This is typical of the average load
carried by this donkey up to 3 times a
week for distances of around 12 km.
There were no signs of stress or
wounds, he was quiet and very
friendly with his owner. The donkey
also turned out to be about 20 years
old.
The ropes used to tie the cargo in place often
cause wounds. Note that the owner always
uses the girth as protection for his donkey’s
belly - as a result, although the ropes were
tight the donkey had no signs of a wound, or
even tenderness in this area, or anywhere
else.
Sawbuck Saddles
I’ve mentioned these a few times. They’ve been around for a long time, were used by
both the British and the U.S. armies, and still are by the Indian army in one form or another.
They are used with either a blanket, numnah or saddle cloth underneath them, or an
Aperejo, which is a Mexican term for a back protector traditionally used in Central and
North America.
Typical Sawbuck saddle frame
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