trailriding

It is important to always carry a well-equipped saddlebag. Chances are that you will never use
everything in your saddlebag, but you will be glad you are prepared should the unthinkable ever
occur.

Essentials Every Saddlebag should have:
* Flashlight
* Small woolen blanket
* Waterproof matches
* Aspirin
* Pills to purify water
* Bandages
* Protein bars, or nuts
* Extra halter/leadrope
* Slicker/duster
* Water bottle
* Whistle
* Multi-purpose tool
* Compass
* Baling twine: if you don't have twine, you could use a few hairs of your horse's tail to temporarily
repair a broken bridle!
* Insect repellent
* Cell phone
* Bandana (can be used as a tourniquet, sling, rag, blindfold...)

The above items would make an unplanned overnight stay in the woods survivable, and maybe
even fun (if you have a good sense of humor). This actually happened to me in East Tennessee
when we got lost and had to sleep in the woods. I was not carrying all of these items, but luckily my
trail-rider pals were! Needless to say, those items are a permanent addition to my saddlebag. I
have to note here, however, you may want to keep these items in a fanny pack, in case you and
your horse get separated somehow. You would hate to see your Hilton Hotel setup galloping off
into the sunset. A fisherman's fanny pack has pouches that go all around your waist, with plenty of
room for all of your items. I bought mine for $15.00 at Walmart.

Remember Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong, it will". I operate under this assumption, and
plan for emergencies. Luckily, I have not had to deal with many emergencies, but I could if one
should arise. Think of a well equipped saddlebag/fannypack as knocking on wood (who doesn't do
that?). It is better to have these items and not need them, then to need them and not have them.
Happy Trails!

*Published in the 2001-2002 Tennessee Horse Source