Saddle bags...

[spotti]

I want one but have no idea which one to get or where from. Ideally I'd like one that goes behind me and doesn't flap about. Not fussed about material either.

Help please!!!

[kateflashy]

in intersport they do the saddle cloths with big pockets on , or canvas pannier bags ,

[fimacg]

Robinsons do them.
www.robinsons-uk.com/products/search.asp?keyword=saddle+bag

I also found that the ones on the shoulders get in the way less than the ones that go behind the saddle, its easier to get on and off and to get stuff out of them as well.

www.stallions-uk.co.uk/products/17.htm

www.davewilsonharness.com/Endurance.html (this one is almost at the bottom of the page)

[spotti]

I've been having a nosey on ebay and robbies and the likes, and found a few that look ok (the same as the one Rebanna mentioned somewhere...shires I think) but what I'd really like to know is how do you attach them and can they put pressure on the horse where pressure shouldn't be???

I mainly just want the saddlebag for when we're long-reining (might get in the way though...think I might just go with a bag for me actually) to put my reins in, so when we're tired/ready to ride back, I can remove the longreins, attach my reins, hop onboard and ride back home. What do you think?

Am I just being lazy and should just walk with her or does this sound like a clever idea???

Thinking about it practically I think the bags might get in the way, but which ones would be best if I wanted some to actually hold food/drink/stuff when we go out on long hacks to explore the countryside??? (that's if we ever get far enough into being brought into work to even attempt hacking for more than 10 mins!!)

[aimee]

When I hack long distance or to a show or something I always find its better to have a drawstring bag with phone, hoof pick, drink, etc, kept with me on my back. The reason I do this now is that years ago I had a flash moblie phone and drink bottle holder in a little case that strapped to the saddle D rings, I thought I was well cool until my horse spooked, dumped me in the bushes and galloped off home with my mobile! I couldn't phone anyone and had to walk miles back. So I have learnt my lesson the hard way! And another while I'm here, In case you was wondering why I dont put my phone in my pocket is because my friend had a fall with her phone in her pocket and where she fell so hard it actually broke her ribs!

[spotti]

Wowzers...broken ribs from a phone...ouch!

I think I'll stick to a bag for me then. Ta guys. Helpful as ever! ;D

[racaille]

Saddlebags are not as straightforward as you may think! They are designed to go on endurance saddles, which have elongated (er now my english terminology gets dodgy) weight-bearing panels (??)which stick out a little way behind the seat, and tie onto the mass of D rings that endurance saddles have, so that the weight of the bags is taken and dispersed by the saddle. It is important that the weight does not go directly onto the horse's back/kidneys.
The saddlecloths with pockets are fine for a hour or two but for the same reason should not be used long distance.
So if your saddle does not have D rings at the back, saddlebags are not a good idea.
However, Performance Equestrian sell a brilliant little thing called a handybag, which clip or tie on to any D ring, front or back. I have a couple, which I use on the front when I am fully loaded at the back. They are big enough for a small bottle of water, etc plus bits n bobs.
However, any bag, I think, would get in the way of long reins, and yes, phones are better on you somewhere!! LOL

[racaille]

This is my saddle, except I don't like fenders. But you can see the panels are much longer than a sport saddle ....


www.forestier.com/boutique/affiche_fiche_produit.php

[spotti]

I did wonder about that actually re kidneys and unnecessary pressure...thanks for clearing that up
I think I'll just go with a bag for me and leave Faith well alone (besides she carries enough already, what with having me on her back!!!! )

I would love to have a go at endurance riding though one day - sounds like great fun!!!