What is a mule skinner?

A mule skinner is a colloquial term for someone who drives or handles a team of mules. Muleskinners were common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the American West where mules were used extensively for transportation and labor in areas where horses were less suitable due to rough terrain or other factors.

Muleskinners were skilled at handling and caring for mules, which can be more stubborn and require different handling techniques than horses. They were responsible for making sure the mules were well-fed, watered, and housed, as well as guiding them while pulling wagons or plows. Muleskinners had to have a good understanding of the animals' behavior and be able to communicate effectively with them to get them to do their work.

In addition to their work with mules, muleskinners were often respected for their knowledge of the land and their ability to navigate difficult terrain. They were an important part of many transportation and labor operations in the American West and other parts of the country where mules were used.