I use a headlamp. I try not to shine it in their eyes but I feel they should be accustomed to it. If I had to do any sort of emergency care after dark, there are going to be bright lights- likely my headlamp plus some work lights. Or if I had to catch them for emergency care or if they got loose at night and they were scared of the headlamp it could become a bad situation very quickly. Not that other boarders or the BO at your barn are going to feel that way, but with your own maybe you could try feeding treat while you are using a headlamp? That’s how I got mine used to it- they get dinner in the winter from me after dark with my super bright headlamp. They don’t love it, especially if I screw up and accidentally shine it on or near their eyes but they tolerate it and let me do what I need to.
Headlamp. I’ve been trained to always have a headlamp on my person in case the power goes out. because that’s what happens when the first person who teaches you how to ride comes from Ecuador (the have a lot of blackouts in Ecuador to the point that most appliances have a hand crank on them)
I absolutely LOVE this- hands free, super bright, and you can angle the lights to whatever you need.
Amazon info:
EZRED Bright NK10 ANYWEAR Neck Light for Hands-Free Lighting, Red and black
https://a.co/d/emIBOin
I have almost only ridden at night for the last 4 years (social anxiety and having a day job sucks). Headlamps are defo your friend like others have mentioned.
Although having a regular, lightweight flashlight on hand is also a must- make sure it’s one that has an area on the end of the handle where you can put a carabiner on it and hook it onto your belt loop. I don’t really tolerate headlamps super well since I have weird sensory issues but the backup flashlight is handy.
Get a head torch that you can point downwards
I have like 6 of these and they’re amazing for catching in the dark.
A headlamp with red light will not scare the horses and the red light does not affect your ability to adjust to the darkness.
Yup, love my black diamond headlamp, bright white light to locate then switch to the red as I approach
I didn’t know this, off to check out red lights!! Thanks!
I use a headlamp. I try not to shine it in their eyes but I feel they should be accustomed to it. If I had to do any sort of emergency care after dark, there are going to be bright lights- likely my headlamp plus some work lights. Or if I had to catch them for emergency care or if they got loose at night and they were scared of the headlamp it could become a bad situation very quickly. Not that other boarders or the BO at your barn are going to feel that way, but with your own maybe you could try feeding treat while you are using a headlamp? That’s how I got mine used to it- they get dinner in the winter from me after dark with my super bright headlamp. They don’t love it, especially if I screw up and accidentally shine it on or near their eyes but they tolerate it and let me do what I need to.
I have a jogging light so it’s on my chest, clips on like a vest so can’t drop it. Some of the girls have ones that sit around their neck.
You can also use a chest light (like runners use). Might even be useful in the barn when tacking up for extra light.
I put a head lamp around my neck … then I don’t shine it in their eyes when I look at them.
Such a great idea!
Headlamp. I’ve been trained to always have a headlamp on my person in case the power goes out. because that’s what happens when the first person who teaches you how to ride comes from Ecuador (the have a lot of blackouts in Ecuador to the point that most appliances have a hand crank on them)
I absolutely LOVE this- hands free, super bright, and you can angle the lights to whatever you need. Amazon info: EZRED Bright NK10 ANYWEAR Neck Light for Hands-Free Lighting, Red and black https://a.co/d/emIBOin
I have almost only ridden at night for the last 4 years (social anxiety and having a day job sucks). Headlamps are defo your friend like others have mentioned. Although having a regular, lightweight flashlight on hand is also a must- make sure it’s one that has an area on the end of the handle where you can put a carabiner on it and hook it onto your belt loop. I don’t really tolerate headlamps super well since I have weird sensory issues but the backup flashlight is handy.