I just moved to a new facility where the arena across the street from the barn. It’s a two lane country road, but we all know how fast people can drive. Ideally, I would ride only in daylight, but my schedule is a little irregular and I have will sometimes have to cross the road in the dark. Any tips/apparel I can purchase to make myself and my (dark bay) horse more visible?
Sporting goods stores sell apparel with reflective strips, and you can also buy the tape and add it to clothing, saddle pads, leg wraps etc. I’m sure I have seen all of these items in equestrian catalogs too although I don’t remember which ones. I think I would use polo wraps with reflective tape at night, just to highlight your horse’s legs, even if he doesn’t normally wear them. There is also reflective bicycle apparel available as well.
Obviously, don’t cross until you stop and take a good look in both directions to be sure no cars are coming.
I used to have to do this and it made me very nervous. I got one of those bright yellow vests with reflectors and my DH got me a head lamp (Lowe’s) that fit around my helmet. They also sell reflective leg/tail wraps online. You could use them until you get to the ring and take them off.
Always scared me because even if they saw us, they may not have time to stop.
in addition to reflective gear, get yourself some flashing LED lights or flashlights.
several years back the only time i had to ride was when i was done with my shift at 10-11pm :eek: thankfully i kept my guys at home but it meant i needed to go out and ride at night – i taped a flashlight to my helmet and found a strand of blinking/flashing LED lights (the kind that go on the rim of a bike tire) and taped it to my guy’s martingale.
The only plus to crossing a road like that at night instead of during the day is that you should be able to see headlights. I would say, if you see headlights, even if you think they are super far away, don’t go! It’s difficult to judge speed and distance at night.
I personally would not rely on any amount of reflective or illuminated gear enabling drivers to see me. A horse and rider make a very different shape than other road users and a driver’s brain may take a few seconds to process what they are seeing, even if you are lit up like a Christmas tree. By then it could be too late.
I do this at my barn. There’s a street light right at the crossing. The barn may even have put it up. It’s very helpful in the winter. I agree with Libby that reflective gear is not very useful if someone is going to speed through.
The barn also has a horse crossing sign right at the point where we cross. Does your barn have that? It can help a little. Some drivers stop and wave me across. I would almost rather they wouldn’t but I do appreciate their kindness.
I watch the traffic for a long time. I always stop my horse before crossing, just like a kid. I have good go cues to get us across quickly. Sometimes we even trot. I never chance us to timing. I want the road to be super clear. I have waited awhile but I’d rather that than splat.
I have reflective bands that I found at Walmart in the cycling section (likely meant to go around the cyclist’s arms). They’re like those slap bracelets from the early 90s but very reflective. I also saw them at a dollar store recently.
They fit perfectly over boots or polos and have stayed in place every time I’ve used them so far.
I second the Head Lamps!! They should fit right on to your helmet, and you can find ones that have different settings that will can be low light, bright light, even blinking light (probably the best bet). I luckily have not had to wear them for a scenario like yours, but I do wear one even when walking my dog in my neighborhood early in the morning. Lights have to hit the reflectors before they become reflective. This could be too late depending on speed of a car. Head Lamps will be seen from farther away, and can be more easily recognisable that something is there.
Is there good lighting around the facility? If not, you might be able to get the town to put in a street light for free; and also one of those caution, horses crossing signs. Good luck and stay safe.
I’d definitely try to get me lighting where you cross. Even a solar powered spotlight aimed at a horse crossing sign might help
Well… maiden voyage. Walked the horse across on foot because she was spooky, and I have better control on the ground (at least until I’ve done it a couple times).
Got honked at waiting to cross the road. :mad: Why do people HONK?
[QUOTE=KandC;8758727]
Why do people HONK?[/QUOTE]
Probably the same reason they cut horse trailers off when the driver leaves a safe distance ahead… People are clueless!
Good luck with this. I’m sure it will get easier as you and maresy get more comfortable. Be careful!
Some people honk, or swerve, because they don’t understand how horses work. They think they’re warning you to step back and that they’re coming. They don’t realize that we have a better sense of how close they are than they do. It can be unnerving, but don’t think about it too much.
If the horse was spooky or reluctant to cross the road, maybe do some more work on this, in hand and then in the saddle. There is nothing wrong in leading the horse across the road, but make sure you have very good go and stop on the ground.
[QUOTE=KandC;8758727]
Well… maiden voyage. Walked the horse across on foot because she was spooky, and I have better control on the ground (at least until I’ve done it a couple times).
Got honked at waiting to cross the road. :mad: Why do people HONK?[/QUOTE]
If they are local and this is a constant thing on their way home or going to and fro, they may be over it. And, or they may just be jerks.
Did you go alone? It might help if she had a buddy? And be safer for you too. Are you riding alone at night? Be careful.
Not only use your eyes when coming to the road crossing. Engine noise can frequently be heard .2 of a mile away, or more. All the other safety tips are right on.
And practice with your horse in daylight.
People honk because they think you may not see or hear them. ???
[QUOTE=Soaponarope;8759280]
If they are local and this is a constant thing on their way home or going to and fro, they may be over it. And, or they may just be jerks.
Did you go alone? It might help if she had a buddy? And be safer for you too. Are you riding alone at night? Be careful.[/QUOTE]
My boyfriend wants to come out the first few times I go in the dark. Mare was spooky and looky for the opposite reason- she was leaving her screaming, best friend behind. I ride at night usually so boyfriend has worked out when he needs to be nervous about not hearing from me.
I’m sure the mare will be fine in the daylight- my schedule last week dictated at night or not at all- this week is much better.
