Thinking about getting a horse or mule, need help

[tcinkgm]

So I've been thinking about taking the leap into hunting from a horse or mule. I finally have access to a ranch to keep it on, I hunt usually 2-3 days a week from August thru May and have very limited riding experience. There are some spots that aren't too rough I think I'm confident with some practice that I could effectively hunt horseback. My question, and I know this is vague at best, is what kinds of tack should I be looking for? I'm 6'2", about 215# and barely know how to saddle a horse, much less fit a saddle to the animal or myself. I don't plan to take the jump without some help and surely don't want to buy crap I don't need or won't want. Any suggestions on buying saddles, etc from styles to sizes? Do I need to find a mount before I look for a saddle so that it fits properly or are they pretty standard?

Any help anyone is willing to offer, I'd love to have.

Tony

[mulehound]

Start with a good horse, leave any thoughts about mules until you have a lot of miles behind you while in the saddle.
Darrel

[Cowboyvon]

So many different options and set ups it's hard to say exactly what you should get....what you need to do is find someone in your area that knows what there doing and is willing to help you. If they start trying to sell you a horse or mule right away watch out lots of horse traders out there ..

[tcinkgm]

thanks to everyone, I have a friend I trust a bunch (that hunts also) that has offered to help get me going. I'll keep you posted as it goes.