Can you be seen clearly on the roads?
It’s so important to ensure the safety of both yourself and your horse with the correct gear. Did you know that there are garment standards when it comes to hi-viz? If your garments don’t meet current UK standards they could potentially invalidate insurance.
You really want to stand out and be seen! “If the worst does happen, showing you are visible can assist in a criminal and civil court case. Criminally, if we can show that you were there to be seen, and still a driver didn’t see you – that could help tip the balance if that driver is prosecuted or not, if there is enough evidence.” says sergeant Zoe Billings of North Yorkshire Police (a horse owner and former riding instructor)
Hi-viz clothing isn’t simply fluorescent clothing, although wearing bright colours is better than camouflaging yourself in dark green and black. It’s all to do with the retro-reflective tape included on standardised pieces of clothing, and as a riders you need to check that your hi-viz it meets appropriate standards. This means it passes testing on washability and durability.
Hi-viz is available for everyone and there is something for all budgets. The BHS recommends at least, a hi-viz jacket or tabard for the rider and leg bands on your horse. A hat band or cover will ensure additional visibility. Consider adding LED lights, V-Bands do some great flashing add on’s here https://www.v-bandz.co.uk/category-23.html
To ensure standards, Many hi-viz garments are now BSI approved. The standards are as follows:
- For use by leisure riders – BSEN1150 or EN1150.
- For professional use (kit issued by employers for use when working) – the standard should be EN ISO 20471 (2013).
- Additional hi-viz accessories such as a lightweight harness, hat band, or any other item designed to be worn on your person should be certified to BSEN 13356 (2001) standard.
There are some great products on the market and If you want to look smart while staying safe, check out the Charlotte Dujardin range for some luxe attire! https://equisafety.com/collections/charlotte-dujardin
Like we mentioned, there is something to suit all budgets and Discount Equestrian cover all your basics.
https://www.discount-equestrian.co.uk/rider/riding-wear/hi-visibility.html?p=2
