Well, I can tell you what’s always in mine!  You’ll find a first aid kit, duct tape, bailing twine, and a leatherman for a start.  I can also manage to get two water bottles, fruit, sandwich, and sometimes an eperb and a satellite phone in there. You could also add sunscreen to that list.  It’s pretty amazing how much one can fit in such a small space.

Our saddles are fitted with pommel saddle bags, or ones that sit on the front of the saddle.  It makes it easier to access while you are out on the trail, and you don’t have to worry about getting taken out by a branch (as you would if you were digging through a cantle, or rear, saddle bag).  We do use the cantle saddle bags on occasion but only to store items not needed during riding.

I might be stating the obvious, but I do try to carry only what is absolutely necessary.  Extra weight is extra work for the horse, which reminds me I need to get rid of those holiday kilos:)

Happy trails!