Howdy to everyone on the Porch. I really enjoy all the postings and feel it is a great source of information. tho' somtimes it reminds me how much I miss my granpa and his brothers but it also shows me how lucky Iam to have known them.
I have done searchs, but have not found the input I think I need to make the best decision.
I have a team of 16.1 & 16.3 hh 3 yr. old precheron mules and been using new 20-22 in. 1/2 sweeney adjustable horse collars w/pads and have adjusted the hames to the collars. when pulling the sled or wagon all was fine but after 5-6 hours on the pioneer forecart with very litte weigh behind, the top of both mules neck had raw spots where the back of the collar pad touchs the neck.
I'm thinking about buying a couple 21 & 22 in. full face mule collars and since the boys are still growing the adjustable mule collars with tops narrower than the regular horse adjustable collar might save quite a bit money over time. but I don't want to take a chance in scaring their neck again.
they are a real good span of mules and I'm looking forward to working the "hair" off them not rubbing it off :) so any helpful advice youall might give would be recived gratfully.
I hope to post some pictures of our mules soon.
thanks from sw.mo.

Sore necks and wrinkles come from poorly fitted collars. You are right on about getting the proper fit both in length and width. I doubt if the forecart tongue had much to do with your problem more likely the top of that BIG adjustable collar. Your mules are better off if you have a few collars hanging around, seasonaly you will change collars for a really good fit. Good Luck, your mules will give you all they have.

I'm sure no expert,and a far cry from it,but to me it sounds like you collars are too wide and they are working back and forth, or they are to big. Or the tongue is putting a lot of weight on their necks ( which I doubt)

At three, those mules are going to change a lot in the neck 4 yrs. With mules,they are usually 7 yrs old before the filling out and growing stop. You might go through 2-3 sets of collars before they mature as they fill out,or become fit from working. The adjustable collars are ok, but there is no substitute for a good fitting collar. Then let them form fit as they wear them. Once a collar is formed to a mule's neck and shoulders, you should not use another mule's collar on that mule, (ie,don't switch from your other mule back and forth).I'm not saying it won't work and bad things will happen, you will just have a better fit

It's pretty hard to second guess collar fit without seing them

Another two reasons for a sore on the top of the neck is that your quarter straps/holdback is way to tight pulling back and down on the collar 2. too tight/narrow the upper hames strap.

wally b

thanks Dave,Vince and Wally for the advice. I'm glad you guys took the time to repond. I needed the other point of view.