High visibility or “hi viz” for horse riders is absolutely essential for any equestrian that leaves the confines of the arena. When you’re riding on the road, it’s so important to make sure you’re visible to other road users as without specialist hi viz clothing you can be left invisible in a variety of conditions.
Every extra second that you can give another road user to spot you and slow down, makes you that bit safer – it’s all about reducing the risk. Even when you’re not on the road, hi viz can still help others – such as dog walkers and cyclists – realise your presence sooner. You can choose between hi viz jackets, waistcoats, headbands, hat silks or gloves – in reality, the brighter you can make yourself, the better.
There are a lot of basic hi viz options, such as hi viz waistcoats, but even many of the hi viz waistcoats with horse-related prints on aren’t necessarily designed to be the most functional in the saddle. Many equestrian brands, however, have taken on the challenge of designing functional, technical and stylish hi viz for horse riders, and such jackets have useful additions, such as pockets – so are usually worth the extra money.
When choosing between all the different hi viz options, think about whether you want a warm jacket to wear as an additional layer, or if you would prefer a lighter tabard that you can wear over the top come rain or shine. You might even want both – one for summer and one for winter. For your hi viz jacket to be as effective as possible, you need to keep it clean – so a machine washable jacket is a real bonus.
As well as donning some hi viz items yourself, there are also many options of hi viz for horses – for example, a hi viz exercise sheet, breastplate, boots or leg wraps – and a combination of the two is recommended.
Colours: Pink/orange, pink/yellow or yellow/orange | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £39.99 |
Designed in two colours to stand out against many changing colours of seasons and day light, this mesh waistcoat is fully adjustable at the back so that it can be worn with summer or winter clothing and has two large zipped pockets.
View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com, rideawaystore.com or equus.co.uk
Colours: Yellow | Sizes: 3XS–XL | RRP: £11.99 |
Easy to wear, this vest gives you visibility when riding on the road or in low light. It features an inside pocket, reflective strips, zip fastening and a printed back.
View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or gooutdoors.co.uk
Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: Child S – adult XL | RRP: £32.99 |
This zipped waistcoat has two zipped hand pockets and elasticated sides to fit any body shape. The touch-tape tab closures provide easy adjustability, while the stylish reflective tape design offers added visibility.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, naylors.com or equus.co.uk
Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £110 |
This lightweight jacket retro-reflects light directly to the original light source to enhance the visibility of the wearer, while also including hi vis coloured elements. It also has back vents and underarm zips for enhanced breathability.
View now at rideawaystore.com or equus.co.uk
Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: From £20.50 |
This lightweight harness from Weatherbeeta is easily folded for hand carry or storing away. It features a zipped pocket at front to fit your phone and other valuables, as well as a reflective tape design on front and back, plus side waist Velcro tabs for easy adjustability. Also available in children’s sizes.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk
Colours: Reflective silver/pink | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £50.99 |
The incredibly reflective outer shell creates a dazzling white glow when a light is shone at it, while the splash of pink adds a bit of fun and extra visibility. Made using an ultra-light, wind resistant material, this gilet from Hy is breathable and protects you from elements, plus the stretch panels down both sides allows movement and encourages moisture and excess heat to disperse.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £81.99 |
This 100% waterproof and breathable reflective hi-vis jacket from Weatherbeeta has a fully lined, quilted inner with polyester padding for extra warmth. It also features a two-way zip and storm flap, with hand zip pockets and fleece-lined inner collar. The back hem has snaps vents that make this jacket ideal for riding, along with Velcro tab closures on cuffs a for snug fit and inner knit cuffs with thumbholes for extra coverage. Also available in child sizes.
View now at viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com or equus.co.uk
Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: S–5XL | RRP: £6.99 |
This simple hi viz jacket is available in two colours and a wide range of colours. It also has a “horses slow down” slogan to advise drivers printed on the back.
View now at amazon.co.uk
Colours: Black | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £65 |
If you’re looking for something less bright, but just as visible, this Whitaker gilet incorporates light-reflecting fabric as part of the camouflage print. It is waterproof with a fleece lining and solid black side panels for a slimming effect. It also has two side pockets, one chest pocket, an elastic waist and elastic arm holes and a fleece-lined collar. Also available as a jacket.
View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: One size | RRP: From £28 |
This hi viz tabard with reflective strip has large writing and speed camera logo back and front to attract drivers’ attention. There is also the option for four LED lights and a zipped waterproof pocket. One size fits from UK8–18, with space for an air jacket to expand.
Colours: Yellow/pink or orange/yellow | Sizes: S–XL | RRP: From £25.99 |
This waistcoat from V-Bandz has two tabs at the back that make it adjustable, so you can fit it over whatever you are wearing on that day. It has a large zip pocket on the front and a centre zip. You can also add “Please pass wide and slow” wording on the back.
Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £29.99 |
This hat band has the advantage of flashing LED lights. They can easily be switched on and off, and the battery is rechargeable via USB. Older style Equisafety LED hat bands are also available.
View now at amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk or naylors.com
Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £14.99 |
This brightly coloured hat cover also has reflective stars to increase visibility.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk or gooutdoors.co.uk
Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.50 |
This hat band has a rubberised strap and elastic insert to help keep it in place.
View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or naylors.com
Colours: Orange or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £19.99 |
These gloves have a fleecy inner lining, silicone-printed grippy palms, reflective strips and elasticated adjustable wrists.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, rideawaystore.com, equus.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or naylors.com
Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £18.59 |
Providing both visibility and grip, these gloves are made with a material that reflects only direct light, which is furthered by reflective strips. The gloves feature a soft, PU rubberised palm fabric and added ring finger and thumb reinforcement.
View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
Colours: Reflective silver | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.99 |
This elasticated hat band fits neatly around any riding hat to easily increase your visibility. The silver reflective material provides a bright white glow when subjected to lights.
View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or equus.co.uk
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There is no law in the UK that requires horse riders to wear hi viz clothing – or put it on their horse. However, it’s in the best interests of all riders that they do – both on and off road – as it gives others advanced warning of their presence.
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