Shopping Cart
/ /

Top 10 reasons why you should wear Hi-Viz when riding

Sep 11,2015 | Kim Horton

TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WEAR HI-VIZ WHEN RIDING

When riding out it's very important that both you and your horse wear Hi Viz. Equally it should be worn all year round, regardless of rider ability. Need some convincing? Here’s our top 10 reasons why you should wear Hi Viz…

1) So you are visible to road users.

This one’s pretty obvious. Research shows that for a driver travelling at 30mph, seeing Hi Viz clothing on you or your horse gives them an extra 3 seconds to react. This means that the driver has an extra stopping distance of 40m - the size of a full-length dressage arena - which could be the difference between hitting you and your horse or passing safely.

Therefore, a simple Hi Viz waistcoat such as the Equisafety Air Hi Viz Waistcoat (featuring ‘Please Pass Wide and Slowly’ messaging on the back) is a must-have in your equestrian wardrobe. 

2) You can convey messages to your fellow road users by the choice of Hi Viz clothing that you wear. 

Leading on from the above, a lot of rider Hi Viz clothing features messaging to indicate to drivers and other road users that they need to be careful when passing your horse. For example, the Shires Equi-Flector Hi Viz Safety Vest clearly features 'Caution Horse & Rider' on the back to communicate with drivers that they should slow down.

 

3) If you had a fall out riding you will be instantly visible.

Another self-explanatory one, if you ride in the countryside and fall, you may require the emergency services. You will be MUCH easier to find if you’re wearing Hi Viz.

Although this hopefully won’t happen, you’re sure to be seen when wearing a fully reflective Hi Viz coat or jacket, such as the Weatherbeeta Reflective Hi Viz Fleece Lined Softshell Jacket. It’s also water and wind resistant, naturally breathable and has a bonded fleecy lining for additional warmth.

4) Dog walkers will have a better chance of seeing you and taking appropriate action.

As horse riders, we often share fields and bridleways with dog walkers. Again, wearing Hi Viz ensures that owners will see you and your horse from a greater distance and therefore be able to quickly put their dogs on a lead. In this way, by dressing your horse in a Hi Viz ear bonnet, or leg bandages, this could potentially save everyone from a dangerous situation. A particular rider favourite is the vibrant Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Multi-Coloured Hi Viz Mesh Ear Bonnet.

5) You can protect your horse from harsh weather.

If you find that you must ride out in the rain, a lot of Hi Viz exercise sheets can offer waterproof protection for your horse, as well as ensuring they’re easily spotted on the road. The Equisafety Hi Viz Winter Wrap Around Sheet is an excellent choice that is sure to keep your horse dry and comfortable whatever the weather!

6) If you and you horse part company.

Sadly, sometimes horses can spook and run off without their rider. Whilst this is a terrifying situation for any equestrian, if the horse is wearing Hi Viz, they’re much easier to spot when you’re anxiously looking for them. Plus, even more importantly, if they get onto the road, any Hi Viz could potentially reduce the possibility of a nasty incident. Even a simple reflective strap, like the popular Roma Hi Viz Breastplate, is a great idea.

7) If you get split up whilst riding with friends, you can find each other quicker.

Again, this is quite self-explanatory, but the extra visibility given by Hi Viz means that if you get lost from your riding party (on a fun ride, for example) it’s much easier for others to find/spot you. Especially if you opt for unique colour combinations, as seen on the Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Multi-Coloured Hi-Viz Waistcoat!

8) Conditions can change and sometimes very quickly! 

Riding in the UK means that the weather can change in an instant! Bright sunshine can quickly be replaced by dark clouds and heavy rain. Consequently, if you always go out riding with your Hi Viz on, you’ll be seen and stand a much greater chance of getting home safely in all conditions.

Thankfully, modern technology means a lot of Hi Viz products are now designed specifically for summer usage! Lightweight and breathable, the Weatherbeeta Reflective Hi Viz Harness is ideal for hot days, as it’s easy to fold, store and carry.

9) It takes seconds to put on.

Most Hi Viz takes next-to-no-time to put on yourself or your horse when you’re tacking up. In fact, with easy tabs and zips, it’s all been designed to be effortless to encourage all riders to wear it.

10) Hi Viz is cheap and easy to buy…

Visit the EQUUS Hi Viz Horse and Rider Wear Collection to see what great value it is!

 

shop equestrian hi-viz collection now

Comment

Name
Email
Comment