Going XC when the sun is low

[seabiscuit]

Do you think that it is dangerous to go XC at an event when the sun is going down?

With the sunset/darkening times at the moment, I would feel very uneasy about hacking out my horse on the roads after 6.30 as I do think that it makes the light/shadows funny and thus car drivers would be less able to see me. But what about going XC after a certain time just when dusk is setting? I would def feel uneasy about it but all events are running XC at times of the day when I think it is just a bit too late...

 

[SillyMare]

Definitely, and if there is a delay on course it can be almost dark in spring / autumn!!

I think it was the Novice class - last section of the 1st day at Isleham this year - could hardly see the jumps by the end! Lots of people didn't go XC.

 

[Bossanova]

Very dangerous- Boss and I had a fall at the trakehner at Aldon (which we've jumped perfectly well god knows how many times) as the sun was so low and we were jumping into it- Boss took off at the shadow but put down again when he saw where the ditch was and went down on landing

 

[Hornby]

I have seen them cordon off National Hunt fences that are into the sun so I agree that XC should be dealt with in the same way.

 

[MissDeMeena]

I had a nasty fall at Bicton earlier this year going XC late in the day, jumping from light into dark, with the sun also casting a shadow over the whole thing!
Not sure what should be done about it tho.