The John Zook family of Hopkinsville KY has always been active in the mule industry.  The family has raised mule colts, trained mules, worked mules, consigned mules and purchased mules.  

The 2026 January Sale Season was no different.  The family showed up in force with a good morning and a smile.  

Upon arriving at the Blue Grass Sale in Trenton, Kentucky, the Zook Family consigned around a dozen mules.  These mules were in sale shape, stood out in the stalls and even more when they entered the sale ring.  

In just a few days everyone knew, Blue Grass Stables was just the beginning for what this family brought to the 2026 industry. 

Upon arriving at the Hoover Mule Sale, no one thought anything about seeing the Zook Family moving top quality mules around the sale.  Mr. John and his family are always helping out where there is a need, so Zooks moving stock around was normal.

As consignors begin to enter the sale ring, the name Zook kept popping up in the sale catalog.  During the sale, in spending a little time with Mr. John, it was discovered this years consignments were involving three generations.  Instead of Mr. John spending time wrangling mules, he was busy wrangling grandchildren.

This family consigned over two dozen mules to this sale alone.  All of the mules were in excellent shape, top quality and presented to perfection.  Several mules brought top dollar in the $9000 to $10000 and above.  

Then, a pair of 3 year old blonde mare mules, being handled by two young boys made entry into the sale ring.  The bidding was exciting and swift.  These two big blondes caught the eye of Danny Hansen from Airdrie Alberta, Canada; when the hammer fell at $34,000 the girls were Canada bound.

The Zook Family had the high selling pair at the Hoover Mule Sale in Januaury 2026.  With 62 grandchildren accounted for during the Christmas celebration at home, it is expected to see Mr. John 'wrangling' third generation muleskinners for years to come.