Riding with no lights in winter!!

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misskk88

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I am moving my horse to a new yard in the coming weeks and am seeking some advice!

YO and people seem friendly, never been on a DIY yard and am really looking forward to it. However the arena currently has no lighting, which limits my riding to weekends, unless I can find a way around it! I finish work about 5pm most weekdays, and am usually in the office early (so no morning ride or hacks, maybe on the odd day but not often!). I don't want to resign my riding regime to just weekends- even if it is just a quick lunge to keep her ticking over.

Do you find any ways around it? At my old yard we had a lit arena but it was sufficient, but dull lighting and we use to cope fine.The YO mentioned they are looking into it, but as the arena is away from the yard area it is a case of looking at the cost of wiring etc before committing (which I totally understand!). I was thinking a head torch and a couple of bright standing rechargable lamps?!

Any other ideas greatly welcome!
 
I use a headtorch sometimes but it destroys both mine and the horse's nightvision so I prefer to go without if there's some moonlight. Horses see much better in the dark than we're usually lead to believe. Another option for you is to buy some windup/solar led camping lanterns with reflectors, the kind meant for big frame tents, and set one up in each corner :) they cast a surprising amount of light and they're pretty cheap.
 
fattylumpkin said:
I use a headtorch sometimes but it destroys both mine and the horse's nightvision so I prefer to go without if there's some moonlight. Horses see much better in the dark than we're usually lead to believe. Another option for you is to buy some windup/solar led camping lanterns with reflectors, the kind meant for big frame tents, and set one up in each corner :) they cast a surprising amount of light and they're pretty cheap.
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Thanks for the response, at least I know it is possible! Definitely investing in a couple of standing torches or solar lamps! Birthday soon- something for the wish list haha! I hope for a few clear and starry nights too- although in England, I wonder how rare they are ;)
 
That's true, I forgot about the perpetual cloud cover! You never know, new YO and the other liveries might club together with you and sort out something temporary if you mention it :) it's sure to be a concern for a few people.
 
My horse can see in the dark so I just ride in the arena in the dark (only if I'm happy surface is good). I'm quite happy riding in the pitch dark, to be honest it stops me looking down as I can't see his ears to stare at!
 
I ride in the dark too, surprising what you can say when your eyes adjust.

Just ensure the arena is clear of any posts, poles or wings etc before you start
 
I ride in a dark arena no probs, as long as there is enough ambient light to see the fence, and the arena is clear and of a reasonable surface.

Start slow and build it up as you both gain confidence.
 
I don't do it but have heard of people that park their car by the side of the arena and keep headlamps on. :) might be a bit shadowy, depends if your horse is good with shadows I guess.
 
You can buy head torches that have a setting for night vision, possibly infra red?, that doesn't bother your night vision. I know Petzl do a few as I looked last year for dog walking but didn't bother in the end. I will be looking for one soon though as I've moved and my walking areas are much darker!
 
swampdonkey said:
I don't do it but have heard of people that park their car by the side of the arena and keep headlamps on. :) might be a bit shadowy, depends if your horse is good with shadows I guess.
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I've lunged and trotted up in hand by the light of the car headlights several times, it works pretty well, its even nicer if you leave the radio on :)
 
I either try riding early morning, but horses see a bit better than us I think, so as long as you're sensible, i.e keep to walk and trot etc you should be ok.
If it stays clear, its amazing how much light the moon gives!
 
Thanks for the responses!

Unfortunately early morning riding is not always possible due to working hours, and I did think of the car trick- except I cannot get a car near the arena without taking a lot of time to unbolt and unlock security gates!

Thinking of getting a portable floodlight, which can be recharged with a battery (arena is too far away to plug into mains!). Even if it lights a space of 20x20 or enough to lunge it would mean the odd midweek ride!

What type would be best? LED, infrared or just a plain light (which would be set at one end of arena?). I've no idea what type of wattage I would either if anyone has any good advice?! The prices range greatly from just under £100 to thousands! My budget will definitely be the lower one, so I have no idea where to start!

I am sure once I am settled if I suggested an idea of all chipping in it would probably be welcomed! But I don't want to push my weight around with YO or other liveries just yet, hence buying a temporary portable light :)
 
Thanks Welsh D, however both links take me to the generator- could you resend the other? :)

Fattylumpkin- I actually looked at these and thought they were very well priced, I also spotted some which were equivalent to 200w- not sure how many I would need or how far one light would reach?! Any ideas?

I keep reading that the LED lights are things like '20w power but the equivlanet to 200w halogen'. I am no pro when it comes to lighting, so can anyone explain in simple terms of what I may need? :D

So I could use a generator with lights- or I could find rechargeable floodlights too? Best get investigating!
 
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I finish work at 4, by the time I'm home it's about 5:15 and I usually get to the yard by about 5:40 (Yard is 8 mins drive away but I like to have a quick sit down and drink before I whizz off again!) so by the time I've poo-picked, chatted to other liveries, groomed and generally dithered around, time is getting on!

I use a Duracel headtorch. It cost me £12.50 from Tesco and was a great investment - and bargain! It has a dipped beam, full beam and a night vision function. It's pretty powerful and does whack out a fair bit of light plus my pony has gotten quite used to following the beam of it. I'm also happy to ride in the dark though, as others have mentioned, it's surprising what you can see and horses definitely don't seem to mind it, my girl is no more spooky or sensitive than usual.
 
acorn92x said:
I finish work at 4, by the time I'm home it's about 5:15 and I usually get to the yard by about 5:40 (Yard is 8 mins drive away but I like to have a quick sit down and drink before I whizz off again!) so by the time I've poo-picked, chatted to other liveries, groomed and generally dithered around, time is getting on!

I use a Duracel headtorch. It cost me £12.50 from Tesco and was a great investment - and bargain! It has a dipped beam, full beam and a night vision function. It's pretty powerful and does whack out a fair bit of light plus my pony has gotten quite used to following the beam of it. I'm also happy to ride in the dark though, as others have mentioned, it's surprising what you can see and horses definitely don't seem to mind it, my girl is no more spooky or sensitive than usual.
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Thanks :) Think a headtorch is a must to have on the yard anyway as a back up if all else fails- will have a look at the one you suggested!

Thinking of one or two of these as well (after continiuing searches from Welsh Ds and fattylumpkins suggestions- thank you!):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auraglow-...ighting_Lamps_Lighting_SM&hash=item58a85101e2

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Biard-Por...ghting&var=&hash=item233758d765#ht_2980wt_982

Guessing a couple of 120/200w lights may do the trick short term! May even ask parents what they have hidden in their treasure trove of a garden shed (it is amazing what comes into use that they no longer need!).
 
The barn is next to the school and has a 200W metal halide "security light". The downside is that the barn apex is low, so the light is too low. I also have a tripod 120W LED floodlight as there are 13A sockets around the school. The long term plan is to fit 4 of these:
http://equestrianlighting.weebly.com/lighting-poles.html
as they are not considered floodlights as they are fold and connect via plugs (our planning says no floodights and 1 set of our neighbours would squeal to the planners/Public Health).
 
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