Visual Management... and Mule Tails

A mule is the offspring of a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Because of the mule's ability to carry at least as much as a horse, their trait of being sure-footed along with their tolerance of poorer coarser foods and abilities to tolerate arid terrains, mules have been used as pack animals, plow animals, to pull wagons, and even for riding. In addition to civilian use, mules have long been a staple of almost every major army in the world. Their usefulness has continued into the 21st century as the United States Marine Corps has conducted an 11-day Animal Packers Course since the 1960s at its Mountain Warfare Training Center located in the Sierra Nevada near Bridgeport, California. During the Soviet–Afghan War, the United States used large numbers of mules to carry weapons and supplies over Afghanistan's rugged terrain to the mujahideen. Use of mules by U.S. forces has continued during the War in Afghanistan.

It should come as no surprise that with such widespread use, people needed a 1 bell trimmed into the tail meant the mule was broke to pack, 2 bells meant he was broke to drive, and 3 bells meant he was broke to pack, drive, and ride. This way, when looking at a corral full of unknown mules, it was easy to identify which one to select for the job!

Back in the day 1 bell trimmed into the tail meant the mule was broke to pack, 2 bells meant he was broke to drive, and 3 bells meant he was broke to pack, drive, and ride. This way, when looking at a corral full of unknown mules, it was easy to identify which one to select for the job!