Learning How to Properly Fit Large Horse & Mule Tack
Posted by John Brand on
Larger horses, mules and draft horses are becoming more popular every day. This means there is now a large demand for quality American leather horse tack and equipment that fits properly.
Large Horses:
All large horses have longer heads, are broader across the brow, and have larger throats.
Mules: Following Information is from Horse and Mule Trainer Jerry Tindell.
“Mules are built differently than horses due to the influence of the donkey. The donkey gives the mule a broader forehead, larger eyes and a wider base at the ears. The average sized horse brow band is typically too short at the base of the ears for the mule, often resulting in pinching. A brow band that isn’t long enough can rub or cut the back of the crown (behind the ears), causing soreness and discomfort for the mule. Often, the throat latch also needs to be a bit longer too.
Buckaroo Leather has perfected an accurate fit for the mule and always uses the finest harness leather in the finished products.
Sizing Information for the Mule:
For the brow band length, measure from 2” behind the ears around the brow. The average mule will take a 19-20” brow. Brow bands are measured at the longest point. Some large mules will take a 22”. It is better to have a bigger brow band than too small." -Jerry Tindell
Mules also have a narrower chest and need a type of breast collar that fits up above their shoulders, and they usually need an over the neck strap, to hold the breast collar up in the best pulling position.
Buckaroo Leather is proud to work with Horse and Mule trainer Jerry Tindell. Jerry has been working with Buckaroo Leather to design many of the mule styles we have to offer. You can visit his website at www.jerrytindell.com
Drafts and Draft Crosses:
Draft horses and draft crosses are larger all over. Buckaroo Leather has manufactured a line of quality horse tack specifically designed for draft horses.
When measuring, for a custom fit, you will need to have the complete crown/poll measurement, from the corner of the mouth along the head, up over the poll and down to the other corner of the mouth.
Buckaroo Leather proudly manufacturers western tack pieces for your horses, ponies, mules, large horses, draft horses and draft crosses!