Based on the provided reference, a hinny typically possesses ears that are smaller than a donkey's but are the same shape as a horse's. Their mane and tail are usually similar in appearance to those of a horse.
Hinnies are equine hybrids, the offspring of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny). While similar to mules (which are the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey), hinnies exhibit some distinct physical characteristics, particularly concerning their ears and mane/tail.
Key Appearance Features of a Hinny
Drawing directly from the reference, here are the notable visual aspects:
- Ears: Hinnies have ears that are smaller than a donkey's but maintain the same shape as horse ears.
- Mane and Tail: The mane and tail of a hinny are described as being usually similar to a horse.
These features contribute to a hinny's unique appearance, often presenting a blend of horse and donkey traits, though with some subtle differences compared to a mule.
Vocalization
Beyond their physical appearance, the reference also mentions a characteristic sound:
- Sound: A hinny's vocalization is noted as a mixture of a donkey's 'bray' and a horse's 'whinny'.
Sex Terminology
The reference provides specific terms for male and female hinnies, though this relates to sex rather than physical appearance:
- Male: A male hinny is referred to as a 'horse mule', also known by the terms 'john' or 'jack'.
- Female: A female hinny is called a 'mare mule', also known as a 'molly'.
While these terms are provided in the reference alongside appearance details, they describe the animal's sex rather than its physical look.