Sunset is coming earlier and earlier this time of year. That means it is easier and easier to get caught on the trail after dark. It’s hard to find reliable statistics on exactly how many horseback riders are involved in vehicle collisions each year, but the number is not zero! It should come as no surprise that it is extremely difficult for drivers to spot a rider in the dark. All it takes is a split second for a catastrophic accident to happen.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has enjoyed a nice long trail ride, only to realize that the sun was setting and I was still a long way back to the trailer or my house. It happened just last year to my friend and I – we realized we would never make it back to the trailers before dark and that it might be faster to just ride home. The sun quickly set and we were crossing Highway 95 and riding down rural streets in pitch black. (No streetlights!) Several cars did pass us, but fortunately we were somewhat prepared so we made it home safe and sound.
As the season changes and the days get shorter, now is a good time to make sure that you have some safety essentials tucked away in the saddlebag, just in case you find yourself having such a good time that you lose track of time.
Reflective Gear
It’s easy to throw a couple of reflective items in the saddlebag. They generally weigh nothing and take up little space. You can get reflective leg wraps, tail bags, breast collars, halters, and head bonnets for your horse to wear. You can also bring a high vis vest for yourself. Here are some products we like:
High Visibility Breast Collar: https://www.coloradosafehorse.com/shop/p/high-visibility-breast-collar-no-embroidery
High Vis Rider’s Vest: https://www.thehaypillow.com/products/high-viz-horse-riding-vest
Reflective Leg Wraps: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/horze-reflective-leg-wraps-29004-1551989
Reflective Pastern Bands: https://equestrisafe.com/product/reflective-leg-band-set-2/
Lighting
Horses actually have really good night vision. You should carry a headlamp, but not to light the way for your horse. He can see just fine! Instead, use the light behind you as cars approach to help alert them to your presence. A cell phone light works in a pinch, though it has far less lumen range. Another option is to carry glowsticks and hang them from the saddle. But make sure you have high intensity ones, not the cheap party store ones. Alternatively, some LED tail lights are unusual enough to make some drivers slow down.
High Intensity Glow Sticks: https://getcyalume.com/safety-lighting-products/light-sticks/
Tail Lights: https://cucciolocavallo.com/products/horse-tail-lights?
Wear Some Color
Hey, I am a dark girly myself, but dark clothes, dark saddle and saddle bags, and a dark horse is a recipe for disaster if you are riding on a road in the evening. If you don’t want to don a super stylish high vis vest, the least you can do is wear some color. Yellow is actually the most visible color from a distance in the dark, but any bright color is better than black or brown. You can also get colorful saddlebags or tack.
Look how visible Jen always is!
Have Situational Awareness
In the end, no matter how much safety gear you have, there will always be drivers who are distracted, drowsy, or just don’t know how to drive around equines. Your best safety tool is your own situational awareness. If you are riding on or alongside a road at night, ride with the direction of traffic. Be sure to check frequently if vehicles are coming up from behind. Move your horse as far off the road as possible and wait for cars to pass. Never assume the driver has seen you.
Have fun, but be safe out there!
