," he said.
"We do show mules in the shows that have donkey/mule classes, and shows that are listed 'any other breed'."
Mr Scholl said most people do not know how to communicate and accurately train donkeys or mules.
In the future he plans to hold "mulemanship clinics" with training techniques.
"Nobody really realises what a mules' capabilities are," he said.
"You can ride them until they are about 30, they are sure footed and have longevity. Donkeys are the smartest equine and breed them with a horse, and you have one smart animal."
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Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
