{"id":14280,"date":"2022-12-06T15:08:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T19:08:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=14280"},"modified":"2023-12-06T13:13:16","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T17:13:16","slug":"best-horse-saddle-bags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/best-horse-saddle-bags\/","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Best Horse Saddle Bags"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve never ridden a long distance on horseback<\/a>, you’d be forgiven for not knowing what a horse saddle bag is. However, horse saddle bags are still functional today (despite their historical origins), and today some are even decorative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing which is the best horse saddle bag for you will depend on what type of riding you do and your riding equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So this article will tell you what to consider in choosing your saddle bag and then I’ll give you my recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    As you can see, today’s saddle bags come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and materials.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    What Is a Horse Saddle Bag?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A horse saddle bag, like the name suggests, is a bag that fits loosely over the barrel of the horse, attached to the back of the saddle. Saddle bags were traditionally used by riders who traveled far to keep their provisions and a change of clothing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Saddle bags are made from a range of materials, come in different sizes, and have several ways they are fastened to the saddle. Knowing what you’d prefer depends on what you store in your saddlebags (and how much you need to carry), as well as the size of your horse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The type of saddle you ride in will also influence the type of saddlebags you can use. A Western saddle bag won’t look as good when paired with an English saddle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you do trail riding, endurance riding, or ranch work, a good saddle bag is indispensable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Makes a Great Saddle Bag?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A great saddle bag is elegant in design, keeping function in mind and balancing that with practical application. You want a saddle bag that won’t bounce around or hook on trees when riding. Likewise, you also want a saddle bag that cleans easily and dries effortlessly to ensure ultimate functionality and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Investing in a good quality saddle bag will pay dividends as a saddle bag can last you a lifetime (and more).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spoiler Alert!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you just want a quick recommendation, the overall best horse saddle bag on the market for someone who doesn’t have a huge budget but wants quality is the Tough1 Insulated Saddle Bag<\/u><\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>It’s great for those who want to take some trail snacks when riding or add some extra riding essentials for an all-day ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I’ll tell you more about this bag in a minute. But first, here are some things you might want to keep in mind as you shop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Best Horse Saddle Bags<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    With so many saddle bags on the market (and not all saddle bags being created equally), it can be frustrating to choose a saddle bag that suits your needs. So here’s what to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall Quality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The saddle bag you choose should be well made. Look at stitching, mechanisms for closing, and mounting the saddle bag to your saddle. If it feels cheap, it will probably not last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Poor quality materials will cost you more in the long run. Low-grade leather can rip or will rot quickly, while thin or poorly woven synthetic materials can rip, melt, and wear through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The final quality check is to inspect the buckles, fasteners, and any other hardware. If it feels flimsy, it will likely disappoint you in no time at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Style of Horse Saddle Bag<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The style you choose should match your riding purpose. If you ride in an English saddle, you probably won’t be able to add a large Western saddle bag with all the bells and whistles. However, you can add a smaller and lightweight plain leather saddle bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Importantly, take note of the different positions where your saddle bag straps should attach to the saddle. It’s not ideal to purchase a saddle bag where the buckles don’t line up to the dee rings on the saddle or the girth straps that prevent the saddle bag from bouncing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you ride over rough terrain, you also don’t want a saddle bag that won’t close properly, as half your saddle bag’s contents may end up lost along the trail!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Balance, Weight, and Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you are new to riding with a saddle bag, you may not yet realize why buying a balanced saddle bag is so important. For starters, a balanced saddle bag is much easier to attach to the saddle, while a large and weighty one will be a struggle when it comes to securing its contents from bouncing around at a canter or gallop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The size of the saddle bags you choose should also be appropriate to the type of horse you have, where you ride, how long you ride, and where you ride. Large saddle bags are an integral part of trail riding gear, while shorter rides only require a smaller and lightweight set of bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Suitability to Your Riding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Depending on the riding you do and where you will be using your saddle bags, you need to choose a set of bags that are appropriate to your terrain, season, and equipment. If you ride in rainy weather, you would do well to invest in a weatherproof saddle bag, but if you ride in extreme heat, you would want an insulated bag with padded pockets to keep meals and tools from becoming too hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cost of Saddlebags<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you only go long distance hacking once a year, you may only want to get a functional and basic set of saddlebags. After all, you’ll only be using these every once in a while, not daily. Spending hundreds of dollars on something that will hang in your tack room<\/a> won’t really be wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, if you are a working rider who rides daily and uses saddle bags as part of your regular tack, then a great set of saddlebags is an investment you can definitely splurge on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    5 Best Horse Saddle Bags to Consider<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Saddle bags can be a real thing of beauty, and there are many to choose from. Here are my best personal options, and why you should consider them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best Horn Saddle Bag<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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    I simply love a smaller set of saddlebags that fit over the horn of my Western saddle. The Tough1 Elite Insulated Horn Bag<\/u><\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>is ideal for carrying tools, water bottles, and more\u2014all within easy reach. The snag is, these bags only work for Western saddles that are fitted with a horn, as regular or English saddle pommels won’t carry these as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n