Queen Valley Mule Ranch

Home of Steve Edwards Mule and Donkey Saddle

Mule and Donkey  saddles "Designed" by the Mule and Donkey !

Saddles for mules were designed during working and training mules for over 30 years on Steves working cow and mule ranch, specializing in communication training from the ground and in the saddle.

Steve Edwards and his wife Susan make their home on the Queen Valley Mule Ranch in Arizona. Here Steve offers mule and people clinics.  Steve provides in depth training in understanding mules and donkeys. He believes training their owners is just as important. Steve offers foundation training for driving, from one to six mules.  He teaches packing basics.  He offers apprentice programs for the professional, and "baby boomer"programs for the beginner and advanced client.  He teaches how to communicate from the ground, helps with problem mules, teaches shoeing, and ranch work.  Queen Valley Mule Ranch offers apprenticeship programs for professional mule trainers, colt starting, various levels of showing, pack mules, trail riding, and much more.  Steve has designed over 26 training DVD's.  He is the designer of mule and donkey saddles, bridles, bits and saddle pads, and various mule and donkey tack.  Steve and his wife, Susan travel the United States doing mule and donkey communication seminars, at ranches, stables, horse camps, equine centers,  and equine expos. Steve has been featured in Western Horseman.  He was also instrumental in establishing the first Mule Training Apprenticeship Program at Pierce College in California and at Central Arizona College.  In 1998 Steve began a project of training twelve mules for a riding and driving program at the Phoenix Zoo. He also trained zoo workers to present informational programs on mules, their history, and their abilities.

Saddle section--The design Steve Edwards came up with for the Mule and Donkey Saddle was one of necessity.  The mules taught him that a horse saddle doesn't work with their body structure.  The donkey skeletal structure is prominent in the mule, and the movement of the skapula is significantly different.  Instead of moving horizontally, like a horse, it moves vertically, which causes the mule discomfort when it hits the saddle.(For signs of discomfort, see Steve's article here.)  Steve's saddle design eliminates that problem.  It has been tried and tested on donkeys and mules since 1981. ---