Packsaddle for Donkey

[menageriehill]

After looking at several pack saddles on line I decided to make one. I used oak for the uprights and pine for the bottom. I had the donkey for a mold. After gathering parts for a few weeks, I drilled,bolted and screwed what looks to me loke a working pack saddle. I would send a picture but I havent been able to figgure that part out yet. Oh my smart phone is much smarter than I. My cost…$27.00 us

[Robert MoonShadow]

Sounds interesting…if you get photos posted, I’m sure wanting to see them…

[ShiroYama]

I’ll do same things too !

[menageriehill]

Jack pulling a cart.

[Scott G]

If you used a crossbuck tree I would borrow one already made as there are some differences in thickness that mold to body to help keep the front end centered on the withers. When it comes to quality packsaddles it’s all about the tree. Decker-style is great as long as there is some type of tree. Otherwise it’s just a chunk of canvas with planks and iron hoops to hang panniers on. The best I’ve ever worked with we’re the Martin saddles made in the town I grew up in. Huge loads and comfortable pack horses. Good going, just keep tinkering with tree & rigging until its a perfect fit and can handle a load.

[grey]

Looks like the tree might be inclined to rock forward and dig at the shoulders. Maybe change your straps so the load presses down in the center of the pack saddle to distribute the weight along the full length of the saddle bars.

[Scott G]

Now that I noticed your pic, Grey’s observation is correct. In addition… make the side “planks” on your tree 3-4″ longer, round the corners, and ideally use 2X stock which you can mold with a round rasp to match contours of the burro’s withers and back better. Rigging the tree so it doesn’t ride too far forward and tip, as Grey pointed out, is going to be a bit more of a project. Packsaddles, because they carry a “dead”weight” load, require a breast strap, a britchen and a belly band in addition to the cinch. Also, balancing your panniers/load by weight is critical otherwise your load is going to be constantly side slipping. Lashing that load with a squaw, box, double or triple diamond hitch is also highly desired. A lash rope is usually 25-30″ long and has a special “lash cinch” which has a hook on one end. Have fun & tinker while always making sure you’re partner is comfortable with the rigging and not getting sore.

Keeping the load balanced is a constant. I can’t even begin to imagine how many rocks are at trailheads that started at the other end and have probably made several round trips in order to balance panniers on packstrings. I’ve definitely transported my share :rolleyes:

[menageriehill]

Observations are noted, and apreciated. : )

[Author]

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