Page 45 - The Pocket Guide to Equine Knots

Saddle Panniers

But first, a word about the several systems available. The simplest is to use saddle
panniers over a regular riding saddle you may already own as an extra. These consist of
two cloth or plastic bags connected together with a top panel of material with cut-outs, a
smaller one to slip over the pommel of the saddle, and a larger slit to go over the cantle.
Saddle panniers normally have lids to close off the tops of the bags, though some of them,

primarily intended for hunters who wish to pack out deer or elk quarters, may have only
straps. Another strap with buckle goes under the horse’s belly. The better saddle packs
also have straps that go across the top of the bags joining the two to compress the load

and hold it closer to the horse.

Riding saddle with saddle panniers.

Saddle panniers work, but they’re an expedient, often carried rolled up behind the cantle
on the saddles of hopeful hunters. The hunter’s intent, should he or she score on meat for

the winter freezer, is to pack quarters in the panniers, leading the saddle horse to the
trailhead. Removing the stirrups and placing them in the panniers is a good idea—otherwise
they bump the horse under the load. Also, to better protect the horse, it’s best to use an
oversized packing pad under the saddle to extend farther down along the horse’s flanks.

But I have found that even if saddle panniers are packed evenly, they don’t stay in place
all that well. The slits that go over the riding saddle have too much play in them, allowing
too much side to side movement. We’ve installed grommets in the center of the front
opening, where it goes over the horn and pommel, then tied a cord through the grommet

and around the horn with a square knot, which helps. But usually we’ve ended up using a
basket hitch to further support the panniers and keep them higher and tighter on the horse’s
back. This can be accomplished with some riding saddles, but the sling ropes would have to
be brought along with the rider. We’ll explore the basket hitch shortly.

Also, since the two bags are connected together by the top panel, they’re almost
impossible to lift onto the animal if they’re fully loaded. The only alternative is to put the
panniers on the saddle and load items into them when they’re in position—a bit awkward if
the horse is tall. If the horse is spooky, he may take issue with the appearance and smell of

some of the items you place there, and you must constantly go from one of his sides to the
other to keep things balanced. Getting an actual weight on each side with a packer’s scale
is virtually impossible, so you’ll have to watch how the panniers ride and be quick to switch
items to the other side if one pack begins to sink lower than its mate.