Be Safe and Be Seen with High Vis Clothing

 How safe we are when riding horses on the roads depends on where we live; different countries have different attitudes to horse riding, while the size of the country and its amount of road networks of course influences riding safety. As an example, in Britain, around 25k people are killed or seriously injured in reported road accidents.

Horse riders have a notoriously difficult time in the UK because of the many heavily populated areas, meaning that many riders have to undertake road work if they do want to hack out. This is compounded by the ignorance of some road users that are not sympathetic to horses, and drive carelessly past equines, or too fast along country lanes.

There are alternatives to riding on the road – some regions operate toll rides, whereby members pay a set fee regularly to allow access to locally owned land. Meanwhile, farmers and land owners may open up their property to horse riders for a private fee. Look on the internet to see what opportunities are available for off road riding locally, as it is a wonderful way to engage with your horse, develop fitness and enjoy your riding.

Wherever you ride out, it is important to ride safely – as with all sports and activities, safety usually boils down to reducing the risk factors for accidents. Here are the top tips from The Saddlery Shop for staying safe when hacking -

1. Ensure that all your tack fits well and is in good condition;  two of the most common causes of equine-related legal claims with personal injury solicitors are said to be based around defective riding equipment, or the girth not being fastened correctly.

2. Put in the schooling with your horse, so you know you will be in control of pace and direction in most situations. Practice things like opening gates from on board the horse, and asking him to quickly move his quarters in a particular direction, or trot away from your leg; these will stand you in good stead when hacking or trekking.

3. Make sure you know the area where you are riding. This includes knowing things like when deliveries are made to local businesses and what times local schools finish; anything that could result in heavier traffic on the roads. Plus, it is good to know elements like the area’s other users; for example, woodlands frequented by motorbikes or quad-bikes may not be safe places for unpredictable horses.

4. It is a good idea to take a mobile phone with you, in case you need to call for help or let someone know you will be late from a ride. Many people file important friends’ and family members’ contact details in their phone’s contacts list under ICE (in case of emergency), so rescuers can trace relatives in the event of an accident.

5. In terms of your riding, keep a consistent rein contact. Loose reins could lead to a very serious accident if the horse was to spook.

6. If you are riding in traffic, give clear arm signals to indicate when you are turning left or right; hold your arm out horizontally for no less than three seconds to ensure drivers can see your intentions clearly. Ensure your whip is in the hand holding the reins, so you don’t startle your horse.

7. Be courteous to other road users; hold your hand up to say thank you to passing motorists if possible, but remember that a simple nod and smile will be appreciated if your hands are full.

8. Never ride more than two horses abreast on roads used by traffic. If riding with a young or inexperienced horse, it is advisable for the more experienced horse to ride on the side of the road nearest to the centre.

9. Wear suitable equipment for riding. The UK’s public service website, direct.gov.uk, advises that in Britain, children under the age of 14 must wear a helmet that complies with current regulations, and also advises that riders of any age should wear a helmet. The website also suggests that riders wear boots or shoes with hard soles and heels.

10. Utilise reflective ‘hi vis’ (high visibility) clothing and equipment when you ride in public places – don’t just save it for dark and dusky conditions; it is said to give motorists up to three extra seconds of time to notice the horse and / or rider, and take appropriate action. (To illustrate this in practical terms, in three seconds a car travelling at 30 miles per hour can cover 40 metres in distance – the difference between hitting a road user and taking avoiding action).direct.gov.uk states that: “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. If you are leading a horse at night, it is strongly recommended that a fluorescent/reflective tail guard is also worn by your horse.”
    
    These are some of our favourite reflective products offered at The Saddlery Shop: 

The super stylish Equisafety Aspey Fluorescent Reflective Riding Jacket is a lightweight, safe and stylish jacket with a high performance design! Offered in Pink or Yellow and available in a variety of sizes. Click here to to find out more! 

We think these educational tabards  from Equisafety are very important. Offered in two choices of wording emblazoned with ther "Horse in Training Please Slow Down" or "Please Pass Wide and Slowly, Thank You." These easy to wear tabards provide a useful of getting a vital message across to drivers. Available from The Saddlery Shop in a range of sizes! 

The Luna Rider fluorescent and reflective arm or leg bands are suitable for use on the rider or on the horse. Easy to apply and offering a cost-effective way to stay safer on the road. Available from The Saddlery Shop in elasticated or non elasticated styles for just £5.99! Click here to purchase your Luna Rider Strips today!