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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 animal.
discover that the mule has already “dined” on much of his cargo. While many of us struggled initially, with Bob’s help we were all, eventually, able to pass the “cargoing” inspection.
When we arrived on Day 2, there were multiple pack horses and mules already in place for us to practice first-hand, the next step, loading and securing our cargo. This was truly the highlight of the Clinic. It was exciting for teams of two working together to safely move around and secure their loads, many of which were very heavy, on the patient livestock we had been provided. The barrel hitch took quite a bit of concentration as you are balancing your load, mostly on your chest, while you are maneuvering your sling rope to secure your load. Bob went into greater detail for the more seasoned packers and took the time to demonstrate how to properly saddle and adjust the pack saddle rigging to hold the saddle in the correct position and to keep it from
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Photo by Jakoby Williams
Photo by Robin Morris