Hey Guys,
I was wondering if anybody here could help me out. I am looking for a maker that builds an 18" ranch type saddle (association, wade, ect.). I actually ride mules, but most mule saddles are too narrow. I need a 7" gullet to fit my mules. Here is the hard part ... I'd really like to be able to sit in the saddle before paying for it (or atleast have a return policy). Any ideas?

Pretty sure you can still buy trees with mule bars. I had one made several years ago, but the maker has since passed. I am sure more will chime in.

I am a custom saddle maker. I can build an 18" saddle, lol but if you didn't want it, it would be hard to get rid of, especially for a mule. I have used mule bars in the past, but found that most good riding mules have better backs than the run of the mill mules. The last two saddles I built for mules had Arizonia bars with a 7 to 71/4 gullett. Ed

Lot'sa people making mule barred saddles now a days.

However that doesn't mean a mule barred saddle will automatically fit any mule just as horse barred saddle will not fit any horse.

I'm wondering why you need an 18" saddle.I assume you a refering to the seat.

If you actually need one that big, you probably have to have a BIG mule.I doubt a 7" gullet is going to work even. Mine is 7&1/4 " and I have a 15" seat and a 15 hd mule at about 1000lbs.

The only way that is going to work is to find a saddle maker that will worlk with you and personnaly fit the mule and you together.

You won't find any off the shelf saddles that will fit. You might find an 18" seat just to see if it fits you,but that is all.

I expect you are talking $3000-$5000 for a custom built

Think I may have just what you are looking for.

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