The clocks have gone back and we are facing months of shorter days and reduced visibility, making early morning and evening rides riskier for both horse and rider. Whether you’re hacking on country lanes or riding near roads, visibility is crucial for safety.
Fortunately, the right riding clothing and accessories can help you stay seen without compromising style or comfort. Here’s how to keep you and your horse safe as we move into winter.
Invest in high-visibility clothing
One of the easiest ways to stay visible is to wear bright, high-visibility colours. Neon yellow, fluorescent orange, or lime green jackets and vests catch the eye quickly, especially in low-light conditions.
Look for reflective panels or piping, which reflect light from car headlights, street lamps, or torches, further enhancing visibility. Modern equestrian riding clothes can combine safety with breathability, waterproofing, and warmth.
Use reflective accessories
Accessories are not just stylish; they can save lives. Consider adding reflective arm bands, leg bands, or stirrup straps. Even small reflective details on gloves, scarves, or saddle pads can make a noticeable difference when light hits them.
Clip-on LED lights or battery-powered reflective clips are another option. They can be attached to your jacket, helmet, or tack and provide movement-based visibility that catches drivers’ attention.
Layer smartly
Layering is essential for warmth during cold-weather rides, but it also offers another opportunity for visibility. A brightly coloured or reflective base layer under a jacket can still show at the edges of sleeves or waist, while a high-visibility vest over your jacket ensures you are clearly seen.
Many riders combine thermal layers for warmth with a lightweight reflective layer on top for safety.
Don’t forget your horse
Visibility is not just about you; your horse needs to be seen too. Reflective saddle pads, leg wraps, and tail bands can help alert others to your presence. Neon or reflective fly bonnets for winter rides can also enhance your visibility while keeping your horse comfortable. Coordinating reflective elements between rider and horse ensures maximum impact.
Plan your route and timing
Even with high-visibility clothing, it’s safer to choose quieter routes, avoid high-traffic roads, and ride during times when visibility is better, such as late morning or early afternoon. If you must ride in the dark, ensure your route is familiar, and consider carrying a small, hands-free torch that fits across the body, or a wearable headlamp.
The Highway Code advises horse riders against riding on the road at night or in poor visibility. However, if you decide to, you should display a light that shows white to the front and red to the rear. This can be fitted to your arm, leg, or riding boots.
It’s also strongly recommended that your horse wears reflective bands above the fetlock joints, and a fluorescent or reflective tail guard.
Final tips
Visibility doesn’t have to compromise your style or comfort. Modern high-visibility equestrian clothing is designed for performance and warmth while keeping you safe. Remember, layering, reflective accessories, and planning your ride wisely all combine to reduce risks during low-light winter hacks.
