How to make, fit and use
This resource, combined with the accompanying video, is designed to help you to create a simple, affordable pack saddle.
The booklet covers the tools you will need, how to measure your donkey, how to stitch, seal and quilt the pack saddle as well as provide information on caring and repairing.
A Pack Saddle Guide
One of our biggest success stories over 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 more of a back protector than a pack saddle, 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 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 many requests from people all over the world for detailed instructions on how to make it for their own donkeys. This demand has led to the creation of this booklet, which we hope will provide that information.
About Chris Garrett
Chris Garrett, international harness consultant at The Donkey Sanctuary, has worked with us since 2007 to develop a global team of harness makers, officers and champions around the world.
Poor or inappropriate harness design, materials, use and maintenance are key causes of poor donkey welfare so Chris and the harness teams work to improve existing harness designs and train people to make and use the improved models.
Chris’s excellent technical input and guidance have been fundamental in creating this resource and we are sincerely grateful for his time, energy, skills, passion and good humour.
