Complaint Review: Mules And Moore Jack Moore

In 8/2008 I visited Jack Moore with two of our friends, who were satisfied mule owners and had bought from him. I told Jack I needed a safe and sound saddle mule for trail riding, and that I wanted a molly that was 9 to 14 years old. I was 62 at the time, and trail ride about 8 hours per week. I needed a SAFE mount since I cannot fall off since I'm 64 year old woman.

He showed me "Maggie," and said she'd pulled a carriage in Charleston, been a riding camp mule, and all the other stuff I'd said I was looking for, including that she was the age I wanted.  I'd hoped to retire from my riding career in 15 years or so, and wanted a mount to carry me until that point.

I was going to get a pre-purchase vet check from my local vet, but Jack recommended his vet, and I agreed to reimburse him for the his vet's services and to pay the balance on "Maggie" if she checked out.  I, by the way, paid Jack's asking price of $4,500 for "the best trained mule you'll ever own," as advertised by Jack.

She proved to be very safe and personable after I got her home, so I didn't even consider using the 30 day guarantee.  Jack's vet had written that "Maggie" was 11 at the time and all the other physical attributes were listed as "ok." I was elated that my purchase of my riding companion had been so perfect - everything I'd dreamed of.

I didn't find out till I had our vet out for our annual inspection in 5/2009 that Maggie was actually "at least 20." I was disappointed, but she showed no sign of age-related problems.  I didn't contact Jack since my warranty time was up.  I still had hopes that I had a good number of years riding her.

Then, on 4/2/2010, I took her to an equine lameness specialist since she had been "off" on her left front leg. I'd felt and heard it for about 3 months, but it was getting worse, so I decided to check it out. That vet told me that she was about 23 years old and had ringbone, an age-related disease of arthritis just above the coronary band. Most horses and mules develop it after 20 years of age, particularly if they have been pounded on asphalt or other hard surfaces.

I am now in the process of negotiating with the vet that wrote her age as 11 when he signed the pre-purchase vet report. She was probably 21 then. I would have never bought her if I'd known she was that old, and definitely not paid $4,500 for her. I am seeking damages of $3,000 - the difference between what I paid for Maggie and what a 20 year old mule of her training goes for at Mules and Moore.

IF anyone buys a mule from Jack Moore, have a knowledgeable person check out its temperament and training; and do not use Jack Moore's vet for the pre-vet check. And, most of all, do not let Jack ship a mule to you. You'll never get your money back if you need to. I know he has some satisfied customers as our two friends were, but I am not one of them.