Best cheap riding safety gear for 2026 Review

Staying visible on the road or lane should not depend on having a huge budget. The cheapest riding safety gear can still make a big difference, especially when you combine a few well-chosen pieces on both you and your horse.

For 2026 we have picked out some of the best-value hi-vis and reflective options from Go Outdoors, keeping costs low while still focusing on practicality and comfort. These are straightforward bits of kit that boost your visibility without over-complicating your tack room.

Every item here comes with inevitable compromises compared with premium brands, but they all earn their spot by offering solid day-to-day safety at a sensible price. The key is choosing the pieces that match the kind of hacking you actually do.

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Why you can trust our budget picks

These recommendations are based on a clear look at price, features and real-world usability rather than just chasing the absolute rock-bottom cost. We focus on whether a product does the simple but vital job of making you and your horse easier to see.

We compare what you get for your money across competing budget ranges, looking at how visible an item is, how easy it is to fit and adjust, and how it can be combined with other cheap pieces for better all-round safety. We also pay attention to brand reputation in the equestrian safety space so we are not recommending false economies.

The aim is to highlight low-cost riding safety gear that still feels like a sensible, confidence-boosting purchase, whether you are hacking a couple of times a week or heading out more occasionally on quiet lanes.

How we chose these cheaper riding safety options

We started by looking at the most affordable riding safety and hi-vis accessories at Go Outdoors, then narrowed things down to pieces that clearly add to your visibility on real rides. Anything that looked fiddly to fit, poorly thought out or overly flimsy for regular hacking did not make the cut.

From there, we made sure there was a sensible spread of items that work together: something for your horse’s head, options for arms and legs, and a classic hi-vis vest. This mix lets you build up a complete safety set without spending much more than a typical lesson fee.

We gave preference to products that are easy to adjust, quick to put on and remove, and flexible enough to use across seasons. Some items are the very cheapest in the range, while others cost a pound or two more but add extra coverage or versatility that will appeal if you ride more often.

The cheapest riding safety gear we recommend

Below are the budget riding safety pieces we think make the most sense for 2026. All of them are low-cost ways to increase how visible you and your horse are to drivers and other riders.

The first picks are the lowest price options that still perform their role well, while others cost slightly more but cover more of you or your horse. Mix and match them to build a safety set that fits both your budget and how you ride.

Our top pick:

Equi-Flector Fly Veil Pink

Cheapest hi-vis horse accessory
Typically around £10 at the time of writing, making it one of the very cheapest riding safety add-ons.

A bright pink Equi-Flector fly veil that helps keep flies off your horse’s ears while adding a punch of hi-vis colour for very little money.

Pros

For around a tenner, the Equi-Flector Fly Veil Pink is an easy win if you want to add some hi-vis to your horse without reworking all your tack. The bright pink colour stands out well in dull weather and against darker coats, helping drivers notice movement at head height. As a fly veil it pulls double duty, keeping insects away from your horse’s ears while you hack. It is a fuss-free, lightweight piece that you can keep in your grooming kit and pop on whenever you are heading out near traffic.

Cons

As a small accessory, the fly veil on its own will not provide full-body visibility, so it should be used alongside other hi-vis pieces. The pink shade, while very bright, may not stand out quite as much as fluorescent yellow against some backgrounds. Like most cheap veils, it may show wear sooner if it is washed or stretched roughly.

Ideal for...

This pink Equi-Flector fly veil is ideal for riders who mainly want a low-cost way to add both comfort and visibility at the horse’s head. It suits casual hacking, especially on quieter lanes where a splash of bright colour is enough to catch the eye. If you already own a hi-vis vest or bands and just want to top up your horse’s visibility, it is a very easy add-on.

Other great options:

Equi-Flector Fly Veil

Best budget bright fly veil
Usually about £10, so it is among the lowest-priced ways to add hi-vis to your horse.

This Equi-Flector fly veil in a bold orange shade is a low-cost way to add visibility around your horse’s head as well as protection from flies.

Pros

The Equi-Flector Fly Veil in orange offers similar benefits to the pink version but in a classic fluorescent shade that is instantly associated with hi-vis. For the same low price, it adds a strong block of colour right where oncoming drivers are likely to look first. The veil design is comfortable for most horses and helps reduce irritation from flies, giving you better concentration on busy routes. As a cheap, simple accessory it is ideal for riders who want hi-vis on the horse without adding bulk elsewhere.

Cons

The veil only covers a small area, so relying on it alone is not enough for higher-risk roadwork. Orange hi-vis looks great, but if the rest of your gear is yellow you may prefer a matching colour for a more uniform look. Being a budget piece, the materials and stitching are more functional than luxurious.

Ideal for...

Choose the orange Equi-Flector fly veil if you like classic fluorescent safety colours and do a mix of roadwork and off-road hacking. It is a good match for riders who keep their kit simple but want an obvious hi-vis signal right at the front of the horse. It is particularly handy for ponies or horses who are bothered by flies in the ears but still work regularly near traffic.

Equi-Flector Safety Vest Yellow

Best value hi-vis rider vest
At roughly £11, this vest costs only slightly more than the very cheapest items but covers far more area.

A fluorescent yellow Equi-Flector safety vest that offers classic, low-cost hi-vis coverage for riders on roads, lanes and bridleways.

Pros

The Equi-Flector Safety Vest Yellow is the staple bit of kit many riders start with, and here it comes at a very approachable price. The fluorescent yellow colour is highly visible in a wide range of conditions, from cloudy mornings to shaded woodland tracks. Because it is worn by you rather than the horse, it works whatever you are riding and over pretty much any riding outfit, so you get a lot of mileage from a single purchase. As a budget vest it keeps things simple and light, making it comfortable enough for everyday hacks.

Cons

As a simple budget vest, it is unlikely to offer the heavier fabric or extra pockets you might find on more expensive designs. Fit can be basic, which means you may need to play with layers underneath to get it sitting just right. Over time the colour and reflective detailing on cheaper vests can fade, so you will want to keep an eye on how bright it remains.

Ideal for...

The Equi-Flector Safety Vest Yellow is best for riders who want one cheap, reliable piece of hi-vis that works on every ride. It is a strong choice if you share horses or ride different mounts, because the vest stays with you whichever horse you are on. If your budget only stretches to one item of safety kit this year, a bright vest like this is the most sensible starting point.

Shires EQUI-FLECTOR Wraps (Pair)

Best cheap reflective leg wraps
Generally around £12 for the pair, offering good value for reflective leg visibility.

A pair of Shires EQUI-FLECTOR wraps that add reflective, moving highlights to your horse’s legs for a small outlay.

Pros

Shires EQUI-FLECTOR Wraps are an affordable way to add moving, reflective highlights low down on the horse, where they are particularly eye-catching to drivers. Sold as a pair, they represent strong value because one pack is enough to kit out front or hind legs for most hacks. Being wraps, they are quick to put on and easy to adjust, so you can use them over boots or directly on the leg depending on your set-up. Their simple, robust design makes them well suited to regular use on varied routes.

Cons

You only get two wraps in a pack, so if you want all four legs fully wrapped you will need to buy a second set, which adds to the total cost. On very fine legs you may need to be careful not to over-tighten them, and like all wraps they can pick up dirt in wet conditions. For riders who rarely hack near roads, they may feel like a nice extra rather than an essential.

Ideal for...

These Shires EQUI-FLECTOR Wraps suit riders who hack regularly on roads and want drivers to see their horse from further away and from more angles. They are a great extra step for those who already wear a hi-vis vest and want to add movement-based visibility without spending much. They also work well for dusk or dawn rides when headlights are more likely to pick up reflection low to the ground.

Equi-Flector Arm-Leg Bands

Most versatile budget bands
Also usually about £12, which is reasonable for bands you can use on both rider and horse.

Simple Equi-Flector arm and leg bands that can be used on you or your horse to boost visibility exactly where you need it.

Pros

Equi-Flector Arm-Leg Bands are some of the most versatile pieces of cheap riding safety gear you can buy, as they can be used on either rider or horse. For a low price you get the flexibility to add reflective detail at the wrists, upper arms, rider’s legs or horse’s limbs, depending on what you are wearing and where you feel least visible. They are lightweight and pack down small, so you can keep them in a pocket or saddle bag and add them if the light drops unexpectedly. As a budget option, they punch well above their price when combined with a basic hi-vis vest.

Cons

Because they are designed to fit in several places, the fit will never be as tailored as a purpose-made leg wrap or wrist band. There is always a small risk of simple bands twisting or sliding if they are not fastened carefully. They also only cover a narrow strip of area, so they work best as part of a wider hi-vis set rather than your only safety measure.

Ideal for...

Equi-Flector Arm-Leg Bands are ideal for riders who want flexible, low-cost kit they can move between different horses and outfits. They are a smart buy for families sharing gear, as they can be adjusted for different riders and ponies. If you already have a basic vest and want to cheaply boost visibility at key moving points, these bands are a very efficient way to do it.

FAQs

Is cheap riding safety gear still effective?

Budget riding safety gear can be very effective as long as it is bright, fits well and stays securely in place. You may miss out on premium fabrics or brand logos, but simple high-visibility items like vests, bands and fly veils can dramatically improve how visible you and your horse are to drivers when they are used correctly.
If you are keeping costs down, focus on the basics that make the biggest difference to visibility: a high-visibility vest for the rider, reflective bands for arms or legs, and bright, reflective pieces for the horse such as leg wraps or a fly veil. These simple additions can transform how easy you are to spot on the road without costing a fortune.
Yes, reflective bands and wraps are one of the best-value safety buys. Movement is what catches a driver’s eye, so reflective strips on arms and legs, both on you and the horse, can stand out far more than a static patch of colour. They are also easy to add or remove depending on the conditions.
Many affordable fly veils are designed with bright colours and reflective details, so they can help keep flies away from your horse’s ears while also boosting your visibility. They will not replace a full hi-vis set, but they are a useful low-cost extra, especially for hacking on dull days or shaded lanes.
Hi-vis riding gear should fit snugly enough that it does not flap, twist or slip, but not so tight that it restricts movement or rubs. Vests should go comfortably over your usual riding layers, while bands and wraps should close securely without pinching. A good fit helps the reflective areas stay where they are most visible.
Lifespan depends on how often you ride and how you care for the kit. Budget hi-vis gear can last several seasons if it is not over-stretched, is washed gently and stored out of direct sunlight. Over time, colours and reflective strips can fade, so it is worth checking their brightness regularly and replacing items that start to look dull.
Spreading your budget across a few well-chosen cheap items often makes more sense. A combination of a bright vest, reflective bands and a hi-vis horse accessory gives 360-degree visibility from different angles. A single premium piece may be nicer quality, but multiple light-catching points usually stand out more to drivers.
Yes, mixing colours such as fluorescent yellow, orange and pink can actually help you stand out against different backgrounds. On a budget, it is often easier to pick up a few low-cost pieces in different shades. The key is that at least one of you and your horse is clearly visible from every angle, whatever the weather or scenery.

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