The Myth of the Mule Bit

Tacked up mule. Photo by author.

Every so often, somebody on equestrian Facebook posts a horrified picture of a “mule bit.”

It’s usually something like a twisted wire snaffle, or a “bicycle chain” bit. Whatever it is, they’re horrified because it’s a harsher bit.

See, there’s a myth that mules are “difficult,” and need a harder bit to ride them. It constantly circulates. Check the picture above. You can’t see the mouthpiece, so you’ll just have to trust me that it was a very ordinary looking bit, no chains, no sharp pieces, nothing.

Pack mules. Photo by author.

Is There Such a Thing as a Mule Bit?

Part of the problem is that there is such a thing as a mule bit as differentiated from a horse bit. There are also mule bridles, mule saddles, and even mule shoes.

Because mules aren’t put together quite the same way as horses. For example, the mule shoulder is closer to a donkey shoulder. If you put a horse saddle on a mule, it will rock back and forth because the tree is too curved for a mule’s flat back. Also, a horse saddle will likely be too long, sitting on the mule’s loins. Mule bridles are designed to be easier to get around those ears! (Punch says his ears are fine…