Safe Fall Trail Riding

The cool crisp days of autumn are wonderful days for trail riding.  Summer's heat and insects are usually gone.  Summer vacationers have returned home.  Fall colors are an extra bonus.  One event that a trail rider needs to take precautions for, however, is the fall hunting season.

          To protect yourself, your horse, and your dog, you all need to be easily visible.  At least 500 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange clothing worn above the waist including a hat or head covering is required in most states for hunters and you can utilize the same colored clothing to become highly visible yourself.  Companies make numerous items such as saddle bags, stirrups, and saddle blankets that are the bright orange color.  You may not wish to make a large monetary investment in that kind of gear for a limited amount of trail riding.  Here is  how you can make yourself and your animals highly visible with a minimal outlay of cash.

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 Fluorescent orange surveyor's tape is available at most hardware and sporting goods stores for a couple of dollars a roll.  Take strips of the tape about three feet long and tie them to your saddle, bridle, halter, and even in the horse's mane and tail.  Be careful that your horse will accept the fluttery pieces of tape without it's spooking.  When a horse is tied up and unattended, an orange vest can be tied over the saddle with the saddle strings. 

            You can purchase an inexpensive, light-weight, fluorescent orange vest large enough to go over a coat, and a hat cover to go over the crown of your favorite hat, or buy an orange cap.  Now you and your animals are ready to ride the trail safely on a beautiful fall day.          

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