At this point it may be convenient to briefly enumerate the conditions which are essential in loading pack transport.

The load should be carried as far as possible over the tops of the ribs and as little as possible over the sides of them. Every endeavour should be made to avoid compressing the sides, for not only is the load carried at a disadvantage if placed low down, but it interferes with the breathing.

A very high load is disadvantageous as it sways backwards and forwards during progression.

No load should touch an animal’s body; if it extends in front of or behind the pack saddle it should be quite clear of the shoulders and hips.

Loads cannot be too flat; the flatter they are the closer they lie to the saddle and the less oscillation.

Loose girths are a serious evil, so also is a slack surcingle; the former allows the saddle to oscillate the latter permits the load to sway about.

Injuries to the withers can only be from the arch being too low or too narrow; the former is rare, the latter common. A low arch damages top of the withers, a narrow arch pinches the sides. There is no other remedy for the latter but to change the saddle for one or wider in the arch.

Chambering panels
A chamber is a depression in the panel intended to take all bearing off a tender or injured place. It is a method of the highest value, but requires intelligence to direct its utility. A chamber can be made in a few minutes by anyone with sufficient intelligence to push a needle through leather; as a rule it is left to the saddler.