Saddle Bags

We stock a broad range of western saddle bags to suit different riding styles and needs. Our range includes horn bags (which sit over the saddle horn at the front of your western saddle), cantle bags and rear saddle bags (which sit behind the seat and attach at the cantle), pommel bags (compact pouches that sit across the pommel area for quick access to your essentials), bottle saddle bags (insulated or standard, designed to keep your drink within reach), insulated saddle bags from Circle Y (quilted, leak-proof, and ideal for keeping food or drinks cool on long rides), and an oilskin coat saddle bag built to carry a full-length oilskin coat on the trail.
We also stock a leather drink bottle holder and a western saddle carry bag for transporting your saddle safely to competitions or events.

A horn bag fits over the horn at the front of your western saddle. It typically has two pouches — one on either side of the horn — and is a great option for keeping frequently used items within easy reach while you ride, such as your phone, snacks or a hoof pick.

A cantle bag (also called a rear saddle bag or saddle bag) sits behind the seat of the saddle, draped across the cantle with the bags hanging down either side. These tend to offer significantly more storage capacity and are ideal for longer trail rides where you need to carry more gear.

Some options — like the Circle Y Saddle/Cantle Bag — combine both a rear saddle bag and a separate cantle attachment with pull-tight straps for carrying a jacket, giving you the best of both worlds.

That depends largely on which bag you choose. Compact options — like the pommel bag or a horn bag — are well-suited to the essentials: phone, keys, a small snack and a hoof pick. Mid-range trail bags (such as the Fort Worth Saddle/Bottle/Gear Bags or Multi Pocket Trail Riding Saddle Bag) have plenty of room for a water bottle, lunch and a small amount of gear. Our larger options offer generous capacity: the McDonald's Saddlery Large Leather Saddle Bags measure 10½" × 10" × 3" deep per side; the Leather Double Saddle Bags are a substantial 14½" × 12" with a 4¾" gusset plus a 7" × 7" outer pocket on each satchel; and the Circle Y Insulated Saddle Bag and Saddle/Cantle Bag each measure 13" × 14" × 5" per side.

Our Oilskin Coat Saddle Bag is designed specifically to carry a full-length oilskin coat up to size 3XL, with room left over for a water bottle.

Different bags use different attachment methods, and most are designed to be easy to fit and remove without tools. Horn bags slip directly over the saddle horn and usually have D rings underneath each pouch for extra security. Rear saddle bags use a yoke that sits across the seat, with the bags hanging down on either side — typically secured with saddle strings or adjustable straps through the D rings on your saddle. The Circle Y insulated bags attach via saddle strings. Fort Worth bottle saddle bags use an adjustable strap with a plastic clip to attach to D rings. The Multi Pocket Trail Riding Saddle Bag has a contoured shape designed to sit neatly behind the cantle and comes with rings for secure attachment. If you're unsure which attachment style will suit your saddle, get in touch — we're happy to help.

Both materials have their strengths, and the right choice depends on how and where you ride. Leather saddle bags are the traditional western choice — durable, they age beautifully, and are often finished with tooling, conchos or embossing that complements a quality western saddle.

McDonald's Saddlery's own-brand leather bags feature details like diamond tooling with Rainbow Crystal conchos, basket weave tooling, chequered leather and floral embossing. Leather is best suited to riders who want a classic look and are happy to care for their gear.

Nylon and fabric bags (from Fort Worth and Circle Y) are lighter, water resistant and generally more affordable. They're a practical choice for everyday trail riding — and the Circle Y Insulated Saddle Bag is fully insulated and 100% leak-proof, making it ideal for riders who need to keep food or drinks cool on longer rides. Many fabric options also come in a range of colours and patterns, from plain black through to skull designs and aztec prints.

Yes — McDonald's Saddlery ships to all states and territories across Australia. Orders over $150 receive free standard shipping anywhere in Australia, and Australia Post's calculated rates apply to orders below that threshold. Express Post is also available at checkout. We also ship internationally — however, no free shipping options are available for international orders. If you have any questions about international orders and/or shipping, please contact us.