Celebrity 'Marathon Mule' makes his debut
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POLSON — Although the runners in Polson’s first annual half marathon knew they would face cold and rain, they were quite surprised to have a guest join them on the course — a mule, running alongside them, kicking up his feet.
Mary Waite, the mule’s owner, says that 5-year-old “Scout” is very friendly and was quite possibly only looking for a friend. After losing his buddy — a horse that Waite had to let go — Scout has been lonely and often runs the fence line when cyclists and runners pass by.
Unfortunately, after hunters allegedly left the gate open, Scout found his opportunity to run with the crowd and went missing for three days. “I was heartbroken,” Waite said.
Waite is not only best buddies with Scout, but says the mule plays a big part in therapy for her. Waite is disabled and suffers from severe joint pain. “When I ride, I am forced to sit up straight and have correct posture. This helps my joints,” she said.
With his sweet disposition, Scout also provides a sense of calm and emotional therapy for Waite. “The mental part of riding is about 75 percent,” she said. “It just builds you up.”
Waite emphasizes the importance of incorporating riding for all different levels of therapy, including working with children who may need an outlet when they are not responding to other aspects of their life.
“I have worked with children who may be shy or feel they are not getting along with other kids,” she said. “After a couple of rides, they were packing in places as big as the Bob Marshall with smiles on their faces. A horse or mule can be a best friend.”
She also feels a mule can be an alternative pet for children as it is, according to Waite, less expensive to pasture a mule over the care of other pets.
After three days on hiatus, Scout turned up at a ranch down the road. The owner contacted a local veterinarian, and to the excitement and relief of Waite, the vet contacted her.
“The ranch had a ton of other animals,” she said. “Scout must have made all kinds of new friends.”
Waite is currently looking for someone who may have another lone horse, or even a goat with a pasture she can move Scout to.
“Mules are herd animals,” she said. “He would be much happier with a pal.”
