[Appaloosa]

I am wondering if anyone knows of any Grand Noir du Berry jacks in the UK (preferably England as opposed to Scotland or Ireland etc.) who are standing at stud?
Thanks; I've found a few poitous and even one American mammoth but no Noirs yet.

[landroverroy]

I've got one. He was imported from Belgium. He's not registered but looks correct. Where abouts are you? I'm near Goole in Yorkshire

[Appaloosa]

Oxfordshire/Berkshire. Do you stand your boy at stud? Any chance of pictures?
I've got an (also unregistered!) appaloosa/spotted mare and have been thinking quite a bit about breeding a mule recently. Life is short and mules are cool and I think a Grand Noir du Berry is most likely to "compliment" my mare's conformation, moreso than a Poitou, which seems to be the most common "mammoth" donkey in the UK; I've wanted a mule for years to ride and drive, but as I am quite tall, need one at least 14.2hh, and those don't seem to be so common at all, sadly. So breeding seems a good option; the mare has correct conformation and movement, a superb temperament and was a broodmare in her last home, being proven to be an excellent mother. Happy to send photos of her.
I'm not definite of doing this yet (and it wouldn't be until spring 2019 anyway), just putting feelers out.

[macgro7]

Bare in mind, donkey jack will only mate with mares if otnwas raised with them since he was little. Otherwise he might not find them attractive enough lol

I really really want a heavier built mule something like percheron x mammoth for driving and some farm work. That would make me very happy.

[Appaloosa]

Bare in mind, donkey jack will only mate with mares if otnwas raised with them since he was little. Otherwise he might not find them attractive enough lol

I really really want a heavier built mule something like percheron x mammoth for driving and some farm work. That would make me very happy.

Having spoken to lots of mulebreeders on the continent they generally don't find a problem with the jacks accepting the mares and vice versa if they are left to run together. Though I wouldn't be averse to using AI if the couple didn't get along!

[landroverroy]

It is said - "You breed what you get; you buy what you want."
You reckon that a Grand Noir would complement your mare's conformation. So presumably you are expecting to get the best of both breeds. But equally well you could end up with the worst of both!
As a matter of interest, why are you discounting a Poitou? They tend to be bigger than G Ns, and were the basis of the large mules that the French used to breed for export to the States. I used to have a Poitou x that I used to ride. She was nearly 14hh while my GN is only about 12.3hh.  He is still big enough to ride as a donkey doesn't have withers so is equivalent size wise to a horse .2 hands taller.
Have you thought of importing a mule? They have some amazing ones in the States of all sorts of abilities and qualities. Spain also has a good selection. Or nearer at home there are sometimes some decent sized ones available from Ireland. Look up Done Deal, or Dragon Driving. I have a mule that I bought from some travellers. I believe she originated from Ireland. She is about 12.3hh, but again big enough for me to ride, and she is an amazing animal. Runs rings round a horse in intelligence.
   

[arobwk]

Intrigued by the subject, I went off to find out what a GNdB jack is:  I've discovered that donkeys are not just donkeys - if you get what I mean.  I'm not about to consider immediate donkey ownership, but I'm sort of wondering whether I might in the future!?  Thanks.