Halocho #1021 – May one ride a mule?

The Torah forbids mating animals and birds of different species - this is part of Kil'ay Beheima. However there is no obligation to prevent them from mating naturally. 

A mule is the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. 

A hinny is the hybrid offspring of a male horse and a female donkey. 

The way to tell them apart is by their ears, tails and bray. (Yes. All this is from the Kitzur.) 

One may not use a mule and a hinny together as they are considered as 2 distinct species. 

If their ears, tails and bray are similar then one can assume they are both the same animal. 

There is an opinion that one may not use a mule at all - not even for riding on - as one would be using 2 species simultaneously. 

Source: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 175:1, 6

- Danny
Tuesday, 26 Tevet 5773