Other Saddles
by Vicki Tatum, Florida
Endurance Saddles
In reality, you'll see a nearly an infinite variety of saddle types being used by different endurance riders. However, there is one particular type of saddle identified by many manufacturers as an Endurance Saddle. It looks like a stripped down, horn-less version of a western saddle. You can see a number of endurance saddles by different manufacturers at HorseSaddleShop.com
Comments from endurance saddle users:
I like the Big Horn endurance saddle for slim mules with steeply slanted withers. (I compare that back shape to riding the letter "A.") It stays put the best of any except custom-made, when cinched with a "Y" rigging. But, it does not fit my present mule Ginger at all – she has a flat broad back and the saddle rode up on her neck on flat ground!
I've ridden a Big Horn endurance saddle for over 13 years now, but I'm not really happy with it. It doesn't fit my mule as well as it should – it has left white hairs behind the shoulders. And, it doesn't fit me well. However, the saddle is quite light weight which is really its only good quality IMO. It has held up fairly well for the price, also, and I've ridden it thousands of miles so far. I do have to use a breast strap and britchen with it ALL the time as it slides forward immediately if I don't, even on a slight down-hill grade.
Flexible Panel Saddles
With flexible panel saddles, the part of the saddle that is in contact with the mule's back is flexible and/or adjustable so that the saddle will conform to the shape of each individual animal's back. The American-Flex Saddle Company's web site provides a nice description of the evolution and construction of their flexible panel saddles. While each individual company's panel system is different, the American-Flex description outlines the general principle of the thing, which is similar for each one.
The Timberline Saddle Company uses a panel system that is flexible as well as self-adjusting to match the angle of the withers/shoulders. They say that this system allows them to "fit about 98% of the horse/mule world." Timberline saddles are available in a variety of western, english, and endurance styles. Timberline saddles are completely custom made. The web site does not list prices. Mule Hill Ranch (e-mail) in Gainesville, Mo is a Timberline Saddle Company dealer that has advertised in Mules and More magazine.
The American-Flex Saddle Company, which, oddly enough, is located in Germany, advertises that their saddles "can be used successfully with horses and mules of vastly different shapes." American Flex saddles are available in almost any style you could ask for, including western, english, Australian, and endurance models. The US prices for most models are around $3,000 and are influenced by the Euro-dollar exchange rate. Hill View Farms is the American representative of the company.
There are more companies that manufacture flexible panel saddles, but as far as I know, these are the only ones that specifically identify mule riders as target clientele.