Saddlebags for every saddle?
In principle, you could carry saddlebags with any type of saddle, but it goes without saying that certain models are more suitable than others. Classic dressage and jumping saddles have a different purpose than walking and are usually not equipped with attachment rings.
This doesn't mean you can't take a saddlebag on a short ride. There are smaller saddlebag models that simply clip onto the front of the bike using the ring you'd attach a saddle strap or breastplate. These mini saddlebags are ideal for a bottle of water.
In the " double" saddlebags At the front you can even fit a rope, rope halter or a mini raincoat...
As you can see in the photo, we're using the saddlebags from the front in the back as well. Get creative!
For western saddles and recreational saddles
Rear saddlebags
With some exceptions, there are 3 types:
- double saddlebags, each hanging on one side of the saddle
- the so-called " banana" saddlebag , ideal for storing a (rain) jacket.
- a combination of the top 2
Leather or nylon/cordura saddlebags?
Well, it depends, they both have pros and cons.
Leather is durable and beautiful, but it also weighs more. If you're going on a trail ride for several hours or days, every kilogram your horse has to carry less makes a difference.
Some fabric saddlebags are coated on the inside and therefore waterproof. However, every material has its own saturation factor; if it rains for days, only real plastic is completely waterproof.
We've already experimented with kayak bags that are designed for canoeing, not horseback riding, but are 100% waterproof... Here too, good material has its weight.
How to fill your saddlebag?
As a general rule, put the same amount of weight on the left and right sides of double saddlebags. For a short ride with a lighter saddlebag, this isn't too bad, but for really long rides, it makes a real difference for your horse.
When we travel with a packhorse, all luggage is carefully weighed so that the balance of the pack saddle is optimal.
Anyone who has ever had to eat a picnic in an oversized saddlebag knows from experience that your saddlebags need to be well stocked :-)
We know from experience that when you're on a day trip in changeable weather, you'd usually want to take too much gear rather than too little. An extra layer of clothing, a sweat rug or rain sheet for your horse, a tarp or poncho to sit on during your lunch break, a tasty treat as a reward (a Dailyfit cookie or some carrots). Also a polishing glove to brush the back when you saddle up again in the afternoon or collapsible bucket It's handy to have items on hand for scooping water along the way. And of course, a first aid kit for both rider and horse is essential on long rides.
How to attach your saddlebag to your saddle?
A Western saddle usually has conchos with sturdy leather latigos. With English saddles you can make your own leather strap / latigo or attach a slightly thinner, sturdy lace to your saddle rings.
Nowadays, most saddlebags have standard D-rings which you then attach to your saddle using leather latigos or laces.
You can also carabiner Use them, but check carefully that the position of the rings on your saddle aligns exactly with your saddlebag. It's better to have them nice and tight than too loose, so sometimes securing them with a leather strap turns out to be more convenient.
It's crucial that the saddlebag rests as little as possible on your horse's back. If you were to secure the saddlebag solely with the carabiners, as shown in the photo above, the weight would be on your horse's back the entire time.
It's better to use crossed latigos to secure the saddlebag tightly and pull it up as much as possible so that the weight rests more on or against your saddle than on your horse's back. This also significantly reduces your horse's sweating under the saddlebags.
Is your horse ready?
If your horse has never felt saddlebags attached to the saddle, it's a good idea to get him used to them beforehand. Especially at trot and canter, the sound and movement of the saddlebags can still surprise your horse.
So make sure you prepare well and have enough "Friendly Game" like Pat Parelli It's called: both on the ground and on horseback, and in all three gaits. And of course, don't just do this five minutes before you leave for your trek, but well in advance so your horse can gradually get used to it. It might not bother him at all, and so much the better! But if your horse isn't completely comfortable with it, start on the ground at a walk and gradually increase the difficulty so you don't encounter any unpleasant surprises along the way.
One more thing about saddlecloths
Make sure your saddle pad is large enough. The less your saddlebags hang directly on your horse's coat, the better.
What should you NOT put in your saddlebag?
Your cell phone! You never know what might happen and your horse might run off without you and with your phone. Safety first, so keep your phone with you, for example, in a well-sealable (inside) pocket, a belt pouch, or with a sports armband.
Saddlecloths with pockets
If you have a saddle without rings and/or you don't need to take much with you, you can of course also use a saddle cloth with pockets Use them. However, these aren't suitable for heavy loads. Make sure you can close the pockets securely if you don't want to search for valuables along the way.
A recommendation is the Cal Rei Trekking , a 100% breathable and moisture-permeable saddle cloth with a closable pocket on either side.
Good luck and we wish you "happy trails"!
