Do you need the Best Horse Saddle Bags? If so, you may be wondering which one is the best. There are many different types of saddlebags on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of five popular saddle bags.
Riding a horse is a thrilling experience for every foal raiser and to have a great long ride with your horse, you must bring along several items such as water and a first-aid kit. The best way to keep your belongings while on the trail is to use a horse saddle bag.
However, not all saddlebags can do the job well. Choosing the wrong one may burden your friend, making him or her run out of energy, and shortening your time on the horse’s back.
So, finding the Best Horse Saddle Bags is necessary. That’s why we have this review for you. Keep reading to discover the most suitable!
Top 5 Best Horse Saddle Bags Reviews (Update 2023)
1. Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle
This Cashel product is Best Horse Saddle Bags perfect for multi purposes.
The best point we find is the design of the saddle bag. It consists of insulated padded pockets so that your meal can stay warm and your water can be cool all the time. There are other pockets customized for storing cell phones and cameras, which can protect your valuable assets from the constant shakes on the trail.
Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle comes in three colors to match the skin of your horse.
The size is 8’’ wide x 8’’ high x 4.5’’ deep, which is quite spacious for keeping things.
Though Cashel bags are made of tough polyester materials, they are not waterproof. So, it’s a bad idea to keep digital devices inside and go for a ride in the rain.
PROS
- Smart design with specialized storage
- Easy mounting with hook-and-loop straps and quick clip buckles
- Standing the test of the time
CONS
- No water resistance
2. Weaver Leather Trail Gear – Waterproof Saddlebag for Horses
If it rains much in your area, you should choose Weaver Leather Trail Gear Saddle Bag for weather resistance. The bag is from premium leather plated with an outer layer of polyurethane, so it is waterproof and dustproof.
You can adjust the webbing straps to make the saddlebag more stable. The mounting grommets are covered with nickel, creating a luxurious look for Weaver products.
You will have a lot of space inside the bag, but there is no specific item holder.
PROS
- Standing severe weather conditions
- More stability with the adjustable straps
CONS
- Lack of specialized storage
3. Tough 1 Nylon Water Bottle/Gear Carrier Saddle Bag
If you are looking for a reasonable saddle bag to try and find, the Tough 1 Nylon Water Bottle/Gear Carrier Saddle Bag is there for you. This is the most cost-efficient alternative among the five options Best Horse Saddle Bags listed here.
The bag features two insulated side pockets so that you can store your water bottle and keep yourself hydrated on the way.
Tough 1 saddlebags are very flexible. The back straps can be used for either rain gear, bedroll, or D-ring.
As this is a cheap product, you can’t expect it to last for long. Many customers report ripping fabric after a couple of months of usage.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Great design for keeping bottles
- Compatible with many other items
CONS
- Wear out easily
4. Weaver Leather Chap Leather Saddle Bag
Unlike Tough 1 saddle bag, Weaver Leather Chap Leather Saddle Bag is a high-end product whose price may surprise you. More than $120 for a saddle bag, is it worth that sum of money?
Well, for those who appreciate artistic design, it is.
The top-grain chap leather of this item is aesthetic. The modern brown color never goes out of fashion, making you look like not only a horse rider but also a fashionista.
As usual, Weaver saddle bags are practical with a huge capacity. Each bag measures 11″ large x 3,5’’ wide” x 12″ high.
PROS
- Handcrafted, fashionable design
- Plenty of utilities
- Premium material
CONS
- Expensive
5. Cashel Quality Deluxe Small Horse Saddle
Like a small version of Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle, our editor’s pick, this bag is a wonderful item to help you carry stuff on a horse ride.
The smaller size is suitable for short journeys with minimal belongings.
The hook-and-loop straps simply attach around the pommel and easily fits over the horn.
Again, Cashel doesn’t apply a waterproof layer to their product. This saddle bag doesn’t have a lot of storage either. Its one of the Best Horse Saddle Bags products you should choose
PROS
- Multiple colors to choose
- Specific item holders with unique straps
- Ideal for short trips
CONS
- Limited capacity
Type Of Saddle Bags
You must be aware that there are various types of saddlebags but do you really know what it is for?
Below are the most common categories and why they are making it. Depending on your purpose, you can pick the right type for your horse.
1. Pommel Or Wither Saddle Bags
This kind of horse saddle bag is super convenient as it put the weight over the horse’s front legs, enabling easy reach without turning back. Pommel and wither bags maintain the center of gravity, creating sustainable balance so you can keep your eyes on the trail when grabbing things on the bags. Wither saddle bags fit in the breastplate while the pommel version requires a saddle horn to slide over or front D-rings to clip on to.
2. Cantle Bags
Cantle bags can be the first type of saddlebags with large capacity and flexible attachment. You can store quite lots of things inside, from a brunch to a first-aid kit.
To attach the cantle bags, you can use D-rings, clips, or even saddle strings also work. However, as the bags will rest over the back of the saddle, too much weight can impair the kidney of your horse.
3. In-pad Pouches
This is the most lightweight, as a result, it has the most limited space for storage. The in-pad pouches are special bags tailor-made for the saddle pad. They have hook-and-loop fasteners for quick mounting toward the back or from one side of the pad. Due to the small capacity, you can keep only a few things like some kinds of snacks or utensils for your meal.
In addition to these saddlebag types, you also find certain items with specific designs for mobile phones or water bottles. First-aid kit holders are popular for their helpfulness in an emergency on the trail.
How To Mount A Saddlebag?
After you have chosen the best horse saddlebags, you will need to get them in the right place.
The thing is, your friend may not like the idea of having an additional attachment. If the horse never carries a saddle bag, you need to make sure he or she gets accustomed to it before starting the trail. Or else, your pet will be irritated or even terrified.
So, how could you avoid that problem?
The very first thing you should do before anything else is to allow the horse to smell the bag. When he or she gets used to it, you can clip or tie the saddle bag on the back of the horse. Then, lead your horse for a short walk so that he or she can get on well with the weight and the sound of the bag.
Your friend might be cooperative or not.
He may spook, getting angry. Just give him some moments to calm down and try to walk him again with the saddle bag. You can use some of his favorite treats to ease the horse.
Once your friend is completely comfortable, both of you are ready for a long ride.
Tips When Using Saddle Bags for Horse
Like a suitcase, saddlebags have a maximum capacity. If you put in more than they can store, not only the lifespan is shortened but your horse is also loaded up.
So, pack things wisely.
Also, you should distribute weight equally between the two sides of the saddlebags. The horse will find it inconvenient to carry an unbalanced load, which can result in lameness and fatigue.
Placing the weight to the front is better than on the back limbs of your horse. The ideal ratio is one-third of the body length. The worst position is behind the saddle, which is close to the horse’s kidney.
Finally, don’t ever forget to secure your bags properly. Each product will have different instructions. Make sure you follow all the steps closely as after speeding up your horse, any flips or flops can be super dangerous.
FAQs to Best Horse Saddle Bags
What should I put in my horse saddle bag?
There are a few items that are essential for every horse rider to have in their saddle bag, including a first-aid kit, water, and snacks. For long rides, you may also want to pack a lunch and additional supplies like sunscreen and insect repellent. If you’re unsure of what to pack, ask your instructor or another experienced rider for advice.
How do I choose a horse saddle bag?
When choosing a saddle bag, you need to consider a few things, such as the size of the bag and what you’ll be using it for. If you’re only going on short rides, you won’t need a large bag. However, if you’re planning on doing some longer rides, you’ll want to choose a bag that’s big enough to hold all the supplies you need. You also need to think about what kind of material you want the bag to be made from. Some saddle bags are made from leather, while others are made from synthetic materials. Be sure to choose a material that’s durable and easy to clean.
What saddle bags do pros use?
There are a few different saddle bags that are popular among pro riders. One popular bag is the Barefoot International Pro Series Saddle Bag. This bag is made from water resistant neoprene and has enough room to hold all your supplies. Another popular bag is the Setwear Universal Saddle Bag. This bag is made from durable Cordura fabric and has an adjustable strap so it can be fit to any saddle. It also has a variety of pockets and compartments to store all your supplies.
How do you know what size saddle bag to get?
The best way to figure out what size saddle bag you need is to take inventory of the items you want to put in it. Make a list of everything you’ll need for a day of riding, including a first-aid kit, water, snacks, and sunscreen. Once you have your list, you can start looking at different saddle bags to see which one will fit all your supplies. Many saddle bags come in different sizes, so be sure to choose one that’s big enough to hold everything you need.
What are some tips for packing the best horse saddle bags?
Here are a few tips for packing a saddle bag:
-Pack the essentials first. A first-aid kit, water, and snacks always are packed in your saddle bag.
-Pack light. The heavier your saddle bag is, the more it will weigh down your horse.
-Pack according to the type of ride you’re taking. If you’re going on a long ride, pack a lunch and additional supplies like sunscreen and insect repellent.
-Pack smart. Make sure everything in your saddle bag is organized and easy to access.
A Few Last Words
The best horse saddle bags is of utmost importance for a long ride with your horse. It is not only helpful for storage but it can be a sleek decoration for your outfit on the horse’s back.
Our top recommendation for you to try is Cashel Quality Deluxe Medium Horse Saddle. While the size fits most of the average foals, the utilities of this product are tremendous. The price is also affordable.
If you haven’t got any saddle bag in your mind, go ahead and give Cashel bag a try.
After that, let us know if it is satisfactory or not. Or if you have used saddle bags and find out your favorite, share with us in the comment section.
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