Type Of Saddlebags
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.
Pommel Or Wither Saddle Bags
This kind of horse saddle bags 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.
Cantle Bags
Cantle bags can be the first types 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.
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 design for mobile phones or water bottles. First-aid kit holders are popular for the helpfulness in an emergency on the trail.
How To Mount A Saddlebag?
After you have chosen the best horse saddle bag, you will need to get it 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 get 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 get 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 For Using Saddle Bags
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 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 to 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 instruction. Make sure you follow all the steps closely as after speeding up your horse, any flips or flops can be super dangerous.
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