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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "Glaze" <glazejk@netmdc.com>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR
  • Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:59:18 -0600

Tack is expensive, and while there are numerous used horse saddles available for good prices, used mule tack can be a tad scarce. Depending on the mule, you may not need a saddle built on a mule tree. Some mules do have decent withers. The expert mule trainers will often suggest that you custom fit the saddle to the mule; having a saddle made to fit just his measurements. This isn’t practical if you have multiple critters. Again, depending on your mule’s withers, you may not need a crupper or breeching. However, I highly recommend a breast collar even if you’re not into roping. It provides a little extra insurance for climbing those steep hills. For a plain, tough trail saddle, I bought a Cody Mountain Mule saddle from Colorado Saddlery. It has an adjustable cinch that allows you to choose full, 7/8, or 3/4. Bits and bitting is an art. Nothing highly special concerning mules that I know of, but need to take into account the mule’s level of training and your riding ability. Overall it’s a fairly easy transition from a horse to a mule. Both have their good and bad qualities, but there’s a reason mules are the preferred mount in the Grand Canyon.

 

J. Glaze

 

 


From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of ALLEN SNYDER
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 11:13 AM
To: Jorene@CEOates.com; Mounted search and rescue
Cc: eric.thompson@opkansas.org
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR

 

Thank you for all of your helpful responses and resources.  I did not know we had a draft and mule club in KS, but we tend to limit ourselves by staying with what we are familiar with!  I have enough to go on and am not worried about considering one I found for sale not far from home.  One of the many things working with horses has taught me is my best or most reliable mounts were not always stunning to look at, but the way they took care of me or our children was more important and made them beautiful to us.  You are also right that good conformation helps with soundness and functionality and we would have to invest in a bunch of new tack if we go with a mule. 

 Dana Snyder in KS

 


From: Jorene Downs <Jorene@CEOates.com>
To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 3:29:02 AM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR

I know MSAR riders who swear by their mules. These are the same folks who head into the deep backcountry riding a mule and leading a string of mules … and if there is a horse they may be packing the horse and riding the mule. On conformation alone the mules have more endurance than horses, but the key is to ride a reliable mule (just like you need to ride a reliable horse) and have a positive relationship with that animal.

 

- - - - - -

Jorene Downs

SAR & CERT

Mounted SAR

www.ceoates.com/msar

 

 

 

 

From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of ALLEN SNYDER
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:50 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR

 

How many of you own and use mules for search work?   I have only worked with horses for about 28 years and have been learning about horse mounted work for about 2 years.  There are some great qualities mules have that may be very advantageous, but I would appreciate resources  and what to avoid.  Thank you. 

 

 Dana S.  in Kansas  

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