Pack Saddle Slim, SASS #73122

"Mules are dependable and steady while horses are are all prance, fart, and no sense."

"I don't want to see anyone kissing any of the mules on the lips. There are a lot of germs going around and the last thing I need in camp is a sick mule."

First off, just so I'm not confusing anybody, I'm not a cowboy. I consider myself a packer. That is, I've had a bunch horses and mules in my lifetime, still do in fact, and I pack a lot of stuff into the mountains with my pack string, but I don't consider myself a cowboy. I respect that profession too much. I've done a little of it in my younger years, but I learned early that it was a tough way to make a living, and I guess I'm just too lazy to put in those kinds of hours. I still help out on the roundups and gathers on local ranches when asked, but have never considered myself a real cowboy. My wife thinks I am. My kids think I am. My grandkids think I am. I'm lucky that I still have them fooled.

I like mules. There. I said it. I've had a few of them over the years and hope to have at least one or two up until the end. Oh, don't get me wrong, I like horses, too, but mules have a unique personality all their own. If you've owned mules, or have been around mules, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, I feel sorry for you.

Currently, as I write this, my primary riding animal happens to be a horse--a mare, but usually, a mule is much more comfortable than a horse when riding in the mountains. It just happens that I've had this particular old girl since she was a filly. She's twenty-three now and still going strong. She's been my lead horse for the most part for the past eighteen years and hasn't seemed to have slowed down yet. I have a great riding mule waiting in the wings ready to take her place, but I'm afraid it would break the old gal's heart if I put her in the middle of the string somewhere and started using another animal to lead the string with.

I was told about cowboy action shooting almost 17 years ago by a good friend of mine, but didn't have the time for it until about four years ago. I regret I didn't take it up sooner. Some of the finest people I've met have been through SASS.

Thanks for visiting my "Profile Page." If you feel so inclined, leave a comment. I hope to have the chance to shoot with you someday.

Remember, love your enemies, but keep your gun oiled.