Feedback on a Pack Saddle Prototype

[CaminhoDeCabras]

It looks like you built a very nice packsaddle! I can see that the straps are too long, but that's not a serious problem. Much better to have them too long than too short because you can always cut some off!

I think your girth will be in a better spot if you slid the saddle back a bit. It looks like it's too far forward and resting on her shoulder blades. You want to make sure the saddle is sitting behind the tops of the shoulder blades. You can easily find them if you feel on either side of the withers while the goat is walking.

I understand the concern about the breastcollar, which is sitting rather high and at a sharp angle. One idea that I've seen is to attach the breast strap to the rigging (that's the ring that the girth attaches to) instead of to the saddle tree. I don't think you need to worry too much about the britchin strap. Almost all of them are a little awkward and tend to slide down more than I like.

Other than that it looks nice! One thing I can't see from the photos is whether the bottom edges of your saddle are beveled. Make sure they are beveled. Otherwise the edge will dig into your goat's ribs and shoulders as he walks. The front edge is especially important.

I wrote an article on saddle placement and fit a few years ago. You might find it informative:
https://www.goatorama.com/wp-content/upl...itting.pdf

Good luck and let us know how this project progresses!

Thank you so much Nanno, so helpful!

I have read your article - I actually already had it saved and spent a long time studying it when we were designing this saddle - an invaluable resource!

The inside edges are absolutely beveled and I like your idea of attaching the breast collar to the ring. Do you find that some set-ups work for some goats and not for others? Body type seems to vary a lot.

We are hoping to build a few more saddles to really hone the design and to get some kids and milk does in the spring. I will definitely come back with updates. Such a nice supportive community you have here.