Breast Collar

This leather breast collar is designed to fit the shoulder of the mule and donkey. Since the bone structure is so much different from the horse, it is imperative that we do not inhibit the shoulder on the right or the left. The breast collar moves right, left, right, left, and as the mule walks, the breast collar gives. That’s imperative because when you’re on flat ground, going downhill, or pulling something, you don’t want the saddle to be pulled forward. When the saddle is pulled ahead with the shoulders, the breaching is saying, don’t go forward, but the breast collar is bringing it forward. So that’s why I designed this leather breast collar. The main thing about the breast collar is that it’s designed to not choke the animal or inhibit the shoulders. The leather is made with a high quality harness leather that should be oiled regularly. The more you oil it, the softer it gets so that it flows with the shape of the shoulder and the neck. Whether your mule has a real thin neck like an average riding animal or has a thick, heavy neck like a draft animal, this breast collar fits them both. Setup and Care Instructions Your mule leather breast collar comes ready for oiling (and dying if you choose). Upon receipt, take a five gallon bucket with a half gallon of Lexol Oil and completely submerge all of the leather in the buck, allowing it to soak overnight. The following day, hang the breast collar over the bucket to drip dry. Once dry, put the breast collar somewhere in the sun. This process will allow the oil to suck into the leather. All leather breast collars require regular maintenance and care, and must be cleaned and oiled regularly. If you would like to explore a no-maintenance option, Steve recommends the Beta Breast Collar, which is what he uses, personally. Will This Leather Breast Collar Fit My Mule or Donkey? This leather breast collar is designed to fit the shoulder of the mule and donkey. Since the bone structure is so much different from the horse, it is imperative that we do not inhibit the shoulder on the right or the left. The downside of most breast collars is that they are designed for a horse which has a completely different bone structure. If you use a horse breast collar on a mule, every time the shoulder hits the breast collar, it makes the saddle go forward. Tips From Steve The idea of a properly adjusted breast collar is to help balance the saddle. As you ride down the trail, the mule will start shrinking a little bit and will be breathing different. So our cinches are snug when we first climb in the saddle, but as we go down the trail they loosen up. The purpose of a good breast collar is to help balance the saddle to keep it in place when going down the trail. It compliments the breaching which helps balance the saddle as well, and keeps it in place. The breast collar is a very, very important part to help keep the saddle in place so we do not have to overtighten the cinches. Options and Accessories Saddle Britchen Stirrups – Leather Covered Steve ALWAYS recommends using a britchen and breast collar regardless of whether you’re on flat ground or mountains. You have to remember that you’re riding a mule bone structure (which is a donkey bone structure) and your saddle will go forward due to the donkey V shape in the shoulders – this explains the saddle riding forward. Why Steve used leather for this breast collar Leather is usually very traditional. Folks like the smell and look of it. The thing with leather is if you don’t keep it maintained – well oiled, well cleaned – the salt from the animal, your mule or donkey, will start penetrating the leather and it will start cracking. When it starts cracking, then it becomes irritating to the mule and donkey. The thing about the beta breast collar is it needs no maintenance. You don’t have to keep it oiled; you can take a little bit of water and wipe it off or you can take a little bit of Windex, wipe it off and you’re done. Questions About the Leather Breast Collar Contact Steve directly with questions or for more information 602-999-6853. You can also email Steve at steve@muleranch.com.