Loading Your Saddlebags
Last updated March 17, 2008 at 11:03 am - Viewed 32 times. Related Keywords: cantlebag, equestrian, horse, outfitter, packing, saddle, saddlebag, Saddlebags, scabbard, weight
For years I have taught packing courses and stressed the principles of equal weight, equal size and equal weight distribution for balancing a pack load. If you stick to these rules, you can generally avoid most mishaps due to load failure. These principles apply to loading equestrian saddlebags and pommel or horn bags as well. Unlike a rider, saddlebags are dead weight and, therefore, cannot adjust themselves when slightly off balance. Obviously, the more weight you carry in your horse saddlebags the more important it is to balance them. I recommend weighing each side to ensure that they are within ounces of each other.Poorly loaded (and designed) saddlebags.
Weight is Carried Better in the Front
Horses carry weight better over the shoulders than behind the saddle, so whenever possible, you should load heavier items such as water, canned food, binoculars, etc. in your pommel or horn bags. Light, bulky items should be loaded in your saddlebags. I primarily fill my cantlebag with my rain coat and gloves as it is the best place to reach them while remaining in the saddle.
Offset Additional Items
Remember to pack your horn bags and saddlebags accordingly if you are packing a scabbard or pack saw. You need to offset the added weight of this item. I strap my rifle scabbard on the front right side of the saddle, then counter-balance it by loading the left side of my horn bag heavier or hanging my camp axe on the left.
Horse Conformation
Lastly, conformation can be a factor in how well your load rides. For instance, a low withered animal will need to be packed more carefully and more evenly as even a minor difference from one side to the other can cause the saddle to shift to the heavier side. This is irritating to both you and your mount as it will require regular adjustments all day unless you can make adjustments to your load to balance it better.
Common Sense
As with packing, successfully loading your saddlebags sometimes simply requires common sense. If you think carefully about what you are doing and watch your saddlebags and horn bags, you should quickly learn what works and what doesn’t on your horse. Remember to check your horse’s back for soreness after every long ride. If your horse is out of shape or you feel that the combined weight of you, your saddle and your packs are on the heavy side, then get off and walk once in a while. Your first concern should always be for your horse’s comfort and well-being.
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