May 2002

Serving Horse Owners Across the State

Product Review 

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SADDLE BAGS/POMMEL AND CANTLE 

For people that like to ride for any length of time, especially on hot days, there are many new saddle bags that are quite handy and carry more than you could ever need. 

There is the Snugpax, that has 2 water bottle holders, 2 big zippered pockets, Velcro pockets oon the outside and a middle pocket that hold small incidentals, like chapstick, money ,etc.  This is a pommel style bag that is easy to get to and is a no bounce bag!  It attaches to the front d-rings and the billet straps and is extremely secure.  I have put a whole days food/drink in it as well as carrots, a GPS and clippers and a first aid kit. You can find the Snugpax items at Trails End.  

Griffins also makes a really nice pommel bag, not as sturdy as the Snugpax, but just as large and is the only other bag I have found that is bounce proof.    It is made of heavy duty nylon and has sturdy zippers on it. These can be found at Griffinstack 

There is also a cantle bag made by Snugpax that has 2 water bottles as well on either side.  It fits over the cantle and attaches to the billets as well.  It hold quite a bit and has a “banana” style bag with the bottle holders built in on each side. 

For anyone that rides long, these are a definite must. 

For shorter rides, there is the bottle holder only, that attaches to the d-rings and the billets and will hold a big bottle of water, but not much else. Snugpax makes an easy boot holder   that a lot of riders use for a small saddle bag.  It attaches anywhere, with a snap but is not bounce proof as their other bags are. Available at Trails End.  

One other thing that I (and my horse ) enjoy is a “sponge on a string”.  It is a sponge with a hole and a metal rivet to hold it together, that is attached to a biothane strap that attaches to your saddle.  Then when you cross a creek or come to water, you can dunk the sponge (with no fear of losing it) and sponge your horse off in the heat.  It is great and I have enjoyed getting wet as well!  It comes in handy on those really hot days.