Always Be Seen! Why Hi-Vis is Essential for Horse Riding in the Summer
Should You Wear Hi-Vis While Horse Riding in the Summer?
The longer warmer days call for long hacks, pub rides and scenic treks across the beautiful British countryside. With the brighter weather, it can be tempting to leave the hi-vis gear behind but here’s why it’s so important to stay visible and stay safe all year round.
Hi-Vis for Horse & Rider
OK, you might feel a bit self-conscious wearing bright colours while riding, but nothing is more of a mistake than putting yourself - and more importantly, your horse - at risk by ditching the hi-vis.
Let’s be honest, we’ve come a long way from borrowing our dad’s baggy, reflective builder’s tabard. These days, there are plenty of stylish, flattering and practical options for both you and your horse. From lightweight bibs to light-up gilets and reflective horse gear, you’ll find everything you need to stay safe and be seen out hacking.
When Should You Wear Hi-Vis While Riding?
The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends wearing hi-vis on every single hack regardless of whether you're on the road, bridleways or riding completely off-road on private land.
Hi-vis clothing helps ensure other road users can see you easily, reducing the risk of accidents. If you fall from your horse, it also makes you and your horse easier to locate which is especially important in emergencies where paramedics or air ambulances are involved.
If you depart your horse and they bolt off, hi-vis can make them more visible to drivers and rescue teams, allowing for a faster and safer recovery ultimately reducing the risk of serious injury.
Which Colour Hi-Vis is Best for Summer Horse Riding?
Which colour you wear shouldn't be about fashion, it should be based on the conditions and surroundings you’ll be riding in. Here’s a look at typical British summer riding environments and which hi-vis colours will help you stand out best:
Rape fields
Love or hate the smell, there’s something special about riding through a bright yellow rape field - although we could go without the sticky residue left on your boots! Oilseed rape flowers during May, so it’s best to avoid yellow hi-vis this time of year as you could easily blend in.
Stubble and corn fields
OK, we said nothing beats rape fields, but we were lying - a gallop through a stubble field is the definitely a highlight of summer hacking. Corn fields have an orangey-yellow tone, so pink and green stands out really well here.
Grassy tracks and hedges
A far cry from bare winter trees, summer brings lush green grasses and full hedgerows. Avoid green or yellow hi-vis in these settings as you’ll blend into the background.
Shaded country roads
After riding in bright sun, shaded lanes under trees can be a relief. In dappled sunlight, visibility drops sharply for drivers transitioning from light to shade and they may struggle to see you if your clothing isn’t bright and reflective.
Low sun in the morning or evening
Whether you're up early to beat the heat or taking the long way home and racing the sunset, low sun can affect driver visibility. Wearing bright colours and reflective strips helps ensure you're seen clearly.
Dull, rainy or foggy conditions
Even in summer, the UK gets its fair share of wet or foggy days. If you're no fair weather rider, a lightweight hi-vis rain sheet for your horse can be a great choice for visibility in poor conditions.
Bright sunshine
Don’t you just love it when you check your weather app to see a forecast of bright sunny weather. The first thing we do is message our pals at the yard to arrange a long hack, often accompanied by a cheeky pub stop (for a coca-cola of course, don’t drink and ride)... While sunshine creates ideal conditions for hacking, it can also bring risks. Glare from the sun can make it difficult for drivers to see you - a problem made worse when sunlight reflects off wet roads after rain. To stay visible from all angles, wear an ultra-bright bib and kit your horse out with a hi-vis martingale and tail guard.
Which Colour Hi-Vis is Most Effective?
Looking at the examples above — which colour stands out most? That’s right, pink. Pink hi-vis is especially effective during the summer months because it’s not a naturally occurring colour in fields or on the road, so it stands out well across different terrains.
While yellow is a common choice, it can be harder to spot against grass, flowers or in bright sun. Still, any hi-vis is better than none.
Why not truly stand out by mixing and matching your hi-vis colours?
Wearing a variety of bright shades helps you stay visible against different backgrounds, from sun-dappled woods to open fields or roadwork. Our Brand Ambassador, Jess Maye - @life_on_the_buckle, pictured below wearing a combination of hi-vis colours while out hacking, because being seen means staying safe.
Types of Hi-Vis and Reflective Gear for Horse Riders and Their Horses
Wearing the right hi-vis safety gear for horse riding is key to staying safe and visible during hacks. Here are the most popular types of reflective and high-visibility gear for horse riders and horses, along with how they help:
- Bright hi-vis riding tabards and bibs
These are essential for any ride and are designed to make the rider visible from a distance. - Reflective arm and leg bands for horse riders
Great for catching the eye of drivers from multiple angles. - Hi-vis exercise sheets for horses
Perfect for cooler rides or rainy days, these sheets cover your horse’s back and hindquarters, adding a large, highly visible surface area. - Bright, reflective brushing boots
Add visibility at leg level with hi-vis horse boots which helps motorists spot movement more quickly. - Reflective tail straps and bands for horses
These are highly effective for making your horse visible from behind, especially on roads. - Reflective bridle and rein attachments
Help highlight your horse’s front profile and head movement, making them more noticeable to oncoming traffic. - Reflective ear bonnets for horses
Reflective fly veils or ear bonnets offer added visibility at the top of your horse’s profile. - Reflective, Hi-Vis Martingales
Help drivers see your horse sooner by using a bright, reflective martingale. It's a simple but effective way to increase visibility from the front.
Did You Know?
If you're involved in an accident while riding without hi-vis, your insurance could be invalidated. It may be argued that you didn’t take proper safety precautions.
Section 50 of the Highway Code recommends:
- Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight
- Reflective clothing in poor conditions or after dark
Section 51 also adds:
“It is safer not to ride on the road at night or in poor visibility, but if you do, make sure you wear reflective clothing and your horse has reflective bands above the fetlock joints. A light which shows white to the front and red to the rear should be fitted, with a band, to the rider’s right arm and/or leg or riding boot. If you are leading a horse at night, carry a light in your right hand, showing white to the front and red to the rear, and wear reflective clothing on both you and your horse. A fluorescent or reflective tail guard is also strongly recommended.”
Tips for Staying Safe While Hacking
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone and use it only in emergencies
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back
- Ride with a buddy if possible
- Most importantly – WEAR HI-VIS!
Protect Your Horse and Yourself with Hi-Vis Gear
Your horse relies on you for their safety and just like your riding helmet, hi-vis should be a non-negotiable part of your horse riding kit.
Shop hi-vis gear for horse and rider at Country & Stable and enjoy your summer hacks with peace of mind, knowing you’ll be easily seen and safe. Be bright, ride safely and wear hi-vis!
Check out our blog on how to be seen whilst horse riding for more helpful tips for staying safe in the saddle.
