Yes, you absolutely can cross a female donkey with a male horse. This specific pairing results in an offspring known as a hinny.
The Creation of a Hinny
Crossing different species within the Equidae family, like horses (Equus caballus) and donkeys (Equus asinus), is possible, though the offspring are typically sterile. When considering the pairing of a male horse and a female donkey, the process involves natural mating, just as with two horses or two donkeys.
According to the provided reference, a hinny is specifically defined as:
The result of a horse stallion mating with a female donkey.
This clarifies that the combination of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey is indeed a viable cross.
Understanding Hinnies
Hinnies are hybrid animals, possessing characteristics inherited from both parents. However, they often have a slightly different appearance compared to their more commonly known relative, the mule (which is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse mare).
Here are some key points about hinnies, based on the reference:
- Parentage: Born from a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny or jennét).
- Commonality: Hinnies are less common than mules.
- Appearance: There might be subtle differences in appearance compared to mules.
- Size: Their size varies greatly depending on the specific size of both the father (stallion) and the mother (mare). The size can range significantly, from 91-172cm.
While both hinnies and mules are fascinating hybrids, the term "hinny" specifically refers to the product of a horse father and a donkey mother.
