The Best Hi Viz for Horses & Riders
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Time to read 3 min
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Time to read 3 min
No matter the season, hi viz should always be included in your kit for the rides that will lead you down roads or bridleways.
By wearing hi viz, you allow other road users to see you as they approach, give them time to slow down and help them judge the distance needed to pass safely. Plus, hi viz helps you stay visible to low flying aircrafts and gives you and your horse more chance of being spotted in the event of a fall.
In this blog, we’ll help you discover ways to increase your visibility with some of the best hi viz products for horses and riders.
Which colour hi viz should I wear?
Hi viz wear comes in bright colours, often with reflective strips, and the colour you wear should be suitable for the season and location you’re riding in. When choosing which hi viz colour to wear, it’s important to think about the colours in your surroundings and if these will impact the effectiveness of your hi viz gear.
For example, if you think about autumn time, orange hi viz will be less visible when worn in areas with orange and red leaves. Instead, yellow hi viz may be best for autumn as it will stand out more against the colours in that season.
Best hi viz for horses
To give your horse head to tail visibility, the EQUI-FLECTOR® collection includes a full range of hi viz wear which includes exercise sheets, leg wraps, bridle bands and more.
EQUI-FLECTOR® Fly Veil
The EQUI-FLECTOR® Fly Veil comes in Orange, Pink or Yellow and can be used to help increase your visibility to approaching cars. Easy to fit and secure under your bridle, it has stretch ears with fleece padding around the ear hole.
EQUI-FLECTOR® Mesh Exercise Sheet
The EQUI-FLECTOR® Mesh Exercise Sheet comes in bright colours with large warning prints and reflective strips that stand out at a distance. As well as helping you stand out, the exercise sheet can help drivers judge how wide your horse is for passing at a safe distance. For winter, the EQUI-FLECTOR® collection includes a Waterproof Exercise Sheet which offers weather protection thanks to it’s waterproof outer and fleece lining.
EQUI-FLECTOR® Wraps
Hi viz leg wraps are highly recommended by the British Horse Society, so the EQUI-FLECTOR® collection includes a set that can be used directly on your horse’s legs or over boots. Available in Orange, Pink or Yellow, the EQUI-FLECTOR® Wraps have reflective strips and stay held in place with adjustable touch close fastenings.
Best hi viz for riders
For riders, the EQUI-FLECTOR® collection includes a full range of hi viz wear for improving safety and visibility when on the roads.
EQUI-FLECTOR® Safety Vest
The EQUI-FLECTOR® Safety Vest provides an easy way to wear a hi viz colour over your riding gear. As well as being bright, the safety vest has bold graphics and reflective strips that improve visibility in daylight and low light conditions
EQUI-FLECTOR® Hat Cover
The EQUI-FLECTOR® Hat Cover is another helpful addition to your kit as it fits easily over your riding hat. Wearing the EQUI-FLECTOR® Hat Cover can help you be seen over hedges and spotted sooner.
EQUI-FLECTOR® All Weather Robe
Ideal for winter riding, the EQUI-FLECTOR® All Weather Robe has bold graphics that are visible at a distance and 360° reflective strips. Perfect for when riding or leading horses on roads, the EQUI-FLECTOR® All Weather Robe has a full length two way front zip, a rear riding vent with zip and handy fleece lined pockets.
Frequently asked road safety questions
When passing a horse and rider what should you do?
When passing horses that are being ridden, led or driven on roads, you need to pass widely & slowly and allow at least 2 metres of space. Remember to only pass when it is safe to do so and avoid sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly once you have passed. Horses can be unpredictable so be ready to stop if needed and, if a horse becomes frightened, you may need to switch off your engine.
What speed should you pass a horse at?
Always slow down when you spot a horse and only pass a horse at a maximum speed of 10mph. If a horse rider or driver requests you slow down or stop, always take notice of this as the horse may be young or unsure of moving vehicles.
What width should you pass a horse at?
The Highway Code outlines that a distance of at least 2 metres of space should be kept when passing horses that are being ridden, driven or led on roads.
