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How to be seen when horse riding

Nov 18,2017 | Kim Horton

 How to be seen when horse riding

When hacking out it's very important that both you and your horse each wear at least 1-2 pieces of Hi-viz clothing, as you need to warn motorists of your presence! Why? Read on to find out...

So you are visible to road users

This one’s pretty obvious (doh!).  Studies show that Hi Viz can give a vehicle an extra 3 seconds reaction time, which means that at 30mph that’s an extra stopping distance of 40m, the size of a full length dressage arena. For a driver, this could be the difference between hitting you and your horse or passing safely.

You can convey messages to other road users quickly

For example:

  • Young horse
  • Please pass wide and slow
  • Thank you
  • Horse in training.

If you had a fall out hacking 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 be seen and found if you’re wearing Hi Viz.

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

Many dog walkers use bridleways, and may want to hold their dog, or put them on a lead. This could potentially save everyone from a dangerous situation.

You are more visible to game shoots

Many people ride in areas where shoots are held. Wearing Hi Viz will help any guns see you so that they can take appropriate action. No one wants to get shot or for their horse to be shot!

If you were to lose your horse out riding, you could find them quicker!

It happens – your horse spooks, you hit the deck, and they bomb off! PANIC! If your horse has some Hi Viz on you can spot them much easier, even in forests (speaking from experience! lol.).

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

Again pretty self-explanatory but the extra visibility means that if someone gets lost from your hacking party (or perhaps a fun ride) finding them becomes much easier!

If you get caught in the dark, the traffic will be able to see you

If you go out hacking and time flies by, most good Hi Viz also has reflective bands. If you accidentally get caught on the road in the dark, its MUCH safer to be seen in the distance because of the reflective strips.

When to wear it

There's a common misconception that Hi Viz only needs to be worn in the winter as the days are generally dull and darker. This is NOT the case. It needs to be worn all year round. In fact every time you go out hacking.

If you do not wear it, you're not giving drivers, for example, a fair chance of seeing you and slowing down. Riders who don't wear Hi Viz can give horse riders a bad name and can fuel driver's frustration with riders on the road.

It takes seconds to put on

Most Hi Viz will take next-to-no-time to put on yourself or your horse whilst you are tacking up. It has all been designed to be easy to use. For example, most of my Hi Viz has Velcro tabs.

Finally, Hi Viz is cheap and easy to buy

Visit our Hi-Viz collections below:

And remember, you get free UK delivery on ALL orders over £20 at EQUUS.

Shop the Hi Viz Collection

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