It was only after much consideration that I adopted for my own personal brand [**U]--a mule shoe on the left hip and jaw.

It was small and did not damage the hide too much, was easily stamped on, looked well and was pretty safe.

Among brands I have seen was HELL in large letters covering the animal's whole side.
With a band of horses a bell-mare (madrina) is sometimes used.

The mare is gentle, helps to keep the lot together, and the bell lets you know on a dark night where they are.

With a lot of mules a madrina is always used, as her charges will never leave her.
All the grooming cow-ponies get is self-administered.