Mule saddle breeching/britchen?

[tulachard]

Hi! I just bought my very first mule and brought her home last night. She’s only three (and sooo sweet!!) and not yet saddle broken but I’m looking forward to starting her. My question…I’m a dressage rider and not so familiar with saddle breechings/britchen. Can someone recommend a good breeching? I don’t need fancy but just quality that won’t fall apart or rub her.

I plan to start her in my western saddle and then maybe try to find a dressage saddle to fit her eventually. Thanks!

[NoSuchPerson]

Most any place that sells mule tack will have breechings and cruppers. I’ve purchased from Outfitter’s Supply in the past and been happy with the merchandise and service. Here’s the link to the breechings and cruppers page: https://www.outfitterssupply.com/Breechings-amp-Cruppers/products/128/

Outfitter’s Supply also has a page about using breechings and cruppers: https://www.outfitterssupply.com/cruppers-and-breechings.asp

If you haven’t worked with mules before, they can be a little different than horses. An old mule guy once told me that you have to train a mule the way you ought to train a horse, which I’ve found to be pretty true. The colt starter who started my current mule for me is not a mule guy at all, but he’s a great horseman, a devotee of Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrence, and he did a great job with my mule.

[tulachard]

Thanks for the info! I wasn’t even sure where to start when it comes to buying mule tack.

I’ve got donkeys so I’ve had a very small intro to the thinking time / patience needed. I’m looking forward to the learning journey with her. I’m in no rush so I have all the time in the world to go at her speed.

I’ve participated in clinics with Joe Wolter (in the line of Ray / Tom) - he’s an amazing horseman. If I don’t start her before next fall, I’m planning to take her to one of his colt starting clinics - I started my young horse at one Joe’s clinics and have been happy with the foundation it gave him.