Helen
helen@loc201.tandem.com
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SENT 03-12-96 FROM SMTPGATE (CVLNURS@CHKD-7.evms.edu)
Diane & Mule Riders on the List,
After talking to a friend who rides mules, I found a group that has
more saddle fit problems than Arabs - THE MULES! Evidently, their
shoulder and withers are somewhat different from the standard horse.
Standard horse saddles just don't fit and there are few mule saddlers out
there. Those who make mule saddles don't make endurance style saddles
(that my friend knew of). She is riding in a cheap Indian Leather
hunt style saddle since it is the closest fit she's found, but it is
far from perfect & almost worn out after 18 months. (Not to mention
there is no brand on it - impossible to find a duplicate! It was a
part of the $200 beginner rider package out of a discount catalog.
They order those saddles by the boatload & are filled from a # of
manufacturers.) Her mule is QH cross out, about 14.2, no whithers to
speak of, flat back, slab sided.
If you ride a mule, what saddle are you using? Does it fit well? Do
you have to have a breast plate & crouper to keep it in place, even
without hills? Any suggestions?
Linda Flemmer
Blue Wolf Equestrian Supplies/ Blue Wolf Ranch
Chesapeake, VA
"In case of emergency - Fur side up, steel side down!"