Night Lights: Horsing Around in the Dark

As we move into the Fall and Winter seasons, the days are getting shorter, which means our “after work” hours are mostly dark.  This puts a serious damper on our riding and horse care time; pressing into the available daylight hours to ride and do barn chores. 

The great thing about the Central Coast, though, is that even when the days get shorter, the weather is still fantastic. The creative equestrian can extend the daylight hours by utilizing night lights for riding and getting those all-important horsey chores done after dark.

2021 new CA Law requires riders to wear reflective gear when riding by a road at dusk or in darkness. Click this > Bill Text link read full context of law.

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Night Lights for Barn Chores

Get your barn chores done using a hands-free head lamp.  The LE LED Headlamp has four adjustable settings (plus a red flashing mode) to allow you to customize the amount of light you need in the barn, at the trailer, or out on the trail. You can even pivot the light to shine right where you need it most. The adjustable, and comfortable, head band keeps the light in place on your head, hat or helmet. 

Need a big range of light? This option has a 230 degree 1500 lumen range. Keep a rechargeable headlamp in your horse trailer and in your tack box. This headband lamp also features a red back light to make you more visible from behind while riding. The head band also comes with helmet

Night Lights: Reflective Wear to Be Seen In

Pack this lightweight Reflectoes reflective vest in your saddle bag or horse trailer for use when returning from a late afternoon trail ride. Use it for high visibility in low-light or dark conditions.

Be reflective AND keep your phone close at hand with the Back Bay Reflective Belt! This slim, lightweight waist pouch expands when items are added, even fitting an iPhone 15 with plenty of room to spare. The reflective zip closure allows for easy access to your items while the earphone port lets you listen to your favorite tunes while on the go or in the saddle. The adjustable elastic waistband allows for a secure and comfortable fit, perfect for riding, running, and everything in between.

Night Lights: Reflective Gear for Your Horse

The horse is actually more at eye level to a car driver than you are as a rider, so reflective gear on your horse makes a lot of sense.  Keep your horse visible to traffic and other light sources – even the moonlight will illuminate reflective surfaces. Be sure your horse is seen first with Reflective leg wraps.

Be sure your horse can be seen at dusk or in the dark when out riding near a street. This reflective breast collar will help your horse be seen in low light, near traffic.

Be sure your horse is visible from behind with a mesh quarter rug reflective safety shield. This practical reflective equestrian gear comes in three colors: orange, yellow and lime. It’s easily attachable with elastic leg straps and clips to the back of the saddle.

Don’t assume that the shorter days mean less time at the barn or in the saddle.  The darkness doesn’t have to steal your horsey-time, and it doesn’t even have to put a serious damper on your workout or training routines.  Get yourself some portable light sources and some great reflective gear, and make the Fall and Winter season your best yet!

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Get going! Looking for trails to ride in SLO County? This hotsheet will get you going on a few of the top rides. Get this delivered to your e-mail and join the SLO Horse News herd to stay up-to-date on herd happenings. Click here > SLO County Trails Hot Sheet to get going!