HIGH VIS
THE BIG TEST
Standing out from the hedge line is essential for safe hacking all year round. Which high vis products work the best to ensure that horse and rider are safe and seen? Our testing panel finds out
WEARING HIGH VIS clothing while riding a horse on the roads is crucial for several reasons. It significantly increases the visibility of both the rider and the horse to other road users, which is essential for safety. Good high vis gear helps drivers to see riders from a greater distance, too, giving them more time to react, slow down and pass safely.
However, high vis isn’t just about being seen by drivers. Such bright clothing also alerts pedestrians, dog walkers and even low-flying aircraft to an equestrian’s presence. For anyone who falls off and becomes separated from their horse, high vis clothing makes it easier for them to be located, especially from the air in search and rescue operations. Not wearing high vis out hacking is a breach of The Highway Code. Section 50 states that riders should wear “light-coloured or florescent clothing in daylight” and “reflective clothing if you have to ride at night or in poor visibility”. The British Horse Society (BHS) strongly recommends the use of high vis clothing and accessories, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, to ensure the safety of both horse and rider.
Here our team of riders has put a selection of high vis items to the test, judging how effective they really are.
How we score: ★★★★★
Each high vis item is scored out of five for fit, effectiveness and value for money. This gives an overall score out of 15.
