Saddle bags

mynutmeg

mynutmeg

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I have a really nice set of stowaway cantle saddle bags but last time I used them they were bouncing when cantering, obv upset my mare who decided to express this through bucking. Managed to work something with them over the front for the rest of the ride and actually worked quite well there....however I'd rather have them on the back properly if possible. Any advice on stopping them from bouncing about? Saddle is a TreeFree treeless saddle (very similar to barefoots). Am keen to sort if I can as am doing 56km over 2 days this coming weekend at War of the Roses ride - so excited, get to camp with my pony :D
This was the setup I used once rearranged
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she was very tolerant - first couple of canters she was putting the odd little buck in and it wasn't till my friend went behind that we realised that it was bouncing and that was why. Moved to the front and she stopped.
 
Almost - these ones http://www.performance-equestrian.com/shop/horse/saddle-bags/english-stowaway-saddle-pack/
They've got long velcro straps but because I use a treeless they don't quite reach the girth straps as they come out the bottom of the panel, it's a monoflap essentially. I had those tight. I wonder if my packing didn't help as the big main compartment was empty but I had a few bits in the little one in the centre at the back. I struggle to get the cantle sleeve thing to sit on the cantle, again I think probs cause it's not a regular english saddle.
I'm planning on playing this week with her on the lunge so I can get her to canter and see what they're doing. Figured asking here for tips was a good plan as well tho :-p I shall email them as well and see if they have any suggestions
 
Thank you - am so excited. It's something I've wanted to do for so long. It's my second endurance ride but first time camping with her. Luckily I have a very experienced yo taking me to help with things
 
To be honest I would rather have any extra weight at the front of the saddle, otherwise use heavier saddle bags, I have a rigid canvas set but unfortunately no makers name on them.
 
rabatsa said:
To be honest I would rather have any extra weight at the front of the saddle, otherwise use heavier saddle bags, I have a rigid canvas set but unfortunately no makers name on them.
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It's not a lot of weight - they have bottle holders for my water, otherwise I have first aid stuff split between the two side pockets. The rear pocket had a knife and notebook (I wanted them in the little pocket) but I think that was part of what caused the problem

Antw23uk said:
That reminds me I leant mine out, I must track them down!
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Lols, always good to get kit back, esp when expensive
 
I've got a TreeFree saddle, mine's the new Tor saddle they've brought out, sooooohh comfy, tis bliss!!

Can't answer your question OP, is there a local Endurance group or someone you could ask??

Someone else has mentioned the Performance Equestrian website, they're very good and helpful and I know they have a lot of straps and tie-downs on there so might have something they could help you with.

Good luck!
 
I've yet to find rear ones that don't flap regardless of contents (essentially there isn't really a way of stopping the weight going up and down in canter unless you strapped under the belly). Luckily my horse couldn't care less but my friend got a nice set for the front that didn't flap.
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
I've got a TreeFree saddle, mine's the new Tor saddle they've brought out, sooooohh comfy, tis bliss!!

Can't answer your question OP, is there a local Endurance group or someone you could ask??

Someone else has mentioned the Performance Equestrian website, they're very good and helpful and I know they have a lot of straps and tie-downs on there so might have something they could help you with.

Good luck!
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I do like my TreeFree - it's an ooolllldddd one tho, I had to send it to them for new panels and apparently it's one of the earliest ones from the 1990's :O I thought it was a couple of years old when I got it 3 or 4 years ago, starting to have wear on the flaps from my wiggly legs but otherwise in good condition.

Batgirl said:
I've yet to find rear ones that don't flap regardless of contents (essentially there isn't really a way of stopping the weight going up and down in canter unless you strapped under the belly). Luckily my horse couldn't care less but my friend got a nice set for the front that didn't flap.
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:-( well it sat well on the front so if all else fails I shall go with that as it does upset her a bit
 
I had a bag behind the saddle and couldn't stop it flapping- my horse didn't mind, but the cookies I brought on a fun ride ended up as crumbs! :p In the end I bought a Shires one, with two water bottles and a large pocket either side, with a flat bit going over the top, and this sits perfectly in front of the saddle. Because the bags are to the side, not on top, there isn't bulk in the way, and they've got straps that go through the D rings and girth straps, which holds them very securely, even when galloping. I also find that being in front of the saddle is easier to access while riding too.
 
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