Saddling a Small Donkey

I get the question all the time: “Steve, will your saddle really fit my little donkey?”

Folks want a good fit and because they usually see my saddles on 14hh, 15hh mules they’re concerned it will actually fit their small donkey. The answer is, “Yes, they will fit your little buddy just fine,” and here’s why: my saddles are built for the bone structure, not muscle mass. Standard donkey, mammoth donkey, small donkey, the bone structure is the same and that’s what my saddle is designed for.

It’s one thing for me to say, “yeah it will fit just fine,” and it’s another thing to see it!

One of my customers sent me some awesome pictures of their little donkey all tacked up with my saddle and pad. Take a look!

What I want you to see is that, even though the donkey is smaller, the saddle does not look disproportionate. And, yes, this is the same saddle that I’ve had on a a 16hh mammoth.

Now, I need to talk to this owner about swapping out that halter for an adjustable rope halter, but as far as saddle and tack, they’re doing a good job! Especially because they applied the full system to support the saddle.

The breast collar moves fluidly with the donkey’s shoulder, the britchen is adjustable and can be set based upon the terrain, there are two cinches (loose in the front, snug in the back) and they’re riding with one of my saddle pads which has neoprene lining and rounded edges.

If you do right by these animals they are going to take care of you… so do right by them! Hey, I want to help ya so holler if there’s something I can do for you.