10 Safety Rules of Night Riding

10 Safety Rules of Night Riding (aka Help, I can’t see!)

A lot of my friends have started getting interested in the Competitive Trail Rides and Limited Distance Rides that we do at my barn. Most of us work a day time job (groan) and so our time is limited for conditioning. Over they years, I have spent more hours in the saddle under the moonless sky than I have in the sunshine. In my experience, and through many errors in judgment, I have compiled a list of 10 essentials for night riding.

10. Always carry a flashlight with working batteries. Be sure to check the batteries BEFORE you hear the growl and rustling brush on the side of the road at 10:30 PM. The life you save may be that of the rabbit in the bushes.

9. Carry a fully charged cell phone. Although your horse is highly amused as he hides behind a tree while you’re frantically playing the “Can you hear me now?” game, it’s better to ride in areas known to have a good signal.

8. Take a riding partner. In the event that you forgot rule #10, having a partner to share your fear is always better than sharing it with your horse.

7. Stay on well known trails. Choosing to explore a new trail on a night ride can lead to unforeseen problems like dive bombing off a cliff without your parachute or going swimming without your suit. These are serious fashion errors.

6. Prepare your horse for dark riding. Working your horse in the arena ring and in the pastures after dark will prevent the “Gee, I’m tired and need to sleep.” Or “Are you sure I have to trot?” syndromes when you attempt your first trail at night.

5. Notify a non-horse person where you will be riding and what time to expect you back. This is done purely for the amusement of the non-horse person!

4. Check all your gear and your horses’ gear before leaving the barn. How embarrassing to find yourself in the dark without reins because they broke during your escapade when you forgot rule #8.

3. Wear light colored clothing. This gives the night wildlife a clear target.

2. Purchase (and use) reflective gear for you and your horse. Inexpensive and easy to find at Wal-Mart, this reflective gear is a must for those that ride the roads at night! This gives night drivers a clear target.

1. Choose a night with good weather and a bright moon. And do not trust the weather channel for this information! Look out your window before spending the time to drive to the barn to ride. It will save you a cold wet ride!

10 Essentials for your saddle bag on a 25 mile trail ride

Many times, we find ourselves on unknown trails, exploring like Lewis and Clark. Of course, the minute you choose the left fork in the road, Mr. Murphy will come to visit! It’s a true fact of horse back riding. Over the years, I have found many items to be essential in my saddle bag and insist all my boarders carry these items with them on their rides.

10. Dry socks. Not only helpful after your horse decided the foot deep stream was perfect for a good roll, but also makes an ideal bandage for your knee that was scraped off on the tree that was too close to the trail.

9. Pair of thin leather gloves. Briar Rabbit can best explain the usefulness of this item!

8. One roll of vet wrap. Serves a dual purpose if you purchase bright lime green or florescent pink. Very helpful in signaling you’re lost and need assistance.

7. Small, sharp, pocket knife. Very necessary to take the cellophane off the vet wrap (grrrr).

6. Roll of electrical tape. (See #8 for color coordination.) Like duct tape, this item fixes anything!

5. Two baling twines. In the event of a lost boot during the roll in the stream, the twines make an excellent substitute for rope to hang your horse!

4. Chocolate candies. I don’t think any explanation is needed here.

3. A compass/watch combination. In the event you need to use the baling twines, you will not have your horse to guide you home once you’re lost.

2. A correct size easy boot. Pay attention when you pack your saddle bag as to which horse you’re riding today and take the correct boot. We have found that the draft mares’ boot will not fit the Welsh pony.

1. A cell phone. Works very well when you skipped the class needed for item #3.