Pack saddle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pack saddle is any device designed to be secured on the back of a horse, mule, or other draft animal for the purpose of making it possible for the draft animal to support and transport heavy loads such as luggage, firewood, small cannons or other weapons too heavy to be carried by humans, etc. Ideally the pack saddle rests on a saddle blanket or saddle pad so as to cushion the weight of the saddle and its burden as it rests on the pack animal's back. The underside of the pack saddle is designed to conform well to the shape of the pack animal's back. Furthermore, it is typically divided into two symmetrical parts separated by a gap at the top to ensure that the weight being carried does not rest on the spine of the draft animal, and also to provide good ventilation to promote the evaporation of sweat.
Since the pack saddle is not intended to support a human rider, the upper side of the pack saddle resembles a rack intended to permit the piling on and securing by ropes, straps, or other devices any load of a suitable side which it is desired to transport.
 |
This horse article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
