Riding in the dark.. Headtorch or not?

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apple88

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Hi,
Iv just schooled my horse for the first time in complete darkness as we have no electric at the yard. Does anyone else do it? And do you have any problems?

Also..to headtorch or not to headtorch? I tried both and I think without is better as your eyes adjust and you can see more peripherally
Any thoughts or ideas?
 
I don't ride in the dark myself, but I know someone who does and she doesn't recommend a headtorch if there are reflective surfaces anywhere, and that includes puddles on the ground as the horse can spook at them
 
I did when I was younger, I rode across the fields, a very regular route so knew where holes where.
Horse was fine with it, never spooked but it wasn't a very bright none, more of a good dim, so don't know if that makes a difference.
Used to kitted out in head to toe hi-vis and mum knew where I was.
Horse was the very safe non spooky, well behaved type, other horses I have owned I wouldn't do it. But she was fine.

Even used to jump in the field like it too
 
I'm always riding in the dark, and I agree the moon can really light things up (you still have shadows and everything). And even on a very dark night, I find my eyes adjust fairly well to what's around us. My pony is an absolute saint as well, which definitely helps! :)
 
I rode for the first time in the dark last night. I was suprised how much I could see because I started out in the light and my eyes adjusted as it got dark. It was pretty eary
 
I ride in the dark but with a headtorch:)
I think it depends on if you have a surface or not, I just ride in the field or on farm tracks so really I do need to see whats in front.
I spent ages researching torches and found that the folk who mountain-bike at night have a wealth of knowledge and recommendations, so i got an incredibly high-powered torch, it'll light up a 2 acre field in front of me no problem:D yes puddles etc do reflect back but horse gets used to it. Also if i meet dog walkers i'd rather they didn't think i was the headless horseman spooking them so i'm very well lit up in high-vis etc i do turn it off on a clear moon-lit night but normally weather here is misty, cloudy so i really find the torch invaluable.
 
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