Tack reference Tuesday

A little more than eight years ago, my husband and I spent a day in the Colorado mountains, attending the Leadville Boom Days and Burro Races.

We arrived about an hour before the start of one of the races and spent that time in the pre-race area, meeting the the donkeys, talking to their handlers and taking lots of photos.

At that time, I was still actively running a model horse tack business, so a lot of my attention was focussed on the tack.

Each donkey was required to wear a regulation pack saddle with a pick, shovel, and gold pan.

Most also carried at least one quart of water, food (an energy bar) and weather appropriate clothing (such as a windbreaker). 

Of course, when it came to race time, most of this was covered up by the entrant pinney!

The rules allows use of a "jack chain" - that is a chain or strap that apply pressures over the muzzle, under the chin or through the mouth - but we didn't see any of those. Mostly, it was just a bunch of normal nylon...

and rope halters.

Lead ropes can be up to fifteen feet in length.

Also worth noting, there were a few donkeys outfitted in hoof boots...

and at least one had a camera mounted on his saddle.

Handler attire was what you would expect for a long distance running at altitude in the summer. Beyond athletic shoes - which everyone wore - there were lots of shorts...

and leggings,

gloves...

and ball caps and visors.

Of course, with an event as quirky as this, there are always going to be a few people who really dress for the occasion!

A few more photos just because.

I always thought burro racing would be a really fun event to recreate in 1:9 scale. I probably won't ever get around to doing it, but maybe - hopefully! - these photos will inspire someone else. If that's you, be sure to share pictures of your entry. Even it takes another eight years for it to happen, I'd love to see them!