Posted: 11th November 2025 | Back to news feed
Shorter Days, Smarter Hacking – Tips for Safe Riding
As riders ourselves, our Horse Insurance team understands the challenges that come with shorter days and darker evenings, especially when it comes to staying visible and safe on the roads. That’s why our SEIB Rewards partner, EquiLight, is sharing expert advice on how to ride confidently through the autumn and winter months, with smart visibility solutions that keep both horse and rider seen from every angle.
Why Hi-Vis is Essential and When It’s Not Enough
Most riders already know that wearing Hi-Vis is crucial. Studies show that drivers can detect a rider wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing up to three seconds earlier than one without, giving valuable reaction time and extra stopping distance. But when visibility is at its lowest in mist, under tree cover, or at dusk, traditional Hi-Vis can fade into the gloom. That’s where adding lights becomes a game-changer.
The Rise of LED Hi-Vis for Riders and Horses
LED-enhanced Hi-Vis is becoming an increasingly popular choice for safety-conscious riders. Rechargeable lights, flashing or steady beam options, and positioning at front, back and sides help ensure both horse and rider stand out in low-light conditions.
Rider Safety That Works With Your Routine
We know that every rider’s set-up is different, and it’s great to see Equilight offer a mix of solutions to suit a range of preferences:
• Clip Lights – attach to tack, clothing or headgear for quick, adaptable visibility
• LED Breastplates & Rugs – ideal for ensuring your horse is seen clearly from all directions
• LED Head Torches – for those navigating darker tracks or lanes
• Pro Rider Vest – Award-winning, fully integrated LED product with deep zipped pockets.
The lights Equilight use USB rechargeable, long-lasting and weather-resistant
proud to be part of the Charles Owen Innovation Hub, where their LED head torches have been tested to ensure they don’t pose added risk in a fall and are fully compatible with modern riding helmets.
Top Tips for Riding Safely in Low Light
- Plan ahead – Stick to familiar routes and avoid poorly lit areas after sunset.
- Wear Hi-Vis with lights – Reflective clothing is essential, but adding LEDs helps you stand out even more.
- Check your gear – Ensure batteries are charged, lights are working, and nothing is obscured by other layers.
- Stay consistent – Ride in a straight, visible line and avoid sudden movements where possible.
- Let someone know your plans – Especially if you’re hacking alone during quieter hours.
In Summary
Riding through autumn and winter can be just as rewarding as the summer months, but safety needs to come first. Combining traditional Hi-Vis with LED-enhanced visibility is a simple but powerful way to reduce risk and ride with confidence. As Reward partners of SEIB Insurance Brokers, EquiLight are committed to championing safety through smart, rider-friendly innovation.
About Equilight
EquiLight specialise in LED visibility solutions, from clip-on lights for your existing kit, to fully integrated LED vests, breastplates and rugs. Designed to be lightweight, weatherproof and easy to use, our products help improve visibility without compromising on comfort or freedom to ride. SEIB’s Classic Horse Insurance clients benefit from 10% off Equilight products.
To learn more about LED safety products for horse and rider, visit www.equilight.co.uk
About SEIB
SEIB Insurance Brokers are specialists in insurance for Horses, Horsebox Insurance, and Horse Trailer Insurance. We are able to provide flexible policies to suit individual client needs and boast over 60 years of expertise and knowledge.
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