Today’s blogpost is a public service announcement 🙂
It’s the time of year to wear high visibility gear.
If you’re on a road, even a dirt one, it’s best to have a vest on. Mine has a message. Once in awhile I know that someone has read it because they actually slow down and pass wide. It’s also reflective, a good idea when daylight hours surprise you by how short they’re getting.
We’re getting into hunting season. Neon orange is the universally understood color that says I’m not a deer, bear or turkey. It’s highly visible.
In tall grass.
In the woods.
But that vest isn’t enough. I want Tonka to be highly visible, too. He has an
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
As of today, he also has a high visibility saddle pad. I was thrilled when I found this company that sells them in a dressage version for a reasonable price!
Even at a distance, we’re visible in our high-vis gear. You can see how that saddle pad makes us stand out.
We also audibly announce our presence. Today I wore a bear bell. Yesterday Steve hiked the same trails that I rode today. There was bear scat. I don’t want to surprise anyone. Not the bear hunters. Not the bears.
With our safety precautions taken care of, Tonka and I explored Turtle Hill. We didn’t come across anyone in the woods. Which is exactly how we like it.
Do you take similar precautions? Do you have other suggestions? Share them in the comments!
Please share this message on social media. It’s easy to do with the icons below. Thanks!
I saw a reflective quarter sheet on a UK site once. They have lots of horrible experiences there with vehicles and horses having to share the roads.
I’ve seen those sheets, too. I couldn’t find any suppliers stateside. Shipping is prohibitive!
I only see those vests in the U.K..I’ll have to pick one up next trip.
search Facebook. there’s a small company that makes reflective riding overskirts, and rump covers. if I find it, i’ll tag you.
https://www.statelinetack.com/item/amigo-reflective-competition-sheet/E012430%20SM/?srccode=GPSLTB&msclkid=e6c1e644d2441d345c0fbbc217e4d5e4&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BADL%5D%20%5BShopping%5D%20%5BPLA%5D%20Generic%20Terms&utm_term=4583451666664603&utm_content=Generic%20Terms&adlclid=ADL-ee8735a7-766d-4e02-978a-b6c939881b10
is this what you are looking for?
I’m not a horsewoman but I have two Greyhounds: large, lean dogs. I have been told many times that my red Grey, Ollie, looks like a deer. I bought him an orange vest to wear when we hike and use a bright blue leash.
Quite smart to outfit them. You should wear something, too 🙂
Where do you get these vests in the US? I’ve only seen them in England….
Click on the word “vest” in my first sentence. It’ll take you to an Amazon site that sells them in the USA. I got mine from a local tack shop – Horseman’s Exchange, in Littleton, MA.
Excellent PSA. A very inexpensive option are safely orange tshirts. I picked one up at Michael’s crafts yesterday for $2. Im sure you can order them online too. I get an XL and wear it over my regular riding gear, it creates a very large splash of color!
Great suggestion!
Halloween has awesome safety stuff……..bright shirts, flashing LED lights, I really like the blinking lights for extra attention. I use them on bikes, golf cart, saddle…. If you are later coming back than you anticipate, can be a real safety plus. I get a stash of bright tshirts every year at Halloween sales. The hunting department at big outdoor stores has a lot of things that can be repurposed, too.
I know people who dress their big dogs in those t-shirts.
I have an orange hi Vis biothane bridle and breast collar. You can also get a helmet cover. Love your pad you found. That really adds a lot of color.