Most horse riders carry too much equipment on their saddles for comfort. Consider just how far you plan to ride and only take what is necessary for the trip. Excess baggage and weight only adds to the possibility of having a mishap along the trail. In all reality think about just what you happen to need on the trips that you have taken in the past that were similar to the one planned. Fact of the matter is, nearly every challenge on the trails can be handled with a pocket knife and perhaps a piece of baling twine. Some riders like to have a whistle in the pack for a situation where you may need to draw attention to yourself. I have been riding the trails for years on all kinds of terrain and all I ever carry is a pocket knife. A great rule of thumb is in the summer keep it light and in the winter months carry enough to survive in case of a mishap. I ride long distances such as 100 miles in one day and only carry a minimum. The less I carry the less the horse has to be concerned with. Fact is most of the necessary items can be carried in a simple fanny pac wrapped around your waist. That is the best place to carry the pac rather then strapped on the saddle somewhere as that prevents it from ratteling around and irritating the horse.