Mule Britchen Hip Plate Size and Placement

Britches and cinches work together hand in hand. Both are extremely important to keeping the saddle in place. One vital part of the britchen is the hip plate. Why is the hip plate important for the mule? Well folks, it’s simple. You want to keep your mule comfortable. If you have a small hip plate, it tends to move the left and to the right; it fails to keep the saddle in a steady position. Some hip plates only have one strap and that’s like using a crupper. A crupper will move up to two-and-a-half inches and that allows the saddle to move forward — just enough to where now you’re saddle will be banging on the scapula... continuously. So do not ride with a crupper and when you ride with the britchen, make sure it’s built to distribute all weight and responsibility through quarter straps down the hindquarters. Britchens also need to be adjusted to the terrain you are riding on. If you are going to ride your mule on flat ground, you want to higher your britchen closer to the tail. However, If you are going down a steep mountain, you are going to want to lower a britchen. Your britchen needs to be at an angle so that it follows the hip and hugs your mule. It HAS to set flush against the back of your mule. Just like the britchen, the rear cinch is an important part of keeping the saddle from moving forward. As you are going down the trail, the cinch loosens up and you rely on your britchen and breast collar to keep the saddle into place. Make sure to not inhibit the shoulder points when applying your breast collar! Following these steps will give your mule maximum comfort when riding! Learn more about Steve’s britchen HERE — https://muleman.co/2YEIdCU BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO STEVE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Connect with Queen Valley Mule Ranch Website, https://www.muleranch.com Facebook,   / muleranch   Twitter,   / muleranch   Instagram,   / muleranchaz