A New Edition of The Book of Mules

A new edition of The Book of Mules: An Introduction to the Original Hybrid has just been released by author Donna Campbell Smith.
A few changes were made in re-issuing the book. The subtitle was changed to “An Introduction to the Original Hybrid.” It was Smith’s intention in writing The Book of Mules that it be especially valuable to first-time mule owners or folks who are still in the “thinking about it” stage. Smith felt the subtitle chosen by the first publisher didn’t really reflect that intention and worried it was misleading. Seasoned mule owners will surely find useful information between the book covers, too. It will make a good reference book to have in any mule owner’s library.
Readers will find chapters on the origin and history of the mule, types of mules and their uses, how to care for them, health issues, raising mules, and some training principles. The text includes personal accounts from experienced mule enthusiasts as well as interviews with mule experts from across the country.
Smith says, “While a good deal of what’s true of horses is true of mules, a good deal is different.”
Smith updated some of the back-matter as websites come and go, and a few did go in the 11 years since the first publication, as well as farms and businesses.
The biggest change in the book is a new chapter at the end titled “Some Mule Tales.” Smith added the mule tales because over the years, folks have shared their stories about mules they’d worked with on farms back in the days before tractors were the norm. Some stories are funny, and some are bitter-sweet. She says all are an important part of American’s heritage.
The Book of Mules is illustrated with about 60 photographs. Smith says she wanted the photos in the book to be printed in color, but it would have made the retail price of the paperback nearly $30, therefore the interior is in black and white. All that being said, Smith says she is simply happy to have The Book of Mules: An Introduction to the Original Hybrid available for future readers.
Donna Campbell Smith has worked as a professional in the horse industry as an instructor, breeder, and trainer for over thirty years. She earned an AAS Degree in Equine Technology from Martin Community College, where she also took extended courses in art and composition. She is a certified riding instructor and served many years as a Master NC 4-H Horse Program Volunteer.
Donna is now retired from teaching and training. She writes from her home in Franklinton, North Carolina.
The Book of Mules: An Introduction to the Original Hybrid is available for purchase at Amazon.com and mulesandmore.com.