Gaited Mules For Sale

With over 50 years working with equines we have see a thing or two so we want to share some valuable experience with you as you search your way along the path of understanding the hybrid we call the
"Gaited Missouri Mule"

A Missouri Mule Co. (MMCO) mule puts you in absolute control of uncompromising hybrid power. But where is it written that a mule can’t also offer pure comfort? Not here. Just settle into the saddle. Feel the comfort of the relaxing gait. It is the result of intense observation, development and training. Gaited mules are comfortable for 20 miles a day, they also secure your safety during extreme riding conditions. Now relax. Enjoy the view from your "Safe Space" atop a MMCO mule. Now, go where you want. See what others don’t. Because you don’t have to stay on the beaten path anymore. Tear into the back country where few dare to go, see what they missed.

A hybrid we call the "Gaited Missouri Mule"

Missouri Mule Company will help you be
free, free at last !


Are you searching for safety, confidence and comfort in the saddle?
"You're getting closer

Vacation the USA through the ears of a Gaited Missouri Mule!

 

When people start thinking about buying a gaited mule and begin their search, most carry a certain set of expectations - kind of an internal “wish list” that they have, either consciously or subconsciously. Some come looking for the unusual. Some come after years out of the saddle or after a wreck, with their confidence in tatters, looking for a level of safety they haven't been able to achieve on any horse. Some come looking more for the “gait” part of the equation than the “mule.” Some don’t know what they’re looking for, only that they’ll know it when they see it. Whoever you are, or however you got here - congratulations! You’ve found something truly worthwhile! Welcome to the best kept secret that ever carried saddle leather - the gaited Missouri Mule! 

 

thunder

Thunder- Naturally Gaited John Mule

Cherry sorrel with high socks, butt spot and tail stripe  

Well-bred Tennessee Walker dam 14.3 hands and growing.

Should finish around 15-15.1

So, let’s talk about Thunder. It’s true that every mule is a personality, and finding the RIGHT mule for you is very important - but here’s a shortcut.  THIS particular mule? He’s got the perfect blend of qualities to be a great match with almost anyone who has found their way here. Handsome? Check! Impeccably trained? Check! Great gaits? Check! Check! Check! Seriously, Thunder is uncomplicated to ride on any terrain, downright sociable, is looking for his best buddy and has ALL the right moves!

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Thunder gets his character (and his fantastic gaits) from his mom. She’s a beautiful, well-bred Tennessee Walker mare, an MMCO farm favorite known for being a great mom and a bit of a love bug. Although he’s not extremely tall or bulky, Thunder packs a lot of power into his average size frame. He’s easy enough to handle to make a nervous rider feel safe, but also has enough “get up and go” to please someone who likes to get down and boogie along the trail.  Thunder will stay in his smooth flat foot walk - even with a one-handed neck rein - and will stay locked in this gliding gait without needing constant tinkering or encouragement..  It’s like having “cruise control!” Also, Thunder doesn’t get strong or overeager if you do decide to let him move on out- he’ll settle right back down. Although Thunder’s crowning gem is his exceptional flat-foot walk, he’s got a nice little western pleasure short lope that you can play cowboy with, as well.  He’s a real trail riding machine that you can just relax and enjoy-- Thunder can keep up with the faster gaited horses with ease, or mosey along with the slowpokes without fussing about it.  He shoes, loads, clips and bathes easily, and is solid on ALL the things we expect from our finished mules - including the sidepass, open and close gates, a smooth resistance-free back up, plus he’ll perform the “Pick Me Up” and “Drop Me Off” maneuvers- sidepassing over to pick up a rider from a mounting block (or any handy thing) AND also sidepassing back to get you in a good position to get down, as well. ALL our mules are trained to stand for at least 45 full seconds from mounting before it’s time to go. We consider it like adding a “parking brake.”  Anything can happen on the trail, and having a mount that’s an active partner in helping you safely into the saddle can go a long way toward easing your mind and building confidence when mounting and dismounting.
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Many mules out there tend to pick their person and bond tight- most are truly “one-person” mules.  Thunder, however, just likes people in general!  Our methods expose our mules to up to 15 different trainers during the formative stage in their training, and Thunder met each new trainer as happy as a social butterfly changing dance partners. This happy, confident nature makes for an uncomplicated personality - a real bonus in a family mule (or perhaps a grandparent/grandchild mule?) Riders of varying ability levels appreciate that he works to figure out what they need, and he’s diplomatic in his affections. It’s kind of like throwing a saddle over the family dog - his personality that just draws you in without being pushy or clingy. In time, he could pick a favorite and be someone’s VERY best friend and partner.
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At present, Thunder’s READY and WILLING to go hit the trails for the 2024 season. He’s going to check all the boxes for most people looking for smooth riding, deluxe trail mules, so if you think he might be the trail partner you need, call us for more information on how to come meet him. Also, if you’re a family needing more than one mule, check out Thunder’s adopted brother, Lightning. (Call Bob 417-766-5150 to hear their story - it’s really heartwarming!) These boys would make a good team-up for someone wanting a matched pair to teach to drive, or for a couple of folks that want to ride together and look GOOD.
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At present, Thunder’s READY and WILLING to go hit the trails for the 2024 season. He’s going to check all the boxes for most people looking for smooth riding, deluxe trail mules, so if you think he might be the trail partner you need, call us for more information on how to come meet him. Also, if you’re a family needing more than one mule, check out Thunder’s adopted brother, Lightning. (Call Bob 417-766-5150 to hear their story - it’s really heartwarming!) These boys would make a good team-up for someone wanting a matched pair to teach to drive, or for a couple of folks that want to ride together and look GOOD.
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$24500

Lighting

Lightning- Naturally Gaited John Mule

Bright sorrel with unique Tobiano markings, high socks

Well-bred Tennessee Walker dam 14.3-15 hands, medium build 
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At MMCO, we find that our methods-proven over the last 30 years- consistently take good mules and turn them into the BEST trail partners! Lightning is a perfect example of the kind of mule we make- the kind that everyone wants, and is SO hard to find. 

From his very first days of training in our Playpen Program, Lightning has been consistently easy to handle, quick to learn, and just downright uncomplicated to be around. His very nature is laid-back and patient. You’re the boss, and he’ll stand quietly at your side and wait for you to call the shots from the ground, or glide you on down the trail - in style! 
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Lightning was also a star pupil on ALL the important lessons we teach our finished mules - things that add the comfort and safety a MMCO mule is known for. Lightning will sidepass, open and close gates, and - unlike mules from other places- has a light and responsive “reverse” gear.  Many mules don’t like backing up, but with our training program they ALL learn and don’t mind one bit. Also, Lightning is great at the Pick Me Up and Drop Me Off maneuvers- sidepassing over to pick up a rider from a mounting block (or any handy thing) AND also sidepassing back to get you in a good position to get down, as well.  ALL our mules are trained to stand for at least 45 full seconds from mounting before it’s time to go. We consider it adding a “parking brake.” 

moves!
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You can be new to gaited mounts and still enjoy everything Lightning has to offer - this mule is a sheer joy. His entire gait spread is geared for that smooth and effortless “glide ride.” His top gear is a nice running walk, NOT a speed rack. This makes for gaits that are leisurely and controlled, but deceptively ground-covering. Plus - and I can’t overstate this - watching this mule move? It’s sheer poetry in motion!


This level of comfort spoils people. It’s so addictive, they never want to ride a trot again. A mule like this opens up possibilities - getting people out of the living room and back in the saddle again! The RIGHT gaited mule can give you a couple more decades of enjoying the trails, past the point where you might have started thinking about hanging up your spurs for good. 


Lightning’s dam was a well-bred, gorgeous Tennessee Walker mare, and he sure takes after her - looks and gaits! He has a kind eye, cute head, compact solid frame and flashy, unique markings, not to mention a set of beautiful long ears! Lightning even lives up to his name - NOT with blazing speed - but with his very own lightning bolt down his left shoulder. He’s so unique, you’ll never lose him in a herd.
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Personality-wise, Lightning isn’t overtly “in-your-face.” He’s like that one good co-worker who is friendly, but always has their mind on business and doing their job RIGHT. You’ll want this guy on your team- and don’t worry, he’ll like you! He likes everyone… he’s just not going to be kissing you on the lips or trying to get into your car.

Lightning seems like he was born knowing that life is a marathon, not a sprint. He’ll get you both wherever you’re going in comfort and safety - and make you look good doing it. This kind of wisdom and calm is JUST what a cautious or fearful rider needs to build their confidence on the trail.  It also makes him a great team-up with his adopted brother “Thunder.”  

Lightning listens to his riders and engages his brain at all times. Our training methods have exposed him to a variety of different trainers, riders, and situations at a genuine working farm! There’s nothing that builds a mule with a good work ethic like having a real job! Cars, tractors, farm equipment, noisy livestock, really rough terrain- just another day at the office. Lightning’s also seen all the deer, turkeys and scary things that are out there on the rugged Appalachian trails and just isn’t worried a bit.  He’s one steady, wise soul, and happy to ride out alone with his rider, or go along first, last, or anywhere in a group.

If you’re looking for a mount that’s safe enough for novices, handy enough for the more experienced, small enough to be safe for little people and stout enough to handle an adult as well, your journey has finally paid off! Lightning’s consistency and uncomplicated nature make him one of our top-drawer mules. Also, if you have your heart set on a team, either to train to drive OR if you have someone you want to ride with and want to match, don’t overlook his adopted brother Thunder.  They’re both outstanding individuals, but there’s an interesting story between them, and it’d be great if they could stay together. If you’d like to hear their story, give Bob a call. 417-766-5150
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$19000

Saffron
 

14.2 hands and growing, should finish around 15 hands

Stunning Sooty Buckskin with dapples a star!

Saffron is one of the most elegant and feminine built mollies we’ve ever had born here - with a baby-doll head filled with sense, and pretty attitude to match that pretty face. 
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Then, you’ve got the COLOR.  Wow!  Buckskins are pretty, but her sooty dapples are just next-level unique and stunning. We don’t know that we’ve ever seen another quite like her- and we’ve never had one born here before her, either and won't have another until next spring! 
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As if all that weren’t enough, then you have the GAIT.  Saffron’s inherited all the flashy, floaty, forward moving, head-nodding, ear-flopping comfort and speed of her dam’s 4 beat spread of gaits. She has a clear foxtrot, flat-walk and running walk, but you don’t have to be a gaited expert to enjoy her. Whatever she’s doing is smooth and comfortable, and these lovely qualities make her a top-notch premium mule, and a solid choice for someone considering a gaited animal for the first time. She’s already nicely set in her smooth flat foot walk and excellent running walk, making these gait transitions easily without needing to feel them out. You can watch the miles glide by as her happy ears wave back and forth in the breeze. When it’s time to slow down, take your foot off the gas. That’s it. Isn’t life grand?  


Now, when I say that Saffron is a favorite around here, I’m not pulling your leg. It’s like she hit the ground as a foal born with a special mission to be not just a good girl, but the BEST girl.  She’s got a level of patience and sanity that it takes some mules a decade to develop, and some horses NEVER achieve. We think the term “old soul” might have been coined with her in mind. Another thing that sets her apart from the crowd is her eagerness to please-- affectionate, without being too pushy about it.  Saffron picks up new things fast, but also retains them as well.

Because of our training, Saffron clearly understands what a day’s work is and knows to wait patiently while tied because it’s smart to conserve energy.  At MMCO, we use 9 different trainers (from 8 years old to 72) AND a working farm situation for training. Saffron is used to many different riders, including kids - and is solid on ALL the things we expect from our finished mules. These broad life experiences make mules that are exceptional for most kinds of riders and situations. Saffron is handy at opening and closing gates, sidepassing and backing up without resistance. She’s also a champ at our Pick Me Up and Drop Me Off maneuvers- sidepassing over to pick up a rider from a mounting block (or any handy thing) AND also sidepassing back to get the rider in position to use a mounting block to get back down as well. ALL our mules are trained to stand for at least 45 full seconds from mounting before it’s time to go. This “parking brake” is an important safety habit for every mule - and one they absorb from their very first ride. In addition to all that training, Saffron herself is a kind mule and not the type to take advantage. Grandchild mule, anyone?


All in all, Saffron is a truly unique longeared individual, ready and willing to be someone’s indispensable partner for a lifetime of adventures ahead.  If you think she might be the rare spice that your life has been lacking, we suggest you come visit or call asap. Mules that are the whole package - unique color, natural easy gait, and comprehensive training - like this tend to get snapped up pretty fast! 
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14.2 hands and growing, should finish around 15 hands

Stunning Sooty Buckskin with dapples a star!

Saffron is one of the most elegant and feminine built mollies we’ve ever had born here - with a baby-doll head filled with sense, and pretty attitude to match that pretty face. 

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Private Treaty

 

 
Midwest Trail Style
 

 

The Texan

A real Gaited Mule for a real mule man!

Flashy Sorrel and White Tobiano Spotted

8 years old

Tennessee Walker Mare x Gaited Jack

14.3 hands, stout and sturdy build
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Are you a confident, backcountry rider that needs a powerful, thick-built, weight bearing mount that will handle rough terrain like only the very best gaited mule can?  Do you want to hit the trails right NOW? Well, here you GO!  
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The Texan is a little “brick outhouse” of a gaited john mule who has earned himself the nickname of “Dozer”-  and it’s NOT because he’s sleepy!  Dozer is short for Bulldozer, and boy does he live up to it! Down and dirty terrain-crushing skills are this one’s bread and butter. Everything about this compact, muscular John mule, from his rock hard little mountain goat feet to the tips of  his big old radar dish ears makes for a super functional, yet easy-on-the-eyes package. Truly, the ORIGINAL luxury offroad recreational vehicle!

Looking at him standing still, you’d expect the Texan to be strong as a mountain and rooted to the earth, but you’re in for a surprise - he has really, REALLY fantastic gaits!  He floats along in a clear, effortless-looking and outrageously smooth range of 4 beat speeds, transitioning gently from a flat walk up to a very brisk and correct running walk. This type of ride is gentle not only to the rider, but also to the animal, too. It’s part of the reason gaited mules are known for their go-all-day stamina. The Texan’s gaits aren’t just easy to ride, but also easy to look at - like I said, you wouldn’t expect a brick outhouse to be so darn PRETTY!  

In the pen, The Texan is towards the top of the pecking order, but not a bully, and can be caught easily with grain. He warms up even more once he gets to know you. Under saddle, he prefers men or very confident women - like many mules, he wants to check your resume before he takes orders. This makes him a bit intimidating for novice or fearful riders, but once he’s convinced your judgment is good, he has a solid work ethic and is a practical, uncomplicated partner with a whole host of high-end skills that we expect from our seasoned mules. He’ll open and close gates, sidepass, and one-hand back up as smooth silk. 

At 14.3 The Texan isn’t the tallest mule out there, but he’s so stout he routinely gets guessed as much taller than he is. He uses up a lot of leg, so even a tall rider won’t feel out of place in his saddle. As for us, we consider him to be about the perfect size - but The Texan does perform the “Pick Me Up” trick, and will sidepass over to you - whatever you’re standing on - and position himself to stand like a statue for mounting. He’ll also do the same, in reverse.  We call it the “Drop Me Off”- where he’ll sidepass over to deposit you back on the mounting block or wherever you want to dismount. This might not seem like a big deal during warm weather, but come winter? It sure cuts down on the pain of cold feet hitting the ground after a long drop- a sensation everyone would like to forget!  ALL our mules are trained to stand for at least 45 full seconds from mounting before it’s time to go.  We consider it adding a “parking brake.”

This surefooted trail machine is well-seasoned, flashy and ready for all the adventure that the 2024 trail season can bring. Rock climbing? Creek wading? Big group trail rides? Come meet him - then go bust up some brush on this bulldozer and have the BEST summer yet!!

 

Canyon Star

Confident Lady’s Dream Ride
Sorrel Molly Mule with flaxen mane and tail
8 years old
Tennessee Walker Mare
15 hands, stout and sturdy build  

Are you a Lady rider with a bit of a daredevil streak? Do you have a need for speed, a burning desire to see the top of every climb and live for a chance to navigate terrain that would make a mountain goat think twice? Do you need a good “using mule” that rides great - right NOW, but you also enjoy forging a friendship with a more “one-man” horse or mule? 
 

This gorgeous, shapely molly is going to make the RIGHT gal an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime mount!  Under saddle, Canyon Star has everything an experienced, gaited trail rider would want -the perfect size, the rock solid conformation, the gait quality, “the down and dirty” trail skills, and STAMINA. Even someone transitioning from sporty straight-going or speed horses would find Canyon Star a hot little sports car of a ride - you need zero experience with gaited horses or mules to put her through all her paces.
 

 

In the pen, Canyon Star is uncomplicated with her peers and in the middle of the pecking order. She can be cool with strangers -sometimes downright chilly if she doesn’t know you AND you’re of the male persuasion - but a feed bucket helps a lot.  Once she’s caught, Canyon Star has a tremendous work ethic, is easy to handle like all our mules, and is well accustomed to being groomed, clipped, shod and tacked. She’ll load easy into whatever trailer you have. We consider 15 hands to be about the perfect size - but Canyon Star does perform the “Pick Me Up” trick, and will side-pass over to you - whatever you’re standing on - and position herself to stand like a statue for mounting. 

Canyon Star rides like a fast, working Tennessee Walker. Her gaits are clean with an excellent flat foot walk, and a good solid running walk that’s easy to ride at any speed.  If that’s not enough, hold on to your hat and ask for more - she’s got a blazing fast rack, and she’s hoping you let her use it!
Take this girl on an ADVENTURE!  On the trail she is a smooth gaited obstacle conquering machine - anywhere you want to go, from the side of the highway to the roughest back country trail or even right into the creek. 

$22500 $16400

(Click Here for Canyon Star's gaiting & Trail Riding videos and photo Diary)

 

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(Click Here for Ruby gaiting & Trail Riding videos and photo Diary)
$19000

our mules perform the MMCO "Pick Me Up"

Watch how it make mounting a breeze
 

   

$9000

Are you searching for safety, confidence and comfort in the saddle?
"You're getting closer"


The worlds legendary Missouri Mules have always had a highly esteemed reputation. That reputation was earned by applying its ability to help man compete and win on the battlefield or the cotton field. Man has utilized this hybrid from the time Solomon road David’s She Mule to be anointed king of the Israelites all the way to the settlement of the wild west and after that the mule traversed two world wars. As they assisted man, they won his heart and soul. Now, after decades of developing excellent gaited mares and fine jack stock you have the privilege of sitting atop the safest gaited trail mounts ever produced.

Click here to review the Great mule we have sold over the years

Missouri Mule Company
Bob Bingham, owner
3575 N. Farm Road 189  •  Springfield, MO  65803
Contact phone numbers: Cell 417-766-5150
E-mail: bob@missourimuleco.com