I like it, but I’m worried that seam from the cantle bag will be uncomfortable on the seat. Or, I’m worried that it won’t be stable enough. Comments?
I haven’t tried that type, but agree that it looks like it could be uncomfortable especially if you are riding for a longer period. I would also be worried that it might rub the saddle. When I used to use saddle bags or a cantle bag with my english saddle, I got a piece of equipment from Cashel. It was a flat piece of durable fabric in the shape of a half pad, but smaller. It went between the saddle pad and saddle and had lots of D rings and strings for tying things. It hooked to the front D rings on saddle. It worked pretty well.
I have one that looks exactly like that.
( but less than half the price:
http://www.sstack.com/western_trail-riding-accessories/dura-tech-english-cantle-bag/ )
I use it on a deep seat dressage saddle and have never had problems with the seam on the back of the seat. Not sure if it would be different on a flatter seat saddle… I have ridden 18 miles with it and still no problems. It does not rub the saddle either- the inside of the pocket that goes over the cantle is lined with the neoprene waffle weave like the bottom.
I use the same type pack. No issues.
The one on ebay appears to have a long piece over the seat of the saddle than mine does.
When it is hooked on the saddle and horse the piece isn’t so far over the seat of the saddle. The reason for it is to keep the pack off the horses back. Mine has some faux sheepskin where it touches the horse. The bottle holder part doesn’t really touch the horse hardly at all. No bounce at all to the pack.
Mine is red. Had it for a really long long time. I like a pack which when viewed is not misinterpreted as a deer. I have a black horse now, and the red makes a nice contrast. Got a red one for the front also and a bit different on for the back than the one you are talking about, also red.
Mine is for an english/dressage saddle not western. I toss it in the washer when it needs it, hang to dry, fluff the faux fur with a wire dog brush.
http://www.sstack.com/product/dura-tech-english-cantle-bag/
I have an earlier model of this one and I’ve done endurance rides in it. I don’t even notice its there. I’ve had it on both my dressage saddle where it does come in contact with my seat and my very flat CC saddle where it doesn’t. I don’t notice it either way.
I REALLY like the Snugpax. I replaced my Dura-Techpacks with these this winter and they’re awesome.
http://www.snugpax.com/_english_pommel_bags.htm
http://www.snugpax.com/english.htm
Thanks for the reviews. I like the snugpax pommel bag but they are kind of pricey. I have a flat english saddle and I am worried that I’ll be sitting right on that seam from the cantle bag. I’m assuming the one from sstack sits behind the cantle? Too bad it only comes in brown or black.
[QUOTE=Meadow36;6070985]
Thanks for the reviews. I like the snugpax pommel bag but they are kind of pricey. I have a flat english saddle and I am worried that I’ll be sitting right on that seam from the cantle bag. I’m assuming the one from sstack sits behind the cantle? Too bad it only comes in brown or black.[/QUOTE]
The Dura-Tech one sits on the seat of the saddle. Its like a shell where the cantle slips inside. I do sit on the seam, but I’ve never noticed it even while doing 25mi sitting on it. Endurance rides I’m usually posting or in two point for most of the ride, but I’ve also done all day rides with friends where I am actually sitting and I’ve never noticed it being there. I have both a dressage saddle and a flat seated close contact saddle. Its actually farther away from my butt in the flat CC saddle than it is in the dressage saddle.
The Snugpax ones are pricey, but worth it. The bottom is fleece and they’re really well made. They also come in any color you want. Snugpax makes one that sits on the cantle similarly to the Dura-Tech one. They also make one that sits entirely behind the cantle, but doesn’t have water bottle holders (other brands make these too).
Also, FWIW, fussy horses typically like and accept pommel packs more readily than they do the cantle ones. Some horses don’t like things sitting on/over their flanks and there can be an adjustment period (that can involve bucking…ask me how I know this…) with them.
I have one made by Tough-1. It was under $30 and has lasted for years, so never upgraded. I have never noticed the seam. It fits snugly over my dressage saddles, but not well enough on my close contact cantles to use. Otherwise, it never seems to shift.
I have a Dura-Tech one (from Schnieders I think?) a bit different design, doesn’t cover quite as much of the cantle as that one does. Its a nice quality bag though. That one on ebay does seem a bit pricey?
