EJ Zander
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2011
- Location
- Gettysburg, PA
Interesting military tradition for mules:
New arrivals had their tails shaved hence shavetails
Then as they learned new skills and their tail grew a bell was cut into the tail to show the mastered skill.
First bell was added when the animal could pack
Second bell was added when the animal could pack and drive
Finally when it could pack, drive and ride it got the third bell
The system easily communicated their skill level to others or when the animal was transferred to different commands
A bell sharp was an experienced mule that knew where to line up and could pick out its own pack
Pic of the belled tails
New arrivals had their tails shaved hence shavetails
Then as they learned new skills and their tail grew a bell was cut into the tail to show the mastered skill.
First bell was added when the animal could pack
Second bell was added when the animal could pack and drive
Finally when it could pack, drive and ride it got the third bell
The system easily communicated their skill level to others or when the animal was transferred to different commands
A bell sharp was an experienced mule that knew where to line up and could pick out its own pack
Pic of the belled tails