In partnership with Equisafety…
High vis should be a staple in every rider’s wardrobe and considered a vital piece of gear to use every time you exercise your horse outside of the arena at your yard. Here are five reasons to never forget to put on your high vis — and they’re not all as obvious as you might think.
1. Drivers
This is the most well-known reason: wearing high vis (both you and your horse) makes you both clearly visible to drivers, helping them to see you earlier and have the best chance of passing you wide and slow. Not every driver does, of course, but by making sure you are always easy to see, you’re putting yourself in the best position you can to stay safe when riding on the road.
2. Insurance claims
Sometimes things outside of our control go wrong, and accidents happen. If you and your horse are wearing high vis, this will strengthen an insurance claim should you ever have to make one. If you and your horse are both bright and easy to see, it’s harder for a careless driver to argue that they didn’t see you…
3. Loose dogs
By wearing high vis, you are visible from a greater distance — not just for drivers, but other road users too. Dog walkers, for example, have more time to recall their dog if it’s off lead and get it under control by the time you reach them.
4. Low-flying aircraft
Research by the Ministry of Defence found that helicopter pilots could potentially see a rider in high vis gear up to a half mile sooner. This gives them time to change course or gain altitude to avoid you and your horse. Wearing high vis could help save you from a potentially dangerous situation.
5. Finding you
Should you and your horse become separated during a hack, high vis clothing will make it easier to locate you, particularly if you have lost consciousness and are unable to give directions, and/or a helicopter has been deployed and is looking for you from the air.
This content is brought to you in partnership with Equisafety, high viz clothing for horses and riders.
