Do some people take hi vis/road safety too far...?

I think that you have enough hi-viz without those bridles, I prefer a bridle that fits and is comfortable for the horse, both your bridles are dreadful.
 
horserider said:
Lovely horses Leviathan. Not liking the bridles though, the fit isn't very good.

I agree with your sentiments about giving them the best chance but hi viz is only one element of giving them the best chance.

I'm concerned that some people (not you) get a false sense of security by wearing head to hoof neon colours. It doesn't make it wise to ride on certain roads, or with an over anxious rider or unpredictable horse or in poor visibility.
I've had to follow a rider in my car with hazard lights, because she thought her hi viz was visible at dusk. It wasn't.

The bottom line is- would I ride on this horse, on this road, at this time without hi viz. If the answer is no, then no amount of hi viz will prevent an accident.
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Completely agree with you. It annoys me when people ride and lead on some of the roads around here, completely unsuitable for riding & leading but for some bizarre reason people think it is acceptable with Hi Viz on.

I never understood the point of Hi Viz bridles, they do not look well fitting at all.
 
horserider said:
The bottom line is- would I ride on this horse, on this road, at this time without hi viz. If the answer is no, then no amount of hi viz will prevent an accident.
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I agree with this-and I do use hi viz (leg wraps, hat band, tabard/jacket, sometimes gloves). The other risk factor (especially up here) is low angle of light at certain times of year-can be blinding for car drivers and we have alot of windy, tree/hedge lined roads.

OH is a cyclist and considering a helmet cam-my friends husband was deliberately 'nudged' by a range rover although that was in town. We still live/ride sufficiently rurally enough that I wouldn't consider one for riding.Most people we meet are very good. I am very considerate of car drivers when its safe for me to do so (with the youngster it's not always possible to give a big wave :D although I can usually manage a smile and a nod), get a wriggle on around bends/move over etc when necessary etc.
 
The pink bridle I made and I am proud of that. (wonders how many others have made one, putting eyelets hours of sewing) this was the first fitting its been altered to fit her correctly .

The yellow one was recommended by another members and fits him fine you buy complete bridle on ebay.

I don't care if some don't like the bridles or its too much you don't have to be seen wearing them I do, there is never to much Hi Viz IMO. They will continue to wear them as will others on my yard.

Both the bridles have been altered now and fit fine.

I prefer not to use my leather bridles when its raining I use synthetic ones instead.
 
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Leviathan said:
The pink bridle I made and I am proud of that. (wonders how many others have made one, putting eyelets hours of sewing) this was the first fitting its been altered to fit her correctly .

The yellow one was recommended by another members and fits him fine you buy complete bridle on ebay.

I don't care if some don't like the bridles or its too much you don't have to be seen wearing them I do, there is never to much Hi Viz IMO. They will continue to wear them as will others on my yard.

Both the bridles have been altered now and fit fine.

I prefer not to use my leather bridles when its raining I use synthetic ones instead.
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How clever, I wouldn't attempt to make a bridle, but would like to be more competent with a sewing machine.

I see your point about the rain, but leather bridles are pretty tough if they're kept at a constant temperature and given a wipe over. They're so comfortable on their heads too.
 
Simbacat said:
No amount of high vis can guarantee that accidents will never happen, people need to face up to the fact that part of the thrill of riding is that it is inherently dangerous.
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The inherent danger though, should be to the rider; danger of falling off at speed or when jumping or just because the horse has a mind of its own. I use hi-viz to minimise the risk to my horse of being mown down by idiots in cars. I have no alternative to doing some road work on hacks, if I want to leave the yard and would like to feel that I have done all I can towards bringing the horse back in one piece.
I agree that hi-viz isn't a magic cloak and that riders need to take responsibility for riding sensibly in good visibility and making sure that their riding skill is adequate to control their horse in most foreseeable situations. But that doesn't mean that hi-viz is unnecessary.
 
I think very few people would consider hi viz to be some magic invisible cloak. But as it benefits both me and and driver by giving them a few extra seconds of knowing I am there that is all good with me (my hat is particularly useful with our windy lane hedges- it is fluorescent yellow and orange quarters ;) )
 
Simbacat said:
No amount of high vis can guarantee that accidents will never happen, people need to face up to the fact that part of the thrill of riding is that it is inherently dangerous.
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There are no guarantees with horse riding or being around horses no matter what your chose to do with a horse.

Well if people want to choose to ride with no hi viz as they think its yuky to wear it, not fashionable etc . That's there look out, you only have to see or witness the aftermath of a horse related road accident to do the best for your horse and drivers.

My idea of dangers where things could happen are :


jumping large jumps
hunting
show jumping
galloping across the country side

I do NOT class a thrill into riding my horses on the road where there is more chance of an accident without hi viz.

We all know riding is dangerous, but why step up the odds just for the want of no hi viz???:confused::confused:

Some take it to the extreme that like the dangers:rolleyes::rolleyes:

no hi viz on human or horse
ridding double round a bend
fag in one hand phone in the other with the reins
no hat .

Me I will play it safe and give motorist the best chance to see me even if i look like a beacon.
 
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Would love to have seen a pink hi viz aswell. I prefer pink to yellow but would like to see how much difference it makes. might have to try it myself in the shady woodland roads round here.
I dontthink there can ever be too much hi viz, ever !
 
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