Rifle Scabbards
I personally hang my rifle scabbard on the off-side of the horse. I attach it with the rifle butt toward the front at about horn height, and angle the rifle barrel slightly toward the back.
Here’s why:
The barrel of the rifle extends under my stirrup leather and I never know it’s there. This keeps the weight on the front quarters of the horse where he can carry it best. On the off chance I should spot game while in the saddle, I can pull my rifle out before I dismount. Hanging the shotgun scabbard or rifle scabbard on the off-side can help offset your weight when mounting.
One additional note, if you use an open ended leather or nylon rifle scabbard and hang it with the butt toward the rear, your rifle could end up missing. I have heard many stories where folks have found their rifle way back on the trail because they never knew it had been snagged on a branch and yanked out of the gun scabbard.
Pack Saws and Camp Axes
When I attach my pack saw and its scabbard or my camp axe in its sheath. I prefer to attach my saw scabbard with the saw handle tied to the front strings and the blade coming just under my leg. I usually pack my camp axe on my pack mule to the outside of a mantied load, but you can certainly attach it to your saddle if you prefer an axe. An axe sheath is designed with rings to tie your saddle strings to. This hangs the axe at an angle where it is easy to secure the handle out of your way.
Bow Scabbards
When hanging a Bow Scabbard, I secure it to the rear of the saddle behind the cantle and angle it slightly forward so that my bow is facing toward the rear with the quiver to the outside. I prefer this attachment method because with the bow scabbard pointed toward the rear, my horse is free to turn tightly to the right without being hindered by the bow. And once again, the weight of the bow and bow scabbard are on the opposite side from me when I mount the horse, helping to offset my weight as I mount.
Pack Saws & Axes
How do I hang a pack saw on my saddle?
One sure way to secure a saw to your riding saddle is to tie the pack saw handle with the rear saddle strings and then secure the blade under your leg. However, the pack saw scabbard has a versatile design that would allow you many options. Whichever way you choose, remember to offset the added weight of your saw by loading your horse saddlebags or horn bags heavier on the opposing side.
Why do I need to carry a pack saw or a camp axe with me on the trail?
The obvious answer here is for windfall blocking the trail. It is not always possible to go around a windfall, nor would you necessarily want to get into that habit; the new trail you would create only adds to the erosion of a potentially fragile area. It is better instead to simply clear the trail. Read the article “Pack Saws and Camp Axes” for a full explanation of why it is so important to carry a pack saw when you are out on the trail.