Keeping your phone handy while riding is a challenge for many riders. While equestrians have been effective problem-solvers for generations, the cell phone – especially the size of modern cell phones- presents a unique challenge. In this article, we’ll talk about a few of the popular ways that people carry their phone while horseback riding. You can use these methods for carrying your phone for horseback riding lessons, trail riding, or equestrian vacations.
Why saddlebags don’t work for cell phones
There’s a huge variety of saddlebags ranging from the enormous overnight bags too small carriers designed to hold and protect mobile phones. The problem is, if you fall or are otherwise separated from your horse unexpectedly, you won’t be able to call for help if your phone has departed with your horse. For that reason, it’s important to keep your cell phone on your body while horseback riding.
7 Ways to Carry a Phone While Horseback Riding
1. Thigh pockets in breeches and riding leggings
Increasingly popular, one favored way to carry a phone while horseback riding is in the side pocket. In fact, many horseback riders ride in leggings designed for runners for this reason – a wide, easy to access pocket just above the knee where it can’t interfere with your riding.
Thankfully, many manufacturers of breeches and riding pants are answering the “call” and beginning to develop specialty horseback riding clothing designed with pockets for large mobile phones.
2. Carry your phone in a waist bag, or running belt
Horseback riders aren’t the only athletes to struggle with ways to conveniently carry a mobile phone and keep it handy in case of emergency. Many riders have a good experience using equipment made for runners to carry their phone while they are riding. While waist bags (a.k.a. Fanny packs) can bounce awkwardly at a trot and canter, elastic running belts may be a better choice. Running belts are comfy, stretchy spandex belts with pockets that keep the contents secured against your body so they won’t shift while you are riding.
3. Carry your phone while riding with an arm band
One of the first popular ways to carry mobile phones why horseback riding is still a great option. Arm bands secure your cell phone to your upper arm, keeping your legs completely free to apply cues freely to your horse.
A well fit armband stays in place without shifting while riding, and has the benefit of being a great way to listen to music while riding.
4. Put your mobile phone in your boots
One effective way to make sure that your phone stays with you while riding is to place your mobile phone inside of your boot on the outside of your calf. Riding boots typically have a little bit of space around the calf but very little around the ankle, making it a perfectly adequate place to place your mobile phone – although if you have very slender calves in a very large phone you may find this a less comfortable option.
5. Use a belt clip to keep your phone handy while riding
probably the least popular option for carrying a phone while horseback riding is actually one of the best- a belt clip. A number of manufacturers that design rugged phone cases for outdoor professionals have a belt clip design available. These holders are designed to keep a secure hold on cell phones while remaining hands-free. This is one of the safest options for horseback riders who plan to retrieve their phone during their ride on a regular basis- since this option requires no bending, twisting, or reaching to retrieve your mobile phone while in the saddle.