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Keeping ourselves and our horses safe can become more of a challenge at this time of year. From arriving at the barn in the morning to feed in darkness, to trying to fit in a quick ride or hack after work, most of our time is spent in little or no daylight. However, it’s not all doom and gloom because there are ways to stay visible and safe, while enjoying time with our horses.

Staying Safe Out Riding

If you’re setting out for an afternoon ride this winter, it might not be the best time to try out a new route. Save being adventurous for when you have lots of daylight hours ahead of you. Instead, stick to known routes where you can make it back to the barn before it gets dark. There’s also safety in numbers so try to ride out with a friend, or let someone at the barn know when you expect to be back.

If you have the luxury of an arena with lights then make the most of this for early morning or evening rides in the dark. Even if you don’t have lights, a quick schooling session or a lunge at dawn or dusk is a time effective way to exercise your horse and is safer than being out hacking in low light.

How to Keep You and Your Horse Visible

Wearing high visibility gear is a good idea all year round but vital in low light conditions. The UK Highway Code advises that riders wear light or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing in poor visibility or at night. It is safer to avoid riding at night or in poor visibility on the roads but if you do, you should:

  • Wear reflective clothing
  • Put reflective bands above the fetlock joints on your horse
  • Fit a white light to the front and red to the rear of your right arm, leg, or riding boot
  • Use a fluorescent/reflective tail guard on your horse

Fluorescent vs Reflective: What’s the Difference?

Fluorescent material is designed to absorb UV light. It typically comes in bright colors like yellow, orange and pink. It’s not just these bright colors that help you to be seen but how the material absorbs UV to create a ‘glow’. UV light needs to be present to make this work so fluorescent clothing is best used during the day and not at night.

As the name suggests, reflective materials reflect light back to the source. For example, headlights shining on reflective material will direct the light back towards the driver so you can be seen. Reflective materials are not very effective in daylight. However, at night with a light source they shine very brightly.

Combining both fluorescent and reflective materials will help you to be visible in different light conditions. The Corrib Neon Gilet and Jacket have fluorescent panels and reflective tape to help you stand out. Plus, they have the added benefit of being waterproof too so you’re not caught out by low light or rain!

Why Should Horses and Riders Wear Hi-Vis?

While we might dream of being able to ride endlessly without a car in sight, riding on the road is sometimes necessary. Wearing hi-vis makes you more visible to motorists, giving them longer to slow down.

The British Horse Society found that riders wearing hi-vis can be spotted up to three seconds quicker. At 30mph, this is equivalent to a standard dressage arena in extra stopping distance which could make all the difference.

Hi-vis is a good idea when hacking, even when roadwork isn’t involved. You will be more visible to other people out and about like runners, cyclists or dog walkers. Low flying aircraft could be an unfamiliar sound to your horse and wearing hi-vis allows pilots to spot you sooner and take avoiding action if possible.

We don’t like to think about taking a tumble but hi-vis is helpful in the case of a fall. You will be easier to locate by emergency services and so will your horse. This is also why you and your horse should wear hi-vis so that you both remain visible if you part company.

What Should I Wear When Riding?

As a minimum, both you and your horse should be wearing something hi-vis. Consider if you are going to be out in daylight, where fluorescent fabric works best, or at night, where reflective fabric is most effective. Play it safe in differing light conditions by wearing something that combines both fabrics like the Corrib Neon Gilet and Jacket.

For extra visibility, consider making the rest of your riding outfit brighter too. The Aveen Technical Long Sleeve Top and Reflective Riding Tights pair well together. When it comes to being seen, more is more! So, wear as much fluorescent and reflective clothing as possible.

For your horse, an exercise sheet is ideal because it covers a large area. While flies might not be a problem during the autumn and winter, the Amigo® Flyrider is still a great option thanks to its fluorescent fabric and reflective safety strips. The lightweight design is particularly suited to unclipped horses or those that run hot, as well as dusk and dawn rides in the summer. (don’t include for EU)

For rainy days, the Amigo® Reflectech Competition Sheet will be your go-to. Perfect for low light conditions, it features reflective yarn woven into the waterproof outer to increase visibility. It also has front and back reflective strips for additional illumination. Your horse will be visible from all angles, helping motorists spot you from different directions.

Staying Safe at the Barn

It’s not just out riding that you need to think about safety. With shorter, darker days it can be pitch black when you arrive or leave the yard.

A headlamp is a useful piece of kit so you still have your hands free for chores. If possible, try to time your trips to the barnwhen someone else will be around. Not only is it nicer to have a bit of company while filling hay nets or mucking out but if you were to have an accident then help is at hand. This might not be feasible though, particularly if you keep your horses at home or you have a different schedule to your fellow liveries. In this case, try to do most of your jobs in daylight to limit what you have to do in the dark.

Keeping Your Horse Visible in the Field

Instead of traipsing around a muddy field in the dark trying to locate your horse, try a reflective rug like the Rhino® Plus Reflectech Turnout. Not only will it keep your horse protected from the elements but the reflective yarn illuminates in low light conditions. This is helpful not only to find your horse in the field but for added safety when leading your horse to and from the yard. For extra visibility, the Fieldsafe Headcollar features reflective labels so there’s no chance of your horse hiding behind the field shelter in the dark!

Remember, your hi-vis gear needs to be clean to be effective. So, if you come back splattered in mud from a canter or two, make sure to follow the care instructions before heading out for your next ride.

Whether you’re out riding or at the barn, stay safe and be seen so you can focus on having fun.

Written by Horseware Team, on November 30, 2022 Reading time: 6 min