What’s In My Equestrian Backpack + 5 Equestrian Backpacks Under $100
Horses come with a lot of stuff: tack, grooming products, health care products, food, treats, the list goes on! In addition to that, equestrians have a lot of essential items as well. When you board your horse somewhere, or if you’re able to have your horse on your own property, you usually have a place to put your stuff such as a tack locker, tack room, etc.
When you’re still a newbie like me who doesn’t have her own horse or a horse to lease yet, the only place to really keep my stuff is at home. This means that every time I have a lesson I’m bringing all of my stuff with me. Which, to be honest, I don’t entirely mind but it will be nice one day to have everything already there.
Until that day comes, my boyfriend got me this super nifty backpack (found blue version instead of tan) that has a ton of storage options, allowing me to fit all of my essential items for every ride! Below is a breakdown of everything that’s currently in my backpack.
*Please note that I have added a few extra things since these photos were taken. Those items are listed in the post itself!
1. Helmet And Hair Nets
The outside of this backpack features a spot that is technically for your boots, since this backpack is designed for western riders. However, it’s also the perfect size for my One K Defender Helmet! The front features four connecting snap straps from each corner that help keep your horseback riding helmet in place!
On the top of the bag where the logo is (see above image) is a velcro patch where you can secure the top of the backpack to the top of the front where my horseback riding helmet is stored. When this top flap is flipped back, it has a zip pouch where you can store a handful of small items. I keep a few hair nets in this spot so that I can easily take my helmet out and immediately grab my hairnets from the pouch!
2. Riding Gloves And Additional Clothing
One of my equestrian essentials is my pair of Heritage riding gloves. I can’t tell you how many times my hands have gotten ripped a part from the leather reins because I forgot my gloves! I’ve had these Heritage riding gloves for a year and a half now and they still work like a charm! Sorry that they’re a little dirty here ha!
In addition to this, I usually try to keep an extra pair of socks or full riding outfit in case I am going to a horseback riding lesson right after work. It keeps things easy when everything is already packed and ready to go at all times! A friend told me that I should always have my boots and a riding outfit with me just in case. 🙂
3. Tack/Boots Cleaner
Since I purchased my boots I have always tried to keep them in the best condition possible. My boots are actually transported in my Centaur Boot Bag, but all of my cleaning products are kept in my equestrian backpack. My current routine consists of:
- Quick clean with saddle soap and a sponge. I also use a toothbrush to get in all of the cracks where dirt gets built up around the stitching or near the bottom of the boot.
- Good conditioning with my Belvoir leather balsam. This stuff is by far my favorite! It really keeps the leather as good as new!
- Quick application of my Ariat leather premium boot cream black polish with a small washcloth (only if I’m getting ready for a show or photo shoot)
Another item not featured here that’s in my equestrian backpack is the Belvoir Tack Cleaning Spray. This is my go to product for cleaning my saddle and bridle after riding. It’s so important to keep your tack clean and conditioned in order for it to last a long time!
4. Horse Treats
An equestrian backpack wouldn’t be complete without treats right? I always have peppermints, Mrs Pastures cookies, and of course some fresh carrots on me whenever I go to the barn! I always love to give the horse I ride, and their friends (with permission) a good treat for being our best friends!
The inside of my backpack is so spacious, that it can fit a regular size container of Mrs Pastures treats, the belvoir leather balsam, and many other items in there and still have some room left over!
This backpack has a ton of compartments that can hold items that I don’t even have featured here. For example, on the sides of the backpack are places to put a crop as well as a place to put a water bottle! The back also has additional storage compartments near the bottom, allowing room for more items to be stored.
I currently use this backpack for every trip to the barn, but I also plan on using it for shows in the future! If you’re interested in a new equestrian backpack but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, check out my five affordable equestrian backpack options below that are all under $100!
Equestrian Backpacks Under $100:
Grand Prix Rider’s Backpack ($99)
Noble Outfitters Horseplay Backpack ($59.95)
Ariat Backpack ($99.95)
Equine Couture Pro Backpack ($88.95)
Equine Couture Super Star Backpack ($88.95)
Photography: Nicole Schultz Photography