If you’re like me, you love trail riding. There’s something about riding out in the countryside soaking in all the views on top of a horse. Riding with friends can be even better. You might also know that trail riding accessories are a must for a good experience. This way you can bring beverages, extra tack, warm clothes, or even a tent if you plan on setting up camp. Here are some things that you should consider purchasing if you plan on taking a trail ride any time soon.
First things first, you need something to carry all of your beverages. Staying hydrated is important on the trail, and it can make the experience much more enjoyable to have your favorite drink riding along with you. There are a few options when it comes to drink holders on the saddle. There are bags that hang on your horn, bags that hang on the back of your saddle, and drink pouches that can slide onto your back billet. You might even opt to use more than one if you are going on a long ride.
Most bags, including this one, will also have a pouch to hold anything else you might need to be readily available. Things like a map or your phone might be good to keep here.
Over the horn saddle bag
Cashel Horn Saddle Bag Bottle and Lunch Holder
Lunch Bag/Bottle Holder
Attaches securey
Hold a drink and a Sandwish
Price: $49.99
If you are bringing along more beverages for a long trail ride, odds are you will need a bigger bag to carry them. You might even want something that is insulated to keep them cold. Well, you’re in luck, because they make saddle bags just for that. You can find insulated saddle bags that go on the back of your saddle to keep things cold. You can even find hard bags that will be easier to get into and will keep things cold longer and be leakproof if you want to add ice. If you don’t have an insulated bag, you can buy inserts for your saddle bag that will keep your hot or cold things at the right temperature.
Insulated Saddle Bag
Tough1 Insulated Saddle Bag with Pockets
Heavy Denier Nylon
Multi-pocketed Design
Pocket Flap to help secure items
Price: $60.19
You will probably find yourself needing some more room for other things. Maybe snacks, a sweater, or a knife. Bags that attach to the back of the saddle usually offer more room. You can find saddle bags that offer lots of pouches to hold many things and keep them separate so you don’t have to sort through your things to find something.
Deluxe saddle bag
Reinsman Deluxe Insulated Leakproof Cooler Saddle Bag with Additional Cantle Bag and Straps
GREAT TRAIL BAG - Reinsman Deluxe Cooler Saddle Bags are great trail bags that attach easily to your saddle with SRB Buckle attachments; work with different Western saddles; the ergonomic design works perfectly with round and square skirted saddles
INSULATED SIDE COMPARTMENTS - Insulated side compartments are completely leakproof and keep your lunch and drinks cold for long hours on the trail, while the padded liner keeps a horse comfortable; Insulated bags each hold 550in3 (13 cans per side)
COMFORTABLE USE - Open Insulated side compartments of Deluxe Cooler Saddle Bag up to fill, or use the easy zipper opening on the top to access your snacks on the trail - the interior is bright blue to help visibility even in the bottom of the bag
Price: $155.75
Now, in order to use most saddle bags, you will need saddle strings or D rings to clip to. If your saddle isn’t equipped with these, you can find strings or D rings to switch out on your saddle. If you have the budget, you might even look into getting a new saddle for trail riding. Trail saddles will have a deep comfortable seat and wide stirrups to keep you comfortable all day. They will also have all the necessary saddle strings and D rings to attach saddle bags to.
Saddle strings
Prairie Horse Supply Brown Saddle String 2 Pack Premium Latigo Leather with Attachment Dee Ring
2 Pack Saddle Strings
Dee String clip assembly
24” long x 1/2" wide
Price: $16.99
Once you find a saddle and saddle bags for all of your things, the next thing is to pack them. What should you put in them? I always recommend food and drinks. Pack things that won’t go bad while you’re on the trail. Sandwiches and granola bars are a safe choice. You should also think about what else you might need out on the trail. A sweater or gloves for when it gets cold, or a first aid kit in case of emergency. You can find first aid kits that are prepacked and small enough to fit in a saddle bag. Make sure to find a kit that has supplies for both rider and horse. You never know what situations might arise.
First aid kit
Trail rides can get cold. If you’re planning a ride where you will be out late or go through some cold valleys, you should be prepared. If you are riding out in the cold, you’ll want a nice comfy jacket. A jacket made for riding horse is a good investment. It will be warm and comfortable to wear in the saddle. Some jackets will even cover your saddle and saddle bags to keep them protected from the elements.
Trail riding jacket
Outback Trading Company Unisex 2042 Low Rider Waterproof Breathable Full-Length Oilskin Duster Coat
WATERPROOF OILSKIN COAT - The Low Rider Duster is made with a waterproof cotton oilskin fabric infused with oil; rain rolls right off your back as quickly as it falls
ADJUSTABLE WAIST - The adjustable drawstring waist and double snap front make for a perfect fit
FULL-LENGTH SLICKER - This full-length rain slicker has inside elbow patches and a deep collar with throat double latch
Price: $199.99
Gloves will be essential for riding in the cold. Even if it’s not cold, you might like to have gloves to keep your hands from getting blisters or scratches. Leather gloves are versatile, especially if you will be cutting down logs or if you need to do any emergency doctoring on your horse. They won’t be slippery on the saddle or the reins. If you like more flexibility in your fingers and hands, you might want to steer away from leather and go with a more comfortable glove that still offers grip. Gloves with touchscreen capabilities are nice if you will be using your phone often on the trail.
Gloves
uvex Sportstyle Horse Riding Gloves for Women & Men – Breathable, Washable & with Touchscreen Capability
Sewn elastic bands provide stretchability in both directions
High durability due to special reinforcements on the rein guide
Touch screen capable for all common smartphones due to an open-pored material on the fingertips
Price: $38.00
Another essential accessory for trail riding is sun protection. A hat or sunglasses can keep the sun out of your eyes. You can go for a helmet with a sun visor, a ball cap, or a cowboy hat to keep the sun off your face. If you are riding when it’s hot or you’re in the sun all day, don’t forget to pack sunscreen. If you plan to wear sunglasses, don’t bring your most expensive pair. They might get lost or damaged. There are many affordable options that will keep you looking good on the trail. Especially in the heat, you won’t want to forget bug spray. Bugs can be a big nuisance on the trail and can ruin a trail ride.
One of my must-have trail riding accessories is a speaker. You can find speakers that are waterproof and attach to your saddle. This way, you and your friends can enjoy some good music or podcasts out on the trail.
Speaker
JBL Clip 3 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
SOUND TO GO - Never leave awesome sound at home again. This ultra-portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. Clip it on with the built-in carabiner, press play, and make the moment pop.
UP TO 10 HOURS OF PLAYTIME - The JBL Clip 3 features a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life, plus a metal carabiner so you can easily hook it to your clothes, backpack, or belt loop.
NOISE CANCELLING & WIRELESS STREAMING - Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone or tablet. Plus, take crystal-clear calls from your speaker with the touch of a button, thanks to the noise and echo-cancelling speakerphone.
Price: $39.95
The last must-have for a long trail ride is a portable charging pack. You don’t want to be caught out on the trail without a way to contact someone in case you get lost or have an emergency. Charging packs can charge your phone, speaker, or any other electronics you bring along. If you’re going on a multiple day trail ride, you can find a solar charged battery pack. This way, you will never be caught without a charge. This battery pack even has a flashlight so you can be ready for the dark.
Solar battery pack
No matter what you decide to bring with you on a trail ride, keep it light. Pack what you need, but don’t pack too much. Your horse will appreciate not having to lug around extra weight. Now you should be ready for a nice long relaxing trail ride.
