One thing you have to watch out for when using a scabbard with butt rearward is have the muzzle end adjusted so it will not gall the horse or mules leg. The front leg motion going back and forth will gall a horse or mule pretty quick.
Notice on the white horse of Ironbender's that the muzzle end is past the shoulder. Whereas in Cheesey's photo the muzzle end is right on the shoulder or leg. I have galled a mule when mounted as Cheesy's photo shows
As Ironbender said, it sure helps to put something on the other side to keep you saddle balanced. Even if it's a full canteen hanging from the horn.
The reason I like to have the scabbard nearside is I'm a short old fart and whenever I tried the off side, I would catch my leg on the scabbard as I swung it over. Again I will mention that my scope is down and I have never had one loose zero.
Last edited by saddlesore; 03/24/14.
