Pack transport with donkeys
Practical Action
The purpose of the saddle is to distribute the weight of the pack as evenly as possible on each
side of the spine and to keep the weight over the shoulders. It has been demonstrated that loads
carried over the shoulders require less energy to move than those carried on the back. This
implies that with properly distributed loads donkeys will be less easily tired and use less energy.
The characteristics of a good pack saddle include lightness, durability, balance, correct padding
and the absence of protrusions. It should not cause saddle sores or rope burns.
Saddles should ideally be attached with broad straps rather than ropes, to minimize the risk of
sores. The belly strap is meant for attachment and should be well forward so as to avoid the
flexible ribs of the mid-body that are involved in breathing. If the belly strap is over tightened -
particularly if it is not forward - it will impair breathing and tend to tire the donkey. Attention to
points of detail such as ensuring the underside of the saddle is free from grit and that the
donkey's hairs are lying naturally under the saddle is also important.
If a pack saddle is new it should be 'broken-in'. This involves using light loads and careful
observation to ensure that there is no excessive rubbing leading to hair loss and skin damage.
Correcting pack saddle donkeys
The major problems with pack saddles are saddle sores and rope burns. These are caused by
poorly fitting and unbalanced saddles often in association with overloading. Saddle sores are the
result of excessive pressure and friction at one point. Early detection of such pressure points is
important, and this can be done by checking for rubbing and looking for areas that are especially
wet with sweat. These areas will quickly develop into sores if corrective measures are not taken.
Conversely, totally dry areas under the saddle suggest that no load is being carried at these
points.
Pressure points or saddle sores are
treated by removing the pressure and,
if necessary, treating the sore by
cleansing and applying antiseptic
solution or powder. Removing the
pressure and simple treatment will
encourage natural healing which often
occurs quickly in donkeys. Pressure
points are released by altering the
padding of the saddle or by making a
special cup to protect the sore from
further pressure.
Once the immediate problem has been
tackled attention should be given to
the cause of damage: for example, the
protrusion on a damaged saddle,
unbalanced loading, the use of
thin ropes or bad saddle design. Jute
sacks are often used as saddle
blankets, and when repeatedly wetted
with sweat and allowed to dry they can
become very stiff and abrasive. The
balancing of packs can be aided by
breaking down loads into smaller units
that can be loaded and balanced more
easily. In this regard attention may
need to be paid to the whole transport
system so that load units are of
appropriate size for eventual packing
during the last stage of the journey.
Figure 3: Choose donkeys with straight backs -
otherwise the load will slip backwards from the
shoulders.
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