2026 Mule Events
Log Pulling Competition
Thursday, 12:00 PM
The Log Pulling competition is a popular event showcasing how important mules have been to agriculture and the logging industry. Judged by Sheriff Bucky Rowland and the crowd, the Old Fashioned Log Pulling brings a load of excitement to the Maury County Park.
Contact: For more information call Mandy Mills 931-982-0061.
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• Each pair of mules will have three attempts to pull each log
• No hitting or slapping mules with lines
• Must pull and stay between ropes ( 12 ft)
• Mules will be judged on teamwork between the driver and the team and strength of the team. Distance of pulls will help determine winners
Feed Time Race
Thursday, 2:00 PM
This timed event for 2-person teams is measured individually against the clock at a walk or trot. The arena features 2 "lanes" with 4 pallets each, equally spaced. Each team leaves the start line and loads 6 bales of hay onto their ground slide. They must stop at each of the next 3 stations to unload 2 bales, turn around the final pallet, and then reload the bales to unload them all back onto the last pallet in the fastest time.
Contact: Call Mandy Mills 931-982-0061.
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Both members must stay on the slide while moving. Hay bales must remain on the slide or pallets – participants may go back and pick them up if they fall off. Mules cannot go above a trot.
You must be a good sport and have fun!!!
1st Place Team - $200 ($100 each)
2nd Place Team - $150 ($75 each)
Riding Mule Show
Friday, 10:30 AM
This show celebrates the versatile, adaptable, and dependable nature of the mule. Equine hybrids compete in various categories including Western Pleasure, Halter, and Gaited Pleasure. The event also features high-speed activities such as Run-Ride-Lead, Rescue Race, Barrel Racing, the Panty Hose Race, and the "RUN FOR THE CASH" Jackpot Races.
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There will be a high point award given to the top youth and adult exhibitor. All classes on the showbill will count except the ones marked with an . $5 Entry Fee Per Class (except Leadline). Payback will be 1st $35, 2nd $25, 3rd $10 and 4th $5. If you have any questions concerning the Riding Mule Show, please contact Brad English 931-6987342
1. Halter
2. Leadline NO ENTRY FEE (Ribbons Only)
3. Gaited Pleasure
4. Walk-Trot 17 & Under
5. Walk-Trot 18 & Over
6. Gaited Trail Pleasure
7. Western Pleasure 17 & Under
8. Western Pleasure 18 & Over
9. OPEN Western Pleasure
10. Trail Starting at 12:30 PM - Main Arena
11. Run-Ride-Lead
12. Rescue Race
13. One Barrel 17 and Under
14. One Barrel 18 and Over
15. Catalog Race
16. Potato Race
17. Panty Hose Race
18. Barrels 17 and Under
19. Barrels 18 and Over
20. Arena Flags
21. Mule Scramble
RUN FOR THE CASH — Jackpot Races Immediately after Riding Mule Show
Farm Class Pulling Competition
Friday, April 10th
The Farm Pulling Competition is new to Mule Day for 2026. This event illustrates the strength and power of yesteryear’s ‘tractor’ and is unique in several ways. First, draft horses ARE allowed to compete. There two classes; one for horses and one for mule.
Time & Location: Weigh-In begins at 9:30 AM Friday – Pull begins at 3:00 PM in Main Arena
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Rules are simple and straightforward:
1. Pulling begins with tight traces. NO Snatching or Jerking to start a pull.
2. No toe cleats, no cleated pulling shoes. Borium or flat shod ONLY.
3. One handler to drive and hook, unless otherwise determined by the show staff.
4. Weights pulled are based on percentage of team weight. 3 tries to pull 10’. 5. $1,000 Added Prize Money in each class paid, $400, $300, $200, $100.
Driving Show
Friday, 12:00 PM
This show demonstrates the training and skill required for mules to work with wagons and respond to both "lines" and voice commands. The first two classes feature log skidding, where drivers use one or no lines to guide mules through voice commands. Classes three through nine involve mules and horses hitched to wagons or carts, including competitions where ladies show men how to drive and demonstrations of backing, crossing obstacles, and turning.
Contact: Ricky Skillington 931-637-1664.
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$5 Entry Fee Per Class. Payback $60, $50, $40, $30 and $20. Chairman of this show is Ricky Skillington 931-637-2217 & Charlie Skillington 931-637-1664.
1. Skidding – 1 Mule to Slide 1 Line and/ or Voice Commands
2. Skidding – 2 Mule to Slide 1 Line and/ or Voice Commands
3. Draft Horse Hitch
4. Mule Hitch-Show Wagon, 2 Mules
5. Mule Hitch-Lady Driver, 2 Mules
6. Youth Driving
7. Skill Driving – 2 Mules Driving Skills and Teamwork to be Judged
8. Unicorn Hitch – 3 Mules
9. 2 Mule Hitch – Any Wagon EXCEPT Show Wagon
10. Mule Hitch – 1 Mule
11. Mule Hitch – 4 Mules
Gaited Mule Tennessee State Championship
Friday, 5:00 PM
This championship highlights the gaited mule, defined as any mule with a smooth gait other than a walk and distinct from a trot. The primary virtue of these animals is smoothness, allowing riders to travel longer distances without the discomfort of bouncing. Riders of all ages and mules from across the United States compete for the title of Tennessee State Champion.
Contact: Phain Smith 931-626-6637
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Entries from All States Welcome! Sponsored by the Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club. Entry office opens at 3:30. AGMA Rules Apply. Shoe Size no Larger Than ½ x 1 ½. English or Western Attire. No Canter in Any Class. $15 Entry Fee Per Class. Payback 1st Place $50, 2nd Place $30, 3rd Place $20, 4th Place $15, 5th Place $10. For more info contact the Mule Day office 931-381-9557 or Phain Smith at 931-626-6637.
1. Gaited Mule to Halter – Open
2. Trail Pleasure Racking Men 18 and over
3. Style Racking – Riders 17 and under
4. Men Riders on Gaited Mules Riders 18 and over Walk & Favorite Gait
5. 4 Years and under Tennessee Walking Mules – Riders 18 and over Specialty
6. Trail Pleasure Racking Ladies 18 and over
7. Gaited Mules – Riders 17 years and under Specialty
8. Western Gaited Trail Pleasure – Walk and Favorite Gait, No Caveson, One Hand Riders 18 years over
9. Lady Riders on Gaited Mules Riders -18 Years and over Walk and Favorite Gait
10. Riders 50 and over on Tennessee Walking Mules – Flat Walk and Running Walk
11. Western Gaited Trail Pleasure – Walk and Favorite Gait, No Caveson, One Hand Riders 17 years and under
12. Trail Pleasure Racking Riders 17 and under
13. Gaited Mules Riders 50 and over Walk and Favorite Gait
14. Style Racking – Riders 18 years and over
15. 5 Year and Over Gaited Mules – Riders 18 years and over
16. Speed Racking – Riders 18 years and over
17. 5 Years and over Tennessee Walking Mule State Championship *Specialty means No Canter
Cart Barrel Races
Friday, 5:30 PM
This fast-paced event is a crowd favorite where you might see anyone from the Mayor to the Mule Day Queen driving for the first time. It is known for being both funny and exciting for observers.
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Mule Pulling Tennessee State Championship
Saturday, 11:00 AM
Mule teams compete for the state championship title by demonstrating who can pull the most weight over the longest distance. The event showcases the strength of various team sizes and the skill of their drivers.
Contact: Brian Osborne 615-200-2399.
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The Tennessee State Mule Pulling Championship is in the Main Arena. Weigh in is from 8 to 10 AM There will be seven classes with a $10 entry fee. Ribbons are awarded in each class. $7,500 IN GUARANTEED PRIZE MONEY! $1,500 Per Class – 1st Place - $600, 2nd Place - $450, 3rd Place - $300, 4th Place $150. Overall, Champion Team will receive a Trophy Belt Buckle. Mule Day Jackets will be awarded to the Champions of each class.
• Pull slide 10 ft. / Sled weights 1,000 lbs.
• Small Mules pull between 11' ropes (percentage) 0 - 1,000 pounds / 1,005 - 1,500 pounds Medium Mules pull between 12 ft. ropes 1,505 - 1,900 pounds 1,905 - 2,100 pounds
• Heavy Mules pull between 14 ft. ropes 2,105 - 2,300 pounds 2,305 - 2,500 pounds
• Single Overweight pull between 14 ft. ropes Pull slide 15 ft. 2,505 – 2,700 pounds.
For More Information on the Tennessee State Mule Pulling Championship Contact: Brian Osborne 615-200-2399
Skillington Draft Mule Show
Saturday, 2:00 PM
Held in the Old Arena after the Mule Day Parade, this show is considered the "beauty contest" of Mule Day. It begins with Jack and Jennet classes, followed by Draft Horses, and concludes with the crowning of the "KING MULE" for 2025. The judge evaluates entrants based on long legs, long ears, and good build.
Contact: Ricky Skillington 931-637-2217 or Charlie Skillington 931-637-1664
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$5 Entry Fee Per Mule. Payback $40, $35, $30, $25 and $20. No horse stallion of any age allowed in any class. Chairman of this show is Ricky Skillington, 931-637-2217 & Charlie Skillington, 931-637-1664.
The Draft Mule classes are as follows:
1. Best Jack - 2 years old & under
2. Best Jack - 3 years old & over
3. Best Jennet - 2 years old & under
4. Best Jennet - 3 years old & over
5. Best Draft Horse - 1 year old & under
6. Best Draft Horse - 4 years old & under (No Stallions)
7. Best Draft Horse - 4 years old & over (No Stallions)
8. Best Pair Horses - Open (No Stallions)
9. Queen's Choice Best Draft Mule, either sex. Sponsored by Western Mule Magazine
10. Best Mare Mule - 1 year old
11. Best Pair Mare Mules - 1 year old
12. Best Horse Mule - 1 year old
13. Best Pair Horse Mules - 1 year old
14. Best Mare Mule - 2 years old
15. Best Pair Mare Mules - 2 years old
16. Best Horse Mule - 2 years old
17. Best Pair Horse Mules - 2 years old
18. Best Mare Mule - 3 years old
19. Best Pair Mare Mules - 3 years old
20. Best Horse Mule - 3 years old & over
21. Best Pair Horse Mules - 3 years old & over
22. Best Mare Mule - 4 years old & over
23. Best Pair Mare Mules - 4 years & over
24. Best 4 Mules
25. Champion Mare Mule of Show Winners of Class
26. Champion Horse Mule of Show Winners of Class
27. Grand Champion of Show to be Crowned “King Mule”