On my first mule I used a Big Horn leather endurance saddle (did not
like the cordura one). This saddle seemed to work on this mule fine as
she had a slightly more "horse like" back then some mules. My present
mule has a VERY straight back. Though decent withers for a mule. She is
15.2H with a narrow build (Arabian mom) My Big Horn did not work at all
on her. I then bought her a "mule" endurance saddle. The saddles that
are sold by Timberidge, Mountain Horse, SoMoMules and Switchback (all
selling the same saddles) And I didn't like the saddle AT ALL. Cheaply
made in my opinion, and didn't even begin to fit my mule despite the
fact that they are "custom made". Thankfully the woman I bought the
saddle from (Switchback) was absolutely wonderful to deal with and took
the saddle back with a full refund.
Then I tried a Torsion Treeless. BAD news for miss mulies back! She has
the protruding spine type of build and where the stirrup strap goes
over her spine caused her all kinds of trouble. And that was with all
the extra inserts in the Equipedic pad AND the saddle itself.
I then borrowed a "Steve Edwards" Trail Light model mule saddle. Basic
western cordura/leather saddle. This actually worked very well on my
mule. The only problem I had was her getting white hair where the back
side of the girth ring lays against her of all things. But the tree
seemed to fit very good. So, I ordered a Steve Edward saddle. The
leather Trail Rider model without the horn and just cordura fenders. I
thought the leather skirting might prevent the white hairs from the
girth rings. And it has. I like the saddle. I find it VERY comfortable
for me. And I've seen no problems with my mule. I've been using it
about a year now. It weighs 25 lbs which isn't ideal BUT, a light
saddle and a sore back is even less ideal.
