What's In Your Saddlebags?

There's nothing I like better than riding out on long rides in beautiful country. I'm not much for arena riding. I know I should probably spend more time schooling my horse (and myself), but I have to admit, I just get bored and long for the open spaces. So, probably over 75% of my time in the saddle is spent quite a ways from home.

One of the things that this type of riding (and years as a girl scout) has taught me is to be prepared. Don't get me wrong, I don't hit the trails with everything in my barn including all of the medical supplies like some folks advise. That's just a bit over the top for my tastes. I'd have to bring a pack mule with me. But, my saddlebags are always on my saddle and there's a few items that are always on board.

One is a hoof pick. No brainer, right? Another is a compass (I'm riding in the wilds of Montana and a gal can get turned around pretty easily). I also like to keep a piggin string or other piece of narrow rope on my saddle for help with closing tough gates. And I usually have some leather strings from a leather repair bundle (see photos) that mosts tack shops carry. These are handy for fixing any tack strap that busts on you. (Of course, this shouldn't happen because we all check our tack before we head out each time, right?) And, finally there's usually some bug spray in my saddlebags, although here in dry Montana, bugs aren't often a problem.

Those are my base items. From there I add whatever I need for the particular ride or trip I'm taking - usually water, camera, slicker, cell phone (I just bring this out of habit as rarely is there service where I ride.), and food. Whatever you do, don't forget the food. :o)

So, what's in your saddlebags?