Ridecamp: [RC] Riding in the Dark

Glowsticks are great for night riding - tape them securely to the front of
the breast collar, one on each side of the neck.  Some people tape on two on
each side, but just light one, then if that goes out, the other.  Glowstick
trail markings are very helpful, but they don't light anything but the
immediate trail where they are.  With the sticks on the horse, you can see
the trail in front of you and it doesn't bother the horse.

Something that really helped me once was following a horse with a glowstick
tied on the back of the saddle.  No trouble following it right down the
trail.

I have ridden drag on the Western States 100 mi. run at night, and following
the runners with their flashlights isn't too bad as they light the trail.
It isn't as disturbing to the horse as it's rider using a flashlight, which
can blind it temporarily.  Of course, this assumes the runner is in front of
the horse.  If you are passing a lot of runners, this might be harder on the
eyes.

I'm not sure what you mean by disorientation - when I get sleepy, I see
scary things in the shadows along the trail, so I drink a lot of caffeine at
night.  I haven't had my horse get disoriented except one time when I
blinded him accidentally with a flashlight, and he went right off the trail
at a corner.  Only made that mistake once.  If you have to use a flashlight
to see the trail, only point it straight down, not forward, and only use if
for a couple of seconds periodically, just to make sure you are still on the
trail.

Grey/white horses are easier to see at night, for sure, and easier to
follow.  Also, wear a white shirt or jacket, so others can see you easier.

Hope this helps.

Joan Dowis


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