Molasses
Molasses is a unique Redwings resident – a very large mule who stands at over 16hh!
The reason for Molasses being such a big boy comes from his breeding. With his dad being a Poitou donkey and his mum being a Shire, Molasses was never going to be a shrinking violet.
Molasses likes to make himself known around the Sanctuary!
Poitou donkeys are incredibly rare. They are over 14hh in height, heavily built with very shaggy coats and originate from France. Twenty years ago the Poitou faced extinction but fortunately their numbers are on the rise, although there are still only around 40 in the UK today. Even the Shire horse is at risk of becoming a rare breed, according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, so Molasses is a very special and unique young man.
Sadly, the original owner of Molasses developed a serious illness and hospital commitments meant he was no longer able to provide the necessary care needed for such a large mule. It was agreed that, due to his unique breeding and the special requirements that brings, Redwings would take Molasses into its care.
Molasses took the opportunity to have a good roll as soon as he arrived at Redwings!
He soon earned himself a reputation amongst the staff here as being a bit of a handful due to his size, but really he is just a big boy who doesn’t know his own strength!
Mules take on the best traits of horses and donkeys. They are very strong animals, capable of carrying heavy weights and have the ability to deal with very hot and very cold weather. Mules are hugely intelligent and have a strong sense of self-preservation – both of which are often mistaken for stubbornness. If treated in the right way, a mule and its owner can build up a great relationship of trust.
Thankfully, Molasses is in good company, with heavy horses William and Charlie – two beautiful grey Percherons - keeping an eye on him in his paddock.
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