Hello! I am Chika, and I teach horseback riding at Horse Camp Mongolia.
We often hear concerns about handling belongings, such as “How should I carry my smartphone or camera when riding a horse?” or “Is it okay to ride while wearing a backpack?”
I completely understand the desire to capture the magnificent scenery of the steppe in photos, but luggage management on horseback is a crucially important point directly tied to “safety.” Small items put in pockets can fall out or lead to unexpected accidents.
This time, we have summarized the criteria for what can and cannot be put in your pockets during horseback riding, along with tips for safely managing your belongings.
Things You Must NOT Put in Your Pockets During Horseback Riding
First, here are items that must not be put into your pants or jacket pockets. As a basic rule, items that “carry a risk of falling out,” “are hard and could cause injury,” or “make sounds or emit light” are prohibited.
| NGアイテム | 危険な理由 |
| スマートフォン・カメラ | 馬の揺れや前傾姿勢でポケットから滑り落ちやすい。落下時に馬が驚いて暴走する原因になり、落馬時に硬い角で腰や太ももを強打する危険もある。 |
| 鍵・小銭・硬いキーホルダー | ポケットの中でチャラチャラと金属音が鳴り、耳の良い馬を不安にさせる。落馬時に体にめり込んで怪我をする恐れがある。 |
| プラスチックボトル・缶 | ポケットに入りきらず落としやすい。硬い異物は転倒時の骨折や打撲リスクを高める。 |
| ビニール袋・ゴミ | 風でポケットから飛び出し、カサカサと音を立てて草原を舞うと、馬がパニックを起こす最大の引き金になる。 |
Especially shallow pockets without zippers can easily spill their contents just from the swaying of a horse walking at a normal pace.
Things That Are “OK” to Put in Pockets
Limit items placed in pockets to “soft things that will not cause injury even in the unlikely event of a fall.”
- Lip balm / Eye drops (For dryness prevention. Small items that fit completely inside a zippered pocket)
- Pocket tissues / Handkerchief (Soft hygiene items you want to keep close to you at all times)
- Sunscreen (Mini tube type) (Acceptable if it is in a soft container and the zipper can be fully closed)
Note: Even when carrying these items, always choose a pocket whose opening can be completely closed with a zipper or snap button.
How to Manage Smartphones and Valuables? Safe Carrying Methods
Here are the correct carrying methods for those who think, “But I want to take pictures on the steppe and keep my smartphone at hand!”
1. Use a small waist pouch or body bag
A slim waist bag that fits snugly against your body is ideal.
- Tighten the belt a bit shorter to secure it around your waist or chest so it doesn’t bounce around while riding.
- As a rule, avoid wearing rucksacks (backpacks) while riding, as they raise your center of gravity and make it easy to lose balance on the horse.
2. Always attach a drop-prevention strap to your smartphone
When taking out your smartphone at rest points where photography is permitted, attach a neck or wrist strap to prevent it from slipping out of your hand.
3. Leave large luggage with the support vehicle or at the clubhouse
Changes of clothes, large water bottles, SLR camera bags, and similar items should not be brought onto the horse; leave them at the base camp or with the accompanying support vehicle.
Head to the Vast Steppe with a Light and Safe Style!
Horses are very timid animals with sharp hearing. Even minor events like “a small item dropping out of a pocket” or “a plastic wrapper crinkling” can cause them to leap or startle significantly.
Leaving unnecessary items behind and preparing light, safe equipment is ultimately the shortcut to enjoying horseback riding to the fullest. Please observe the rules and feel the wind of the steppe with peace of mind!
