Standard Sawbuck Pack Saddle – Donkeys, Mules & Horses

Please see shipping times below

This Standard Sawbuck Pack Saddle is built for reliability, strength, and all-day performance across a wide range of equines—including small standard and standard donkeys, mammoth donkeys, mules, and horses.

This is a traditional sawbuck pack saddle constructed with premium materials and modern components, making it ideal for backcountry packing, ranch work, trail riding, and recreational use.

Premium Wood Construction – Built to Last

• Red Oak Crossbucks: Known for exceptional strength and durability, providing a solid, time-tested load-bearing structure
• Poplar Wood Bars: Lightweight with natural flex to conform comfortably to your animal’s back
• Carefully selected materials to ensure strength without unnecessary weight
• The wood is treated with 2 parts linseed oil and 1 part oak stain

Optimized Fit Across Multiple Equine Types

• 18" Bar (Standard): Fits donkeys and burros ~40"–45" at the shoulder up to ~13-hand mammoth donkeys, plus many mules and smaller horses
• 21" Bar: Recommended for larger mammoth donkeys and full-size horses over 13 hands
• Designed for balanced load distribution and secure pack stability

Advanced BioThane® Rigging System

Built with premium BioThane for superior performance over traditional leather:

• Waterproof & weather-resistant – won’t absorb sweat, mud, or moisture
• Durable & abrasion-resistant for rugged conditions
• Flexible without stretching, maintaining a consistent fit
• Low maintenance – easy to clean and long-lasting
• Smooth against the animal to help reduce rubbing and irritation

Heavy-Duty Strength & Reliability

• 3/4" webbing: ~750 lb per inch breaking strength
• 2" webbing: ~2,000 lb per inch breaking strength
• Built for serious packing loads and dependable performance

Lightweight, Practical Design

• Approximate weight: 18 lbs (without cinches)
• Designed to minimize fatigue while maintaining structural integrity

Why Choose This Sawbuck Pack Saddle?

• Traditional sawbuck design trusted by packers for generations
• Fits a wide range of equines (donkeys, mules, horses)
• Combines natural wood construction with modern BioThane performance
• Made in the USA with high-quality materials
• Built by an experienced packer who understands real-world use in tough conditions

Sizing Guide

• Mini Donkey / Mule (12" Bar): Under 40" at the shoulder
• Small Standard Donkey (18" Bar): ~40"–45" at the shoulder
• Standard to Mammoth (18"–21" Bar): Up to and above 13 hands depending on build

SHIPPING TIMES

This product is handcrafted in small batches right here in the USA. Pack Saddles and associated tack are estimated to ship within 21–30 days of your order date. If you need your order by a specific date, please contact us at 719-749-2289 before placing your order. For full details, visit Our Guarantee Page 

Standard Donkey (18" Bar) = 46" - 13 hands (approx) at the shoulder

Mammoth Donkey (21" Bar)= 13 hands and up at the shoulder

Mule = Fits for most animals between 700-1400 pounds.  For comparison,  the mule in the picture is 15.1 hands.

Horse =  Fits for most horses between 14-16 hands, 900-1500 pounds.

Choosing Cinches:

Small Standards normally require a 22" front/24" rear

Standard Donkeys normally require a 24" front/26" rear

Mammoths can vary but most require a 26" front/28" rear.  Big mammoths may need a 28" front/30" rear

Add a custom identification tag

Note: You may need to punch a few holes in the straps to get the best adjustment.