508. Standard Packing Contest Equipment

    1. This equipment must be used in all Packing Division classes held at an American Mule Association-approved show.
      1. Pack Rigging: Each pack mule must have full rigging.
        1. This includes A sawbuck saddle tree, 2 girth cinches, breeching, and a breast collar.
        2. No tackaberry buckles allowed.
        3. Western riding saddles only on lead animal.
      2. Side Loads: All boxes, kyacks, pannier, leather ends, must have a minimum inside measurement of 10″ x 20″ x 14″.
        1. Two square 5-gallon cans must be able to fit completely into each pannier.
        2. May have and can use a cross strap. No add on to Side Loads allowed: such as fold out barrel or pole carriers, curved tops. This will be considered a gimmick. Judges call as to what is standard equipment, Penalty DQ.
      3. Matte: Must be unfolded and cover the load for what it is.
        1. It should be centered and tucked between the mule and the side loads, when possible.
        2. Matte must be approximately 5′ x 7′. It may be larger. Cannot be adhered to the boxes or saddle in anyway, must be tucked when possible. No tape, adhesive, etc. Penalty DQ.
      4. Lash Rope: The lash cinch hook must be a single hook and constructed so that the hook is flat with the lash cinch itself.
        1. The opening on the hook cannot exceed two inches in width at the widest place inside.
        2. The cinch cannot have an overall length, including ring and hook, of greater than 40 inches.
      5. Any infraction of section 508 Penalty DQ.
    2. The following items may be packed during the packing class: Load 150 lbs. maximum. Remember the maximum weight of a single item is 50 lbs; youth maximum single item is 20 lbs:
      sacks of sawdust fire grates breadbox or egg box
      sacks of grain 5-gallon cans 5 gal. propane bottle
      buckets 1 gal. anti-freeze bottle milk cans
      backpacks sleeping bags 1-gallon cans
      rolls of camp rope extra pack saddle &pillows
      protein blocks extra pack boxes/bags poles (6’max.)
      fishing poles lantern carrier shovel
      ice chest extra riding saddle cooler
      wash pans lanterns tarps
      tents foam sleeping pads dunnage bags
      suitcases horseshoes toilet seats
      beer kegs bricks horse blankets
      extra lash rope bales of hay bucksaws
      salt blocks deer horns cook stoves
      4×4 sheet of plywood canned good small barrels
      rain gear portable table, folding chairs pots and pans
    3. Any item given to be packed must be on the pack animal when the contestant crosses the finish line. A no time is to be given to the contestant that does not finish with the entire load.