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.
There is no law in the UK that requires horse riders to wear hi viz clothing – or put it on their horse – but yes, horse riders still need to wear hi-viz. 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. The same applies if you’re leading a horse.
Best hi viz jackets and waistcoats for horse riders
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.
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.
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.
This tailored hi-vis gilet is ideal for those who ride out. It has a durable water repellent finish and is filled with a synthetic down made from recycled plastic bottles, which maintains its insulating power even when damp. It has two large zipped pockets and a two-way zip.
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.
Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: From £20.50 |
This lightweight harness 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
