Using Reflectors

Reflector bands made for bicyclists also work for equestrians. Photo by Heidi Nyland.

If you know you may be riding home along a road after dark, consider using reflector bands made for bicyclists. The silver-and-orange straps have hook-and-loop fasteners designed to go around a cyclist's limbs, but also fit nicely around a horse's pasterns. Use them on all four legs to help drivers approaching from the front or the rear to gauge how much room to give you. You can also put one around your bridle's noseband. Adapted from Stable Smarts: sensible advice, quick fixes, and time-tested wisdom from an Idaho horsewoman, by Heather Smith Thomas.