Ok - so what are latest and greatest options for carrying your cell phone while riding. Last summer I used a case with velcro strap to go around upper calf/ boot. It worked pretty good but rubbed my boot leather. Over the winter I used a jacket pocket but now with the summer weather I’m looking for a replacement and thinking about other options that might be out there. I’m not crazy about arm cases because I can’t imagine adding anything plastic to my arm to make it even hotter!
Looking for something that will work while I work the horse (not just casual trail ride stroll).
Lets hear about what is working for you!
The side thigh pocket is the best innovation around, but those are not on nice breeches, just riding tights. I also use the Velcro case around my boot and have had no problems with rubbing. My SIL got me a stretchy case to wear like a belt, but that is hard to get in and out of… I have a leather case for my saddle but then if I fall off it does me no good. Cowboys wear a vest to put stuff in, but it is way too hot for me to do that eight months out of the year? If you are hacking, get the Iridion tights with the side pocket or Horsewear tights. I even wear yoga leggings with the side pocket.
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I bought a SPIbelt. Super lightweight, stretchy, belt that fits my cell, a key, money, whatever. I wear it to ride and run all the time.
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I have a belt case that I got at TJMaxx for about 10 dollars. It was in the fitness area, designed for runners or those wanting to wear their phones at the gym. It has a clear plastic front, is touch screen friendly, elastic waist band and has room behind the phone for ID, a key, etc. I think the brand is Marika. It fits my huge phone with a case on it.
I use a very small/slim fanny pack. Got it in the checkout line at TJ Max where they put all the stuff you did not know you couldn’t live without.
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https://teletotes.com/products/4-x-6-teletote-western
They make english versions, too. Quality is exceptional.
I use an otterbox defender which comes with a hard plastic holster/belt clip. Its not ideal in that if I come off and land on it, it is going to HURT. But its better than riding and hacking alone with no phone, so I do it anyway.
I would like to get a pair of thigh pocket tights, but I mostly trail ride in my western saddle and I prefer to wear jeans in that saddle.
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I also use the Otterbox Defender with a belt clip. It stays on pretty securely and is HEAVY duty, so my phone is protected even if I drop it while riding.
First, wear a belt with your breeches, jodhpurs, jeans, whatever. Now you have something to hang you phone “holster” on.* I’ve found the best place for the phone holder is on the right side, just behind the hip. It’s out of the way for mounting yet easy enough to access.
I made a case and it holds my phone and can also take my DL, retired ID card, and a couple of $20 bills. I usually just use it for the phone as I have a small “pocket wallet” that carries my ID, some cash, etc.
Frankly, men’s breeches/jods are much more practical than the women’s version. Men generally don’t care much about “style” but women DO! 
If you don’t regularly do leather work you can still go to Tandy leather and buy a small, belt bag that will do nicely as a cell phone carrier and also carry ID, some cash, keys, etc.
G.
*And your belt/pocket knife. You do ride with knife, right?!?!?! 
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I also use the Otterbox Defender and while I hate how bulky it makes my phone for the rest of my life, it has been incredibly durable as I’ve dropped my phone on the concrete barn aisle multiple times and not had a broken phone. Also, last year it flew off my belt as my mare displayed her athleticism and the phone was fine. The trick is using a belt that is wide enough to securely hold the belt clip.
I do like the idea of a SpiBelt, as I run with a FlipBelt which I love. That could be a good option if I decide to ditch the big Otterbox.
I have a unicorn beetle pro case which has a belt clip very similar to the one on the otterbox, keeps the phone very secure. I have also used a soft pouch case (kangaroo brand I think?) with a velcro closure and a magnetic clip that goes over the belt. It’s more comfortable but if you are riding at speed it can flop around some.
I have a Horseholster which I wear strapped to my leg just below my knee/top of my calf. Stays put and very easy access. I don’t always wear a belt when I ride, so this has been the best option for me. I am 52 so also wear glasses, and the holster also has enough room for my Samsung Galaxy s9+ plus a pair of readers. The case is protective without being rigid or bulky and the velcro closure has held up very well. I’ve even worn it during a eventing clinic in stadium and on cross country without it sliding around. I personally didn’t care for the rigidity of the defender or having to wear the speibelt around my waist.
The Horseholster I got could be worn around your thigh, but I found it would slide down and get in the way and found it stays put better around the top of my calf.
I love the stretchy SPI belt but I have now destroyed two of them by overpacking.
I just went to the outdoor gear store and bought an appropriately sized pouch on it’s own belt.
In past years I got a variety of fanny pack or belt pouches at the thrift store.
I find if I try to hang a pouch on a belt, it tends to pull my breeches down.
I need to carry my keys plus horse treats. And when I ride off property I carry my small wallet for emergency ID. I don’t want the hassle of turning up at the emergency ward without my health insurance cards!
I ride in yoga pants with a side pocket. Ododos ($20 on amazon) have huge roomy pockets that are perfect. I love them, although a friend tried them and declared them too slippery, but it’s not a problem for me (full disclosure, I don’t ride a horse with big trot suspension).
Also I have a road ID badge + subscription on my fitbit, which has ER contacts, health insurance info and I even put a line on the badge to check on the pets with pet contact info with the ER contacts.
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I got a great little belted pouch for $12 on amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PYRKDT7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
that I LOVE. Its comfy, and I actually like how I can easily slide it around from the small to my back to my front to pull a treat out or grab my phone. It stays put during sitting trot and I forget that I am wearing it while riding.
I am an otterbox case devotee, so I really needed something that would accommodate my phone and case - so any belt holsters were out. Before this pouch I would squeeze the phone into the thigh pocket of my Kerrits tights, but I didn’t like how it would get sweat on it in the summer.
Another vote for the Otterbox - mine has taken falls from the tractor and no damage…only problem is it is a pig to take apart and clean the screen protector
I ride in my FlipBelt with my phone. It’s not easy to get the phone out sometimes, but the phone never bounces around. I also use the Equilab App that works best when the phone isn’t moving a lot.
Otterbox. Embarassed to say, I stuff it in my sports bra.
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LOL, me too.
