"Alan A Day’s Work, a 2008, 13.3 hand john, strives to prove that yes, you can horse show on a mule! In their early years together, owner Whitney Barnard and Alan dabbled in many different disciplines, but it quickly became clear that Alan loved to jump. Whitney wanted to show the world how talented Alan was and give him a chance to compete. But as a mule in a horse’s world, it was hard to find acceptance until finally a local horse show association welcomed them and let Alan shine. However, mules weren’t permitted to participate in any nationally-recognized jumping disciplines. So, the pair began advocating to change the rules against mules and allow them to compete equally alongside horses in the show ring.
After many years, the USHJA and USEF finally passed a rule allowing mules to compete in all levels of jumper competition starting in 2022. In 2023, Whitney and Alan’s goal to become the first mule/rider pair to compete at a recognized jumper competition came true! Not letting rules or judgments stop him, Alan continues, against all odds, to show the world that he is just as capable, and deserving, as any other horse!" www.breyerhorses.com.