Wallace, the nifty mule who wants to show off his dressage
A MULE has been blocked from competing in high-level British dressage competitions, prompting fierce criticism from horse riders.
Christie Mclean, 30, from Stroud, Glos, had hoped to ride Wallace the Great, an 11-year-old rescue mule, in competitions with her dressage team.
But he has been barred by the sport’s governing body British Dressage, because high-level competitions are only open to horses and ponies – a rule branded “equine racism” by Ms Mclean.
Wallace started competing in dressage last month, and has been doing well in local competitions, placing third in its most recent attempt.
Like horses and ponies, it has to perform circles, loops, semicircles and straight lines in both walk and trot.
“He enjoys his dressage,” said Ms Mclean. “He’s a happy little chap.”
Wallace was abandoned in Ireland, and came to England after being rescued by the Donkey Sanctuary charity.
Ms Mclean is part of a dressage competition team, and volunteered Wallace as a substitute competitor when some horses in her team became lame.
With three competitions left to go in the season, her team had hoped that Wallace’s contribution could help them qualify for a championship. “It didn’t cross my mind that we wouldn’t be able to take part,” said Ms Mclean.
“I think it’s time for the rules to be changed. British Dressage pride themselves on saying that this is a social sport that anyone can join. But we can’t. We are not asking for zebras to compete. It would just be one or two mules across the UK.”
Since their plight became known, hundreds of people have backed Ms Mclean’s attempt to register Wallace with British Dressage.
Anne-marie Underwood, from Hampshire, who rides her shire horse Lady in dressage competitions, agreed. She said: “As someone who would often get funny looks taking a shire into the dressage arena – but usually nothing but admiration and surprise when they saw her move – I say, ‘Shame on you, British Dressage’.
“I would love to see the mule beat a nice expensive dressage horse. Let the mule compete.”
Ms Mclean said she suspected the fear of being beaten by a mule may be behind British Dressage’s decision.
The Donkey Sanctuary, which owns Wallace, says on its website: “The common misconception that mules are stubborn isn’t true.
“They are intelligent and very trainable. They can do anything that a horse or donkey can do, and in some cases do them better. Mules can be used for riding events such as dressage, show jumping, endurance and western riding.” Mules may be known for their stubbornness, but it appears to be British Dressage that is refusing to budge in this instance. A spokesman said: “We don’t have anything against mules or donkeys, but our rule book is quite specific. It refers to horses and ponies.
“It could be time to change the rules. Wallace may be the one to do just that.”
He added: “It’s not beyond the realms of possibility. But currently – sorry Wallace, beautiful and lovely as you are – it’s a no.”
‘I would love to see the mule beat a nice expensive dressage horse. Let the mule compete’