TRAINING QUESTION CONT.

The animal exhibiting behavior that may be labeled as “stubborn” or “ornery” is often simply trying to communicate his discomfort, so taking the time to evaluate these behaviors with reference to equipment can help to produce more positive results. Remember that equines, like people, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there is no universal bridle, saddle or harness that will automatically fit your equine any more than there is one size and shape of clothing that will correctly and comfortably fit all people.



 In the past, saddles were constructed to accommodate the physiques of the horses of that time. Over the years, as training programs for mules have evolved and begun to correctly build muscle for equine activities. Saddle makers have also evolved, and now specialize in the construction of saddles that are tailored to the physical differences of individual equines. Saddle trees are now made with different widths and lengths of the bars in the tree, and even different materials are being used to make the trees, allowing for more flexibility and a better fit. Since the mule is structurally different from any horse, it is even more important to carefully consider your choice of saddle for your mule.  Saddle makers now make custom saddles with specially designed trees with “mule bars,” but these are not standard and should be fitted to the conformation of the individual mule, with consideration given to the activity for which he will be used. Although they may appear more comfortable, beware of saddles with trees that may be too flexible, as they do not offer the solid foundation to support an unbalanced rider on a poorly conditioned animal. Often, a saddle can be found that will closely fit your animal, and can be made to fit even better with the addition of extra and/or specialized pads, breast collars, breeching or cruppers. However, with extended use, you may find that these simple modifications are inadequate. An equine’s shape will change with physical conditioning and, as the level of performance is increased, it becomes increasingly more important to have equipment that fits properly, affords comfort and lends support.

The mules I have bred here at my ranch all have sufficient withers and are very much like horses in their structure. I have found that Circle Y Western saddles, all-purpose Passier or Courbette English saddles, and the Kieffer dressage saddle using a wedge pad in front fit my mules well. When fitted with a crupper, the English and dressage saddles were fine, but I still needed to fit the Western saddles a little better, so I had my saddle maker flatten the convex swell off the trees on my 1972 Circle Y Western saddles and that helped the saddles fit much better. On the horse, there is an indentation in the musculature below the withers where a rider's leg would fall if riding bareback. On a mule or donkey, this muscle is thicker and bulges. I had my saddle maker flatten the convex bulge on the trees of my Western saddles to better fit my mules and donkeys, and it worked very well. Mules and donkeys are often very short backed and the skirts of the Western saddle can interfere with the movement of the hips. In the case of a short backed mule or donkey, an Arabian saddle tends to fit better because of the rounded and shortened skirts. This is also true with smaller mules. This isn't a problem with a longer backed mule or donkey. Still, you need to place the saddle in the middle of his back such that the girth lies 4"-5" behind the forearm clearing the sensitive skin area directly behind the forearm to prevent chafing. The crupper should be adjusted snugly to keep it in place. It is common to see saddles placed too far forward on mules and donkeys causing restriction of shoulder movement which can result in bucking and irregular movement.
 
If equines are to perform to the best of their ability, we need to work them in the best-fitting, most comfortable equipment during each activity. At the same time, we ourselves need to ride in a saddle that works with our own physical structure in the seat, has the correct placement of the stirrups and so on. Getting one saddle to fit both you and your mule can seem like an impossible task, but a good custom saddle maker can certainly help. Ideally, a saddle should meet the individual needs of both the animal and the rider so you can work unobstructed as a team.

Taking the time and effort to find comfortable, proper fitting and supportive tack and equipment will help you get the best results from yourself and your equine and will mean a more pleasurable experience for both of you.

You can buy my books and videos in the
STORE and I would be happy to send you a
lot more detailed information if you email me at meredith@luckythreeranch.com.

FROM OUR
READERS and VISITORS

“I LOVE your videos and pod cast talks and articles in Mule & More and Western Mule. You're a wealth of information on mules and as a fairly new “muler” (3 yrs.) I appreciate you sharing. I've trail ridden horses for 40 yrs., by no means an accomplished rider but I my best for my equines.
One thing...and this may make you laugh...How do you CARRY/FEED oats while training?
I tried a fanny pack and dog treat bag but when I pull out the oats, between the mule and I, most of them end up on the ground. Is there a trick to hand feeding crimped oats without losing half of them?”

 

“Thanks for all of the info- we did not clip inside the ears, sprayed with tri-tech and used an earless fly mask. Jasper is back to being his happy self with no head throwing!  You are the best!”



“Thank you for sending me your DVD and info packet to the rescue. It is gold to me. You are the most compassionate TV personality out there. I learn from other trainers too often I learn what NOT to do. I have problems with many training methods that are very popular right now. Your training is truly all positive and kind to the animals. Thanks and keep it up.”



“Watching you work your mules gave me lots of food for thought, and I was very impressed how you manage them. Your goal of driving and jumping 6 teams is huge, but if anyone can do it, I believe you could. Good luck with that endeavor. I was taken back by all you do, and it took me ‘til I got home to digest the magnitude of all your businesses.”



“I listened to several of your podcasts with Cindy Roberts and each time I learn something new or something sinks in that I have heard before but not embraced.  Thank you for being such a mule and donkey advocate. I have always had horses from the time I was little but in the last 6 years have changed to 2 mules and they bring a smile to my face.  Love, love, love them.  I trail ride just for pleasure.”



“I LOVE the way you train your mules and donkeys!”