2-982-530 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Educated Mules at the Alhambra Palace, 1858. American circus in London: Messrs. Howes and Cushing's "educated" mules, Barney and Pete who '...must have had, if not a superior education, at any rate an excellent training...Barney goes in for the rough gymnastics, and is a perfect mule in his way, "unmuling" the best rider that dare venture upon his back, and chasing him out of the ring. Pete prides himself upon his low comedy talents, and performs in his own fashion as many ludicrous tricks and antics as the most artistic pantomimist upon two legs can boast of. In the course of the performance the master of the ring offers a sovereign to any man or boy who can ride Barney three times round the ring without falling off, he having himself first shown how easy it is. Generally two or three from among the audience try the experiment, but they are soon sent over Barney's head, if they succeed on getting in his back at all...Pete is challenged to jump over a pole higher than himself; but, instead of doing so, he very prudently runs under it...These mules have been taught to play at hide-and-seek, go on errands, and perform any number of comic feats at a more nod or look from their trainer'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.