How to Choose the Right Saddle Bag for Horse Riding

If you love riding your horse, the first thing that you might need to decide upon purchasing your horse is what saddle bag will fit your needs and your budget. There are many types of saddlebags to choose from, some more attractive than others. Just because you have paid good money for a saddlebag does not mean that it will be of any use to you. 

If you buy saddle bags for horse riding and it’s not comfortable or if you can’t use them on your horse because it does not fit properly. The following article looks at some of the aspects that you should consider before you buy saddle bags for horse riding.

Considerations When Choosing a Saddle Bag

The type of saddle bag you choose will depend on what kind of activities you do with your horse. For example, if you are a hunter and need to carry many different items, a large saddle bag might be best. However, if you only ride your horse occasionally and don't need as much space, then a small saddlebag would be fine. 

If you prefer not to have anything dangling from the back of your saddle, a fanny pack may be better than either option. If this is an issue that concerns you, consider how often you plan on riding before purchasing any gear.

The Different Types of Horse Bags and What They Offer

Since horse saddles come in so many shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to know where to start when looking for a bag. Luckily, there are several things you should consider before making your purchase. There are two basic types of bags: western-style and English-style

Western-style bags typically have wide straps that sit on top of the saddle and attach at both ends with buckles or latches. They also typically have two loops on either side that go under the belly of the horse. The strap near the front will secure around the horse’s chest while the strap near the back attaches to one of the horn hooks on either side. 

The type of seat cover is usually determined by what kind of stirrups are used. If stirrups with leather bottoms are being used then you will need an English-style saddle bag because it has a loop that goes over these stirrups, whereas other types of stirrups such as rubber will require a different style bag.

Choose the right size

When you buy saddle bags for your horse riding then size matters. If your saddle is wide, you'll want a larger saddle bag that can fit most of your essentials and still leave room on either side. If you're petite or have a small horse, go for a smaller saddle bag as it won't be as cumbersome when you ride. 

You should also consider how much weight you want to carry with you and where your horse's back will rest on your body. A too-large saddle bag might get in the way of your horse's movements and make your balance less secure. A smaller saddle bag may not provide enough storage space for larger items like boots and extra jackets but may offer more comfort than a bigger one, especially if you don't plan to wear anything bulky over top.

Fabric Type

Saddle bags come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials. Some are made of leather, while others may be canvas. For example, if you live in a wet climate or if your horse is notoriously hard on its gear, you might want to invest in saddle bags that are waterproof or water-resistant. Leather saddlebags are typically made from cowhide with a tough exterior and soft interior. 

They have loops on the underside for attaching them to your saddle's rigging points and straps that go over the stirrup bars on both sides of your horse's saddle for extra security. Some people prefer leather because it does not stretch as much as other fabrics over time, which means the bag will maintain its shape better than those made of canvas or nylon.

Zipper, Snaps, Velcro, or Buckles?

Different saddles can have different closure systems, which can make a big difference in how easy it is to get on and off your saddle. If you have difficulty sitting up or getting out of your saddle, you may want a zipper or snap closure. 

With these types of closures, all you need to do is pull down the zipper or hook one end of a strap through a snap and the other end of the strap through the other snap. It will take more time for someone with a limited range of motion in their arms or hands to get on and off this way, but it will be worth it if they can't stand up from their saddle without assistance.

How Many Compartments Do You Need?

When choosing a saddle bag for horse riding, there are a lot of things to consider. You must choose a bag with enough compartments so you can carry everything you need on your ride, but it's also important that you don't overdo it and end up carrying too much weight. 

You'll want to have enough room in your saddlebag for a change of clothes, food, water, tools, and anything else you might need during the ride. But it's not just about quantity, you'll also want to ensure that each compartment is well-sized and will accommodate whatever items you need.

Think about the ease of cleaning

There are a few factors you will want to take into account when deciding on what saddle bag is best for your horse. Firstly, consider how easy it will be to clean your saddle bag. A good way of knowing this is by looking at the materials used in its construction. 

The majority of saddle bags today are made from synthetic or faux leather. If you opt for one made from natural leather, be sure to buy a brand with a removable cover so it can be washed or soaked with water and detergent. Another thing to look out for is whether or not it has an inner lining that can be removed and washed separately from the outer material.

Conclusion

With so much out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. The good news is that you don't need an expensive saddle bag to find one that's just right for you and your horse. In fact, with patience and careful consideration, it's not hard at all! Follow these tips when looking for the perfect when you buy saddle bags for horse riding then you'll have a great new addition to your gearbox.