Summer Hi Viz for Horse and Rider
Jun 11,2020 | Kim Horton
Many riders think they only need to wear Hi Viz in the Winter when visibility and the light are typically poor. However, it’s just as important in Spring and Summer. So don’t pack your equestrian Hi Viz wear away just yet despite the fact that the sun's shining and the temperatures are warming up. Read on to find out why.
When the sun’s out and the skies are blue, your Hi Viz is probably the last thing you think of when you’re off out riding. Bright and sunny weather in the early morning or late evening when the sun is low on the horizon is a particular problem on lanes or roads where drivers go from shady areas to bright ones just by going around a corner, thereby dazzling them.
Some considerations
Surprisingly, there’s no legal requirement for you or your horse to wear Hi Vis out hacking, even on the road. So, what or how much you wear is entirely up to you. Wearing a Hi Viz vest or jacket gives drivers three seconds of extra reaction time, which, on the face of it doesn’t sound very long but in reality, it’s long enough to make a real difference.
Being able to see that the hazard ahead is a horse, means that drivers can assess their speed and style of driving and amend it accordingly. You have a duty of care to other road users by alerting them to potential hazards which is why you and your horse need to wear Hi Viz clothing.
The final point worth mentioning is that if you become parted from your horse, it’s still vital that both of you can be seen and found.
What Hi Viz should i wear?
Minimal: A Hi Viz waistcoat only. You'll be visible by vehicles approaching or coming up from behind. Also you'll seen through fences and in wide, open spaces.
Medium: A hi viz vest and a hat band or cover. A hi viz hat band/cover will hopefully be visible over hedges, alerting drivers to you from around corners or over hills.
Most: A waistcoat, hat band/cover, gloves and hi viz equestrian legwear. This will make you stand out against your surroundings, alerting drivers to your presence sooner.
What Hi Viz should my horse wear?
Minimal: A hi viz martingale. This will help drivers to see that a horse is coming towards them. Pick a colour that stands out the best on your horse.
Medium: A martingale, hi viz leg wraps, hi viz ear bonnet or tail wrap. Evidence suggests that the movement of the Hi Viz on the horse alerts drivers there is something moving on the road ahead. An ear bonnet or tail wrap is higher on the horse’s body, alerting drivers to the size of the hazard.
Most:
A martingale, leg wraps, ear bonnet, tail wrap and hi viz exercise sheet. You’ll probably be able to be seen from outer space now!
Have you decided what you need for your horse? Shop our range of Hi Viz wear for riders and our Hi Viz wear for horses to find everything you need.