The Importance of Hi Viz

We dive into the details of Hi Viz; what should be worn and which colours to where, and when?

We all understand the importance of wearing Hi-Viz garments, both off and on the road when out hacking. However, there's more to it than just bright clothing or, wearing one Hi Viz item. We find out about the significance of colours at different times of the day, the number and placement of garments, and the best colours to wear, depending on your environment.

 

What should you wear?

Wearing Hi-Viz on the road gives other road users extra time to react, which could in the tail, save the life of the horse, rider and even driver. Albeit, there is no law that requires you to wear Hi-Viz, it is in every equestrian's best interest to do so. Research by the Ministry of Defence has shown that helicopter pilots could potentially see a rider in Hi-Viz up to half a mile sooner - let alone someone on the ground in closer proximity.

To ensure you and your horse are both equally visible, it's always best to wear well-placed Hi-Viz garments. For example, if a car is coming from behind it would be best to ensure your horse is seen clearly - especially the width! Here, the Polite Leg Wraps, or Woof Wear brushing boots would be a great addition to your Hi-Viz collection. Even more so, an exercise sheet is an even better way to brighten up the back end of your horse - take a look at the Equisafety Mesh Quarter sheet. 

Coming towards you, it's great to add a neck band or even a bridle kit to your horses' outfit. And for the rider, a hat band and waistcoat (with bold, contrasting writing on the back) are a great combination - especially for summer when it's too hot to layer up. it's super important to have these key points covered; from the horses' legs, to the rider's head, clearly visible to show size and awareness.

 

                        

Eye see Yellow!

Some science behind yellow is usually the best choice of colour - especially when coming into winter.

When you work a usual 9-5 job, people will ride either early morning or late afternoon/early evening. Fun Fact: at dawn and dusk, everything becomes a slight shade of blue.  This is to do with your eyes rod cells, red, green and blue cones, UV light and wavelengths.

Check out this diagram from Equisafety:

                                                              

 

The colour yellow hits the retina at just the right point and as such is easily processed, ensuring you are visible. Fluorescent colours are two to four times brighter than other colours due to this phenomenon. They are also more visible during low light, dusk, dawn, fog and snow.

Contrast for Detection

Detection can be achieved by using a fluorescent colour against a contrasting background. Contrast may also be achieved by combining “high contrast” colours in one garment. For instance, using black with fluorescent colour, creates a sharp contrast, being even more noticeable in competing backgrounds. This leads to our last point...

 

Consider your environment

If you're hacking in the countryside, be mindful of the difficult vision some drivers may encounter. Bright sunshine and dappled light can blind drivers - this becomes difficult to see anything incoming, or objects in front, especially on country roads/lanes and blind corners. Due to the bright sunshine and colour of the surrounding greenery, orange and pink are the best colours to wear here. Again, this links back to the fluorescent colours and contrasting colours.

If you're on the road, any fluorescent colour is a good choice, but especially any contrast writing or patterns - as seen in the polite collection. And hacking on open fields; any colour is great here, but contrasting colours are best during the bright sunshine and yellow at dusk and dawn.

                                  

 

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