Here are some tips and tricks on what to include on the trail. Whether you are a one hour pleasure rider, a 5 day endurance rider or somewhere in between- you might find an idea or two here on what to put on you or in your saddle bags. And with the huge variety here on eBay, I am sure you will find the style you want within its pages.

A hip pack or ankle pouch is a must so that if you become seperated from your horse the following items are still with you and not fleeing into the wilderness.

Basics you most likely already have: Cell phone, ID, medical card, contact information

Whistle- Even if your voice gives out calling for help, you can keep on blowing a whistle. Get a good quality loud one, not a cereal box toy!

Compass- Even if you have a fancy GPS, most riders keep them where they can see them- on the horse. So have a compass on your body so that you can find your way in an uknown area. Even better include a copy of the trail map, too!

Neosporin and a few band aids, maybe even a ziploc with some headache / body ache meds.

Small flashlight in case you are caught out after dark.

Those completely compact rain coat and/or spage age blankets that fold up as small as a notebook. If you ARE stranded, no point in being wet and cold along with it!

Now, the fun part! Some items to keep on your horse and in your saddle bags! (Other than the basics: spare hoof pick, knife, leadrope, carrots, etc...)

Luggage tags- thats right. Get a set of these and fill it out with your name, cell and home phone numbers then attach one to your saddle and one to your horse's mane. If you two get seperated and someone finds your horse (with or without tack) then you are just a phone call away (assuming your cell phone is on you and not the horse!) from getting your steed back.

Camel bac- water hydration pacs you can wear on your back. These encourage drinking more because of their simple use, they hold a ton more than a water bottle and!! if you should fall off they may just cushion your fall should you land backside ;)

Collapsable bucket- this can be great if your horse doesn't like drinking from streams or if you need to sponge down your horse but you don't want to get a public trough dirty from your sponge.

Horse boot- (cavallo, easy boots, marquis) If you ride a shod horse and he/she throws a shoe here is your spare! Or for those who don't know- many people ride with these in place of shoes at all.

Spare twine- If a stirrup leather breaks, a rein snap comes off- this twine may just keep you going for those last miles.

 

Just a few simple add-ons that may keep your next trail ride on track.