Back a dozen or so years ago, I had a riding mule. Don't remember why, but I never tried shooting a bow off her back. Fast-forward to the present. My wife really loves horses, and wants me to ride with her. Problem is, although I like horses, I prefer mules--generally slower, calmer, etc. Shoot, I'd ride a turtle if I could find one big enough--I don't bounce like I used to.

Anyhow, I looked at a couple today, and it looks like I'll be getting one soon. First thing I want to do is get it broke to shooting from the saddle--anyone have any suggestions?

Before you ask, I reckon I prefer mules to horses because mules are like longbows. Usually not quite as fast, but tougher, more forgiving, and more durable. Unfortunately for me, they are also like longbows in the respect that I haven't been able to find a really good one cheap, and I wouldn't give you a nickle for the cheap ones if I had to use them.

On a side note, reckon how long it would take me to twist up a set of flemish reins?

Chad

I used to ride, back when I looked more like a small forward on a basketball court instead of an NFL offensive tackle. These days, saddled horses take one look at me and bolt in terror.[8D]

Since you don't have to worry about noise like with a gun, I'd bet all you'd need to break it to being an archery shooting platform is a set of blinders to keep the critter from seeing what you're doing. A really high strung horse might spook because of the string noise, but I couldn't see that being a problem with a calm natured critter. And, since being gouged in the side by a limb tip wouldn't be conducive to a horse or mule taking to being shot from, you might need to cut your bow down to 60".

I'd bet you can twist up a set of reins in an afternoon.

A calm animal is priority with me--like I said, I'd just as soon ride a turtle if I could find one big enough!

Art, I looked at two yesterday that could tote you, me, and one or two more just like us all day long. Mules are unbelieveably strong.My old one was only about 800 lbs (and she was fat)--looked like I should have been toting her instead of vice-versa--but she'd carry me all day long (I was a bit lighter then, but not a whole lot). The one's I'm considering are 15+ hands, one is a good 1,200 lbs or more, the other is pushing 1,100lbsbut she's young and will probably fill out more--she's as tall, maybe a hair taller, but narrower.

I was only able to ride the bigger one--man, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it! She had a really nice gait, very calm, very responsive, but didn't show much personality. Could be because she hasn't been worked much at all the past 3 years.

Plan to ride the other one Friday--the owner wasn't home when we looked at her. She had as much personality as any horse I've ever seen, more than most. Very friendly, very laid back. Her mare was a big saddle horse, and she's narrower across the back. Not a good trait for a pulling mule, but I think she'll be more comfortable to ride--the bigger mule has a back like a picnic table! If I ride her long, I'll probably get a few inches shorter due to getting bowlegged!

The smaller built one isn't quite 4 years old, but has been ridden a lot the past 18 months. I'm leaning towards that one, but I haven't ridden her yet. If Ihad the cash to spare and the time to spend with them, I'dbuy both--this is harder than trying to decide on a bow!

Chad

Hey Chad.....how you going to get that mule on an airplane when you come hunt Oregon? LOL! the Flemish twist reins cracked me up bro.....but i'll bet you could build a mean lariat though....i love your strings....Kirk

Heck, I haven't even committed to buying one yet (not sure my back can take riding again), and I'm already contemplating where I could haul her to use for hunts! lol Man, either one would be sweet for an elk hunt--could pack in a portable condo on her back, and still ride if you could find room to sit. No worries with cats either--did you see the pics where a mule killed a big mountain lion that was about to attack a couple's dog while out on a hike? Lots of folks around here keep jacks in with their livestock to keep stray dogs, coyotes, and cats away(although we aren't supposed to have any big cats, there's been several sightings in the last few years).

Very cool animals--very underrated IMO.

Chad