What types of reflective items are there?
When it comes to reflective equipment, the more the better. The greater the number of reflective components in your gear, the more likely it is that you and your horse will be seen. It is important that both humans and animals are equipped with appropriate safety equipment, so that even in the event of a separation, everyone is recognisable as a unit. We offer clothing for riders, horses and also for dogs, as they are easily overlooked by vehicles due to their small size – as riding companions or simply on a walk around the block.
Reflective clothing for riders
A high-visibility vest in neon colours and with reflective stripes is the best basis when it comes to reflective clothing for riders. It is lightweight, quick to put on and take off, and makes a large area of the body visible to other road users. Certain reflective vests are approved according to one of the DIN standards EN 471, EN ISO 20471 or EN 1150. The requirements for this include the number of reflective strips and the area of the reflective material.
Relatively new is riding wear where the reflective elements have been incorporated into the design. They meet all the requirements for equestrian sports and offer additional safety in the dark, while the reflective effect is not noticeable in daylight. There is now a wide range of reflective riding wear, from riding hats, jackets and breeches to riding gloves.
Other luminous or reflective accessories complete the outfit for the dark. Riding hat lamps, reflective tapes or boot lamps are just a few of the options thanks to which you gain extra safety.
Reflective items for horses
To cover the largest possible area with reflective material, an exercise rug in neon colours and with reflective elements is best. They make the horse’s dimensions clearly visible to other road users and with a water-repellent model you additionally protect the horse from rain and snow on the sensitive kidney and back area.
Our recommendation is always to make the horse visible from head to hoof with suitable reflective articles for horses. The cone of light hits the ground at a distance of approx. 50 to 100 metres on a long country road, so the further away a car is, the more you need good visibility close to the ground.
The best way to ensure this is with wide reflective boots or bell boots attached to the horse’s legs. To be seen by oncoming traffic, reflective covers and breastplates or neck straps with reflective stripes or luminous LEDs are suitable. In order to mark the end of the horse, tail bandages are a good option.
Reflective items for dogs
As a dog owner, extensive walks in the early morning and late evening are not uncommon. Reflective leads, harnesses or collars are particularly popular among dog owners, as these are put on during walks anyway and so no extra effort is required. Flashing LED collars or LED tags that are attached to the normal collar or harness are also an eye-catching solution. Especially in the winter months, some dogs need a dog coat for going outside – whether for age reasons or also because the winter coat is not as thick on short-haired breeds – look out for a for a reflective designs when buying.
4 Tips for a walk in the dark
- Dogs are sensitive animals that also sense your basic mood. Do you feel uncomfortable in the dark? Don’t let your uncertainty show, this will also make your four-legged friend react more calmly to the visibility conditions.
- In poor visibility, you should always keep your dog on a lead – regardless of whether he listens to you or not. On the one hand, the risk of being involved in an accident is higher despite good reflective gear, and on the other hand, you have control over your dog’s reaction. Searching for your dog because he has followed his hunting instinct or a visit to the vet because he has secretly eaten something in the dark that is not good for him or could even be poisonous can be avoided in this way.
- Reflective clothing is also useful for you as a dog owner when walking your dog. Make an effort to always wear light-coloured clothing.
- Walk a route that you are familiar with and that is as well lit as possible and has low potential for accidents due to too much traffic or obstacles that are difficult to see. Good street lighting will benefit your safety.
- If possible, do not take your dog with you as a riding companion in the dark and postpone walks until daytime. Poor visibility requires even more concentration from you as a rider or cyclist. The attention that your dog needs during this time cannot be given in the dark.