msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Mounted search and rescue
List archive
- 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 J. Glaze From:
msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of ALLEN SNYDER 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> 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 From:
msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of ALLEN SNYDER 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 No virus found in this incoming message. |
-
[MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
ALLEN SNYDER, 08/13/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
Jorene Downs, 08/13/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
ALLEN SNYDER, 08/14/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
Glaze, 08/14/2009
- Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR, IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN, 08/14/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
Glaze, 08/14/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
ALLEN SNYDER, 08/14/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
T'mi Finkle, 08/13/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
Glaze, 08/13/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
E.S., 08/13/2009
- Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR, Philip & Bonnie Easley, 08/14/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
E.S., 08/13/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
Glaze, 08/13/2009
-
Re: [MSAR] Mules for MSAR,
Jorene Downs, 08/13/2009
Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.