August 20, 2006

By: Sandra Geldart
Website: http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com

Pack Saddles – a weighty topic

Pack saddles are a great convenience when setting out on a trek, especially when there are a lot of supplies to deal with. There are important guidelines you must follow, but as long as you take your time and do some research, pack saddles are pretty straight forward. Attention to detail will ensure the comfort and safety of your horse, so take your time until you gain some experience.

Before saddling up, always oil all leather parts and take the time to check the equipment for signs of breakage and excessive wear and tear. Pack saddles sit farther back than a conventional saddle (behind the withers) and the harness is to hang loosely until it is needed for hilly country. Finding someone who is experienced is always a good idea, but if you can’t find someone there are great resources on the internet.

Always pack heavy objects low in the bags, leaving light items for the top to maintain a low center of gravity. It is imperative that the pack saddles load be of equal weight on either side; ideally it should be within a 1 kg. Try to keep the load as low as possible as a high load can create too much side to side movement. When packing, a horse can carry 50kg without a problem but do not exceed 60kg

Trekking out with a pack horse is not difficult, but attention to detail can save you a lot of headaches and your horse will be a lot more comfortable.

About The Author:

Sandra Geldart is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.happy-horse-saddles.com.  With a degree in Equine Science Technology, Sandra brings you 27 years experience working with horses including showing horses and barrel racing