How to Horse Ride at Night Time
Horseback riding can be a lot of fun—feeling the wind rushing through your hair, the excitement of going faster and the feeling of freedom. It is understandable why so many people enjoy the activity. However, as many people spend long hours at work and the days get shorter, it may be difficult to fit riding in. Horse riding can be done at night if certain precautions are followed.
- Ask a friend to go riding with you. It is always a good idea to have someone with you just in case something would happen. Most people wouldn’t go for a walk at night all alone, so why would you go for a ride by yourself? Although your horse does offer companionship, he may not be able to go ask for help should something happen to you.
- Carry a flashlight with you. You may need the light to look at a trailhead, see what is on the trail, or make an adjustment to your tack. It’s not easy buckling a bridle in the dark!
- Use an insect repellant on both yourself and your horse. The summer months are notorious for mosquitoes and biting horseflies. If you are in a bug swarm during your ride, both of you are going to be distracted trying to ward off bites.
- Don your horse in reflective accessories and wear reflective clothing yourself. Ankle wraps can help make your horse more visible, and a reflective riding vest or helmet headlamp will alert others that you are in the area.
- Choose safe trails. Stick to trails that are well-known to you so you won’t be surprised at any obstructions or narrow trail areas. Exploring new trails at night is not a good idea, as your horse’s visibility as well as your own is compromised. Try to stay away from roads with automobiles, as drivers can have a hard time seeing at night and most likely will not be expecting a horse on the roadside.
- Carry a cellphone with you and let at least one other person know where you are going for a ride. If you get into trouble, you can always call for help and should you not return, someone will know where to look for you.