New start for overweight and anxious mule Maria

Maria, 12, was overweight and extremely nervous around people when our Equine Behaviourist Martha Payne started working with her in 2023.  

Martha says: “Mules of Maria’s size should typically weigh between 250kg to 290kg. But when Maria came to our New Arrivals Unit, she topped the scales at 355kg.” 

Maria had become overweight due to inappropriate nutrition in her previous home and was carrying at least an extra 65kg in body fat.  

“Similar to donkeys, mules should have an almost oblong appearance from behind. Maria was very round and had fat bulging on either side of her rumps and she had large rolls of fat covering her neck.” 

Addressing Maria’s behaviour 

To begin her weight loss journey, Maria needed to be relocated from our New Arrivals unit to the Mules Paddock at our Open Farm in Liscarroll. However, she displayed some challenging behaviour whenever approached due to a lack of trust in human contact. 

It was important to first address this behaviour to ensure she would be comfortable when handled by grooms at our Open Farm.  

Martha used positive reinforcement techniques and counter conditioning to help Maria overcome her fears, and with her groom’s support and guidance, Maria began to build trust.

The start of Maria’s weight loss journey

Martha says: “When the day came to move Maria to our Open Farm, she didn’t show any signs of hesitation as she stepped off the trekker and immediately embraced her new surroundings. 

“Maria quickly understood the group’s hierarchical structure due to her strong social skills, and the healthy eating habits she has since developed are attributed to the interaction with the other mules and the management of food by her grooms. 

“Maria can often be seen running up and down the hill in her paddock, and her weight is now down to 293kg. Through our behavioural work, we helped build Maria’s resilience and confidence, helping her to live a healthier and happier life.” 

Reflecting on Maria’s journey, Martha stresses the risks of obesity in donkeys and mules: “Every owner should take obesity very seriously. It can lead to multiple other health concerns. Overweight donkeys and mules face a much higher risk of developing hyperlipaemia, a potentially fatal condition caused by excess fat in the blood. They can also develop laminitis due to obesity, and experience additional strain on their organs and joints.”