This is one of the many mules working in the French Quarter
From http://www.ils.unc.edu/no/french.html#mule
"Mules played a big part in the westward colonization of America..."
"In World War II, 14,000 mules were used since they were able to travel through thick jungle and rugged mountains that were impossible for vehicles, and even horses, to cross."
From http://equisearch.com/breeds/m_r/muleprofile062401/
"World War I was the last major conflict which the United States Army used horses and mules in significant numbers. The Remount Service was enlarged to meet the increased demands of the Artillery, the Cavalry and other units. Around 571,000 horses and mules processed through the Remount system of which more than 68,000 were killed in that war." From http://www.qmfound.com/remount.htm
Meanwhile, in 2005, in the French Quarter, mules and horses were basically left to fend for themselves until the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, the Louisiana Horse Council and others stepped in.
