Your next trail riding destination is picked & planned. The trailer is packed and your horse is ready to load. But what do you bring on the trail? How much is too much to carry on your ride? Do you need just a saddle bag, or will you have a horn bag as well? Don’t know the difference?
Saddle Bag – These sit on either side of the horse near their hip, attached behind the cantle. These often carry your larger or slightly heavier items as they offer the most space.
Horn & Pommel Bags – These sit in front of the rider at the horse’s wither, utilizing the saddle horn or pommel for attachment. These are used for smaller items that you might need quickly at hand, such as water bottles, chapstick, cell phone, maps, etc.
Cantle Bag – These are tubular-shaped to wrap around your cantle to sit directly behind your saddle. This bag is best for lightweight items (such as a rain poncho) because the bags are positioned over your horse’s kidneys.
For most day rides, you’ll only need a saddle bag to carry your necessary items. However, if you’re looking at riding longer than eight hours, or even overnight, you might want to consider adding more bags to your saddle to help cover everything you need.
Necessities for your ride:
- Cell phone – Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and has a waterproof cover in case of a water crossing or weather changes. Your cell phone is like a Swiss Army Knife with a battery—GPS, calls, texts, plant identification, memory catcher, all in one. (Tip: Find a carrier that allows you to wear your cell phone. Veteran trail riders recommend not storing your cell phone in your saddle bags, in case you fall off and the horse takes off.)
- Cell phone battery pack – In case your phone loses battery power quickly, or you get lost, having a fully charged battery pack is a good backup for when you need more juice.
- Map of the area – Is this location a new one for you to ride? Have a paper map available in case you don’t get any service from your phone. Map out where you are going ahead of time to avoid any surprises along the way.
- First aid kit – Have a small first aid kit for both horses and humans. Include packing material for wrapping a hoof, shoelaces or baling twine and cohesive or elastic bandaging.
- Refillable canteen or water bottle – It’s important to stay hydrated, but you also might need to wash off a wound.
- Snacks/Lunch – Riding over miles of trails will make you hungry. Be sure to pack a lunch and some protein snacks to keep you energized for the ride. (Remember: Don't litter!)
- Hoof pick – You never know what your horse might step on, and you don't want to keep a rock in their sole too long.
- Pocket knife - Useful to cut random ropes, twine or to use as a tool.
- Rain coat/poncho – Even if your weather app says that the rain will hold off for your ride, you never know when Mother Nature might change her mind.
- Bug spray/fly spray – Nothing is more annoying than having to spend the ride swatting away mosquitoes and horse flies. Pack a small can of bug spray for you and fly spray for your horse for additional protection. (You might consider outfitting your horse in a fly mask and fly boots, if he's comfortable with them. This will help protect the face and legs from not only the bugs, but from brush on the trail.)
- Sunscreen – Even if you're planning to stay in the woods for most of the ride, you’ll thank yourself for having sunscreen on and available to reapply. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed helmet helps, but you can never be be too protected from the sun.
- Lip balm – Protect your lips from getting uncomfortably chapped from the sun and wind.
- Rope halter – You might stop for a break and want to use something to tie your horse with, and the easiest is a rope halter that'll fold nicely in your saddle bag. It also comes in handy in case someone’s bridle breaks or you need to lead another horse. (Additionally, having a Pocket Rope Halter is handy as an extra lead rope or emergency rope halter.)
- Identification – Have the most updated information written on a card packed in at least one of your bags for both you and your horse. (You might also look at wearing one, like the Tough1 Emergency Medical Arm Band.) Include information about your horse such as name, breed, location of farm and owner's contact information. For yourself, include information such as allergies, emergency contacts and preferred hospital.
Tips for Choosing a Saddle Bag
- When purchasing any type of bag for the trails, make sure the bag offers adequate attachment locations to prevent the bag from sliding or flapping with movement or wind.
- The type of saddle bag you purchase will also depend on what you most often need for your rides. If you’re planning to ride for long periods of time and want to keep drinks and food cool, look for saddle bags that are insulated. Bags should be weatherproof, thus making waxed oilskin, treated leather or nylon (with a denier of 800 or higher) more popular.
- When attaching your saddle bags, make sure that they do not hang too low. This may cause some discomfort for your horse.
- Distribute the weight evenly between your bags: side-to-side and front-to-back.
- Put the heaviest items in the bottom of the saddle bag first, then place the lighter items on top.
- Do not overload your saddle bag—the more you pack, the more weight your horse carries, including you.
- Consider the bag closures. Everyone has their own preference between buckles, snaps, zippers and ties.
What to Wear
When it comes to dressing for the long ride, dress for comfort and protection. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are perfect to protect your upper body from the scrapes of tree branches as well as sun protection. Long trail rides are not the time to break in new boots and jeans. Instead, wear your trusted jeans and boots that you know you’ll be comfortable in. When the weather is cooler, or you know you'll be going through some branches and sticker bushes, a pair of chinks is a great way to protect your legs.
A helmet will help to keep you protected from unexpected accidents and the occasional missed tree branch. If you're worried about sun protection from a hat, some helmets have extended brims, or you can purchase a brim to add to your helmet.
The key to having a relaxing and fun trail ride is ample preparation before you hit the trails. Take the time to find the proper saddle bag for your needs and that fits your horse, and plan what you pack. Remember to leave only hoof prints and take only photos for memories!
