Page 47 - The Pocket Guide to Equine Knots

a staple of packing in America for well over a century, and it’s found in many parts of the
world. On a riding trek in the mountains of southern Spain I saw packers using sawbuck

saddles.
The sawbuck is made of two wooden “bars,” shaped to fit the backs of most animals
(though these can be custom shaped with a rasp if necessary). These are secured together
by two pairs of hardwood slats, fastened where they cross forming two Xs. Normally
sawbucks are “double rigged,” having two cinches rather than one, usually fastened with

latigo knots (two facing half hitches), and they’re equipped with a simple breast strap and
the essential breeching.

Mule with sawbuck packsaddle.

The sawbuck works well for both the entry-level packer and the seasoned professional.
The expert usually slings panniers or boxes on each side of the saddle and adds a top pack
covered with a tarp, and finally secures everything with a variation of the diamond hitch
attached to an extra cinch going under the animal’s belly. Most of the various versions of the
diamond hitch require a helper and considerable expertise, but they’re worth exploring and

most easily taught by a mentor who can walk you through the various steps.
The entry-level packer can acquire a sawbuck and equip it with soft panniers without a
substantial investment. Simply load the panniers to be equal in weight (within five pounds or

so of each other), keeping soft items such as sleeping bags and extra clothing next to the
horse. Loop the straps over the two Xs of the sawbuck, fasten a strap underneath, and
you’re good to go. Top packs and the knots for securing them can be learned later (or you
can use the buckle system if your panniers are made for it).

Decker Saddle
The Decker saddle was developed in the mining areas of northwest Montana and northern
Idaho, where awkward pieces of mining equipment and bags of ore had to be packed over

mountain terrain. It’s a very strong saddle, more likely to survive the fall of a pack horse.
The Decker is a bit more expensive and a bit more versatile than the sawbuck, but well
worth considering. Packing tends to be addictive—you’ll probably want to expand your
knowledge and capabilities.

Like the sawbuck, the Decker has two wooden bars that lie on each side of the horse’s
back parallel to the spine. These are fastened with iron D-rings rather than wooden slats