We Ride Sport and Trail Magazine June 2017 | Page 20

major difference between Decker Style and Sawbuck Style Packing. This allows the mule to breathe easier and allows some lee-way, should the mule bump into something solid. Bob also talked about the importance of balancing your loads to keep the saddle centered on the animals back. Balancing involves not only the weight, but where that weight is carried. For example, dividing your cargo into thirds vertically, you would want the most weight in the middle third on each side and similar weights in the top and bottom thirds, for both sides as well. Again, this will allow for the desired “swing freely” motion. While Bob focused on the Decker Method, much of the information presented applies to any packing technique.

Breaks throughout the day were used to learn and practice how to properly secure an animal using a quick release knot; the basket hitch; and the barrel hitch. At the end of Day 1, we were divided into teams of 3-4 to learn and practice cargoing using hay bales and metal trunks. Cargoing involves securely wrapping two bundles on canvas (mantie) that can be slung from each side of the Decker Saddle. Bob uses a standardized method to insure the cargo is tightly wrapped and that the payload is protected from the elements, such as dust, rain, snow and the mules themselves. Imagine a poorly wrapped load of hay bales. It has happened that you get to your destination to

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Photo by Jakoby Williams

Photo by Robin Morris