Satisfied Donkeys,Mules and Customers

Hi Steve, at long last, here are pictures of our mammoth donkeys in your tack. It's hard enough to find a decent mammoth donkey in Florida, never mind trying to find donkey-appropriate tack. Your web site, and your personal helpfulness in helping us select the right saddles for our donkeys and our budget were first class. Thank you so much.
Jan and Sali Petri
Vero Beach, Florida.

Hi Steve,   Just wanted to let you know that my new saddle is working great!  I took my time letting Ralston get used to it.  I rode him briefly for the first time yesterday, and then for a longer ride today.  What a difference!  He's like a new mule now that he's comfortable.  The problems that I was having with him before have disappeared.  Also my old mule, who has more of a horses back, doesn't seem to be as grouchy with this saddle.  Thanks for your expert advice and a great product!  And thank you for the big discount and the extra cinch--now that's real service!   I'll stay in touch.   Thanks again,   Gregg

Just thought I would let you know how much my daughter and I enjoy using your saddles.  Jimmy and Ziva (our mules) really appreciate them. When I bought my first mule a few years ago, I tried different saddles and nothing compared to yours. I recommend them to any mule rider who doesn’t have one.


Tom S. Elliott
-West Virginia

Steve I'm a pro packer in Washington I purchased your Rancher saddle in 2006

its a great hard working saddle . I lead a lot of stock into the mountainsand your saddle

fits every mule I ride .Thanks for a great saddles

LUKE McKINNELL
CHEHALIS ,WA

10-5-2009

Hello Steve,

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  I love my new Trailrider saddle! 

It fits my 15.2 hand

mammoth donkey, Doc, and it’s so comfortable for me!  In the short time

I’ve had the

saddle I’ve put over 30 hours riding time on it.  With day light becoming shorter now,

I try to get out for at least a short ride a couple times a week after work and then long

rides on the weekends.  Doc is doing so well and he always listens to me.

 Doc’s temperament

is that of an overgrown dog that just wants to be loved and at the same time

he wants to please me!  He is the most wonderful creature I’ve ever met! 

This weekend I found out that Doc is also a ‘babysitter’ for a green rider,

Doc took such good care of her and was very careful with each step. 

Now I have her

hooked on donkeys!  On the trail Doc is totally awesome, I do not have

any problems

with him at all!  But when it comes to controlled riding in the arena, trying to teach him

to side pass, picking up different gates, serpentine around poles (at a walk), 

this is going to take some time.  But I have the love and patients for him and we’ll get there! 

 Hopefully we’ll be ready when you come back to Ride The West in Spokane,

for your extreme mule/donkey race!  Tell Susan I said hello!  I’ll attach a couple

pictures for you for Doc and I, with Doc sporting his beautiful new saddle!

Best to you and Susan!

Lynn Wichman

Here's a pic for ya Steve. That's your saddle I bought from you at last years Mule

Clinic in Plummer Idaho. Yes that was that mares first time packing, she did great.

Mike Larsen Idaho

Good day to you Steve.
I hope your weather has been better than ours in Michigan. Much wind and
rain but not enough to stop me from riding in your saddle!

Review:
I bought your light weight hornless saddle for my dear molly mule Tori.
She's the one that was surprised that I could not stay on her back as she
bucked down a long hill. I got a concussion but that was two years ago.

At that time I was riding her in a Big Horn endurance saddle, crupper and
breast collar. She never liked the crupper and I did go to britchen later
on.
However she was never really happy.

I have had the muletree saddle on her since the Michigan Stallion Expo
where I bought it from you. She loves it! Thank you.

Long story:

Riding Tori was fun even if it was a bit challenging. She would show an
interest in taking the lead only to be unsure of herself and go back to
second in line. When ever I rode her she always seemed a bit frustrated.
She knew that a long ride meant she could get cranky. Not enough to cause
trouble but enough to make it unpleasant, especially down hill.

What a change when I used your saddle on her. The very first time she had
the saddle a fitting on her back, her face said it all. "This is strange.
I can't find anything to bother me. There must be some reason I don't like
this saddle. Let me try the trot, nothing, the canter, no pinching. I
won't let Liduina know that this feel pretty good, but it does."

For the first eight to ten times I saddled Tori her face showed the same
questioning expression. "This should feel uncomfortable, but it doesn't.
Now I can't find anything to complain about."
Now when we ride it is a pleasure. She even leads the trail ride!

What I have noticed is how free her shoulders move. She is very happy and
so much more willing to try new things. The freeing up of the shoulder is
amazing! Thanks again.

liduina fedewa
Pewamo, Michigan

HI steve, Leonard from Alaska, thanks for a very nice saddle my mule and me both love it.

I;ll probly get another one soon as I have two mules..come visit me soon mid june til september

is best for salmon september for moose, bear is open all the time if you want one,I know the

bush preaty good and can get you what ever you want,bring a freind, thanks for the good servic

and a fine saddle for a great price.   take care Leonard

Belle at Bishop

4-8-2009

Hi Steve,
I've just returned from 10 days in southern Indiana riding the trails in Brown County State Park.  First ride of the season for me. Rode about 90 miles -- alot for me. Today we got more snow here, so will be a while until I ride around home. 
 
Just wanted you to know I'm very pleased with my new trail lite saddle.  So much lighter than my old Circle Y and easier to heft onto my mule.  I think I've mastered how to put it all together with the new breast collar and britchen.  For the most part it stayed put where it belongs.  Only after several hours in the saddle did it slide back a bit going up hill -- mostly due to my mule's fat winter tummy shrinking a bit and the cinches becoming quite loose. But it slid back where it belonged on the way down hill.
 
The good thing was that my mule didn't toss her head or give me any other indication that she was uncomfortable.  And I was comfortable, too.  I'm very glad I stayed with the 14 inch.  It fit just right.  I'm happier with the Tapaderos than I expected to be also.  I could wear warm shoes, rather than my usual cowboy boots and still feel confident. 
 
I'm attaching a couple photos of me and Ruby -- she's my largest mule at 14.2 hh.  I can't wait to try it on my other two, smaller girls. Please look it over and let me know if you see that I have anything incorrectly positioned.
 
Thanks again, Steve.
 
Sonjia Short

Dear Steve,  

This is Karen in Tombstone. I LOVE my new

light-weight saddle! I can put it on all by myself! When I am

sitting in it, I feel like I am sitting in a pocket. That means

wherever she goes, I go. It makes me feel confident.   I am having

a little trouble with my britchen placement. Unfortunately, I had

it misplaced and rubbed a patch of hair off her hind end about as

big as my fist.  Thankfully, she is a very patient mule. I took it off

of her and did not use it for a while. Now I have put it back on the

saddle. I have tried to copy your photographs (again) as best I can.

I would appreciate it if you would look at the photos and tell me if it

looks like I have it in the right place now.  

Thank you for your wonderful saddle, and for your input.

Karen    

Saddling donkeys for riding

Redbo in a Steve Edwards saddle.

A favorite old rancher once told me: “It’s better to get where you’re going on a slow horse than to

go to the hospital on a fast horse.” Frankly, I won’t ride anything with ears that short.

When I first started riding my donkeys it was purely bareback. Back then I didn’t really ride

often enough to make buying a saddle worthwhile. Over time, however, I became more interested

in my donks as riding animals.

Thus began my great saddle search. First was an old McClellan infantry saddle that I found in the

corner of a local saddle shop and had jury-rigged to make it easier and quicker to saddle my animals.

 In many ways, this was one of the best choices I made. It was light and fit the donkeys well, but it was

hard as a rock and not very comfortable for me.

I went through a series of other saddles, all of which I bought, rode for a while, and then sold when I

found them to be less than ideal. These included an Australian saddle, a treeless saddle, and a synthetic

Western horse saddle.

My most recent saddle has been a Steve Edwards Trail Rider Lite, and this saddle has by far been the best.

Steve designed this saddle around mule bars that he also developed. I like the way it fits my animals and also

the way it fits me. It’s light at just 18 pounds. The breast collar rigging is unique and does not fall down

around the donkey’s chest. I’m sure Steve’s Britchin’ is nice too but I’m still saving my pennies to completely

outfit my rig.

12 21 2008

Dear Steve, I've been remiss in writing to you.  I bought a lite saddle from you last year and it fit my mule like a glove. 

She and I both like it.  My ropin cowboy friend and ferrier rode it the other day and really liked it also. 

So your claim still stands-your saddle fit yet another mule. 

Thank you so much! Betsy Daspit  Madisonville, TX

What a great Saddle!!! fits me and Jake the saddle is very comfortable and well made

thanks for all the great training Ideas

Brenda Muncy and Jake Golden valley, AZ

Another happy Steve Edwards saddle owner.......  Bob Green with Frances high in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness on

a Mountain Goat hunting trip.

Hi Steve, Here is a picture of Steve Tomschin's and Bob Green's new

Steve Edward's saddles.... they rode up Davis Creek trail which is in the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness

southwest of Big Timber, MT, hunting for Mountain Goats.    They like their saddles, comfortable for them

and the mules.  Thank you for introducing us to your good mule tack, high quality and well engineered.   

Looking forward to seeing you next year in our area.....   Bob and Barbara    

Hi, I have two mollies, one a quarter horse molly, the other
a Tennesse Walker (gaited) molly.

Thank you for contacting me - I've spent literally more than
$5,000. in saddles and none of them have fit - the bars
caused them to get white marks (the beginning of saddle sores.

I finally found a GREAT!!! saddle and guess what? It sure as
hell isn't $3400. like one of the worthless saddles I bought
from Colorado Saddlery.

The name of the man who I got my saddle from is Steve
Edwards. He owns Queen Valley Mules near the Superstition
Mountains in Arizona. The saddle I bought only weighs 18 lbs
(as I'm getting older (I'm going on 47) I am not willing to
use a 40-55 lb saddle anymore). He has equipment I believe
in and I use his equipment exclusively now that I have been
educated about mules and why most saddles will NEVER fit them
because of the bars (even if you use double pads).

Go to his website at muleranch.com or type in Queen Valley
Mules on Google and his site will come up. He's got his
saddles on his website - he has worked with mules (he's
cowboyed, trained, is a world champion at Bishop Mule Days,
started a mule training degree at one of the universities in
California, and on and on!)for most of his life and he knows
them inside and out. Steve is wonderful, kind, very
informative and he WILL NOT steer you wrong. He only wants
what is best for you and your mule.

His phone number is (602)999-6853. CALL HIM! He is awesome
and I know you don't know me, but please believe a fellow
mule lover who has been there.

He will help you.

If you need anything, call me, please. I would love to help
you, too. If I don't answer, leave a message as I'm probably
out with my mulies!

Also, if you have any trouble finding Queen Valley Mules
please let me know and I'll do what I can to help you. I
want you and your mulie comfortable, happy and healthy.

Take care!

Karan Corey

David and Buddy

Jill I have answered you in bold


Steve, I've been working with my pack mule, Maggie, to teach her to ride. I'm 
using the mule rider's martingale. She has a naturally low and level head set, 
which is nice. I'm using direct reining and she is turning well, but we are 
still working on a light stop and back. It's coming.

My question is about when to switch to the correction bit. I'm assuming it is 
after she has a nice light stop that is consistent. Is this correct?  THATS CORRECT
Would you 
start teaching neck reining with the snaffle,ALL FOUNDATION

TRAINING MUST BE DONE WITH THE  MULE RIDERS MARTINGALE 

or wait until she is in the 
correction bit? VERY LITTLE TRAINING IS DONE WITH THE FINISH BIT

I have a funny story to tell you. A lot of my riding friends are into these 
bitless bridles. They claim to have perfect control and their horses love not 
having metal in their mouths. So I thought, "What can it hurt? I'll try one 
with Dixie."  Ha!!!!! (Dixie is my big appy mule who weighs about 1300, is 
16.2 hands, and built like a tank.) She did real well in the round pen, but as 
soon as she was out, it was straight to the trees and munching non stop, no 
matter how much yanking and double handed pulling I did. It was just awful! I 
went straight back to her correction bit!

Another story you would be proud about. Remember my son, David and his mule 
Buddy, and I (and my mule Dixie) came to your spring trail riding clinic a 
couple years ago. It was a life changing event for me. I was scared to death 
most of the time during that weekend, but it truly taught me that Dixie can be 
fully trusted to safely negotiate just about anything. This past weekend, 
David and I took our mules on a group trail ride-camping trip in the Dragoon 
mountains. The trails are very rocky, with some steep parts. One part, in 
particular, is deemed way too treacherous for horses, and the alternate route 
is to squeeze through two big boulders to get to a less steep trail. Well, the 
horses went through the narrow boulder squeeze (riders have to put their feet 
up on their horse's neck to get through), but when it was our turn, Dixie took 
one look at the boulders and planted her feet. She knew there was no way her 
fat belly was going to fit through those rocks. I said, "Well, Dixie, what are 
we going to do?" She turned and looked straight down the treacherous drop off 
that horses are never supposed to attempt. I thought, "You are a mule, and if 
you say you can do it, I have to believe you." So I gave her a slack rein, 
leaned way back, and held on to the back of my saddle. She hunkered back on 
her haunches and skittered down that mountain face in perfect balance like she 
had been doing it all her life! David and Buddy came down just as easily. That 
gave the next horse riders confidence to try it. One horse freaked out half 
way down and got stuck. The rider had to dismount and coax the poor horse 
down. Another horse went down so out of balance that I'm amazed it didn't fall 
and break its neck. The remaining riders chickened out and went through the 
boulder squeeze. Once we got to the bottom, one of the horse riders said, "I 
guess we should name that Mule Hill." I was so proud of our mules. Someone 
then asked if I had ever gone down something like that before, and I said, "Oh 
yeah. Have you ever heard of Steve Edwards? This was nothing!"
Anyway, long story short, that clinic at your place gave me so much trust in 
Dixie that I know there will never be something we will encounter on an 
organized ride, or any horse trail for that matter, that we can't handle 
safely and with confidence. Thank you.

Jill H

Hey Jill  sounds like you are building confidence in your self and your mule ! You are doing a great job learning how to train and communicate with your mules. thanks for the update on your success .

Tom and Joanie Mills Battle Creek Mi clinic 2008

Hi Steve and Susan-

We are still flying high from the clinic this weekend! We learned so much. We received so much encouragement from you and the other riders - how nice. It really did build my confidence. Tom took Balaam out alone for a bit this afternoon and he did well. We plan to trail ride next Saturday. I'm making an appt. with the vet on Tuesday to look at everybody's teeth (thanks for the recommendation).
I'm sending on 3 pictures and am hoping they aren't too big and bog down your computer. I have many others but these were my favorites.

FYI - I was raised in South Haven. My folks and brother still live there. Blueberry picking was my first job!

Joanie Mills

Hello Steve & Susan! Hope you both have been enjoying your summer!  I have been working with my Cletis and he's doing so good!  My next step will be to pony him behind my horse in the arena.  My short, long term goal (before the snow flies) is to either pony or ride Cletis around our loop, which is a one mile trail around our house.  Cletis is still totally in love with the bit, every time I have to stick fingers in his mouth for him to let go, otherwise I'd be there for who knows how long holding the bridle!  I attached some pictures of how I have Cletis set up.  Please, any constructive criticism I would appreciate!  Just want to make sure I've been doing things right and will do any modifications/changes necessary.  I still want to order a saddle from you!!!  Should probably get on that, otherwise I may get on him bareback!

8-9-08

Steve,   I haven't talked to you for a while, but I just have to tell you how happy I am with my Packer Saddles with the Tapaderos. Using your Contoured Mule Pad makes these saddles a "no slip" program and comfortable for me and any one of my 5 mules. I will never ride without these Tapaderos again since they really protect my feet from rocks, trees, and cacti. I'm using the two neoprene cinch set-up and that saddle really stays put even with our little mutton-backed gal. Since I've been using your breast collar my boys and girls aren't losing any hair on their shoulders like before. I can't figure out why every saddle maker doesn't take a tip from you and put together a better setup. Oh, one more thing. I wasn't sure about that Low-Port Correction Bit, but it works great with a light hand. If I was to buy another setup I wouldn't change a thing and appreciate your direction. It's the best money I ever spent and makes my days and night in the saddle more enjoyable than ever. I got drawn for Kaibab deer in October and in September for elk in the San Juan's in Colorado. Attached are a few photos of my son's 334 bull on last years muzzleloader hunt, and me and Clayton in the Grand Canyon on a lion hunt.   Take care my friend,   Rollin Adams Gilbert, AZ

Steve, thanks for your reply. I am in Central Florida on the Atlantic
Coast. My mammoth donkey (one of two) has turned five and I want to get
him ready for riding. He drives reluctantly, but I think I learned a
great deal about how to deal with that from the first two DVDs of the set
where you talk about teaching them to deal with what you ask them to do. I
also think I need to work a lot on respect issues. Both my mammoths are
very "friendly" and I now see that I definitely have to set and enforce my
space with them. I also need to order the training martingale/surcingle
that you use to promote proper head carriage and suppleness. I am not in
such a hurry to ride that I will skip or gloss over providing Amos with a
proper foundation.

I have looked up your clinic schedule and the closest you get to Florida
is North Carolina. Ideally, I would love to do the apprenticeship, but
it's tough for me to take off the six weeks it would take for me to drive
out, apprentice and drive back. Meanwhile the best I can do is to try
your methods on my two mammoths. By the way, I've been to a few "natural
horsemanship" clinics, but what you have to offer is vastly superior-
especially for someone who has donkeys.

Many thanks for your reply and I will keep watching you.

Best,
Jan

Hi Steve, Thank you so much for my saddle it is working out great.  I love it and so does Bun.

Here is a picture of her in her new saddle, and I also included a picture of her laying down for me. 

She has been doing great and is learning very quickly. 

Thank you so much for all your help and training tips. 

Hope to see you again soon. God Bless, Lindsay & "Bun"

7-18-2008

Here is a shot of the NEW saddle on Fancy.  Isn't it pretty??? 

Barbra Green Montana

6-17-08

Hi Steve,

I just wanted to let you know the saddle I ordered from you is working out great.  I have been using it on my 8 year old gaited mule Dixie,  we are both very pleased.  In 2 short sessions, I was able to correct Dixie's mounting issues.  She used to move away when I tried to get in the saddle.  Since I got your saddle with 2 snug cinches and a little patience, she has been a statue for me.  I just ordered the beta britchen to use as well.  Thanks for the wonderful DVD you send with your saddles,  the explanations and demonstrations are so helpful.

Any advice on how to correct buddy sour behavior?  This is our final hurdle.  She will ride out alone but goes nuts when I take her buddy out to ride leaving her behind.  I'm afraid she will hurt herself if I leave the area.  I have been riding back and forth as the horse trainers advise.

Jennifer in Massachusetts

A note from steve this mule was my mule her name was Donut I sold her in 1999.here is a note from Vic who has been riding for 2 years .

.Steve, Here is a picture of Donut and I in the Western Pleasure event at Bishop where we took second place. You did a great job with that mule. She made an total armature like me look good. Vic

Hi Steve,
I just completed my first competition with the saddle I bought from you.
It was a 2 day 60 mile competitive trail ride. The saddle worked great
on my mule. And it is the most comfortable saddle I've ever owned. It is
the magic combination of fitting both my mule AND me!

Cindy Ross
Ruby and Skye Crooked River 08

Good Morning Steve!!

Once again I have to thank you for everything you did for my donkey, Cletis, during Ride the West in Spokane.  He’s a changed donkey!  Even in the pasture he walks around like he’s smarter!  Our ferrier was just here and normally Cletis will go in circles, get nervous and has taken me ski-jogging down the driveway.  This time…..WOW…..he didn’t move so much as one inch!  He was confident and he had the attitude that everything is cool!  I can now lead him without problems, it’s just so wonderful!!  His trust level and how he looks at me as his leader has also changed, you can tell he does trust me now!  THANK-YOU!!!!!!  Cletis and I have signed up for your clinic in Plummer, ID at the end of June for that Thursday and Friday, I can’t wait!

I also have a mini-donkey, about 2 years old, Shooter.  Shooter has had no education from anyone at all.  No one has ever worked with his feet and yes, they are way too long.  Our ferrier did part of his front feet and had to stop because someone was going to get hurt.  So, on June 2nd, when Shooter gets castrated and he’s knocked out, our ferrier will be here too to finish his feet.  Figured it would be the best and safest way.  Shooter is totally unruly when leading him and does not respect your space in any situation.  Until Shooter is castrated, he can not be with the others; we have 6 12’ panels put together for him for now.  When I clean out his pen I put him in the cow holding area so he can have some green grass to eat.  No matter where he is, all he does is pace, constantly.  He can see the horses, he’s not that far from them and they can talk to each other.  If they’re to close, even with a fence in-between, fights break out.  I’m too afraid of this little guy getting hurt.  I have put your ‘come along’ hitch on Shooter and all he does is fight it; rares up, pulls, shakes his head and is just a total little turd!  He doesn’t want to pay any attention to me, only to what might be going on in the pasture.  Right now I have a horse halter for Shooter, its foal size for 200-300 pounds and it’s almost too big for him.  Around the nose and the throat I have it adjusted to the last hole.  With your black rope halter, do you have one small enough that could work on Shooter?  If so, I would love to buy one. 

Any advice you could give me on Shooter would be greatly appreciated.  Also, if you could let me know if you have a black rope halter in Shooter’s size.  Just wish I could afford to bring him to your clinic too, he does need an education!

I look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you again in Plummer!

Lynn Wichman

27617 S. Cheney-Spangle Rd

Cheney, WA  99004Good Morning Steve!!

I'm gonna blame you for something that maybe you've not been blamed for before......married and dealing with mules, that might come as a shock.  I've ordered 2 of your video's very recently and watched them both back to back with my husband Sunday afternoon.  I had some dried beans on cooking at the same time.....got so involved with the first video that I let the beans boil out of water.......managed to salvage them by sorting every bean, rinsing and started over again with more seasoning... sat down, began watching the 2nd video and I'll kiss your foot if I didn't burn them AGAIN.....beyond use the 2nd time!!!!  I rarely ever burn food and can't believe I got so interested in those videos to let that happen! I plan to order others but will watch them when I'm not cooking.  I'm trying to get as educated on these long ears before mine comes home with me!  She's getting some tune up since she'd my first mule at "51".... horses now and all my life but now having this mid-life "mule" crisis! LOL Love my horses but want the mule too.  Thanks for the useful information and great presentation. Sheron Hollis  April 15 2008

Hi Steve,

The saddle has made a world of difference in Dodger (my 6 year old Arab
mule). He was really ugly about being saddled when I got him and with a
lot of training he had gotten better but I could still tell he was not
completely OK with the process. I bought the saddle as a shot in the
dark, just in case that was the problem since I was riding in an
Australian saddle made for a horse. It took about 10 days for him to
believe that being saddled was not going to hurt. The way you show to
cinch with the back cinch tighter really helps to keep the girth where
it should be. The poor guy has wicked permanent bald spots on each side
from girth galls that the previous owner created. I am also comfortable
in the saddle so I think it is a winner all the way around.

The saddle article in Mules and More this month must have brought the
orders flooding in!

March 2008

I just wanted to send you a pic of my husband with his mule Eddie, with the saddle you had made for him. We have had a lot of compliments about it and we are proud to say it was made for him by you.  Thank you.  Crystal and Jamie Sumner

March 2008

Hey, Steve,  I just wanted to let you know I did miss seeing you at EquiFest of Kansas but I did get my saddle and it is the most comfortable saddle for me and my mule that I have ever rode. I only wish I'd bought it 4 or 5 years ago when I first looked at them at EquiFest. I think at that time the stirrups-Tapaderos came with it. Also I'd of had 4 or 5 years more great riding.I can even tell that my mule is more comfortable. 

Thanks for such a great product.Kenneth Rees

March 2008

My name is Pam Darden from N.C. I am a faithful

watcher of RFD TV.

I watched a program on your show Training Mules

with a gentleman Steve Edwards from Az.

Let me tell you my story, Nov. the 25th I was working my

mule and long of short I broke my sholder . I have been

searching for someone that would help me in training

my mule . It is now the 21st. of March after watching your

program I ordered Communicating with Mules from

Steve Edwards, this has been a life saving tool.

My mule no longer bolts to the right and the fear I had

of leading her is no longer there. My mule goes with me

anywhere, I decide to lead her, with no resistances. She

looks happy when I lead her and I know I am.

Please put more of his training techniques on air so

 people won't get hurt like I did.

Steve Edwards ph # 602-999-6853 or steve@muleranch.com

I thank God for your program and thank you for caring

For our good clean programing you give us every day.

Pam Darden Kenly N.C.

March2008

Mr. Edwards.....The saddle arrived today. Thank you for the information you relaid at equifest, here in Kansas.

The saddle is top quality and fits perfect. That made two happy Critters. The mule and I are very pleased with

your quality and reliability. I look forward in doing business with you in the future.

THANKS AGAIN Gary F. Hardesty

Feburary 2008

Here is a picture of Ruby in her new saddle. The saddle came right on
time and just exactally as I ordered it. I am very pleased with it. I
was impressed with the quality of the workmanship and leather.
Especially considering the reasonable price of the saddle. I do
endurance riding with Ruby and can't wait to hit the trails with the new
saddle!

Cindy R. in Maine

 I am a huge believer in the Steve Edwards mule saddle.  My husband bought one several years ago and

he was using his for all the mules.  Finally, after many saddle returns from other makers I purchased the

lighter one for my mule, Abbey. 

She is very particular about her back and she will let you know as soon as you cinch any saddle

up if it fits her or not.

  Steve's saddle was the only one that fit her without any pain  or discomfort what-so-ever. 

Now my husband and I are very confident in stating Steve Edwards Saddle is the only way to go

with all your mules.

But don't just take my word for it,  try it yourself.  You will be amazed at the difference in your

mules attitude and

ability to move better under this new saddle. 

Adriane Meksch
Northern Exposure Ranch
Quality Mules and Boxer's
Rathdrum, Idaho

  I live in Colorado and own 5 mules, all of which you can pack or ride.

 We ride the high country alot packing in and huntingand fishing.

Each mule is built a little different withers, no withers,

tight belly,round belly, long back, short back and the Steve Edwards

saddles fit them all.I own 4 of Steve's saddles, 3 trail riders, and I like the packer

slickfork a lot with bucking rolls for the rougher country. 

Teamed up with Steve's breast collar, britchin and saddle pads 

you have a great system that will let your mule round up it's back

and drive up those mountain trails. Several of our friends ride mules

with Steve's saddles and love them. 

A proper fitting saddle will fix alot problems I see in a lot of mules. 

Sincerely,  James P. Graf DVM  Fountain Colorado 

I have a mammoth jenny—“Windy RidgeVictoria,” from Leslieville Alberta. Victoria is now six and I started riding

her last year as she is a slow growing donkey. Never having had a donkey before, I started her with Steve Edwards

at the Mane Event last year in Red DeerAlberta. Of course I didn’t` t have a saddle suitable for  a donkey, so I bought

one of Steve’s. This saddle fits her (and me) perfectly. It is well made and  beautiful to look at as well. I also bought the

britchin` to go with it, and the taps. As a beginner rider on a jenny who is just getting started under saddle, I must say

that we are both comfortable and secure with this saddle. I chose it because it was designed for a donkey or mule and

I was lucky enough to meet Steve and get the right fit. I notice Steve writes for your publication-I have viewed your

magazine online  and intend to subscribe.

Crys White

P.S. Victoria is also wearing one of Steve` s bridles.

I

Dear Steve,

Thank you so much for helping me through the minefield of choices for
saddling my new mule. I ordered your Trail Rider based on your
recommendation after discussing my options with you. Its rare in business
to have the propietor spend so much time helping me understand the "whys"
and you actually talked me out of a more expensive saddle that you sell
because your Trailrider fit my need better. It conforms very well to my
molly and she seems comfortable under it with the double cinch. Every mule
I own will wear this saddle. The quality is above reproach.

I appreciate the work you are doing that fosters our understanding of these
marvelous animals and I look forward to spending some time in clinic with
you soon.

Hopefully your website visitors will enjoy my commentary on my own mule
project titled "Longears and Sourdough" found at Flyingimules.blogspot.com

Warm regards,

Paul Gooch
web site Longears and Sourdough

DJ- ranch clinic 2007

Hi Steve,

I attended your clinic at Belgrade this past summer.  I am from Cody, Wyoming and brought a taller gray mule.

I have been meaning to contact you to thank you for the clinic.  It was very useful and for me and reinforced many

things that I needed to work on to make my mules and myself better.  I have been riding colts and some mules for

about 45 years and it seems I learn more each year.  The proper use of the double twisted snaffle, your martingale

set up and the importance of using ones hands consistently are a few things that I practice almost daily.  I have had

a double twisted snaffle for about 40 years and had never used it due to a lack of understanding about

how to use it correctly.

  A person can get sloppy with his training and needs a reminder and another’s view point once in a while.

If you should travel in the Cody area, you are welcome to stop here, with or without animals.  If you are interested

in a trail ride or pack trip in this country we can do that too.  We have some of the best wilderness areas left in the

lower 48 states.

It sounds as if you have a busy schedule.  Congratulations on your success and thank you for making people and

their mules get along better.

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and that 2008 becomes your best year so far.

Marty Morris

2mranch@tctwest.net

Hi Steve, Thought you might enjoy this photo. 

My husband and I rode up into the Gros Ventre wilderness, SE of Jackson Hole, Wy last August. 

We both rode with your saddles and pads and were very happy with them.  Followed grizzly tracks up the

trail and my new mule  did just great.   Hope to catch up with you one of these days.                   

   Ruth Shea

Hi again Steve&Susan,

After I finished the other message to you, I took one of our new mules out for her first trail ride.

For the first week since we got your saddles, we've been just riding in the arena.  We were very happy to find out

that your saddles fit all three of our mules, even though one is a lanky Walker, and 2 are quarter horse types. 

Steve told me they would fit, and I was skeptical, but he was right!

So today we decided to go for our first ride, down our dirt ditch road between the hay fields. My husband came along

on our old reliable horse to help keep things mellow.

All went well for 99% of the ride.  The mule stayed calm and curious at all the new sights, your saddle felt great, and

it was a wonderful start.  Then there was that other 1%....  I was leading the way when suddenly my mules’ front feet

broke through the road bed about 10 inches into some gopher tunnels. As she shifted her weight back her rear feet

broke through too.  Sure that a monster had grabbed her feet, she crow hopped back up on the road and took off at a

dead run.

I remember thinking what a mess!  A runaway on our first ride and neither of us knows what to expect from the other..

  Fortunately I had the opportunity to size up the situation and think of my options only because, much to my amazement,

I was sitting deep and well balanced in my Steve Edwards saddle, riding a galloping mule for the first time in my life!  I had

never before ridden a galloping anything. 

With irrigation ditches on both sides of the road there was no chance to turn a big circle or consider a 1-rein stop. 

And with the snaffle bit I'm training with a quick stop did not appear likely and I certainly did not want to do anything

to cause her to stumble again.  Only because I felt so balanced in my saddle and secure as she ran, I gave her a little

slack, just relaxed my legs and set my weight back a little, and talked her down to a halt with a gentle rein. 

Once I realized in astonishment that I likely was going to stay on, I was able to focus on ending the situation as

calmly as possible. . 

Thanks to your saddle, we avoided a wreck and instead had a good training moment.  My mule seemed to gain confidence

that I would help her when monsters appear.   And I found out that it is a whole lot easier to cope with the unexpected when

you stay secure in the saddle.  It was amazing to have the security to explore my options and not merely struggle to stay

on and survive.

So thanks Steve!  Here's to ya!  We'll be buying that third saddle shortly.

Ruth Shea

We've taken about 5 trail/cross country rides with your heavy duty mule pads   and think they are super.  Also fitted up the saddles with a snug neoprene 

 rear cinch like you suggested and we are trotting up hill and

 down with great saddle fit. 

 Thanks for helping us keep our mules so happy!  

Ruth Shea   July 2007   

I took my little donkeys home from the clinic and turned them out. This morning I decided that since I was

cleaning out the trailer this would be a good time to work on trailer loading. Earl's first thought of the day was

that since we were back home the old rules applied, meaning he didn't have to do anything he didn't want to

including coming out of the stall while the other one stayed there. We had a very short review of the come along

hitch, perhaps 30 seconds and he came right along.  Halfway to the trailer he began braying. That took about 2

minutes before he was convinced. His nose has a few new abrasions. Oh well. At the trailer it took him less than

30 seconds to hop in the first time. He stood nicely inside when I asked him to, but he was not relaxed. He hopped

out when I did, which was a little earlier than I wanted, but he didn't run me down or try to run off. The second time

in it took maybe 5 seconds for him to decide to load. He stood better and was more relaxed. I got a nice wait at the

door so I could get off first and then invite him to exit. We did four more good ones and he looks like an old hand at it.

That would have been hours of work with a horse. The little donkey took about 20 seconds before she loaded the

first time, but by the fifth time she was also a pro.

I'll put Earl in the harness as you suggested and let him loose to figure it out in the pen later today or tomorrow.

Then we'll drive.

Thanks very much for a really practical and fun clinic. I'll keep you posted on progress.

One of my observations:
The mules in the surcingle and breeching accomplished in 30 minutes what dressage trainers take two or three years

and many thousands of $$$ to get done. Those big German horses never struck me as whiz kids. But then there

are the owners.

Judy Dutson
Plain City, OH

Dear Steve

I wanted to say thank you again for all your help with me and Porter.

I went on a week end ride on Porter Friday night we went about 4 miles and Sat we went about 16 miles.

Well I had the saddle in the wrong spot for two years and you show me where to put it. Porter never pin her ears,

trotted than walked over and over again, and no rubbing of the saddle pad on her back. I have a loose cinch too

and the saddle stayed in place. the old girl is letting me touch her ears too. LOL

So thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Joyce & Porter Ripley

Steve, Our first trail ride with 3 year old Rod Stewart(My Donkey)and new gear!

Breast collar,saddle,britchen,martingale. We had a wonderful and safe ride! 

Well, we did it!  31st Annual Cheff Ride-A-Thon, It was a awesome ride. Rod Stewarts first trail

event he was great!

I rode along with my Veterinarian friend-Dr. Shawn Dolan, I told her it was to insure we had a Dr.

 FOR us! It was a

4 hour ride through woods, over bridges, through fields and through the Kellogg forest all in the

Augusta area.

Not sure how many miles we went but my body sure feels every mile, ...It was beautiful.

  The last count I knew of was 168 riders, there could have been more though!

We had a really great day!     Sue Snyder

Happy Mules and owners

Thanks for the reply. Yes, we’ve received the saddle and britchen and breast collar.

We are just waiting for the bucking rolls.  If we receive the bucking rolls in the next

day or two that will be great. We’re hoping to get everything fitted and try it out on

our mule Saturday. We are very pleased with the quality of the products and the

promptness to questions, emails and phone calls.

Thanks very much for your help,

Sincerely,

Debra Powell

McAlester, OK

Hello Steve, remember us, Debra & Dan Powell from McAlester, Ok.?

Here are a couple of pictures of Debra’s mule Maggie and her new

rig. We haven’t put the bucking rolls on the saddle yet and we still need

to get some new stirrups. This was the first time we took Maggie and

the new rig out to a local arena to see how everything was working out.

Debra is very happy with the saddle and britchen and breast collar.

She is looking forward to getting on the trails this fall & winter.

Thanks again for all of your help and for developing this saddle.

Sincerely,

Dan & Debra Powell

McAlester, OK

Well - I was on my mule & the UPS driver stopped me in the road & had me sign for the saddle!

  That was on Friday & I'm really glad he found me.   I've ridden it a few of times & I do believe I like it. 

Remember - I am most comfy in my English saddle. 

I think I have everything put together right.  I'll send pics soon. 

I can actually mount my mule from the ground in your saddle, how handy is that???  

Great response on the mule martingale in about 15 minutes.  

Thanks,

love my Molly,

Brenda

Steve,

I just retured from an elk hunt in eastern Utah.

Attached is a photo of me and

Clayton packin' out a nice 6x6.

Clayton(The Mule)only works

with the great Steve Edwards tack!

Best wishes,

Rollin  

September 2005

Steve,

The saddle fits great,we are using it on 2 different Belgian cross

mules and there is no soring on either one.We are very pleased

with the tooling and detail put on the saddle.Thanks so much

Steve for this great saddle. Carter loves the saddle

and it fits both mules,we have been us in

it quite a lot lately.

Have a great summer.

Jeff Lippert   

Kamsack, Canada  

7-10-07

Steve Good visiting with at your ranch thanks for taking the

time to show

me the difference in the trees ,I can sure see why you needto

see the tree fit seprate for

the saddle .Its amazing how riding all themules you have has

taught you what makes

the mule and rider happy.

I'll be punching cows and doing a lot of hunting and riding .

Happy trails  

  Lark Hubbard    7-9-07

Sue White ,Professional trainer

 Steve Edwards 5 mule stars Apprentise

Winter -Chandler Arizona ,Summer- Iowa .
Hey Steve Your saddle and tack sure does makes

training mules easy.

Two very different mules

one very good fitting saddle

Steve here are my two saddle mules,

I have enjoyed your  Steve Edwards trailrider saddle

(on my left)this past year .

I have purchase my new mule and ordered a Trail Lite saddle

whoooo is it lite .

My Mules love your tack and saddle pads.

Thanks Dr.CAROLYN MCLARTY  D.V.M.   4-3-2007

Josh Adams ridin' Babe on his new Steve Edwards Packer Saddle, packin' outof the Blues in Eastern Arizona. 

We have two different mule and your Packer saddle fits  like it should November 2005

I bought your Trail Rider saddle with headstall, britchen, breast collar

and pad a year ago and have ridden it on ten multi-day trail rides since. 

The equipment is well made and very comfortable for Belle and me. 

In addition, your counseling over the telephone before the purchase was

very helpful.  I have seldom been so satisfied with a product and its seller.

  I strongly recommend your

products to every mule rider in

America!

Heidi and I also had the pleasureto meet you at your

"Trail Riding with Confidence"

clinic in Pueblo, Colorado.  Your skill and teaching

ability is a wonder to behold for both mules and humans. In two short days,

my level of

comfort and communication with Belle increased dramatically thanks to your

patient instruction. 

You are indeed the master. 

We look forward to seeing you

again next year, so that we can move to the next level.

Happy trails!
 John and Heidi McClow

and Belle   June 2005

P.S.  I also attached a snapshot of

Heidi on her walking horse with

two of our pack mules in the West Elk Wilderness.

May, 2004...

Well, Sir, I have to say I really like your videos....it does not matter to me if there is a fancy arena

and a lot of terminology and all of that. You obviously can do what needs doing and don't have to

puff it up by making a big show in all talk. What matters to me is you tell it like it is (most particularly

in the harness video,

and most beginners that go to hook up wind up hospitalized) and also you aren't af raid to

tell people it is ok

to remind your mule to keep focused on you ... on the ground first. Some of what you do is what I have

done with horses and may not call it the same, but it is what gets the results....had not thought of the loading

where you tap em on the loin. I have tapped (or spanked!) on the hind leg... I will be seeing about that!! 

If we ever get to head out your way I am going to call you and we will visit, on mules and people.

I live in Arkansas and there are quite of people
here who use mules and a clinic over here sometime might be something that would pay off for you.

Believe it or not, I am a reasonably well educated individual, indeed, both as a horse person and as a

"regular" person, but do not feel the need to talk down to the less fortunate, and in your videos you are

very kind to keep your presentation at a level where the very ordinary person can absolutely get your meaning.

We look forward to meeting you all sometime!!

Thanks again.....

Nancy Hawthorn

Hi Steve,
Here is a picture of me and my mule,Easy Rider, out in California.

I ride all day in your saddle

and no complaints, from me or my mule.

Got the saddle back In Dec.

Great saddle at a good price, highly recommend it. Sometimes I ride six

to seven hours a day

taking people on trail rides and it just fits my mule and me perfect.

Thanks so much

Keep up the good work.

Thanks a million.

John Ross 2004

Hey Steve, just wanted you to know how much I appreciate getting the

saddle and other equipment from you. I have already gotten one ride in

and I am planning a few more before I have to return to the Middle East.

It not only looks good on Molly, but I certainly had a comfortable ride too.

I look forward to getting back this fall and doing a lot of riding in my new saddle.

Thanks again for all your help and for such excellent service.

SGM Terry R. Harris
Tennessee Army National Guar

2005

Hi Steve,
First - the saddle video was great!  Both my husband and I watched it twice
and took notes.  Yesterday I tried it on Jasper after completing my two
saddle wetting and oiling cycles (the olive oil on the surface leather was a
great tip).  It seems to fit him great.
That is my friend Cheryl holding Jasper in the picture.  He is a great mule
and I will be getting educated through the "Communicating with your Mule"
DVD's so I don't undo any of his good habits.
Question - seeing the saddle on Jasper, wouldn't you consider him short
coupled and thus use the girth ring towards the back of the saddle to cinch
him up?  Also, he must be fat because the 34" girth fits him in the front
and the 36" fits him in the back - I sort of expected the reverse.

Everyone who has seen your saddle admires it.  I am sharing your saddle DVD
with all my friends here in CT who have urged me to "just use your quarter
horse saddle" on my mule and teased me because I am so determined to do the
right thing.  When you have no education on a topic you need to choose a
teacher who makes sense and go with it.  So like it or not, you folks are my
teachers, and I feel very positive about your knowledge and the way you
handle your mules.

And isn't Jasper a fine looking animal?
Nancy

(Click on image for larger view).

Hi Steve,

Attached is a picture of me and my mule... I really like the saddle,

breast collar, and britchen. My mule, Leah, likes them too. She really

performs well with the new saddle, and she looks good too, if I do say so myself.

Now my husband would like a mul e saddle, but he would like to look at the Packer Saddle...

I'm so glad that we found you on the internet, and have enjoyed visiting with you on the phone.

Happy trails,
Cathy McKernan
El Paso, TX 2004

Hey Steve my husband just purchased your Trail rider with barb wire trim . 

NOW ALL OUR MULES ARE HAPPY AND WE ARE TOO.   2005

(Click on image for larger view)

Steve,

Steve, here is Clementine our mammoth donkey with your saddle.

She is a comfortable ride with this saddle. See you at Expo this week.

Angela Sidlo

Here is a photo of one of our jennets with your saddle. We use it on both

donkeys and mules.2003

Steve, I can't thank you too much for our experience with Belle.  We have put in two long days and what an improvement already.

  I spent the first day strictly on ground work, sacking, halter, etc. and everything is so much better.  Today I spent 5 hours in the

round pen and a short trail ride in the Mule Martingale and she is responding so well.  I sure appreciate Trudi reminding me on things that have slipped my mind.  So much information in such a short time. Thanks again for the great job on Belle and Me. We both will reap the benefits for years to come.  I have made the commitment to her and will work so we can be one.

(Click on image for larger view)

"Hi, I'm David McAlister with my 3 year old Mule,Aspen. 

I bought one of your Trail Rider Saddles and it fits Aspen like a glove.

She likes it as much as I do. We live in Oklahoma. We trail ride and hunt in

Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado.

Thanks,
David 2003

 Dear Potential Clients,

"My wife Marcy and I spent three days at the Queen Valley Mule Ranch where we met Steve and Susan Edwards

and picked up our new mule "Donut".  I brought a molly mule that I have owned since weaning along because I w as

having several problems with her and didn’t really know how to correct them.

Steve and Susan were warm and gracious hosts and the Queen Valley Mule Ranch is a great facility with a fantastic

view of the Superstition Mountains.  From what I already knew about Steve from his history at Bishop, I figured that he

knew how to handle mules and that I could pick up some “tricks of the trade” from him.  What I did not expect is that

Steve has a keen sense of human/mule interaction, and quickly sees where the breakdowns are in that communication.

I have been around mules off and on since I was a boy, and I am now 59.  My wife on the other hand never lived near a

mule until I brought my molly mule Cinder home to our farm in Washington a couple of years ago.  Marcy was somewhat

intimidated by Cinder, and the only times she tried to ride her didn’t turn out very well.  So my intention in going to Queen

Valley Mule Ranch was two-fold.  I wanted to buy a solid mule for Marcy and I wanted some help with Cinder, whose main

problem was an unwillingness to go out on the trail alone.  Cinder also strongly challenged me on occasion, although none

of those had ended up too bad for either of us. 

Steve quickly checked out my tack – decided that I was putting my saddle too far forward on Cinder, and that my bit didn’t

match my handling or Cinder’s point in training.  Making the adjustments with the tack improved things a lot but that was

nothing compared to the tips on ground training, general handling, and riding that Steve gave to Marcy and me.

When we left, Cinder and I had progressed more in two solid days of work than we had in the prior year. 

We were working together and had several great trail rides in rough country, even leading the way!

I sure do recommend spending some time with Steve if you can.  No matter how much you think you know about

mules and mule behavior you will learn something new if you are willing to listen and try.   For me, I’m going back to

Queen Valley Mule Ranch, and staying in touch with Steve and Susan.  Steve will make my mule riding a much more

fun and rewarding experience and I sure do appreciate that – along with his friendship and his and Susan’s hospitality."

Mark Drummond – Glendora, California and Waukon, Washington 2003

Steve,
Thanks for the saddle and tack. I thought I'd send you a photo of Jill all

decked out in her new gear. Let me know if everything looks like it is in it's place.

The video was very helpful. I watched it several times to get everything just right.

I hope our paths can cross some day. Keep up the good work."   

Kirby Sidlo, Astoria  OR.2003

Dr. Robert Miller, D.V.M.and his wife Debbie pictured with two of his mules

Fannie upper right,Macho Man lower right outfitted in Steve Edwards Signature

Series Saddles and Tack

2004

September, 2004...from Jim Sayers:

I bought the Trail Rider mule saddle from you a year ago to fit a now 4 yr. old 14.3 hands Tennessee walking mule.

This is the fourth saddle we've tried and the trainer and I can't say enough about how perfectly it fits. Matched with your

Reinsman pad, after hours of riding you have a perfect sweat mark and not a hair out of place on his back. I am a novice

rider and I am amazed how comfortable the sa ddle is. No padding in the seat, just a real old time looking saddle. With me

out of any real riding condition I never have any aches or pains days after a long ride and no bruised tail bone.

It also provides a real secure seat. As you said, nothing like sitting in a shovel. I didn't think I would like the tapaderos,

but now can't think what I would do without them. They are just the right weight, I never lose a stirrup while riding and

they are turned so I have no ankle or knee pain. My mule has the ability to swell up a lot before cinching. After riding for

a while you can cinch in a good 5-7 inches more. One day I forgot the second cinching and another horse spooked,

turning my mule in a fast 180. After recovering we got off to rest. The cinch was hanging a couple of inches below his

belly but the saddle had not budged, even while dismounting. Now that's a good fit. The saddle draws a lot of attention

because of its old fashion good looks and that pad stays clean and dries in minutes.

I was going to buy another one, but the trainer said with proper care it is built to last a life time. No pad to wear out and

no stitching to come out.

Thanks again.

Jim and Max the mule.

"We have run mules for thirty years in Colorado's West Elk and

Ragged Mountain Wilderness areas. Our saddle mules are outfitted with

your Packer rigs and britchen. They make for a very comfortable ride on our long trips."

Best wishes,

Bill Waldron
Flying W Ranch
Hotchkiss, Colorado

NOV 2004

Jerry Heitzler's mule, "Sophia", wearing a Steve Edwards

Trail Rider Saddle and Contoured Mule Pad by Reinsman;

pictured on "Red Mountain" north of Truckee, California,

Labor Day, Sept 6, 2004

March, 2004...(Anita found Queen Valley Mule Ranch on the web.  She ordered a Steve Edwards Signature Series

Trail Rider Saddle to be shipped to her in Switzerland! Following are excerpts from her recent e-mails to Steve)

Hi Steve,

Its nearly an never ending story. We tried various times to take some pictures. But until Wednesday we had still

too much snow here and it was really too cold to make foto sessions. We have taken some pictures today but

I'm not sure if that's (help) suits u really ! It's sometimes very difficult to convince Manolito, that the camera won't kill him.

My question was at first only how firm must be the back cinch. Now its all ok and I'm happy with it.

I hope with you and your mules is all in order ? I wish u in the

  meantime all the best ! We do not have saddle makers here in Switzerland  who unstand mules .I love my trail rider saddle

have a good day

kind regards from Switzerland

 Anita 2004

We love mules and have been learning for about 10 years now. 

The most frustrating part of having these saddle mules is finding

tack that works.  During this unusually wet and unridable winter

in NW New Mexico we decided to clean out the tack shed that has

accumulated a surprizing amount of used tack and saddles that just

didn't work for our mules.  The amount of dollars spent and problems

directly involving saddle fit was unbelievable. We have or have had a wide

variety of mule body types and the Steve Edward's mule bars (including pack saddles)

more mule types than any other saddle we have tried, and that's why we kept it for so long.  

We especially like the "lite" saddle on our smaller mules. Art Perkins,New Mexico

Steve,

I wanted to write to compliment you on your article in Western Mule Magazin e on "Mule Britchen". I am not a big fan of cruppers or britchen on mules but I realize it is a necessity. I have two mules of which my most current and favorite riding mule Aggie is a four year mare mule that I have had about a year an d a half. Both my mules will take a crupper without any problem but Aggie has a profound wither and a dip in her back and is built more like a horse than my other mule. I rode her for about six months without a crupper then as you said I went up into the mountains on some really steep inclines and like you over the top I went. So disappointed I started using the crupper all the time. After many months I noticed that the crupper was wearing the hair off on both side of her tail and was on the verge of getting tender. That was when I decided to think about britchen and timely enough along came your article which I have studied religiously time and again. But what made me do something about it was a few weeks back. Aggie and I was riding in a mountainous area and stopped at a stream to drink. Of course when a mule is stretched out drinking a crupper gets tight. All of a sudden by mule jumps sideways and leaves the stream completely and stops with this look like what in the world is going on. I happened to look back and my crupper had pulled loose from one of the buckles and was hanging loose. That crupper had stretched tight like a slingshot and came loose going under her tail and rear end like a r ocket. No wonder she jumped, I would have too if it was my rear end. Basically the buckle was brass and had stretched out and could not stay buckled. It was all pretty funny to me after I thought about it. I decided to get my crupper fixed and get my mule some britchen. I decided to have my britchen made at my local saddle and harness shop rather than order it by mail in order to get a better fit. My harness maker had made lots of harness britchen but never any saddle mule britchen. So I measured up my mule and took your article with pictures to him. Yesterday, I picked up my britchen and brought it home. I do not have my straps made yet to go from the britchen strap ring to the front cinch ring. I decided to put the britchen on first, measure it, and call him back with the correct length to make the straps. But I want to thank you so much for going into all the details, pro's and con's, and the pictures were excellent better than words. My harness maker said it helped him a bunch too. One of the things that stayed in my mind was what you said about being able to run a looser cinch with britchen. I like that idea a lot. I always cinch mules up slowly as compared to horses. Maybe three to four times before I am finished. Sometimes I put my saddle on, cinch it just snug and load my mule in the trailer if the trip is not too long. Snug it up a little more when I unload her, walk her around, and put everything else on, maybe lead her to the trail, snug it up another notch, and get on. I try to be real easy about it all. There is an old saying that you can't drop a live frog in a pot of boiling water, he will jump out. But if you put him in a pot of luke warm and turn the heat up slowly he will stay right in there and cook to death and never realize it. I have found out that is true with mules, "cook them slow" they will blend right in with you. One more thing about cinches. I have gaulded my mule by having the cinch forward like on a horse. My mule saddle has an in skirt rigging for 3/4, 7/8, and full. I have found that by putting two latigo ties on each side attached to the back flank strap ring, then run them forward through your cinch ring up and through the farthest back location on the skirt rigging that the cinch will stay more in the middle of the chest and back four inches from the elbow perfectly. I do that evenly on both sides of the saddle. It looks much like the center cinch on an Army McCe llan Saddle or at least half of it. It has worked good on all the mules that I have ridden. I am hoping with the britchen that I can run that cinch looser though. Thanks again for the great articles. You and Terry Nichols are always my favorites and and are a wealth of knowledge.

Your brother in Christ.

Terry Brooks
Marshville, N.C. 2004

Alyssa from Wikieup, Arizona on her mule, Festus, outfitted in Steve Edwards Signature Series Saddle and Tack 

"Out of the box and onto my mule, this saddle is really cool!"  2005

"Hi Steve, I just got back from North Carolina making my first trip to the mountains with my new saddle.  The saddle worked great and rode like a dream, I had a lot of riders ask me where I got the saddle from I told them all the only place to buy a mule saddle is from you. I have been riding in a bear trap rancher for four years and it is well broken in, this saddle rode as well on the first day. I have attached a photo of my mule and saddle as you can see I've still got some adjustments to make but I'm learning. The video is a great help. I hope one day to meet you in person and shake your hand."

 Thanks again, ride safe

 Your Friend in Jesus

 Richard 2003