Introduction
One of the biggest success stories that the we have had in the last few years has been
the introduction of a simple, cheap, and easy to make pack saddle into various regions of
Ethiopia. It’s not really a pack saddle, it’s more of a back protector, but it can be used either
on its own or under a rigid frame.
Since we introduced this pattern nearly four years ago it has proved to be very
popular with the local donkey owners, many of whom have now been taught how to make
it for themselves. It has been mentioned in several publications, and as a result we have
received quite a few requests from people all over the world for detailed instructions on
how to make it for their own donkeys; this has in turn led to this little booklet which I hope
will provide that information.
History
We have been making a packsaddle in Debra Zeit, Ethiopia for many years, but we
decided 4 years ago to simplify it. The new pattern is actually based upon the frame of the
quite complex saddle used in Egypt with one major addition. The Egyptian model is quite a
nice saddle, but has no gullet space. This is the gap that sits over the donkey’s spine and
which should prevent any part of the load rubbing on this sensitive area. Failure to provide
this can lead to the horrendous wounds that are the bane of working equines all over the
world. We looked at several materials and decided on jute/sisal sacks stuffed with straw or
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