Hiya! I wanted to ask, do any of you know much about mules?!
     I want to get something simple, small, and economical to have at my house, something to just enjoy and have fun with and to love and ride; leave all the dressage at the riding barn. I wanted one in-between 13-14 hands(a horse at the barn is like a little over 14 hands, and I could definitely get by with something smaller, as long as it's stocky I think) that's the perfect size, but I don't know how strong they are, although the books I do have that say something about them(usually only one page in the whole book) boast about their strength. And a small one since, like most of you probably, I don't have money to burn, so I can afford something small better then a large, stocky horse that is 16+ hands and needs large amounts of grain and such(although I would love one of them!). But I have heard they are very wise with their eating habits(unlike horses XD) and I have a nice sized field that would be perfect from spring till fall, to cut down on hay costs(the only thing is I'm worried about ticks) and I've heard, like donkeys, they don't really need grain? Sorry, this is all hearsay.
     Anywho, I wanted to know about their stamina, strength, and comparing them to horses what they are like. I mean, I had a billion horse books, but really nothing about mules, so I would love your help!!
     And, how skittish are they? Yes, I know it depends on how they are raised, and other factors, but in general? You see, having a not-so-smart 130+ pound German Shepherd, barking his head off, fluffed up, isn't exactly peaceful...but if the mule is calm(which by all means, is asking too much,) then he would calm down, and no doubt they would be buddies(that's just the way my wonderful puppydoo is...love you bud!)
     And(sorry, I keep thinking up more things!) I've heard that they can sometimes be solitary, which I wouldn't wish on them, but if I did find one that is I wouldn't mind it, since like I said I'm no millionaire. But if not, it doesn't have to be another mule or something, unless they are super specific? Since I know horses can have buddies that aren't horses; like I've seen some with cows, goats, even chickens.
     Would also like to know if a jack or jenny is better(is there such thing as a gelding? I know they can't breed, but still, I don't know much) I would probably rather have a jack, but I don't know...as usual.
     And, trust me, I won't rush into buying one without learning all about them!(and neither would I buy one just because they are 'cute' or 'funny' or something, I'm not like that)
     Thanks guys so much!!

~ Jake Vader

(Oh, I just thought of something else; how well do they jump, if they jump at all? I know equines with good muscle mass jump well, so maybe mules jump well? Sorry for my inexperience with all this! Thanks again!)