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Photo by Jakoby Williams
Day 1 was spent in the classroom learning the basics from how to choose the right animals, what equipment is needed; how to use it; how to take care of it, etc. Bob believes in taking the time to select the right animals, based on disposition, size, and conformation. He prefers mules over horses for packing as they have a stronger sense of survival and a stronger herd instinct. He also talked about herd dynamics. Mules will “bond” very quickly with a horse they have been kept with for any length of time; which comes in handy as you can secure your horse and turn your mules loose to graze, as the mules will generally stick around. If given the choice, he prefers all geldings (for packing and riding) as you will have fewer problems associated with biting, kicking and inattention to the job if you do not have mares in your string.
Bob embraces a style of packing called the Decker method for a number of reasons. It allows one to carry odd shaped loads, which is common while conducting trail maintenance and/or delivering supplies to remote work crews. The saddle can be adjusted to fit the conformation of the horse or mule as the tree can be shaved down to better fit the animals back; and it allows the load to sway with the movement of the animal or if it hits a tree it will swing back and then resume its position. Traditional Decker Style packing consists of two loads of similar weight and bulk wrapped in a piece of canvas called a “mantie”. These cargoed or mantied loads are tied with rope to each side of the saddle with a “basket hitch”. The two loads are positioned to form an “A” over the back and down each side of the pack mule. In most packing situations, the loads should be able to swing freely at the bottom. The ability of each side pack to swing freely is the
Day 1 was spent in the classroom learning the basics from how to choose the right animals, what equipment is needed; how to use it; how to take care of it, etc. Bob believes in taking the time to select the right animals, based on disposition, size, and conformation. He prefers mules over horses for packing as they have a stronger sense of survival and a stronger herd instinct. He also talked about herd dynamics. Mules will “bond” very quickly with a horse they have been kept with for any length of time; which comes in handy as you can secure your horse and turn your mules loose to graze, as the mules will generally stick around. If given the choice, he prefers all geldings (for packing and riding) as you will have fewer problems associated with biting, kicking and inattention to the job if you do not have mares in your string.
Bob embraces a style of packing called the Decker method for a number of reasons. It allows one to carry odd shaped loads, which is common while conducting trail maintenance and/or delivering supplies to remote work crews. The saddle can be adjusted to fit the conformation of the horse or mule as the tree can be shaved down to better fit the animals back; and it allows the load to sway with the movement of the animal or if it hits a tree it will swing back and then resume its position. Traditional Decker Style packing consists of two loads of similar weight and bulk wrapped in a piece of canvas called a “mantie”. These cargoed or mantied loads are tied with rope to each side of the saddle with a “basket hitch”. The two loads are positioned to form an “A” over the back and down each side of the pack mule. In most packing situations, the loads should be able to swing freely at the bottom. The ability of each side pack to swing freely is the