Amazing mule celebrates milestone birthday

One of Bransby Horses’ oldest residents, Ebony the mule, is celebrating turning 30 this month, making her the oldest and second-longest staying equine at the charity

Much-loved mule, Ebony, recently surpassed a milestone birthday at Bransby Horses this month, reaching the grand age of 30. When the equine welfare charity rescued Ebony back in 1992, she was wandering the streets of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. It wasn’t clear if she’d escaped from a field or been dumped but, when nobody claimed her, Bransby was there to make sure she received all the love and care she deserved. The offspring of a female horse (mare) and a male donkey (jack), Ebony is classed as a mule and her quirky character and adorable looks meant she quicky became a firm favorite among staff and supporters of the charity alike.

Visitor Centre Team Leader, Shell Craven, said: “Everyone loves Ebony. She’s such a cheeky little lady who doesn’t act her age at all. She has a distinctive voice when she brays and I can tell it’s her just from the noise she makes. Ebony has very specific care needs, which is why she is in a herd with equines with similar needs. For example, she only has a few teeth and needs her feed adjusting for this so that she can continue to eat well. She needs more than one rug to keep her warm and dry because a mule’s coat is not as waterproof as a horse’s.”

During her early years at Bransby Horses, Ebony was trained to pull a small cart to help with weight management and keep her busy. Shell added: “She’s a very intelligent mule and when she was younger, she liked to be doing things rather than just grazing in a field. She’s retired now and is happy playing and relaxing in her paddock with her little herd.”

On the big day, Ebony was presented with an equine-friendly cake made from grass nuts, carrots and molasses, which she shared with her companions, 26-year-old Shetland pony Cinderella and 21-year-old Penelope, who’s the charity’s only other mule.

Ebony was also a sponsorship star for many years and still has many supporters who like to send her treats, such as carrots, with their regular donations.

You can visit Ebony on the Visitor Centre Yard at Bransby Horses. To find out more visit bransbyhorses.co.uk