Jackpacking

History may have been written on the back of a horse, however, it was built on the backs of burros. Burros (donkeys) are historically pack animals and the sport/class of Jackpacking pays homage to their history in the American west.

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Jackpacking focuses on the skills of the burro and handler. Burros compete in-hand on a trail course (the course may be in an arena or natural) to showcase the burro’s skills as a pack animal and the handler's competency in tacking and handling. The goal is to demonstrate useful skills needed by a burro and handler when packing out on the trails. This includes, but is not limited to: stepping over obstacles, backing, pivoting/turning around, loading and carrying items in panniers.