Sometimes inspiration strikes in strange ways. A few days ago 'steampunk mule or donkey' popped into my head, and I just had to create one.

Her name is Vanessa Juliet Spurwheel. She's a tall, curvy draft mule. I'd imagine she approaches Red's stature. Still working on some background story for her, but I feel that she's intelligent, quirky and confident, but also kind. Since mules are virtually always sterile due to their genetics, I've got a feeling that Vanessa packs quite a surprise beneath her skirt too.

The spikes in her mane aren't permanently attached. They're decorations that are braided into her hair, and can be easily removed when she lets her hair down.