Have you ever wondered why they cut a mules tail in "bells"?

Have you ever wondered why they cut a mules tail in "bells"? Back in the day.....the Army used mules in service, a green mule had its tail shaved. By the time the mule was broke to pack, a 'bell' was trimmed in the tail. Once broke to drive, a second bell was added below the first. Broke to ride, a third tassel was trimmed below the second. Thus, a three-bell mule was a well-schooled animal. This way, when looking at a corral full of unknown mules, it was easy to identify which one to select for the job at hand!

The "mule tail" bell horsehair tassels and shu-flys we have in our shop pay homage to this practice.  Check out our Western Jewelry and Accessories collection!

Fun Fact:  This is a reprint of our most successful and "viral" Facebook post from September 13, 2017.  This post has over 1 million views and 100,000 shares!

 

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