Hi-Viz - what should we all have?

Vikki89

Vikki89

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In you opinion what should we all have as the basics regarding hi-viz?

I have a hi-viz zip up tabbard which i now always wear when hacking and somewhere i have some bits which attach to the reins (currently don't know where they are) :o

But it was dull this morning (not dark, just a horrible dreary day) and i was out thinking i should probably have and am going to buy more hi-viz.
 
I would personally say,

A tabard and hat cover for you and at least boots for the horse and possibly a breastplate and or an exercise sheet... ie.something hight up on the horse rather than near the ground.
 
I tell my students that the bare minimum is tabard (but something which includes sleeves is better), hat cover or hat band, and a minimum of 2 but preferably 4 legbands for the horse (if only 2 they should be worn on the right legs), plus light coloured gloves.

I also tell them that there is no such thing as too much hi viz :D:D
 
I never, ever ride (or lead) without a tabbard, my hat has reflective strips on it, and most of the time I will also use an exercise sheet - the only time we tend to dispense with that is if it's a really, really hot day and the horse could do without the extra layer.

We also have leg wraps - but find they get dirty very quickly this time of year, so seem a bit pointless.

I do have those things that go on the reins and bridle, but keep forgetting to put them back on after tack cleaning or coming back from a show.

I also have some of those very bright flashing keyrings, which I usually attach to the back of my hat!
 
i'd say bare min - ie what i wear in summer - is a hat band/cover, tabbard and wide breastplate (none of these narrow tiny ones;))

in winter - its the above plus exersise rug (equifleece) and leg wraps - and thats for off 90% road riding lol!
 
If it is dull, wet or cold - therefore most of the year - I always add the breastplate (then at least you are seen from the front should your horse have a high head carriage) and exercise sheet that attaches to the girth straps rather than going under the saddle. I never ride without the tabard/hat band, even when staying off-road, as you can never be too visible!
 
Tabard/jacket for the rider.

Exercise sheet on the horse, if you come off your horse and it decides to make it's way home or take off somewhere else, at least the horse is more visable to motorists and anyone sending out a search party, you won't even see the boots if there in the undergrowth or covered in mud.
 
I have just posted in News about the new horse accidents website that the BHS are launching at YHL this weekend http://www.horsemart.co.uk/news/_horse_accidents_website_launches_at_your_horse_live/2044
You can get FREE Hi-Viz tabard here!!!!!!

I think Hi-Viz should be worn all the time- not just on the roads. I have a hat band and matching leg bands for the horses (from V-Bandz) and then a tabard/coat for myself. I also have an exercise sheet with reflective strips on for when its colder. If you fall off in a field or soemthing Hi-Viz means that you can be spotted much easier than if you weren't (think "normal" rider colours of dark, more "flattering" jods etc!!)

I did a presentation on Hi-Viz whilst at uni- I got most of my info from the BHS website- https://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Riding_Safely/Safety_Equipment/Hi_Viz_clothing.aspx

https://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Riding_Safely/Road_Safety/Be_Seen_-_Be_Safe.aspx
 
I use
- long sleeved tabbard on top of all jackets, BPs etc (allows hand signals to be seen better)
- band around outside long boot top (this is to show the widest point of combination)
Horse has
- four leg bands (drivers look at roads and eyes are drawn to mvmt)
- bridle and neck strap bands (for 'front' view)
- tail cover (for back view - although on a silky Arab tail we did have issues with him finding it easy to shake off by bucking!)

That was for riding on fast (60mph) roads with uneven traffic distribution. Meant that even if he and I became separated both would be visible from most angles. With a steadier/colder horse an exercise sheet wd be great. Share horsey was very wary though.

In a city centre (MUCH slower traffic) in a group and on a horse I was confident I wouldn't be separated from I've been known not to wear any but really even then a tabbard (with a suitable message for city drivers to pass wide and slow) and leg bands just in case are probably necessary.
 
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